[Dana]

We're thinking about holding a Spey Clave North on the Thompson in August. I'd like to carry on the same relaxed, informal tone of the Sandy Claves--essentially a Spey jam session with a few scheduled events as well. While some of us might be on the Dean, August seems to make the most sense as it arrives just before the Skeena fishery and wouldn't eat up fishing time for anglers devoting a week to the Skeena and/or Thompson.

Give me some feedback/suggestions etc on this.

 

[FrenchCreek]

Spey is OK

I might just you, need more details as you get along with planning

 

[Rick Whorwood]

Dana
Is there a chance that you could have the Spey Clave (North)
in the fall. People traveling to the west would have a chance to take in some Steelheading, if it was more towards the end of Oct.
Just a thought!!
I like the idea of having fly tying.

 

[SpeyFitter]

There should be a few Springs on the Thompson as well as I'd imagine a crapload of Sockeye moving through the river (I don't know if you'd want to fish for them though, or if it's even legal/ethical but they should something spectacular to see), that's if you want to know what is there fishing wise, although Dana mentioned he is interested in the casting aspect more so.

My only concern with the Thompson would be places to stay (camping/accomodations, where would they be? that is if there are a lot of people, is there enough room at the various local hotels and what not as well as campsites?etc.) and it might be advisable for everyone to have some sort of stream cleat for wading and a staff as well.

I think the Squamish might be a bit more of a hospitable casting/clave destination. More places to cast/choose from (as in spots), closer to a major centre, more things in the town of Squamish to do (for the wife or whatever if this is going to be an overnight or more than one day thing for anyone travelling), see, places to stay, eat, etc. The Squamish is a big river which runs with glacial run off for most of the Summer which makes it quite silty. There are a few Dollies and Springs around in August on the Squamish, but you have to consider yourself hardcore to go after them and find them in strong numbers with the two hander. This might make the casting more the focus than not although it'd be neat to catch the Odd Spring if they are there.

The one thing that is sad about the Squamish is it's Steelhead are in trouble. It's one of the most awesome Spey fishing Rivers in North America. NOt because it has lots of fish, but because the runs cater so well to fly fishing, with lots and lots of nice consistent runs with good depth and flow. If it had lots of STeelhead it would be a serious Steelheading desitinatin (keep in mind it only has true Spring Steelhead in small numbers) It's also a bit bigger of a river, not as large as the Thompson, but big enough that you have your work cut out for you with the Two hander and your maximum casts (even Steve Choate's maximum casts!).

What do you think Dana?

 

[kush]

Scott,

I think the Squamish is a good idea. It is a lot closer for guys from down south, it has great scenery, it is close enough for day trip guys from Vancouver and we could always set up a headquarters at Sun Wolfe Lodge (formerly Fergies Lodge) or even at a local campground. I like it.

 

[Dana]

I'm likin' the Squamish idea...

...the more I think about it. We did a school on the Mamquam a few summers back and it was a perfect venue with lots of room in the general area for gatherings, plus Whistler is @ 1/2 hour north for those interested in a morning on the links. As I think more about the Thompson I think more about the fact that it is desert country in August--forget about your breathable waders. The Squamish/Whistler area might be a little more hospitable...

 

[SpeyFitter]

Dana,
You could drive to Whistler (another reason to have the Clave in Squamish) and play on their links in the main town (and even people who want to stay in beautiful Whistler which still has lots to do and see for everyone in the Summer and is perfect for the wife while you drive south to the Squamish Clave) but wouldn't it make more sense for people who are driving there to play golf at the Furry Creek golf course which is on the way? LOL!!! (the place where they also filmed parts of Happy Gilmour and is scenic in being on the ocean).

I'm starting to like this idea more than you're starting to like this idea Dana! (although I suck at Golf! LOL)

 

[tonyd]

Too bad we never had one last year.It would have been a blast with all the pinks running.Just downstrem of the Mamquam mouth would be a perfect place to practice though.The only downside is a lack of camping in the area for those that can't afford to use a motel.

 

[Whistler]

I think the lower Squamish/Mamquam will be an excellent venue. If anybody has questions about hotels/camping or fishing in the area please feel free to drop me an email or call the shop 604-932-7221. While there are plenty of places to stay, the sad news is there are not a lot of angling opportunities in the immediate area that time of year.Brian Niska

 

[juro]

WHISTLER! I like that area in summer as much as some like it in winter. Can't wait...

I won't be able to fly out this August; but let's make this an annual tradition so I can make the next one (please!). :smokin:

 

[kush]

Whistler,

I don't know if it is necessary or even desireable to have "fishing opportunities" at what will essentially be a casting clave. Now I like to catch fish as much as anybody else (probably an understatement!) but the most I ever learned about spey casting was at Derek Brown's first clinic here in BC - where he refused to allow people to even have a fly on their line. Quite rightly he said that the instant one has a fly out there, you are fishing and not casting!

I think Dana's intent with this clave is to get together to cast, try out rods and techniques. As well, it would be a chance to meet board members face to face, try out some single malts, some martinis and being in Canada, some of our southern brothers could puff an ellisive Cuban cigar or two. The summer is a very busy fishing time for me, but I would love to get together for a day or two and "Clave".

 

[Moonlight]

You are right on the Thompson being too bloody hot in August it will be 100 in the shade there often but then there really isn';t any shade, except maybe in the Log Cabin Pub!

 

[Whistler]

Tyler, whoa little buddy, I think you may have misunderstood what I was getting at. The 'fishing' I spoke of had nothing to do with the actual clave itself. Merely thought our friends from the south would want to know what opportunities exist in the area. Like in case they might want to fish during the days before and after the clave. Like I said earlier,I think it will be an excellent venue for casting. All the activities(shopping, golf, mountain biking,etc, etc ) up the road in Whistler should make it an easy sell as a 'family getaway'.
Also looking forward to the clave.Brian

 

[kush]

Brian,

No problem! Especially if you are big enough to call me little buddy!

 

[sinktip]

Sounds good to me and plus, if I stay overnight, I can even take advantage of the single malt selection at the duty free store at the border.

duggan

 

[SpeyFitter]

So, has anyone given any more thought to the Spey Clave North, or is it going to be just a few guys getting together for some casting and BSing and a few 8 packs of Lucky Beer?

 

[kush]

Scott,

Maybe it would be time to introduce you to single malt - you know you don't have to be over 30 to try it!

 

[Dana]

haven't forgotten about it!

Just busy! There seems to be a lot of interest and support, it's just a matter of piecing it all together. Probably start to give it a serious look in a few weeks after a few other pressing things have passed.

Whistler seems to be the location that has attracted the most interest and gives us the most options, and mid-late August/early September seems to be a good time for anyone returning from the Dean or heading north to the Skeena.

I like the informal gathering concept with some scheduled events (like casting demos and a few clinics for casters of various skill levels), especially for the first time out, and build from there, but I'm just one member of a team that will be necessary to pull it off, so I'm open to other ideas.

I don't think we'll have too much difficulty getting a few reps to bring some spey stuff along, but the real key will be the participation of interested individuals--pack up a bunch of gear and bring it along!

If you're interested in helping to organize this let's get in touch late in March and start analysing logistics.