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[H2] A river rebuilt by volunteers

The story of the Oyster River Enhancement Society

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Black & Gold
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Gold

[H2] Carbon Drag - Ceramic Bearings

TR3
Fishing in the Pacific Northwest will never be the same. With a fully sealed disk drag, corrosi[...]
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[H2] Silky Smooth Cork

MR3
The number one selling Islander of all time, the Islander MR3 is a time-tested tool for targeti[...]
$899.00

Free-Spool

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[H2] Free-spool Freedom

MR2LA
An evolved version of our original mooching reel, the Islander MR2-LA boasts a large arbor for [...]
$899.00

Reel Maintenance Kit
Keep your Islander in like new condition! If your reel is running out of lubricant, it is more [...]
$34.99

[IMG: Islander Reel Pouch]

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Medium
Large

Reel Pouch
Made of neoprene with top stitched edging and velcro closure. Silk screened Islander logo on fr[...]
$19.99

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Paddle Handle Upgrade
Need bigger paddle handles on your Islander mooching reel? Here they are! But first… check to s[...]
$29.00

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THE ISLANDER DIFFERENCE

There’s no substitute for feel — that perfect connection between angler and fish. For over 30 years, Islander has refined the art of manufacturing reels and rods that deliver exactly that from our home on Vancouver Island.

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Read the latest from Islander, our Field Team, and the fishing community at large.

[IMG: A Time and Place for Attractor Patterns]

Apr 28, 2026
A Time and Place for Attractor Patterns

[IMG: The story of the Oyster River Enhancement Society]

Apr 01, 2026
The story of the Oyster River Enhancement Society

[IMG: Welcome to the World of Fly-Fishing]

Jan 28, 2026
Welcome to the World of Fly-Fishing

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[H3] Phil Rowley

[H3] Todd Kelly

[H3] Brian Chan

[H3] Chad Deschamps
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MEET THE ISLANDER FIELD TEAM

From guides, casting instructors, seminar hosts, writers, and avid multispecies anglers. These are the pros who push their gear to the limit and trust Islander to deliver. Follow their tips, trips, and stories on social media and our blog.

[H3] Phil Rowley
Sherwood Park, AB Canada

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[H3] Brian Chan
Kamloops, BC, Canada

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[H3] Tim Milne
BC, Canada

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[H3] Lael Johnson
Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA

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Facebook

Website

[H3] Tom Johannesen
Coquitlam, BC, Canada
[H3] Chad Deschamps
Revelstoke, BC, Canada

Instagram

[H3] Jennie Sosnowski-Deschamps
Revelstoke, BC, Canada

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[H3] Trevor Tatarczuk
Cariboo, BC, Canada

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[H3] Yos Gladstone
North Vancouver, BC, Canada

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[H3] Mat Urbanski
Port Credit, ON, Canada

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[H3] Nelson Karger
Vancouver Island, BC, Canada

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[H3] Todd Kelly
Shuswap, BC, Canada

