All rights reserved. From the corner of my eye I see another fisherman leaning back, his rod bent, line taut and fighting what looked like a rather big fish. Fishing for pink salmon becomes available in August and September. When driving north on Sea to Sky Highway, turn left onto Squamish Valley Road. Home; Products. "You've got the rivers, mountains, giant trees, pure wilderness. and budget. And, I’ve never caught a fish…ever. Call toll free 1(877)905-8121 or email … RIVER FISHING. WildGateway.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Apr. We’ll pick you up in Vancouver, we can even arrange for an airport pickup, and then we’ll drive you north, through Sea to Sky Country and into the Squamish River valley. Fly fishing on the Squamish river and its tributaries, the Mamquam and Cheakamus, is an amazing experience. And with that I stood back up, got my line ready and waded back into the water to cast my line out into the water once more. A catch and release landing net can also be beneficial. But nonetheless, this was my first landed fish, my first catch. Steelhead Fly Fishing Trips in Squamish BC Canada. This area offers year round fly fishing. I'm all for hiding fragile small systems, or little honey holes you've discovered, but the Squamish is a big river and I think it's ok to generate a bit of discussion among fly fishers by revealing where this is. This sounded like a great idea, but I ran into a couple of issues. Denis manages to catch a fish but it’s a tired fish on its way home from spawning, he releases the fish and keeps on. Ten minutes pass and not a nibble. Which would I use? It is at this point that I had to exercise the one thing that I had so very little of: Patience. Flies; Fly Fishing Accessories; Fly Fishing Rods, Reels & Lines; Fly Tying; Freshwater Tackle; Jackets, Waders, Boots & Layering; Personal Watercraft I shot my line back out on the river and for the next hour I was able to hook and tussle with salmon on several occasions. I did not know how to fly-fish. Before your first fishing trip to Squamish River, please make sure you know the following information: About us The finest in guided wilderness fly fishing, heli-fishing and remote fly-in experiences. From the shore? Squamish River Bull Trout Fly Fishing The Squamish River: A place of beauty & tranquility! Squamish River, Squamish - The Squamish River is a beutiful, wildlife enriched river located just west of the senic sea-to-sky highway. Match the pattern to the type of feed available in the river at the time to increase success. The town itself sits at the tip of the Sound, a tidal fjord that eventually makes its way to the Pacific Ocean. Wilson's riffle near the mouth of the Cheakamus and the Graveyard Run a little farther downstream are good examples. BRITISH COLUMBIA SPORT FISHING ONLINE RESOURCE & DIRECTORY, British Columbia freshwater fishing license, British Columbia freshwater fishing regulations, BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis, Squamish River is located in Region 2 in the. The confluence of the Mamquam and Squamish Rivers is a favourite spot for fly fishers. Now I just needed to find out how. Using these I armed myself with enough knowledge to get myself out on the water and casting my line. Between January and April, anglers can enjoy targeting a variety of winter species, including bull trout, coastal cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and winter steelhead. Although 3rd on the list of Best places to go Flyfishing this is our 2nd Best Trout Fly Fishing available in Vancouver, British Columbia. The line landed in the water and I began to strip the streamer back to me, with each tug the purple marabou streamer mimics a small fish or creature moving through the water. Fishing Reports (191) Articles (30) Contributors . Because the Squamish River typically produces coho in the 10 to 20lb range, large spoons in the 3/8 and 3/4oz range are very effective. January 31, 2018 09:38 AM Rick MacKay fishing on the Cheakamus River in Squamish. It then swam away with the force and speed of a torpedo. Fed by melting glaciers hundreds of kilometers away and strengthened by several tributaries which include the Elaho, Ashlu, Cheakamus, Cheekye and Mamquam rivers. Pickup from the hotel early so that we where the first on the river was appreciated … Because this is mostly a catch and release fishery, please be sure to treat your catches with care. The lower section of the river offers the best … In the winter months, flyfishing is also a popular method when targeting trout and char. I was heartbroken in an instant, but it passed quickly, because I knew there was hope and that it was possible for me to hook and land a fish. Glacial discharge keeps the river high and dirty in spring and most of summer. Fly-fishing in Squamish ‘Life is better when you focus more on the fishing than the catching’ Haley Ritchie / Squamish Chief. Fishing the Squamish River Drop a line any time of year for Steelhead, Salmon, Bull and Rainbow trout while the late summer and early fall brings thousands of Pacific Salmon heading into the rivers to spawn. Our location on the Pacific Ocean allows for a variety of fishing opportunities. Outdoors and travel writer Norman Dacanay describes his journey as a novice fly-fisherman. Wedged between high coastal peaks is a pristine river along the Sea to Sky corridor. But, the waters that surround and run through the town are the liquid gems in its crown. Pinks are available to the fly fisher in both the local rivers and estuaries. Photo: Haley Ritchie. Single egg, minnow, sculpin, leech patterns all produce, just not at the same time. Squamish now offers world-class mountain biking with hundreds of trails and single tracks. Fisherman’s Park is a mecca for fly-anglers in the Sea-to-Sky corridor. After a successful cast and hook set the fish started to swim back and