s we say goodbye to October, several activities included fishing, including the Browns Bay Chum Derby, the IF4 film shown at the Tidemark Theatre, and the river fishing around Campbell River.
Here we are in the first week of November, and we can say that the warm summer weather has turned, and you never know what lies ahead.
This month will be the start of fly-tying for beginners at three venues in Campbell River and Gold River. On Nov. 8, I will be at the Campbell River Seniors Centre from 1 until 3 p.m. in the card room. We meet for coffee or lunch and then set up all the fly-tying tools and materials to let people of all ages come out and learn to tie up fly patterns that can be fished locally on lakes and rivers around Campbell River. These sessions are free to attend, and attendees will learn to get started in basic fly-tying techniques. The materials have been donated by various people who have had experience in the past but no longer tie fly patterns.
Growing up in Saskatchewan, fly fishing was unheard of, so I had to learn on my own. Each year, there is a steady increase of young kids getting involved, and the ladies are getting more interested in creating fly patterns of various bugs and attractor patterns that catch fish.
Last summer, I made a drive to Gold River, and I always wanted to fly fish on the Gold River or Elk River on the way. I have added Gold River to my list to host a fly-tying session for beginners, and the date has been confirmed for Nov. 16 at the Gold River Rod and Gun Club, with the confirmed time being 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All tools and materials will be supplied at no cost to those who attend. It will also give me a chance to talk to those who come out and find out what they fish for around Gold River. There will also be draws for prizes throughout the session. Monika Manhas is the contact in Gold River, and this has been mentioned on social media. Kids and parents are welcome to come out.
I will be in the activity room at the Campbell River Library on Nov. 24 from 1 until 3 p.m. This will be the first session at the library and will continue all winter long. If you have a fly-tying kit, you can bring it along, otherwise, vices and tools and materials are provided at no charge.
Lyndsay Langlois took top prize at the Brown's Bay chum derby with her chum 12.8 lbs. She also won $4,000. The weather was wet but not windy. Better fishing was on Oct. 19.
The IF4 Fishing Film Festival had a good turnout of people at the Tidemark Theatre. The films were well-produced, and it was fun to watch anglers explore exotic places around the world to fish. A draw was made for a fly rod donated by Courtenay Ogilvie.
