OUTLOOK
December is here and with it anglers are looking to winter fisheries, fly tying for next season, maybe doing some holiday warm water fishing or strategizing some fishing gift ideas for under the tree..
We just released our course schedule for all of 2025. These courses make the perfect gift. Save your loved one’s time and tell them to call in to the shop (604.872.2204) and we can reserve a spot. We are very excited about are our returning Winter Chinook Course and a new more advanced lake fishing course called Contemporary Chironomid Tactics. Both are taught by Jason Tonelli, and he has been working hard over the last 2 seasons to develop the content for these courses. They are packed with new strategies and tactics. We will also be announcing some in season courses, so be sure to keep an eye on your inboxes for updates in our weekly fishing reports!
In this week’s report we look at some early timing for winter steelheading. We have a winter chinook update and Eric has been up the Sea to Sky and has an egg eater update.
On to the report!
CLASSES AND COURSES
It’s here – our 2025 Course Listing. We have just released our full line up of courses for the 2025 season. From the beginner angler just starting out to the advanced angler looking to refine their craft there is something for everyone!
Check out the full course listing below and give us a call at 604.872.2204 to sign up!
https://www.pacificangler.ca/2025-course-listing/
FRESHWATER FISHING REPORTS
Chilliwack/Vedder River Fishing Report
The salmon season on the Chilliwack has wrapped up and though it is early we can start looking to the winter steelhead season. Historically, this fishery kicks off in the New Year but we have already heard whisperings of a fish or two being caught and it will be interesting to see how the numbers are this season. Though not directly related, good summer run numbers and good salmon numbers for chum might hint at a good winter steelhead season on the horizon.
General Timing of the Chilliwack Winter Steelhead Run
Seasonal timing is key to success on the Chilliwack. In December there are not many fish in the system, but you will find the fish that do arrive are aggressive. Anglers can fish fast with large presentations even in low clear conditions knowing that covering water is better than posting up. We tell people to not burn out early and fishing during December is an accomplishment but scouting missions in December will pay dividends for knowing where to go over the rest of the season.
As we shift into January, we see the first real pushes of fish. Historically this happens somewhere between the 10th and 20th. Fishing is still hard and not consistent but for those that have good spots, know the river, and hit one of these waves, some of the best days can happen in January.
By the end of January and into February we are into the meat of the season. Though conditions start to play more of a role fishing becomes more consistent. Anglers will need to get more technical but can also rely on fish being spread throughout the system. As long as the weather doesn’t get horrible this is a great time to schedule some weekends on the water.
At the end of February, we start seeing the early signs of Spring and as we get into March salmon fry hatch, temperatures start to rise and though there are stale fish in the system, fresh fish are still coming. This is probably the most productive time of the season and anglers that have put time in during January and February are rewarded.
A Beautiful Late February Fish!
Winter steelhead fishing is one of the most challenging fisheries in the Lower Mainland.
Over the next couple weeks, we will be coming out with more how to articles if you plan to tackle it on the Chilliwack this season. Most anglers will use float fishing setups and if you are wanting to up your float fishing game, we have a great course designed to teach you the skills on concepts needed to find success. Check out the 2025 Fishing course schedule and look for the Steelhead Float Fishing course. It is held on January 22 and tends to sell out fast so call it in if you would like to reserve a spot.
Squamish River Fishing Report
The Squamish was fishing well at the end of the week. We saw a surprise water bump that moved some fish around and pushed some of the late coho up the system. This also added some much-needed colour to the system as winter can often bring low and clear conditions. We have some rain in the forecast for the valley built it’s hard to say how much will fall as rain or if it will land as snow on the hills.
Coho are still present in the system, but most are coloured up and should be left alone to do their thing.
Trout fishing has been decent fishing the swing or the egg. I found fish on fleshy light coloured slump buster style flies. Each run can be a little different with fish holding at the head of the run gobbling eggs or far into the tail out making them susceptible to a swung fly. Anglers willing to bring two rods can capitalize on both opportunities.
With salmon spawning everywhere keep an eye out for wildlife coming down to feast on late season fish. Wolves, bears, and eagles can be seen all up the valley. If you’re planning a trip, be prepared for winter conditions as the first snowfalls are not far away.
Eric
SALTWATER FISHING REPORTS
Vancouver Winter Salmon Fishing Report
These last few years, December has been a very productive month for winter chinook fishing around Vancouver. It looks like we are in for another great December if the trips we did this week are any indication of how the rest of the month will go.
PA guide Josh Lo had a great day with his clients, coming back with 6 nice chinook and some BC spot prawns.
Lately, the green flashers have been working well, in particular the Gibbs Delta STS which is a green blade with glow tape on one side and moon jelly tape on the other, as well as the Lemon Lime in a green blade. For hootchies, the chartreuse glow or green glow splatter back hootchies have been productive. For spoons the Skinny G in Trailhead, No Bananas, and Outfitter have been good and of course you always want to have the Irish Cream 3.5 Kingfisher down there. Remember to charge up your flashers and spoons with a UV light to maximize the glow properties and to put some anchovy or herring gel scent on your lures.
We have all of these items in stock if you are heading out in your own boat and need to stock up.
If you don’t have a boat and want to book a charter, this is a great time to go! There are lots of fish around, not a lot of boats, and the prawning is good. Treat yourself to a holiday fishing trip or take your family out if they are in town and enjoy a great seafood dinner with fresh chinook and prawns.
To book a trip, call us at 778-788-8582.
See you in the shop or on the water,
Jason Tonelli
