SQUAMISH FISHING REPORT

FLY FISHING IN SQUAMISH BC SPRING 2023

We’ve had a bit of a finicky year so far in Squamish, with weather playing the biggest factor in river and fishing conditions. The cold, low freezing levels has kept Squamish rivers very low and clear, making for some tricky fishing. Below are some tips and updates on Spring fly fishing on the Squamish River and tributaries.

STEELHEAD REPORT

Catching a steelhead in the Squamish River system is often compared to finding a unicorn. The entire system may see 600-800 fish on an average year. This year is on average with a decent return of fish. They’ve been caught on the lower river and the upper river with decent reports from the Cheakamus River as well.  There’s nothing to do but put your time in and cover as much water as possible. This is not a sport for the faint of heart, we had a guest fish with us for 5 days and on the 6th day he finally connected with a beautiful fish.

• Don’t worry so much about what fly to use, how you fish it is more important.
• Flies should be lightly weighted.
• Lighter sink tips are generally preferred over heavier trips.
• Squamish steelhead like water where they can find protection.
• Remember, if you’re targeting steelhead you need a Steelhead Conservation License.
• Squamish River is single barbless hook. No bait is allowed system wide.

BULL TROUT FISHING

Fishing for bull trout was hit or miss through the lower river levels. Bull trout move around a lot and often “pod up” in groups when river conditions are low and clear. On our guided fly fishing trips in Squamish we will often fish several pieces of water before connecting with some bulls, but if we find one, there are often others. As river levels rise and the rivers get some colour, the bulls tend to become more active. There are good numbers of chum fry throughout the entire Squamish River system and fry patterns fished on light lines have been our go to over the past two weeks.

• Spring bull trout are feed on salmon fry and sculpins.
• Fish some small fry patterns with long leaders and floating lines. This can be very effective.
• Swing some olive sculpin patterns is also a good way to target bull trout.
• Here’s a simply bull trout fly pattern that usually works pretty well!
• Always handle fish with care and remember, single barbless hooks only.

FLIES THAT WE’RE FISHING THIS SPRING

We can’t give away too many secrets but there have been a few top producer flies for us this Spring…

• White rabbit strip tube flies have fished well for us, they usually do.
• Some sparkly olive streamers, tied sparsely have proven well for bull trout.
• The usual pink bunny leeches have been our go to for steelhead, no sparkle.
• Egg sucking leeches are always a go-to, here’s how we tie them.

STAY IN TOUCH

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About the Author

Yos Gladstone is the owner operator of Chromer Sport Fishing, a guiding company and booking agency based in British Columbia, Canada. A full-time salmon & steelhead guide, Yos spends 200+ days a year on the water fishing, guiding and hosting trips.

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