Only a few weeks ago the river level was low and it had been raining for a long time.
Then came the warning that the rivers would be closed to fishing due to lack of water. The rains arrived, along with the first sign of snow here on the island. In early November the snow started blowing around Roberts Lake and by the time I got to Sayward it was just raining.
Then winter settled in overnight. For many, the hunting season has begun and the snow in the alpine areas hits hard. For trout fishing, several lakes are easily accessible if you have good tires or chains.
Fly tying sessions have been confirmed for the remainder of November at the Campbell River Seniors Center at Ironwood Mall and at the library here in Campbell River. A number of changes will be made during this year to accommodate everyone. Several people have donated fly tying supplies and all items will be used in tying sessions to be held in December and throughout the winter months. I will be giving away a myriad of materials ranging from various hides, feathers, and synthetic materials to be used to tie basic trout and salmon fly patterns that can be fished locally on Vancouver Island rivers and lakes.
The fly tying sessions are free and you take home equipment, gaining hands-on experience to start your fly tying journey.
Over the summer, a couple from Campbell River had sold their house and were given a number of fishing books along with an assortment of hooks to use on upcoming sessions. This is great for people of all ages to come out and have a first-hand experience to see if fly swatting is for them. This is not a club or social; it’s for beginners to get a taste of starter fishing rods and progress on their own to go fishing with flies they’ve created themselves.
I have reserved the card room for Fridays at the Senior Center from 1 to 3 p.m. on the following dates: December 16, January 6 and February 3. For the three dates it will be an open day to attend. Also, everyone from last year is invited to come back and learn new skills of tying and working with materials. Some people have moved to Campbell River and you are invited to join them and get behind the wheel.
The Campbell River Library Activity Room is reserved for the following Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m.: January 29, February 26, March 26 and April 30. I have a list of people who have signed up since last year and I will be contacting all of them. let’s see if they would like to go out this year.
With the outgoing group we learn from each other and it’s fun to see the progress they make each year and see pictures of fish caught in the local lakes and rivers around the Campbell River.