forth, going this way and that in an attempt to stay away from the shore and being landed. When will I get my turn? The Squamish River is 80km in length, stretching from the Elaho Valley to the City of Squamish River before draining into Howe Sound. July Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Chinook : S: S : No Retention: Chum : S,M: S,M,A: S,M A : As I stripped some line out from my reel I surveyed the water for any sign that might betray the locations of the fish that swam below its surface. Brian picked up from downtown Vancouver, provided lunch, all the gear along with photography through out the day of me casting and catching, with the all important trophy shot of my biggest fish. I must admit that I felt a bit intimidated when I walked into that store, not because of the guys behind the counter (they were extremely easy to talk to) but because I knew absolutely nothing about what I was getting into, except for the fact that I needed something to catch fish with. On another cast I hooked a rather strong individual full of stamina. On a map, the Squamish River looks like a sapphire snake winding its way through the Coastal Mountain Range and eventually finding its way to the river delta, and spilling out into Howe Sound. Needless to say I had my work cut out for me. ), current types (Will I be fishing in still water or in current?) Flyfishing for pink, coho and chum salmon produces well as long as water clarity is good. Squamish Fly Fishing Squamish is a world class anglers destination with incredible year-round fishing in stunning coastal mountain scenery. The main access to the lower section of the Cheakamus River is from Squamish Valley Road. The winter and spring months are the best times to river fish in Squamish or head out on the ice in Whistler for a truely Canadian ice fishing experience! However most people don't seem to know the trick in tying it. Fishman's Park on the Squamish River Access to the Cheakamus River and Upper Squamish River can be done via Squamish Valley Road. Each offers a rearing ground for young salmonids. I was handed my first fly fishing rod. Pinks are available in the rivers from July through September of … Fly Fishing Squamish River. Two casts later I got my chance. The fish that I hooked was noticeably smaller and lighter, but it still put up a good fight. View Brian Mack's fishing report in Squamish River, Canada for Pink salmon from 07/30/2019 to 08/01/2019 in Fly dreamers. I did not know how to use a fly rod. The Squamish poacher is a local favorite for fishing the Squamish and Cheakamus rivers. Fishing Squamish River, BC - A Novice's Fly Fishing Journey I devoured their instructional videos on YouTube and purchased ‘The Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing: More Than 300 Tips for Angles of All Levels‘, what the bookstore clerk reverently called “The Bible”. Accessing the river can be done from here. Orvis…the name kept popping up everywhere I looked for flyfishing information. I decided to go with the purple marabou and, with it tied to my line, waded into the cold Squamish River. After recalling my conversations and my readings I settled on using streamers, in particular green wooly buggers, purple marabous and shiny streamers. Our privacy policy and terms & conditions. Float fishing for ocean-fresh chum salmon in October and November can be productive in the lower section of the Squamish River. A simple wool tie on the hook can entice these aggressive biters. : Squamish River Salmon fishing - See 9 traveller reviews, 21 candid photos, and great deals for Squamish, Canada, at Tripadvisor. The weight of the fish made me think for a moment that I may have hooked a medium-sized brown trout, but as it broke the surface I could see its silver side and knew that it was some sort of salmon. You can watch these flies tied on our instructional fly tying tutorial website Friday Night Flies. *Sharper Hooks* *Tighter Lines* ... Best Fishing: Fair Fishing: In River: Fly Fishing Only: Not In River Jan. Feb. Mar. There are several access points in the Lower Squamish River, mainly from the Mamquam River mouth to the estuary launch. It was an 11-foot, 2-piece and came packaged with a matching fly reel with backing, a yellow-green fluorocarbon fly line and fast sinking leader. As I wriggled into my hip waders I thought about the various flies and streamers that I had at my disposal. The fish are aggressive and they often hold in the broad, shallow riffles. If you are able to cast a fly 50-70ft then you are capable of fly fishing for pinks from our local beaches, whether you are just beginning or a seasoned angler! The salmon smoked my line out all the way to the backing and then as quickly as it came; it was gone as it broke off my hook. Steelhead start showing up in the rivers surrounding Squamish in January and wrap up June. I decided to dig deeper into this company and found that they are an industry leader with a pedigree to match. I begin to whip the rod back and forth causing the heavy fly line to shoot through the guides of the rod and increasing the distance it covered in the water. I felt happy, yet a little defeated. The tree line sits a fair distance away from the fishing area and this means that a fisherman can really swing a fly rod without fear of snagging a shrub or some other obstruction. Providing fly-fishing gear, courses, advice and trips since 1985, it was my first and only stop to get my gear. Wildlife are abundant in the Squamish River valley, so explore with care to avoid confrontations and accidents. Year-round opportunity for both resident and sea-run trout and char species. My right forearm was burning at this point. All Rights Reserved. The peak of the Steelhead run is typically the month of April. Fly Fishing Whistler B.C. Squamish River, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Squamish is the unofficial “outdoor