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[IMG: Phil Rowley]
[H2] Phil Rowley
One of the many beautiful things about fly fishing is the range of depths into which you can immerse yourself. When you look at Phil Rowley and his career, it’s safe to say he’s off the deep end.Phil’s interest in fishing started at the age of five when a friend took him in search of coarse species in England and he’s been hooked ever since. As a career, things took off in the mid eighties when he began tying flies commercially for a local fly shop.Since then, Phil’s passion has passion and skill have only grown to the point where he is a coveted seminar host, the director of marketing and communications at Trout Unlimited Canada, an international fly fishing travel host, the author of three books, and has almost half a million views on his YouTube channel. His instructional DVD series—produced with co-Field Team member Brian Chan and found on their webstore www.stillwaterflyfishingstore.com—is a master class in still-water trout fishing.While—as far as we know—Phil is not literally underwater with the fish, his resume clearly shows a man fully immersed in the world of fly fishing at a depth few can match. Thankfully he’s happy to share what he’s learned with others and we’re happy he’s on the Islander Team.Fly tying is obviously one of your passions. What would you tell a tyer looking to make the transition from copying patterns to creating their own?Learn all you can, take classes even if you can’t see yourself using the flies in the immediate future. If you can attend a fly-fishing show or fishing show spend time watching others tie, especially if there is a fly tying theatre. Take advantage of YouTube, watch and subscribe. Books and DVD’s also provide a wealth of information. Finally, practice. Try to find time on a daily/weekly basis to tie.If you could only fish three patterns for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?Tough question, as I target many species on the fly. Based on the premise that I chase trout most often, Balanced Leech (Bruised), Chromie and a Bead Head Hare’s Ear. For the stillwaters I fish primarily these flies simply produce on a consistent basis. These flies also work well on rivers and streams too.If you could only fish in one place for the rest of your life, where would it be and why?Lately I have been enjoying the peace and relative solitude of the lakes located in the southwest region of Manitoba. These lakes offer a diversity of species to challenge the fly fisher, rainbow, brown and tiger trout along with a great average size and a remote un-crowded experience.What’s the best memory that fishing has given you?So far, travelling to Argentina to chase monster rainbows on Argentina’s Lago Strobel, better known to some as Jurassic Lake.What’s your personal philosophy towards fishing?Don’t become biased to one particular species or type of fly-fishing. Learn all you can and target as many different fish as you can on the fly using a variety of methods. The lessons learned and the experiences offer huge dividends enabling you can grow and develop as an angler.Describe your best and worst fishing scenarios:Dream: Beautiful warm day, light winds, remote productive clear water lake in a scenic setting, active fish feeding heavily on chironomids.Nightmare: Fishing elbow to elbow in an ugly placeReality: Somewhere between dream and nightmare scenarios, windy, cool day, sporadic hatches, moody fish feeding sporadically on a variety of food items.

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[IMG: Brian Chan]
[H2] Brian Chan
Ichthyologist – it was probably the first and last time Brian Chan’s 4th grade teacher ever got that answer in response to the classic “what do you want to be when you grow up” question however for Brian, this was no novelty. He stayed true to his word and went on to have a 30-year career in managing recreational fisheries in the angler’s paradise that is British Columbia.Brian’s personal philosophy towards fishing is not to just catch fish but to know why we are catching fish. This has led to extensive study of entomology and hydrology and how they relate to the craft of fly fishing whether that’s presentation, time of day, depth or fly tying.The knowledge he has accumulated over his 40 years of fly fishing has made him a coveted guide, seminar host, author, and television personality.Along with long time fishing partner and fellow Islander Field Team member Phil Rowley, Brian has developed a successful DVD series (Conquering Chironomids) and numerous stillwater fly patterns which are available on their website. His contribution to the world of stillwater fly tying was recognized by Fly Tyer magazine with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.All told, I think his 4th grade teacher would be impressed. What attracts you to the lakes over other bodies of water?In large part because of a career managing stillwaters as a fisheries biologist I have had a life long passion for productive stillwaters.I know you’re a fly guy, but do you dabble in any other tackle like centrepin or mooching?My youth was spent mooching for salmon in Howe Sound and the east coast of Vancouver Island. I also started steelhead fishing with a centre pin and still enjoy it.What’s the best memory that fishing has given you?Tarpon fishing in Cuba, waiting on an ocean flat at first light for the tarpon to leave the mangroves and head back to deep water for the day. For about 2 hours large groups of fish would cruise over the white sand bottomed flat. We intercepted many of those happy fish and the sight fishing was absolutely epic.In 3 words or less describe your fishingDream: watching the indicator go down hard!Nightmare: climate change affecting the survival of salmonids in interior lakesReality: having the continuing opportunity to fish well managed stillwaters in BC(…three words is too tough)

