OUTLOOK
Damp and relatively warm temperatures are coming this weekend, and we couldn’t ask for a better late November weather report for fishing. Rivers have been dropping all week and with a little rain in the forecast to keep things from getting too low, it should still be a good weekend to get out for the end of salmon season.
This week we have details on the Chilliwack. Surprisingly, there are still some fresh fish coming into the system. We also have a report on the Harrison, North side soughs and the Squamish. These systems have later bumps of salmon and can see solid coho fishing well into early December.
While we don’t have a winter chinook saltwater report this week, fishing is definitely productive, but it was tricky to get out on the water with the intense winds this week.
On to the report!
CLASSES AND COURSES
Thanks to all who attended one of our seminars, on the water, fly tying or casting courses this year! We loved being in the “classroom” with you and sharing our love of all things fishing. 2025 course dates will be released soon! Keep an eye on our inboxes for the full course listing.
INDUSTRY EVENTS AND UPDATES
Sport Fishing Institute of BC – Big Splash Silent Auction
If you missed getting tickets for the upcoming SFI Policy Conference and Big Splash Gala coming up on November 29 don’t worry – you can still participate! Their online silent auction is running until next week – check out all the amazing items you can bid on here while supporting a great cause.
FRESHWATER FISHING REPORTS
Chilliwack/Vedder River Fishing Report
It’s late November, and the 2024 Salmon season is wrapping up on the C/V system. There are still a few fresh coho and chum pushing into the system, but fishing has obviously slowed down significantly since the start of the month and will continue to do so as the last of this year’s fish trickle into the system. Though there are usually a few fresh fish showing up until December, I usually call the season “over” around the 25th.
I’ve heard a few reports of reasonably fresh chum being caught in the lower river, though most of the chum are either long gone or rather dark. Of course, there are a few Blackheads cruising into the system, but they are the exceptions. A few straggling coho are also being encountered in the lower as well; emphasis on few. There are a bunch of coho in the upper river as well, though they’re almost all quite dark and not worth targeting.
If you are planning on heading out for one last trip, the river is currently running at a very nice level, with great viz… though this is subject to change, based on precipitation. Check the forecasts and river levels before you head out to make sure you’re not going to pull up to a river that looks like chocolate milk.
Taylor Nakatani
Squamish River Fishing Report
The Squamish continues to see solid salmon fishing with fresh coho and even some late chum still trickling in. We are excited to see a little rain in the forecast over the weekend to keep things from getting too low and clear. Note, as we are writing the report, the river is at a 2.2m. Even with the rain, we expect low conditions this weekend due to the colder temperatures we are seeing overnight at higher elevations. Make sure you have small flies, pale colored egg imitations and lighter fluorocarbon leaders.
With good numbers of chum in the system we are also seeing good bull trout fishing. We are excited to see how the winter egg eater fishers will do this year with good numbers of salmon eggs in the system.
We are out on the water this weekend so we will have more intel from both the salmon fishing and the bull trout angling next week.
Matt Sharp
Harrison River Fishing Report
This past week saw the usual ups and downs with regards to weather and river conditions, but those who wandered did find some fish.
Chum fishing is still going on but winding down in regard to brighter fish. Short floating jigs and swinging purple flies is still getting them. Don’t be surprised when that chum turns into a chinook as it known to happen- especially to those swinging flies.
Coho fishing is continuing to be steady, with both the Harrison and its sloughs providing opportunities for gear and fly anglers. Small spinners and spoons can play a big role in smaller backchannels and troughs, with your larger options being common choices in the main stem.
Generally speaking, in regard to the Fraser and its tributaries (Vedder, Harrison, Stave, etc), that when the South side slows, the North side goes. As October turns into November, and November into December, the Harrison and it’s North-side tributaries will continue to fish well as the water holds.
Twitching jigs, spinners, and spoons are all great choices for those who use traditional gear, while a mix of flies (just like spinners/spoons) in various styles and sizes will round out the fly angler’s box. Having a mix of sizes, but also flash/sparseness will keep you tuned in to changing conditions and locations, allowing you to fish more effectively and efficiently.
One other thing to consider as the water drops and clears, is to tentatively use Fluorocarbon instead of Monofilament for leader material. There are great options from Seaguar, Rio, and Scientific Anglers that can be used by all user groups depending on need and conditions. Yes, fly anglers can use STS and gear anglers can use Rio/SA.
Tip up,
Jordan
