OUTLOOK
We’re wrapping up January with a return to warm, wet weather across the region. This will no doubt shake things up in our local river systems, bringing higher flows and reduced visibility. With that in mind, we’ve put together some quick steelhead reports for the week, be sure to check them out below before heading out on the water.
Speaking of steelhead, our popular Steelhead Fly Tying Jam Session is making a return in February! This night is always a great chance to tie flies, swap stories, and pick up a few new tricks.
If you’re looking to stay dry and sharpen your skills indoors, don’t miss your chance to grab a seat in our Introduction to Fly Tying course. Our first offering of 2026 is coming up soon, and spots fill quickly, sign up this weekend to guarantee yours. You’ll find full dates and details in the course section below.
This week we’ve included information on the upcoming Salmon Allocation Policy Town Halls scheduled throughout the Lower Mainland. With six dates currently on the calendar and more to be added, there should be a session happening near you.
Last but certainly not least if you’re headed to see us in shop there are numerous changes due to the closure of Broadway between Main and Quebec Streets. Rest assured you can still get to us as buses and local traffic will be detoured around the one-block closure using E. 8th Avenue. Our loading zone has been moved just west from our shop, just look for the light blue “Room To Load Signs” marking our loading zone.
Keep an eye out for this sign marking our loading zone.
There is also free 2hr parking on the north side of Broadway starting at Manitoba Street west (right across the street from Sport Chek and just one block down Broadway from us) and free 1hr parking just south of the shop on Quebec street. We’ll be back next week with a map with more parking options noted!
CLASSES AND COURSES
Introduction to Fly Tying
There is no greater satisfaction than catching a fish with a fly you tied yourself. This Introduction to Fly Tying course was specifically designed to give you the fundamental skills needed to tie proven fly patterns used here in BC for trout, salmon, and steelhead.
This course consists of 3 sessions, spread over 3 consecutive weeks.
Students are required to supply their own vise, tools and materials. A 10% discount is available on fly tying materials and tools purchased for the course.
Cost: $130.00+GST
Dates: February 3, 10, 17
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
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INDUSTRY EVENTS AND UPDATES
Steelhead Fly Tying Jam Session
Great news—our Steelhead Fly Tying Jam Session is back!
Mark your calendars for Friday, February 20 and get ready for a free, fun evening of tying flies, fish talk, and good company.
We’ll be sharing all the details next week, so keep an eye on your inbox and our social feeds for everything you need to know. Trust us, this is one you won’t want to miss!
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Salmon Allocation Policy – Town Hall Meetings
As you may know Fisheries and Oceans Canada is proposing significant changes to the Salmon Allocation Policy that could reduce public access to salmon and impact recreational fishing opportunities across British Columbia.
Join B.C. Wildlife Federation’s in-person town halls to learn what’s being proposed, understand how it could affect anglers, local economies, and conservation, and learn how to take action.
Town Halls will be held across the Lower Mainland. Our own Jason Tonelli will be speaking at the North Vancouver Town Hall on February 24 and the Coquitlam Town Hall on February 26.
Check out all of the details here and we’ll see you there!
Have Your Say on the Future of Salmon & Recreational Fishing in B.C.
PRODUCT FEATURE
Scotty 450 Downrigger Trolling Caddy
This is a great new product that we will definitely be putting on all our guide boats. It mounts on to your swivel base in minutes and will keep all your release clips and gear organized. It’s packed with features; tray for pen or terminal tackle, release clip holder, toothpick wedge, plier holder, line cutter holder, anchovy head pin holder, lure hanger, and flasher hanger. In stock now and only $24.99.
FRESHWATER FISHING REPORTS
Steelhead River Fishing Report
Squamish Valley
As we wrap up the last few days of January it also looks like we also wrapped up the cold snap and dry weather. Over the weekend there will be temperatures as high as 8C and a decent amount of rain in the Squamish Valley. This will change the low and clear conditions that were present last weekend. In fact, as I write this report the river height graph is vertical for the Lower Squamish. With more rain and temperatures reaching a high of 15C on Wednesday (yes, that’s not a typo), I suspect the visibility will be limited for the foreseeable future. It looks like it is going to be dry and warm later next week, so that might be a pleasant time to go for a hike, with rod in hand, and see if any fresh steelhead moved in from this weekend’s high water.
A reminder there are very few steelhead in the Squamish Valley rivers; each one is usually a reward from a lot of hours on the water. All these fish are wild, and it goes without saying they should be cherished and handled with the outmost of care.
Fraser Valley
It’s a similar situation out in the Valley, with warm weather and rain this weekend. The Vedder is in good shape as of Friday morning, but no doubt it will get dirtier once more rain shows up this weekend. Later next week it will feel more like late March steelheading, with temps around 15C on Wednesday. At least there is no rain mid to late next week, so the river should be in primo shape if you can get out at that time. It’s also looking pretty dry into next weekend, which is nice to see after a rainy December and January with lots of dirty water.
A chrome and translucent steelhead tail from a Vedder River hatchery steelhead retained this week by @fishaholicjosh.
Overall steelhead fishing out in the Valley on the Vedder and some of the smaller systems has been average. I suspect catches will increase in the coming weeks as February usually sees a decent push of fish into a lot of systems and the river conditions will finally be more stable.
We have our Steelhead Fly Tying Jam Session on Friday, February 20th, so keep that night open and stay tuned for how to sign up for this free even in coming reports.
