Weekly Fraser Valley Sport Fishing Column & Report
Jeff?s Weekly Fraser Valley Sport Fishing Column Report for April 25 to May 1, 2016
The 1940?s were a decade of transformation for North American sport fishing. The North American Fly tying industry hit its peak in 1940; outsourcing would start after WWII and steadily increase. The death of Bill Nations in 1940 and Brigadier General No?l Money in 1941 would strike a blow to the promotion of British Columbia as a premier sport fishery of the west. Haig-Brown would come into his own during this decade and hold the fort for our province, against a hoard of quality writers to the south. Better engineering in making spinning reels, and fiberglass perfected during the war effort would push fly fishing to the back of the bus. For the span of ten years from 1945 to 1955, fly fishing on this continent would go through what is termed the dark age of North American fly fishing. During this period fly fishing would become the sport of mavericks, odd balls, and eccentrics.
?...I hate this whole business, it will absolutely ruin all fishing in trout streams, I?d outlaw it if I could. They?re using lures and spinners, and they can reach out farther and catch the big ones. And the spawn of big trout is worth five times as much as the small ones. They can wipe out the trout?? Edward Hewitt
The report
Fishing on our lower mainland lakes is good. For wet (sinking) fly fishing try: Chironomid, Bloodworm, black or green Wooly Bugger, Red Spratley, Sixpack, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Micro Leach, Pumpkinhead, or Baggy Shrimp. For dry (floating) fly fishing try: Lady McConnel, Tom Thumb, Elk Hair Caddis, Double Hackled Peacock, Black Gnat, Giffith Gnat, or Irresistible. For Kokanee try: Red Ibis, San Juan Worm, Red Spratley, or red Zonker.
Our lower mainland bass and crappie waters are good. For bass try: Clouser?s Deep Minnow, Left?s Deceiver, Dolly Whacker, Big Black, Gomphus Bug, Frog, Wooly Bugger, adult Damsel, or Popping Bug. For crappie try: Tied Minnow, Clouser?s Deep Minnow, Bloodworm, Chironomid, Damsel Nymph, and Wooly Bugger.
Fishing on our interior lakes is good. For wet fly fishing try: Chironomid, Bloodworm, Red Spratley, Halfback, Big Black, black or green Wooly Bugger, Dragonfly Nymph, Butler?s Bug, Damsel Nymph, Pumpkinhead, or Baggy Shrimp. For dry fly fishing try: Tom Thumb, Renegade, Lady McConnel, Goddard Sedge, Elk Hair Caddis, Black Gnat, Big Ugly, Double Trued, Adams, or Irresistible.
The Fraser River along with its backwaters are high dirty. To achieve better success concentrate on the cleaner water in and around inlet streams. For cutthroat and rainbows try: Rolled Meddler, Czech Nymph, Professor, Silver Doctor, Cased Caddis, Tied Down Minnow, standard Coachman, Zulu, or Micro Leach.
The Harrison River is high, but fair to good for cutthroat and rainbow.
The Vedder River is high and slow fishing.
Don?t forget your Washington State fishing license expires April 30th.
