OUTLOOK
As we close in on December, we are going to see some cooler nighttime temperatures over the next week, and this will drop river levels substantially across the Lower Mainland.
This will mean getting more technical with your float and fly rigs. Lightening up leaders and dumbing down presentation colours is the ticket.
We continue to hear solid late salmon reports though and the egg eater fisheries are going strong. In this week’s report we have details on the Squamish and Chilliwack, but if you’re itching to get out on the water, don’t forget about winter chinook fishing which continues to be great on the smaller north side fisheries if you’re out in the valley.
If you’re on the lookout for some updated gear, make sure to check out our Black Friday Sale details below. Also, we have info. on how you can score some great auction items while supporting the SFI at the same time.
On to the report….
CLASSES AND COURSES
Stay tuned for our 2024 course release! We’ll have that out to you next week so keep an eye on your inbox.
INDUSTRY EVENTS AND UPDATES
Pacific Angler Black Friday Sale
If you missed the details in our mailout or on our social media feeds, our Black Friday Sale started this morning. Deals will run through until close on Thursday November 30, 2023! If you’re not hitting the water this weekend, be sure to swing on by the shop the get in on these great deals for yourself or for anyone on your Christmas Shopping list.
Check out the Black Friday Sale List here!
SFI Raffle and Silent Auction
If you aren’t able to make the conference or gala dinner tonight, there is still a way to participate. Help us raise funds to support and protect sustainable opportunities for BC’s sport fishing community by participating in the online silent auction items and raffle !
FRESHWATER FISHING REPORTS
Chilliwack/Vedder River Fishing Report
Not a whole lot to say about the C/V system this week… water levels are dropping and will continue to do so until we see a change in the weather- something that is not in the current forecasts until late next week. There are still some fish being caught, but the season is definitely nearing its end.
The best reports are coming from the upper river, but a few anglers have gotten lucky and intercepted fresh fish in the lower as well. One upside to fishing the C/V this late in the season is that there is usually very little fishing pressure, so you don’t have to put up with the brutal crowds that this system is famous for; the fact that the fish are usually much more willing to bite due to the lack of pressure is also a bonus. As such, if you are willing to put in some work to find fish, there is the potential to do quite well… with almost nobody else around.
If this was 20 (or more) years ago, it would be commonplace for the first winter steelhead of the season to be caught sometime in late November. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case anymore, but it can be worthwhile to get out and start scouting the river for steelhead now. If you do head out, avoid wading in side-channels, backchannels, flat tailouts or anywhere salmon may have spawned- there will be a ton of pink, coho and chum eggs in the gravel and the last thing they need is to get stepped on.
Taylor Nakatani
Squamish River Fishing Report
The Sea to Sky rivers have seen some good fishing this last week. River levels remain low, but anglers are still finding coho and trout.
Coho fishing is tapering off, but you can still find a few bright ones in the mix. Look for deeper slower sections to hold fish. Don’t be afraid to explore higher up in system. The usual spoons and jigs will get bites. Colorado blades can also stir up a few when the fish are in moving water…
Fly anglers have been doing well with smaller stripped flies and swung presentations. Make sure to have a few larger white and olive coloured patterns in your kit for the big bullies. Egg patterns are working well under an indicator or tied on a jig for tight line nymphing.
The big thing to look for at this time of year is spawning salmon. Find the egg wagons and you will find the hungry trout behind them. Take care not to disturb spawning channels and salmon redds, and a quick reminder there is no targeting of chum salmon in any Squamish River.
Like last week, dress warm bring the bear spray and have fun.
Eric Peake