OUTLOOK
With the cold weather, our local rivers are settling into more traditional low and clear winter conditions. Eric checks in this week with a fresh report for those heading out toward the Squamish area. If the valley is calling your name, things are shaping up really nicely on the Vedder.
Saltwater folks, we’ve got you covered too. We’re back this week with a saltwater report, and our guide team has been seeing steady action in all of our favourite winter chinook spots. Be sure to check out Jake’s update if you’re planning to get out this weekend.
Last but not least - today is the final day to share your input on the Salmon Allocation Policy. There’s a quick reminder below in the industry updates section about how you can participate.
Hope to see you in the shop or out on the water this weekend!
CLASSES AND COURSES
Tying Intruder Patterns
In this one-night course you will learn about the specifics techniques and unique materials used to tie Intruder style flies. At the end of this course, you will have the skills needed to tie a variety of Intruder style flies from multistage, monster flies for high water, average sized flies for everyday conditions, down to small, mini intruders for low water. Students are required to supply their own vise, tools and materials. A detailed list of what materials are needed will be supplied in advance of the course. A 10% discount is available on materials and tools purchased for the course.
This course is suitable for intermediate to advanced tyers.
Cost: $85.00+GST
Date: January 27, 2026
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
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INDUSTRY EVENTS AND UPDATES
Salmon Allocation Policy Deadline – TODAY!
The deadline for input to the SAP (Salmon Allocation Policy) is January 23 – aka TODAY! If you’ve missed our previous reports on this topic, be sure to click back over the last few weeks to get up to speed.
This document will be the framework for all future salmon allocation and in short there are proposed changes that will take away priority access to Chinook and Coho for the recreational fishery.
What can you do? Go to FISHING RIGHTS and give it a quick read, it will take 1 minute.
Next, click on the GET INVOLVED link at the bottom of the page. Write a quick email using the points suggested on the website. It doesn’t need to be a novel, just short and to the point. This is about each person sending an email and it is about volume. That is what is going to move the needle and preserve your right common property rights to water and fishing.
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Public Fishery Alliance – Taking Your Voice to Ottawa
Further to sharing your thoughts, via email as suggested above, you can help support the Public Fishery Alliance as they head to Ottawa next month.
They are sending a group of well-respected and knowledgeable representatives who are well qualified to explain the critical issues facing our fisheries. Learn more about their trip here.
Support their GoFundMe for their trip here!
FRESHWATER FISHING REPORTS
Squamish River Fishing Report
The Squamish has settled to low clear winter conditions. This week we had some beautiful blue bird days making for great picturesque landscapes up the valley. The clear conditions and sun make for some challenging fishing, but it’s still worth the effort. Trout are going to be weary and a little lethargic this time of year so you will have to put your fly right on them for the strike.
Anglers fishing smaller egg presentations have had the most success. Trout have been keying in on light coloured bead and egg flies in the 8mm and 6mm range. The trick here is to get technical and cover water. Fluorocarbon leaders, small weights and proper mending techniques will help fool picky trout. If you haven’t seen our Bead Fishing 101 video, I recommend having a look as it’s a good refresher on indicator fishing and mending.
I was able to get out scouting this week and was rewarded with a few nice fish.
A really nice rainbow that couldn’t resist a well-presented egg under an indicator. Not the best photo but captured the moment.
For anglers looking to have a simpler setup we can also swing flies with sink tips. The trick here is covering water. Swinging flies allows you to work large runs faster than nymphing. Medium and light sink tips paired with medium and small sized rabbit/marabou flies will find fish. My favorites are white black and olive… try selecting flies with lots of movement as this will help entice those cold fish. Also look to have a selection of fly weights. Try to stock the boxes with a few larger patterns with heavy eyes, a few medium weighted cone head or bead headed flies, and a few light or unweighted options for shallower runs.
Even with the sunny weather it’s still very cold in the valley. Dress for the weather and go prepared to deal with changing winter conditions. Also, the use of a good catch and release net is important in the winter. We don’t want to expose fish to the harsh freezing air, so a net will help keep those fish wet for a good release.
We have also seen a ton of animal tracks including big wolf prints. Seeing wolves is pretty rare but be aware of our surroundings in the early morning when you are hiking to your favorite spots. I sill pack bear spray for animal safety… We had an unusual story of a customer being confronted by a bobcat and using his bear spray in defense. Again, very rare but worth noting as the upper valley is still a wild place.
Have fun stay warm.
Eric Peake
SALTWATER FISHING REPORTS
Vancouver Winter Chinook Salmon Fishing Report
We’ve been seeing steady fishing action this past week in Howe Sound, the harbour, and across the Strait.
There are definitely fish around but be prepared to weed through a fair number of undersized ones, as lots are coming in just under the 62 cm mark. Keepers are showing up though, so a bit of patience has been paying off.
Persistence pays off!
Larger spoons have been working well, but green and blue hoochies have been the most consistent producers overall. There’s plenty of bait out there and most of the bites have been coming right over or tight to that bait, so if you mark it, try to stick with it - circling back or staying right on top has been key.
A delicious post trip addition to the dinner table.
Prawning has been decent but not always consistent. Most drops have been solid, but on days with strong winds or big tides causing traps to move around, they’ve come up lighter. Adding some extra candle weight to your traps can really help keep them flat and improve your chances.
If you don’t have a boat and would like to get out or have your boat up on the hard for the winter now is a great time to book a guided trip.
Our winter chinook charter special is on with reduced rates on our 8hr trip! Give us a call at 778.788.8582 to book your trip today.
Jake Comrie
