The Clubhouse Report: July 1, 2011

Well, on a wet night here at Langara, the rain has returned pounding us for the last 24 hours. We are in a wet period, torrential rains reminding us we are living in a rain forest. One definitely has to keep a sense of humor, and the fishing is decent which is always a help, as is the comfortable lodge and the fireplace.

Fishing continues strong, although the crazy almost ridiculous bite has now slowed off to manageable levels. We are all getting fish, infact there is four tyee classed fish this trip, with a day to go. Top fish is a released tyee measuring 33.5, angled by John Van Schepen.Ken Maclean released a 32, while Rob Jones retained a 31, as did Lee Nilsson, a 31,5. So nice to see some of these tyees put back, and why not? Plenty of smaller fish in the low twenties for the table, also the coho run is now here, perfect fish for the barbecue!

The huge school of chinook seem to have passed by, but action is still here, a combination of springs and coho. There is a big Hippa between Gunia and Boulder that none of us can land, I had the fish on with Russ Samples in the boat, he saw it briefly. Korey had a go at it off Doug rock, DJ claims he had the monster on as well. Those big fish are now trickling in, time to shallow up, fish the riggers at 30 feet in on the shelf's and reefs, in Parry Pass. The ultimate fish , a Hippa with no eight ounce weight attached, fighting in shallow water in a strong ebb current. Just you and a tyee on the line, that is a great way to have some fun up here at Langara. We had such an experience with Steve Rogers on the rod, sitting in bruin Bay this pm. With the riggers holding my cut plug herring steady in a strong ebb, set at 25 feet, out pops my line from the release clip and the show was on. We dodged boat after boat, a back eddy filled with moochers, as the mid twenties chinook went airborne, cart wheeling its way down with the tide. 45 feet of water and no place to dive, any chinook will test you and your nerves here. Bruin Bay is a place to be alert at all times, clear lines when opposing players hook up, This is combat fishing, not for everyone, but GAME ON at BRUIN !

As stated we are all withered from the rain, skin white and hideous on the hands, yes the weather is testing us. Gloves are a must as is the supply boat that runs hot coffee out twice a day. We all fished hard but as the bite faded we hit the dock early for cocktails and hot tubs. Sea lions made an appearance as well in large numbers, waves of them. They gave us a two week break, lets hope they pass by tonight. Maybe the rain will drive them out of the area.

Well time to get some rest, listen to Sports talk, and listen to see if the Leafs sign any free agents, hello , BRAD RICHARDS ! This always put me to sleep, the Leafs roster, but hey, plenty of room on this bandwagon.

Will have a report tomorrow for you, goodnight from Langara,

Mike Tonnesen, Head Guide, Clubhouse