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[IMG: Tim Milne]
[H2] Tim Milne
For years, you could find Tim chasing first descents up and down the coast of British Columbia as a producer for a back country skiing show. Eventually he realized that the best footage wasn’t at the top of the mountains, but in the ocean beneath them.That was a decade ago, and since then Tim Milne has been exploring every shoal, reef, and inlet British Columbia has to offer on his show Big Coast. Countless tyees and innumerable stories later, Tim continues to show the world what makes our home waters in British Columbia so special.How did you get into fishing?I grew up on a lake in Northern Ontario with a dock in my backyard. I remember my dad making me cast into a bucket for weeks before he’d let me “try” the lake. We could catch bass, pike and musky right there and rainbow and lake trout a short trip away!When did you start to take fishing seriously… Something more than a hobby?Started doing bass tournaments when I was 12 or 13 and fished bass tourneys right through my teenage years. Fishing really got serious when I married a girl from Delta who’s old man loved salmon…and I was hooked on fishing the Pacific for Chinook!It’s been over 10 years now since Big Coast first aired—how did it come about?Big Coast started with our final heli-ski expedition after 20 years of ski and snowboard production. We had a 110-foot boat out of Bella Coola with a Bell 407 helicopter and we were nailing first descents all over the Central Coast. That same big boat was a salmon fishing operation in Hakai in summer…so we just decided to shoot a couple fishing shows. That was it!With your show, you concentrate on the spectacular opportunities on the West Coast of BC but what other destinations have you had the chance to fish?This past spring I fished Florida, Bahamas, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel which was all cool. I’ve fished marlin and tuna in Baja most years as a break from NorthWest rain!If you could only fish in one place for the rest of your life, where would it be?British Columbia West Coast…but can’t be more specific!What’s the best memory that fishing has given you?A lifetime of good times with my father, my boys and all my fishing buddies…there’s so many best memories I couldn’t pick one.In 3 words or less describe your fishing…Dream: Sixty Pound ChinookNightmare: Dwindling Fish StocksReality: All In

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[IMG: Lael Johnson]
[H2] Lael Johnson
It’s not often a catfish catching kid from Kansas matures into a steelhead fanatic living in the Pacific Northwest but Lael Johnson has always been one to make his own way.His journey to Washington took him all across the country, but since landing in the Seattle area he has matured into one of the Olympic Peninsula’s most sought after guides and his journey isn’t over yet.How did you get into fishing?I began fishing at the age of 3 under the tutelage of my father pursuing crappie, bass, gar, and catfish in Kansas. By the time I was 8, waiting on his work schedule to cooperate with my need to feel the tug was not an option. Throughout high school and the early years of my career as a Traveling Surgical Technologist my passion grew—my $60 Rapala bass rod saw a lot of weekend action in the Midwest!When did you start to take fishing seriously… Something more than a hobby?After a contract in Illinois ended, I landed a position at the Seattle Children’s Hospital and I moved to the area. A buddy asked me if I wanted to go salmon fishing and I replied: “where do I sign up!” We ventured to a favorite fishing ground for pink salmon and the very first fish I hooked broke my favorite rod in half.Long story short, this is the exact day I became aggressively serious about fishing and why I do as much as I can for anyone I guide. Fishing for me is a passion, savior, and love. To spark an interest in fishing like that in others while seeing that moment happen from a catch you facilitated is one of the greatest joys I have today.You’ve taken an interesting career path to professional guiding. Tell us about that journey.My path into professional guiding started in 2013 after I had gained a bit of attention through social media for consistent catching and photography. I would show my co-workers what they had missed on Facebook or Instagram, and tell them of my adventures.After seeing these photos and stories, medical professionals I had worked with in the past were willing to give me a chance to be their guide and prove to them I had what it takes. The opportunity was all I needed.Once word had spread throughout the various hospital systems that I was the “GO-TO” guide, many doctors, nurses, and medical device representatives started filling my dates. I now full-time guide 11 months out of the year and still work as a surgical technologist when the rivers I guide close for fish spawning.Where do you see Fly Gyde going forward?I am currently working on guiding in 4 different locations chasing fish with a rod and a lens. Being involved with Islander who supports anglers like us is a stepping stone towards that goal.Washington’s Olympic Peninsula offers a spectacular wilderness experience… Unfortunately, that’s not really the world’s best kept secret. What’s your key to getting away from the crowds?Yes, the all too busy Olympic Peninsula. My key to staying away from the crowds is to make the fishing report instead of hearing about it. Then—when the fishing is good—keep it tight-lipped. Not immediately blowing up your success on the internet in search of fame helps me fend off some of the guide chasers.Also, being organized and prepared for each person that I have on board ahead of time makes the day more pleasurable for those involved and lets me be first to the fish. Fish that have been cast to all day don’t want to bite, so being the guy that gets to an aggressive fish first usually lets my group have a better day—very few, if any, beat me onto the water.If you could only fish in one place for the rest of your life, where would it be?I have been lucky to fish in many different landscapes from Patagonia, Canada, and Alaska but if I had to pick one the Skeena River System with its beauty, options, and fish is an easy choice. I’ve never felt so alive dwarfed by mountains and trees that surround you while ankle-deep waiting for the grab of a lifetime.What’s the best memory that fishing has given you?A father and son trip I gave to a co-worker before I was guiding. I told them that I wanted to see if I had what it takes to make it as a guide and I would be taking them out for fun. All I asked was for them to judge me truthfully on my performance during the trip.I took them to the Skagit River which I had never floated, but I did my homework to know where to launch and where to take out. I thought that if I could catch fish on an unknown stream with two anglers that had little to no skill, I’d have a shot at doing this professionally or at least I’m going in the right direction.At first, things weren’t going as smoothly as I had hoped and all we had to show for a couple of hours were some tangles and a beautiful float down the river. During one of my untangling sessions parked on the side of the bank, I heard some pretty loud splashing in the distance downriver, KINGS! I lit up because it was just the sign I needed—they were there, all I have to do was catch ‘em.I quickly changed techniques, picked my line and headed for the fish. Not even thirty seconds into having one plug out it got creamed!!! The father pulled the rod out of the holder and desperately tried to hand it to his ten-year-old son, but he wouldn’t take the rod—the kid saw the size of the fish and wanted no part of it!After fifteen or so minutes we pulled up a perfect specimen of a summer king. At thirty-five or so pounds it made our day very memorable! We continued to fish this honey hole for another couple of hours and landed seven others before we called it a great day.In 3 words or less describe your fishing…Dream: 30# Rosy Che

