Get Ready for Your Fly Fishing Trip

FLY FISHING PRE TRIP INFO

COMING FISHING WITH US? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!

Thanks for choosing Chromer Sport Fishing for your BC fly fishing adventure. Here are a few tips on getting ready for your trip and the FAQs we get the most…

WHAT TO WEAR

FISHING LICENSE INFO

WHAT TO BRING

WHAT GEAR WE USE

WHAT TO EXPECT

WHAT TO WEAR FLY FISHING

Dressing right is the key to a comfortable day. Make sure you have a look at the weather before your trip to get an idea of conditions. You want to dress warmly, having too much clothing is always better than having too little.  Most often it is the extremities (feet and hands) that get cold first, so here’s how you want to dress to go fly fishing…

  • Two pairs of socks. One pair of sport socks with a heavier wool sock on top.
  • Long underwear with a light pant over top. Jeans aren’t recommended.
  • Lightweight long sleeve with fleece over. A high collar or hood is nice.
  • Rain jacket or windproof shell.
  • If it’s not summer bring a toque and gloves. Hard to fish with gloves on but nice to wear when not fishing.
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses and a brimmed hat for summer and spring trips.
what to wear fly fishing

WHAT IS INCLUDED AND WHAT ISN’T….

Is there anything you need to bring?  Here is what we include and what you should bring..

  • Included is guided fishing, transportation from Squamish and flies, leaders etc.
  • If you’ve opted for our rental gear then all wading gear and fly fishing equipment is included.
  • We have lots of flies, tippets and sink tips if you are bringing your own rod.
  • You need to buy your BC Freshwater Fishing License before your trip. Don’t show up without a license.
  • We do not include any food or drinks unless pre-arranged at time of booking.
  • You can contact the Brackendale Bean to order lunch email Gabi for the pack lunch menu.

BUYING YOUR BC FISHING LICENSE

Here are some tips and instructions for buying your fishing license:

  • You will need a valid non-tidal BC fishing license for your day with us.
  • Licenses are only available online, you can buy yours here https://j100.gov.bc.ca/pub/ras/signin.aspx.
  • If you are having trouble, you can follow the E-licensing tutorial.
  • Trips will not leave until you show proof of your fishing license.
  • Please bring a printed copy of your license and screenshot your license on your phone.
  • The receipt is not the license. Print the license, not the receipt.
  • We often fish where we are not in service, that is why a screenshot is required.
  • If you would like to specifically target steelhead (February to May only), include a Steelhead Conservation License.
  • If you are planning a trip well in advance we suggest purchasing your license closer to your trip date as licenses are non-refundable.
BC Freshwater fishing license information

TRIP TIMING & TRANSPORTATION

We want to make sure you maximize your day with us, here are a few tips on timing your day with us.

  • Do your best to be on time! We know it can be early, but being on time makes the most of your day.
  • Drive time from Vancouver is about an hour.
  • The meet point with your guide is in your reservation confirmation.
  • Follow the Google Map link we have sent you, don’t search for our location on Google.
  • Our trips include driving time. From Squamish we are usually driving 5 to 35 minutes to our fish areas.
  • Half Day trips are 4.5 hours, they are usually done on the lower river closer to Squamish.
  • Full Day trips are 8 hours and give us flexibility to fish different areas.
  • Drift trips require some increased logistics and can include some extra driving.
  • If you require pickup from Vancouver there is a flat fee of $300 CAD.
  • Vancouver pickups are at 7:00 AM and we wrap up fishing at 2:00 PM for the drive home.
  • All our guide vehicles are insured for passenger use.

WADING & SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Ensuring everyone has a fun and safe day is our highest priority. Here are a few notes about what to expect when on the water.

  • There is walking and wading required on our trips.
  • This includes short walks of no more than 15 minutes into fishing areas.
  • Wading is done in calf to knee deep water. We do not wade in fast moving water.
  • The rocks we are wading on are softball to basketball size. Wading is not slippery.
  • If you have mobility issues please let us know so we can plan your day accordingly.

GUIDE GRATUITIES

Although not required, a gratuity for your guide is always appreciated and fairly standard practice here in North America. We have a first class guide crew and have great confidence you will enjoy your time with them and come away a better angler because of your time together. Here are some tips on tips…

  • A nice half-day trip tip is $60-$100.
  • A nice full-day trip tip is $100-$150.
  • These are only suggestion, if you feel your guide has been exceptional you can tip accordingly.
  • Guides do not have Venmo, it is not available in Canada. Cash is preferred.

BRINGING YOUR OWN GEAR

Interested in bringing your own gear? Here is a quick list of the gear we are using during the year.

  • During the Spring and Fall we single handed 7 to 9 weight rods.
  • Most often we fish floating lines with 10 foot sink tips.
  • At this time we also fish two handed spey rods up to 12.5 feet with Skagit lines.
  • 500-625 grain Skagit lines work well to cast and turn over flies.
  • In the Summer we fish 5-7 weight rods for trout and pink salmon.
  • Tippet material is 8-15 pound test depending on target species.
  • A selection of sink tips is key, with T-8 and T-11 being our most used.
Squamish fly fishing trip

UNDERSTANDING RIVER CONDITIONS

We are fishing on a wild system that drains over 2000 sq/km of land! This is a wild and beautiful area and there are environmental considerations that play a part of our program.

  • We are always transparent about river conditions.
  • If river conditions are poor or unsafe we will reschedule or refund your trip in full.
  • River conditions change quickly. If changes are expected we will be in contact to discuss options.
  • High water conditions usually occur from mid May to mid July.
  • Trips cancelled or changed due to weather/river conditions are done in your best interest.
  • Trips cancelled by clients less than 10 days prior to trip start date are non-refundable.

STAYING IN SQUAMISH

If you’re fishing multiple days with us you’ll want to stay in Squamish BC. Here’s some notes on planning your stay.

  • We suggest staying at the Executive Suites Squamish, it is our partnered hotel
  • You can use our promo code ‘Chromer‘ for the best available rate.
  • Here are instructions on how to use the promo code.
  • At this time we also fish two handed spey rods up to 12.5 feet with Skagit lines.
  • There is an onsite pub/restaurant that is great for drinks and dinners.
  • Heads up there is no breakfast in the mornings.
  • Hotel has pool, hottub, free wifi and free parking.

NOW YOU’RE ALL SET!

That should cover all the most important parts. If you have a specific question please contact your assigned guide prior to your trip, their contact information will be in your reservation confirmation. Make sure you fill out your Guest Information Form nice and early so we can have gear ready for you. We look forward to having you fishing with us!

About the Author

Yos Gladstone is the owner operator of Chromer Sport Fishing, a guiding company and booking agency based in British Columbia, Canada. A full-time salmon & steelhead guide, Yos spends 200+ days a year on the water fishing, guiding and hosting trips.

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