Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: BCfisherman97 on August 19, 2009, 09:44:29 PM

Title: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: BCfisherman97 on August 19, 2009, 09:44:29 PM
I am wondering if there is any nice crome fish hanging around Cable Pool? If their is what is the best just or bait chaise to catch them?

Thanks Nicolas.
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: Eagleye on August 19, 2009, 10:06:08 PM
They are probably more silver than the black spring in your avatar but you will have a hard time catching them considering they have seen a wide gamut of lures and the water is gin clear.  You would probably be better off trying the mouth of the Cap for eager biting fresh fish. 
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: BCfisherman97 on August 19, 2009, 10:13:46 PM
Thanks, but how is the water on the Cap? (hight enough to fish or to low?)
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: Eagleye on August 19, 2009, 10:23:31 PM
too low right now for my liking.  You can check check the water levels on this site http://www.vankayak.org/capcam/ I prefer to fish it when it is between 3 and 4 feet.  It will take a substantial amount of rain for this to occur.  Be careful after it rains though.  The Capilano is a dangerous river.  The rocks are slippery, the water is freezing cold and the current is strong when it is up.
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: Capilano Mano on August 19, 2009, 10:24:57 PM
i've seen more water coming out of alot of the creeks on the north shore right now. Been low and slow since june...
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: colin6101 on August 19, 2009, 10:25:20 PM
From everything that I have heard lately the fishing at the cap has slowed down. You would probably have better luck trying down at the mouth or waiting for some rain to push some fresh fish into the system.
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: BCfisherman97 on August 19, 2009, 10:32:07 PM
If I do decide to fish the Cap what is the best lure/bait choice?
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: Eagleye on August 19, 2009, 10:38:40 PM
 If you fish it when it is low and clear you want to use light line like 6lb maxima or flourocarbon with a small float like an adjust-a-bublbe or small drennan, use split shot for weight and roe or small lures.  You could also try casting small lures with a spinning rod and no float.  The trick is to be stealthy.  It also helps to switch up your presentation and try something that they haven't seen before (be creative).  It is very tough fishing though to say the least.  I would also recommend fishing for them early or late in the day when the water is this low because the coho are more leary during the day and are easily spooked fish to begin with.  Good luck if you decide to go and again be very careful.  You may see people fishing off the ciffs but I would not recommend that for a few reason, #1 being your safety.  A person dies on the Cap every year.  I would highly recommend casting spoons and buzzbombs at the mouth at this time of year.
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: BCfisherman97 on August 19, 2009, 10:45:37 PM
Thanks for all the info. I have been told that fishing with roe is only permitted until the end of July, is that true?
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: Rodney on August 19, 2009, 10:47:03 PM
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish/regulations/docs/0911/fish-synopsis_2009-11_region2.pdf
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: Eagleye on August 19, 2009, 10:50:30 PM
Yes that is correct I forgot about that crappy rule for this time of year.
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: Eagleye on August 20, 2009, 07:36:23 AM
You should have a copy of the regulations or look up the online regs before fishing any body of water since their may be specific rules pertaining to it.  Don't rely on what someone else tells you.
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: Brian on August 20, 2009, 10:22:58 AM
Well, I'm off to do some hiking/exploring of the upper Capilano on saturday morning.

What time of year is usually best for fishing this part of the river?
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: Brian on August 26, 2009, 11:31:38 PM
Thanks for all the info. I have been told that fishing with roe is only permitted until the end of July, is that true?

Are powerbaits considered bait or lure?
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: Rodney on August 26, 2009, 11:38:41 PM
Bait.
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: Brian on August 27, 2009, 01:41:55 AM
Quote from: Brian
Are powerbaits considered bait or lure?

Quote from: Rodney
Bait.

Thanks Rodney.
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: SpringMaster on August 27, 2009, 08:23:15 AM
How's the fishing situation at the mouth of the river these days?
Does Capilano have Pink salmon runs too?
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: Funeral Of Hearts on August 27, 2009, 01:53:25 PM
I fished the mouth of the cap today. Lots of fish jumping, coho and pinks. Unfortunately they are pretty tight lipped. Speaking of unfortunate, does anyone know if aboriginals are allowed to purposely snag fish (using big weighted treble hooks), and keep the fish regardless of weather or not its a hatchery coho or wild? I'm looking to bash anyone, I would just like to know.

One more question. I don't fish that area much but I thought I would give it a try. I might go back this weekend and try to defeat the tight lipped fish. However, there appeared to be a number of people fishing beneath the lions gate bridge on the same side of the inlet as the cap. How does one get over there, I thought it was native land?
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: Funeral Of Hearts on August 27, 2009, 02:19:37 PM
Nothing was biting, there was a lady there that had one on early but it got off right away. I was there from dark till about 10:00am and saw none caught (other than the snagged fish draged in by the aboriginal fellows)

Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: DragonSpeed on August 27, 2009, 02:26:48 PM
does anyone know if aboriginals are allowed to purposely snag fish (using big weighted treble hooks), and keep the fish regardless of weather or not its a hatchery coho or wild? I'm looking to bash anyone, I would just like to know.
TTBOMK - Yup.
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: twocoaster on August 27, 2009, 02:52:29 PM
TTBOMK - Yup.

