OUTLOOK
December is here, and that means holiday shopping is in full swing - along with thoughts of our favourite fisheries!
In this week’s fishing report, we’ve got updates from the Squamish and fresh insights from our Saltwater Guide Team.
Things are starting to feel a lot like Christmas in the shop. The team has the store decorated, and we’re busy helping customers find the perfect gifts for the anglers on their lists. If you’re doing some shopping this weekend, online or in-store, don’t miss our Free Pacific Angler Hat offer!
Last, but certainly not least, Jason has an important update on the Salmon Allocation Policy Review currently underway. This is a must-read for every angler, so be sure to check it out below.
CLASSES AND COURSES
We are about to release our full line up of courses for the 2026 season. From the beginner angler just starting out, to the advanced angler looking to refine their craft, there is something for everyone!
Courses make a wonderful present if you’re looking for a different gift, at this time of year.
Watch for the bulletin announcing the 2026 Course schedule.
SPEND $100 AND RECEIVE A FREE PACIFIC ANGLER HAT!
This weekend, Pacific Angler is saying “hats off” to our loyal Friday Fishing Report & News subscribers with an exclusive gift. When you spend $100 in the shop or at the Pacific Angler Online Store, you’ll receive a free Pacific Angler hat. This is a weekend special and ends at 11:45 p.m. on Sunday, December 7th.
Also remember, if you live outside of Vancouver, Pacific Angler is happy to provide free shipping on all orders over $150 CAD (before taxes) with a delivery destination in Canada. Please note that some items are not eligible for free shipping such as over-sized and over-weight products. Free Shipping offer applies to most locations in Canada but there are some exclusions. Give a call directly if you have any shipping or fishing questions!
Free Hat Offer Dates: December 5th 5pm PST – 11:45pm December 7th, 2025. Please note online gift card purchases are not eligible for the Free Hat Offer. Offer valid while supplies last.
REVISIT OUR 2025 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Did you miss the Pacific Angler 2025 Holiday Gift Guide? Give it a go right HERE. Our team picked their favorite gear and experiences to keep you fishing all day through every season. mWe also highlighted gear that will keep you warm, dry and ready for whatever weather comes your way or whatever water you’re fishing.
SPECIAL REPORT
Salmon Allocation Policy Review
If you fish or recreate in this Province, or hope to in the future, this is a MUST READ.
The Salmon Allocation Policy (SAP) is currently under review and DFO wants your input by Jan 9th. I can’t say it any better than the words on this website, so I strongly urge you to visit Salmon Forever and read the SAP Discussion Paper and the SFAB SAP Review Submission. The SFAB (Sport Fish Advisory Board) Review Submission should be your blueprint for providing your own feedback to DFO to the email provided on the website.
One of the ludicrous proposed changes is putting commercial fishing ahead of your public right to fish. In fact, it is that very right that is being contested by First Nations (FN). The commercial sector has teamed up with First Nations, and they are proposing things will go as follows. Conservation, First Nations Food, Social & Ceremonial (FSC), Commercial Sector, Recreational Sector. I am good with the first two but putting the commercial sector in front of the public, aka recreational sector will be the end of your fishing and makes no sense financially. The public delivers $693 GDP per salmon caught vs. the commercial $8 per salmon. There is no doubt in my mind that FN is going to purchase licences or team up with the commercial sector to dominate that industry, in essence insuring their FSC needs are met first, then clean up the rest of the fish with the commercial boats. Then if there are any fish left, the public might have some opportunity when and where they say and if they say. That is literally what they have been demanding in the meetings. They have also made it very clear that in their view, Canadian citizens have no right to fish, and it is their (FN) intention to have complete control over salmon and any potential fishing by Canadians.
This whole process is about a lot more than salmon. This is about Common Property Resource. If Canadians lose that, in this case their right to fish, a precedent will be set, and this will affect your ability to do a lot of things above and beyond salmon fishing. This is all about access to this province and country. If you like any of the “ing” things like fishing, hiking, biking, camping, or just getting outside, you have been warned. The First Nations are advocating for complete control. That was made very, very clear to the SFAB in this process.
I know you don’t want to read these documents and send an email, especially during the holiday season. This was planned this way, to make engagement and input as difficult as possible. Keep in mind it took this closed-door process 7 years to get here, to the point it was released to the public, and now they are giving us 35 days to absorb it and email our input. We all need to find the time to read these documents and send an email. It will take less than 30 minutes, but the impact of the SAP will be felt for decades, remember that.
You will be hearing a lot more about this in the coming weeks, so until then.....
Jason Tonelli
FRESHWATER FISHING REPORTS
Squamish River Fishing Report
Water levels are getting close to winter lows. Small rain fronts have been rolling in the past few days, creating bumps in the river. Fishing has been mixed but anglers who have covered the water have found fish. I love a good late season adventure but with changing winter conditions go prepared.
A nice fish from last weekend.
The conditions are generally low and clear. Most precipitation is landing as snow in the hills with a low freezing level. I don’t expect a blowout, but I would keep an eye on the water levels. A little rain can add some colour to the river and provide cover for anglers. If things stay clear, I look to fish deeper pools and runs with a little chop or ripple. Find areas where those late coho can hide as they move upriver, or those lazy trout can sit and gobble eggs.
Coho fishing is on the way out, but some late season surprises are always possible. Squamish is notorious for having the odd late season bar of chrome swimming up in December. It’s still worth having the coho gear.
Trout fishing is decent, and eggs are on the menu. This can be a more relaxing slow-paced fishery on the main stem or tributary systems. Look for the spawned-out salmon and you will find trout. The best trout spots have: food sources, cover, and a slower pace of water compared to the faster main flow… wherever a fish can eat, conserve energy, and remain hidden.
If you are adventuring up the main stem, you may even encounter snow in the upper valley. Be prepared with all the winter necessities to stay comfortable up there. Make sure your vehicle has good winter tires, and you have a willingness for punishment on that dirt road.
Eric Peake
SALTWATER FISHING REPORTS
Winter Chinook Fishing Report
The Vancouver winter salmon fishing season is well underway as we wrap up the first week of December. We have had quite a few trips already this season and we are retaining legal chinook salmon (62cm or great, wild or hatchery) on most of our trips.
As usual for this time of year, the brighter chartreuse glow finishes have been very productive. With the dirtier water from rainfall and the darker and cloudy days, the chartreuse and green colour flashers, spoons, and hootchies always do well. Remember to have some glow on all of those, this helps them stand out even more on the dark days and when fishing deep.
The Yamashita OG140R puts another one deck!
There are lots of fish around in Vancouver Harbour, the Fraser Mouth, Lower Howe Sound, and over at Gabriola. Locally there have been some problem seals at the Bell Buoy and Tunstal, and they have taken their share of legal fish from us. If you are the only boat in a spot, or if a seal decides to lock on to you and follow you, pull your gear and move because as soon as you hook a good size fish they are going to take it.
As I have mentioned in previous reports, there are a lot of undersize fish around. This bodes well for later in the season and for summer and fall 2026 chinook fishing. Keep these smaller fish out of the net and out of the boat. Use your gaff to release them quickly at the side of the boat and this will minimize harm to the fish and increase the catch and release survival rate.
Here is a great video on some release methods including some info on why it is best to “torpedo release” a fish you do need to bring in the boat to remove the hook.
Good luck out there and I hope the rain backs off over the holiday season and we have some great Vancouver chinook fishing like last December.
Jason Tonelli
