OUTLOOK
As we head into the back half of November things are looking good for fishing. We have a little precipitation in the forecast and the rivers have been dropping so they could use a little water. The reports we are getting are solid across the board so now is the time to get out on the water! This week also saw some regulation updates regarding coho, so be sure to check out those regs below in our Regulation Updates section.
This week we look at the north side rivers as they tend to fish well late in the season. We will also look at the Squamish, which is another great late season system and last, we will talk about what we have heard from the Chilliwack River. This system is slowing down but levels are very nice right now and could be worth a late kick at the can.
After the winds died down last weekend, our guide team had some productive days out on the saltwater. Jason has more details on this in his report below. If you’re looking for some tips on winter chinook fishing be sure to check out our Classes and Courses section where we have info. on our newly launched Winter Chinook Fishing Seminar. This is a one night only seminar and will sell out so be sure to sign up early!
REGULATION UPDATES
Coho Regulation Updates
If you missed it earlier this week there was an update for coho regulations for both the Tidal and Non-Tidal Fraser River. Fisheries notice below!
FN1211-RECREATIONAL – Salmon – Coho – Tidal Waters of the Fraser River – Area 29 – Hatchery Marked Coho Salmon Opportunities – Effective immediately November 15, 2023
“Waters: Tidal waters of the Fraser River (downstream edge of the CPR Bridge at Mission to the mouth).
Management measures:
Effective immediately November 15, 2023 until December 31, 2023:
– The daily limit for Coho Salmon is two(2) hatchery marked only.
– No fishing for Chinook, Chum, Pink, Sockeye, or wild Coho Salmon.
– Fishing is permissible during daylight hours only.”
Variation Order numbers: 2023-RCT-445
FN1212-RECREATIONAL – Salmon – Coho – Region 2 – Non-Tidal Fraser River – Hatchery Marked Coho Salmon Opportunities – Effective immediately November 15, 2023
“Waters: Fraser River in Region 2 from the downstream side of the CPR Bridge at Mission, BC to the Highway 1 Bridge at Hope, BC.
Management measures:
Effective immediately November 15, 2023 until December 31, 2023:
– The daily limit for Coho Salmon is two(2) hatchery marked only.
– No fishing for Chinook, Chum, Pink, Sockeye, or wild Coho Salmon.
– Fishing is permissible during daylight hours only.”
Variation Order numbers: 2023-RCT-443, 2023-RFQ-444
CLASSES AND COURSES
Our full 2024 course list is in the works but if you are looking to get in the classroom this year join us for our upcoming winter chinook saltwater seminar!
Winter Chinook Fishing Seminar with Jason Tonelli
Did you know there is excellent chinook fishing in local Vancouver waters from Oct to March? This is the winter chinook season and fishing the last few seasons has been excellent and the 2023/24 season is off to a great start as well!
Learn the secrets on how to catch these hard fighting chinook, which are prized for their table fare as well. Your instructor, Jason Tonelli, will cover all aspects of what it takes to be a successful winter chinook angler. Jason has been honing his winter chinook skills out of Vancouver for close to two decades and is Pro-Staff for Gibbs Delta Tackle.
You will learn the top producing areas, including how to fish them productively and what tides, correct speed, how to fish close to the bottom, the most productive fishing tackle setups depending on conditions, how to use your sonar effectively to catch more fish, what weather patterns to avoid for boating safety, and many more winter chinook secrets.
This seminar will be held at Pacific Angler on December 6th,2023 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Each participant will receive a detailed course booklet. Space is limited so sign up now by calling the store at 604.872.2204.
Where: Pacific Angler, 78 E Broadway
When: Wednesday, December 6th, 2023
Price: $75.00+GST
FRESHWATER FISHING REPORTS
Chilliwack River Fishing Report
The C/V system ended up blowing out badly last weekend and has been on a steady drop since Monday. Conditions are just about perfect as of writing this report, but that is likely to be short-lived, as the forecast is calling for another bout of relatively heavy rainfall, with current estimations being for between 90-135mm of rain between Friday and Monday. That’s a lot of water, and I’d expect the river to be out of shape by Saturday, assuming the forecast doesn’t change. Keep your eyes on the weather forecasts and river gauges; they’ll help you decide if it’s worth heading out or not.
