Cammer, I believe I HAVE identified the reason for declining stocks and poor returns in my post.
To answer your question, springs are quite abundant in the Squamish area now, especially in one of its tributaries.
But there is ZERO retention, so no crowds nor idiots lining the shores.
It also helps that COs are stationed almost permanently there checking for licenses, barbed hooks and, of course, illegal catches.
Sadly, all that will change in a week or so when hordes start driving out to fish for the ONE pink salmon they are allowed to retain.
Hopefully, they will soon open the Vedder for pinks, too, and that may take the pressure off of the last peaceful flows in the vicinity of Vancouver.