[H2]
TROLL

One versus one. In or out. Direct connection. Tug of war. You just can’t beat the feeling of a single action mooching rod and reel when fishing for medium sized game fish such as salmon, lake trout, musky and even tropical favourites like dorado and wahoo.

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[IMG: Black & Gold]
Black & Gold
[IMG: Gold]
Gold

[H2] Carbon Drag - Ceramic Bearings

TR3
Fishing in the Pacific Northwest will never be the same. With a fully sealed disk drag, corrosi[...]
$1,049.00

Best Selling

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[IMG: Clear]

[IMG: Black]
Black
[IMG: Gold]
Gold
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Blue
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Clear

[H2] Silky Smooth Cork

MR3
The number one selling Islander of all time, the Islander MR3 is a time-tested tool for targeti[...]
$899.00

Free-Spool

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[IMG: Gold]

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Black
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Clear
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Blue
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Gold

[H2] Free-spool Freedom

MR2LA
An evolved version of our original mooching reel, the Islander MR2-LA boasts a large arbor for [...]
$899.00

Reel Maintenance Kit
Keep your Islander in like new condition! If your reel is running out of lubricant, it is more [...]
$34.99

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Medium
Large

Reel Pouch
Made of neoprene with top stitched edging and velcro closure. Silk screened Islander logo on fr[...]
$19.99

In Production

Paddle Handle Upgrade
Need bigger paddle handles on your Islander mooching reel? Here they are! But first… check to s[...]
$29.00

[H2]
FLY

You reach a certain point in life when just good enough isn’t good enough anymore. When you get there, an Islander fly reel will be waiting for you. Precision machined, buffed to a mirror finish and built to exacting standards—all in Canada—for the moment when you’ve made it.

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[IMG: Gold Islander LX 3.4 Fly Reel]

[IMG: LX 3.4 (5-7 wt.)]

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[H2] Legendary Luxury

LX Series
As the tool of choice for discerning fly anglers, the LX series fly reels are the definition of[...]
from $749.00

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[H2] Click-pawl Simplicity

IR-III
For trout anglers in search of the perfect click pawl fly reel, the IR series is it. When you h[...]
$619.00

Reel Maintenance Kit
Keep your Islander in like new condition! If your reel is running out of lubricant, it is more [...]
$34.99

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Medium
Large

Reel Pouch
Made of neoprene with top stitched edging and velcro closure. Silk screened Islander logo on fr[...]
$19.99

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LX Series Spare Spool
Floating line or sinking line? Versatility is the key to a successful day on the water. Pick up[...]
from $375.00

Quick change

IR-III Spare Spool
Floating line or sinking line? Adapt to where the fish are and utilize your IR-III to the fulle[...]
$310.00