Reasonable numbers of fish were encountered by anglers after the river had crested and started dropping following the last bout of rainfall, but it’s getting late in the season and the number of fish in the system isn’t anywhere near what it was a few weeks ago. As such, the anglers who have been actively covering water and searching for fish have been the ones who are catching most of the fish. A wide variety of presentations are producing fish, just be sure to adjust the size and colours of your gear based on the river conditions.
Remember that chum are closed to all targeted angling and retention, so if you’re heading to the Vedder, you’re looking for Coho- so gear up accordingly. Also remember that there will be millions of pink eggs buried in the gravel in back-channels, tailouts and near-shore areas, so avoid wading in these areas if possible. Keep an eye on water levels and be on the lookout for changing water conditions. Stay safe out there.
Taylor Nakatani
Squamish River Fishing Report
The Squamish rivers have dropped and cleared with the cold winter weather. Fish are still scattered through the system, but it will take a little more finesse to fool them. Coho will seek out deeper water, and structure to find cover. Trout will push up under choppy water to find shelter but remain in feeding lanes.
When the conditions are low it’s best to have fluorocarbon leaders and smaller presentations. Try smaller flies, crocs, blue foxes in metallic finishes. Pale beads in the “fresh dead” colours: glow roe, Montana roe, and egg yolk beads can work wonders for the egg eaters in clear water conditions.
Make sure to cover lots of ground as fish will group up in the best feeding lanes or deeper holding water. You may even get a shot at sight fishing in the tail outs.
This time of year, we typically see a bump in chum salmon. You will encounter fresh and spawning salmon in most rivers. There is NO targeting of chum allowed so take care releasing these fish if caught. I also recommend caution when wading side channels as to not disturb activity spawning fish and salmon redds.
Dress warm, bring your bear spray, have fun, & stay safe.
Eric Peake
Harrison River Fishing Report
The north side sloughs and rivers have been producing. Many of these systems tend to have strong late runs of coho. If you want a change of pace from the Chilliwack, exploring north is well worth it at this time of year. Historically, we have had good reports into December. Water levels are dropping so bank access is increasing and the reports we had from anglers in boats during the higher water were excellent.
Side note, there are some late run sockeyes in the Harrison and anglers should be careful to identify their catch.
From the Stave to the Harrison many of the north side systems have large areas of slower water. In this water, flies, spinners and twitching jigs are extremely effective.
There is some rain in the forecast for Saturday, but it isn’t a large amount of precipitation, and it should keep color levels in a good zone. We will also see some reasonably warm temps so fishing could be quite good.
Good Luck
Matt Sharp
SALTWATER FISHING REPORTS
Vancouver Saltwater Salmon Fishing Report
Mid November means it’s all about winter chinook! As most of you know, the past few years have seen excellent winter chinook fishing from November to March. This year seems to be following in the footsteps of the past few years. We have had lots of charters out and the fishing has been excellent. There are plenty of winter chinook around with a nice mix of hatchery and wild fish, which is always good to see. The limit is 2 chinook per day, 62cm or greater, no max size limit, and the fish can be hatchery (missing adipose fin) or wild.
I have a special announcement to make. I will be doing a detailed Winter Chinook Seminar at the shop! A lot has changed this past decade when it comes to chinook fishing. With the summer months being closed and the winter chinook numbers being some of the best in 40 years, the winter is the new summer when it comes to chinook fishing. This is when we have some of the best chinook fishing and some of the best retention opportunities of the year. So, I decided it was time to offer a detailed seminar on how to fish for these hard fighting and very tasty chinook in local Vancouver waters and some Gulf Island spots as well.
Details on the Winter Chinook seminar can be found here:
This seminar will be held at Pacific Angler on December 6th from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Each participant will receive a detailed course booklet. Space is limited, so make sure to sign up right away by calling the shop at 604-872-2204.
Where: Pacific Angler, 78 E Broadway
When: Wednesday, December 6th
Price: $75.00+GST
For those of you heading out now, all the usual spots are fishing well. We have been doing well on chartreuse or green flashers like the Gibbs Lemon Lime in chartreuse or green and Gibbs STS. Similar colours for spoons and hootchies have been working. For spoons, Irish Cream, Trailhead, Homeland Security, and Outfitter colours have all been very good in Skinny G, G-Force 3.0 to 3.5 and Kingfisher 3.0 to 3.5. Chartreuse spatter back hootchies have also been good.
Time to get out there and catch some feisty winter chinook, and prawning has also been decent.
See you in the shop or on the water,
Jason Tonelli