OUTLOOK
Happy New Year everyone! It is the first fishing report of the New Year and even though January is not one of the most popular times to get out on the water the guys and girls braving the weather have been sending in great reports!
In this week’s report, we are going to keep it short and sweet. We have updates on the Chilliwack where early steelheading continues to be solid and we are going to talk about the egg eaters on the Squamish. With relatively warm weather for the season both steelheading and egg eater conditions have been close to perfect. With things getting a little colder, water levels are now low, but with more rain in the forecast, it should bump things up a little over the weekend.
For our saltwater anglers, we have a report for you as well this week. The 2025 season is off to an excellent start with great fishing just minutes from our docks. Jason has more details on what our guide team has been using in his report this week.
Finally, we wanted to thank all our friends and customers who came out for the Boxing Week Sale. We haven’t talked about it much but if you missed it, our online store is now live! The new website will be your go to spot for all things fishing. As we get into the 2025 season we’ll be adding how to videos, product reviews, articles and more. It will also make it easier for you to find the best deals on all the products that you use and love. If you couldn’t make it down to the store for the Boxing Week Sale, be sure to check out the sale items that are now featured online! There are some screaming deals on boots, rain gear and even some rods reels and fly lines. Click the image below to see the deals!
CLASSES AND COURSES
Our 2025 courses are set to start later this month. From the beginner angler just starting out to the advanced angler looking to refine their craft there is something for everyone!
FRESHWATER FISHING REPORTS
Chilliwack/Vedder River Fishing Report
The C/V system has managed to stay in shape for the past week and has been fishing pretty well as a result. It hasn’t really been raining as much out there as it has been in the GVRD, and the sub-zero temps in the mountains means that some of the precipitation that has been falling in the watershed has been falling as snow. While there is a fair amount of precipitation in the forecast for the coming week (a common occurrence this season), I suspect the river should remain fishable for the week, barring a really big dump of rain.There are fish throughout the system- from the lower to the upper, so there’s not really a “best” area that you should focus on... just get out there and cover water!
I’ve been hearing reports of fish on all sorts of gear- bait, beads, rubber worms, blades, yarn, jigs, gooey bobs... all have been working. These early-season fish tend to be relatively aggressive, so it should come as no surprise that a wide variety of gear has been producing. I know I harp on this a lot but remember to adjust the size and colour of your presentation to suit the conditions- it's the second most important thing you can do to increase your odds of catching a Steelhead... second only to covering as much water as possible.
This has already been one of the most productive Decembers I’ve seen in a while, so I’m excited to see what the rest of the season brings... if the early season has been this good, imagine how good peak season could be!
Taylor Nakatani
Squamish River Fishing Report – Winter Update
The Squamish is quiet this time of year. Most locals are thinking about shredding downhill not downstream mends. This is wonderful time to do some exploratory walk and wades and learn the river.
During these lower water times I like to scout places to cross and check out some water that might not always be accessible to walk and wade anglers. Water levels should remain on the low side so you can do a deep wade and cover water normally untouchable during higher flows of salmon season. Do not get overconfident as clear water can sometimes hide how fast the current is moving. Try and take notes of your explorations and build a mental map of the river. This will pay off during steelhead season.
Fish will be forced to take cover in the deepest points of the river or seek cover under faster choppy water. Egg presentations in pale colours will fool a few trout in feeding lanes and swung flies/spoons are useful for covering larger runs. I tend to cover water fast focusing more on the heads and tails of runs. If you find fish be sure to practice safe winter handling. A rubber net will help wrestle them in and facilitate a smooth release without exposure to freezing temperatures. Resist the urge for out of water grip and grin shots.
Having trouble finding where to start your hunt for fish? Look for the birds. A safe bet for anyone making a trip up valley is look for the birds. Eagles will spend the first part of winter holding off spawning streams. If there is food for eagles, then there is good chance you will find trout in the vicinity. Small shore birds are also a good sign. Dipper birds will frequent areas where salmon have spawned, and eggs wash up… my favorite trout spots always have a dipper bird or two around.
Make the most of the short winter days and go prepared. The mornings will be frosty and the dark and cold will creep in quickly at the end of the day. Go prepared with multiple layers to change with the conditions. Decent rain gear is necessary... do not forget to wash and restore your rain gear! and thermal hats, and winter gloves will make those early morning hikes that much more enjoyable. This is also the time of year we see tire checks on the highway... m/s or mountain symbol rated tires only. Expect the road conditions to change frequently and be prepared for snow and slush.
Stay warm have fun!
Eric Peake
SALTWATER FISHING REPORTS
Vancouver Winter Chinook Fishing Report
Happy New Year to all of you! Looking back, it was a great year of Vancouver salmon fishing in 2024 and 2025 is off to a great start. The winter chinook fishing has been fantastic so far and January should prove to be another productive month.
A nice winter chinook from last week, caught deep in the harbour, literally a few minutes from False Creek.
There has been lots of bait, and not surprisingly lots of feeding chinook, right here in Vancouver harbour. The exact location of the bait changes each day, as it gets pushed around by the tides. We have had good success very deep in the harbour and all the way out past the Bell Buoy. The harbour is a huge spot in general and it can take some time, but cover water, find those bait balls, and you will find the fish!
A herring bait ball from Vancouver Harbour with some chinook right above it.
As you can see from the picture above, there is no shortage of bait around. Notice those chinook arcs right above the bait on the left of the picture. Those fish were at 80 feet in about 120 feet of water. Typically, we catch our winter chinook right on the bottom but lately we have seen some suspended fish. We have had some success bringing the gear up when the sonar shows us those suspended fish. Most of the fish are still within 10% of the bottom but be on the lookout for shallower fish and be prepared to adapt to what your sonar is showing you.
As far as gear goes, the brighter chartreuse and green flashers and spoons have been working well, which I detailed in last week’s report. For a short video of my catch from Sunday and a look at the fish and the gear we were using, visit us on our Instagram @pacificangler or on Facebook and look for the post where I am on sitting on the back deck with 6 chinook!
I am not sure how much longer the fish will be in the harbour, but Howe Sound is also producing well, and I am sure the Gulf Islands are too. There are a lot of spots and a lot of fish around, so get out there if you can.
No boat? No problem. Our team of expert guides and four Grady Whites are standing by to take you out winter chinook fishing and prawning. Give us a call at 778-788-8582 to book your trip.
See you in the shop or on the water,
Jason Tonelli