recreation” Capital of Canada. Fly Fishing on the Squamish River Only an hour from downtown Vancouver you can be fishing some of the most celebrated salmon runs in the world. There are also many creeks feeding the Squamish River. This page shows when game fish species are in the Squamish River system of British Columbia and the best time to fish for them. I really wanted to land a fish, even if it was just once that day. There are tons of species to fish for, we have rainbow trout, dolly varden, bull trout, coastal cutthroat trout, steelhead and three species of Pacific salmon: pinks, cohos and chum. On one particular engagement the salmon bit down on my lure a mere five feet from where I was standing. Unfortunately, this fish ended up breaking free as well. It is also a hotspot for local wildlife, so be cautious and have your cameras close at hand. Anglers cannot possibly ask for more from a watershed that is only 1 to 1.5 hours drive from Vancouver. Although its former glory days are unfortunately long gone due to overfishing, habitat degradation and pollution, it still offers quality catch and release fisheries in the finest scenic setting. In this case I put my own spin on it and it looks a bit different then the original but hey, but its the same technique, and its not like the fish really care. I was now armed to the teeth with the tools needed to land a hefty salmon. Nothing was going to take this away from me and I can finally, officially, call myself a fisherman. The fishing season of Squamish River is limited compared to other river systems in Southwestern BC. Chum salmon and coho salmon fisheries are available from early October to late December. Is it an open area or will there be obstacles like trees? The Squamish River dominates the western border of the town. The road forks into two after the bridge. The Squamish River holds true to … Each has its own unique eco-system. I actually had to switch hands for a minute just to gain a bit of reprieve from the lactic acid buildup. Books, Films, Toys & More, Sea Turtle Gifts – Toys & Gift Ideas For Sea Turtle Lovers Of All Ages, Best Animal Books For Kids 2018: Animal Encyclopedias & Reference Books. So excited was I, so overcome with some primal joy that I forgot to set the hook and when I started to crank the reel the fish spat it out. Silver Creek Outfitters (23) John Packer (14) Brower Moffitt (13) Anibal Núñez (12) Uros Kristan - URKO Fishing Adventures (12) Kenneth Sykes (10) Halldór Hallsson (7) Fly Dreamers (6) Paulius Mazuras (6) David Lambroughton (5) Hey, I understand your concern, but this is a pretty small fly fishing forum, and I'm fine if a few other fly fishers know a decent river to fish. I wrestled with my rod for what seemed like hours but in reality was more like ten minutes. It is these four fish that I set my sights on and after consulting with locals and anglers it looked like the best and “funnest” way to catch them was on a fly rod. Fly Fishing for Trout and Char near Squamish. Continue until the first bridge. Advertise with us - Video Production - Website Design - Subscription Service - Contact Us. Always keep your fish in the water and use wet bare hands to handle them. Flyfishing for pink, coho and chum salmon produces well as long as water clarity is good. On a sunny day, it is not uncommon to see several anglers in the area. I did not have a fly rod. The Squamish River has been a superb fly fishing river for steelhead. By this point it was early October and after a particularly dry summer the first showers of fall have finally come and the Run was starting in earnest. Choose from half and full-day trips or discover remote fly fishing at its finest through a heli-fishing trip to one of more than 180 remote wilderness rivers. Fly Fishing Whistler B.C. And it is this relationship between the open Pacific and the inland streams that allows Squamish to play host in-part to one of natures largest migrations: the Pacific Salmon Run. My guide Alex was on point from the first time I contacted him regarding a day Fly fishing he made the hole experience easy, something appreciated when coming from the other side of the world . My quarry kept zigging and zagging and I had to move down the shoreline several times, apologizing to other fishermen as I wove myself through their lines. The Squamish has four main tributaries: the Elaho, the Ashlu, the Cheakamus and the Mamquam. The lower section of the river offers the best venue for flyfishing due to its spacious river bank. They even threw in a couple of flies for good measure. That's all a part of the Squamish fishing experience." When heading north from Vancouver on Highway 99, turn off at the City of Squamish. Once a hub of British Columbia’s booming logging industry, it now bills itself as the ‘Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada’. After discussing details like fishing location (From a boat? On Vancouver’s busy street of West Broadway sits the fly fishing institution of Michael & Young. The upper sections of the river near Whistler can be acce… Our Squamish River fishing packages are flexible, pick and choose your days. Our fly fishing guides have developed numerous flies specialized for the Squamish River and Tributaries. Squamish’s waters mainly attract three species of Pacific Salmon; Chum, Coho and Pink. Copyright © 2001 - 2016 Fishing with Rod Production. Three casts later I got my first nibble. For salmon and steelhead, float fishing and lure fishing are two popular techniques used by anglers on the Squamish River. Popular method when targeting trout and char gems in its crown River is 80km in length, stretching the. To land a fish, and they were coming fishing are two popular techniques used by on. Home ; Products Whistler B.C got away ’ access to the Cheakamus River is limited compared to River. 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