Whether the law says they are allowed or not is really a moot point - there is no political will to enforce when it comes to "First Nations".
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: Fish Assassin on August 27, 2009, 03:08:18 PM
What is the best spot on the Cap right now, has anyone fished Cable Pool lately?

Thanks Nicolas.

River is low, low, low.
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: mr.p on August 27, 2009, 03:33:54 PM
Water level hasn't been above a 1 since the end of June I believe.
Mid May through Mid June were fantastic.  We had a period of hot weather which caused alot of snowmelt and filled up the dam pretty quick.
There were many days where the water level was between a 2-3.  The last big push of fish came at the end of June when the water jumped
to a 3 for about 12 hours.  The next morning it was back down to a 1, but it seemed to bring alot of fish in.  I landed 10 nice coho that morning.

The river is very low right now.  I was there about a week ago.
Saw a nice pod of about 6-8 steelies up in the cable pool.
There seem to be a few fish moving through as I saw a couple chromers "hooked".
The hatchery had some fresh fish moving up the ladder as well.
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: SpringMaster on August 28, 2009, 04:26:38 PM
when do the springs enter Capilano?
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: Brian on August 28, 2009, 06:27:16 PM
Saw a nice pod of about 6-8 steelies up in the cable pool.
There seem to be a few fish moving through as I saw a couple chromers "hooked".
The hatchery had some fresh fish moving up the ladder as well.


Yup, those were beautiful fish.

I saw one with a hook, leader, and float swimming around.  Looks like somebody's mainline broke above the float  :P
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: jon5hill on August 28, 2009, 06:53:58 PM
This kid named Gavin fishes there and uses a pencil lead, 8 foot leader, large hook with a small piece of wool on it. He drops his line in where the fish are, drags it back and when he "gets a bite" he tries to "set the hook" by yanking the rod up. I saw him hook 2 and he had bonked a big one earlier, the other 2 were hooked in the tail or body. I just don't see the fun in snagging fish.. moreover, why do people try and pretend like they are biting it. 2 other guys switched to his "setup" when he hooked them. I wish this was illegal.
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: Rodney on August 28, 2009, 06:57:39 PM
Jon, it IS illegal. Best to phone the RAPP line everytime when you see this practice up there. If the reports are frequent enough, COs will make the time to show up, observe the practice and hand out tickets.
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: poncho on August 28, 2009, 07:49:34 PM
Hey Funeral of Hearts.

I guess that was you I was fishing next to on Wednesday at the Cap. It was pretty frustrating to watch those guys snagging fish and then selling them to people on the walkway. I don't think they appreciated it too much when they saw my badge and I threatened to confiscate their gear for illegally selling fish.

My buddy was under the Lions Gate Bridge the same time we were at the Cap and he caught numerous pinks and 1 Coho. I might try over there next week.
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: mr.p on August 28, 2009, 09:39:53 PM
This kid named Gavin fishes there and uses a pencil lead, 8 foot leader, large hook with a small piece of wool on it. He drops his line in where the fish are, drags it back and when he "gets a bite" he tries to "set the hook" by yanking the rod up. I saw him hook 2 and he had bonked a big one earlier, the other 2 were hooked in the tail or body. I just don't see the fun in snagging fish.. moreover, why do people try and pretend like they are biting it. 2 other guys switched to his "setup" when he hooked them. I wish this was illegal.

Sick!  You should definately phone it in.  I think you will see a better response when reporting such infractions on smaller more vulnerable flows.
Intentionally snagging fish is illegal. 
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: Funeral Of Hearts on August 28, 2009, 10:50:07 PM
My buddy was under the Lions Gate Bridge the same time we were at the Cap and he caught numerous pinks and 1 Coho. I might try over there next week.

How do you get to that spot under the bridge? I checked it out on my way home on thursday, and i couldn't figure out where people were parking.
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: Brian on August 28, 2009, 11:39:53 PM
How do you get to that spot under the bridge? I checked it out on my way home on thursday, and i couldn't figure out where people were parking.

Be aware that you may be on reservation land.  To get under the bridge, go thru park royal and over the small bridge on your left, then keep going south, over the tracks and past the gate.

I was told by a gentleman that I was not allowed to fish on that bank of the river, but the other bank was okay.  Not sure about the ocean portion.
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: salmonlover on August 29, 2009, 03:52:55 PM
when do the springs enter Capilano?

on the dfo website they start to enter september to december
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: Jonny 5 on August 29, 2009, 05:20:37 PM
Hey Hill!  It should be picking up any time now, keep trying till you figure out what works.  I will try to get into the lower mainland for a weekend this fall and we can try out a couple of those spots I told you about.  Lets hope for perfect weather.
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: vapor on August 29, 2009, 06:57:21 PM
Its pretty depressing fishing the mouth this morning, it seemed like the only fish caught were buy the FN with trebles....
but i geuss everyone on this forum already knew that.....
 +post count :P
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: Brian on August 31, 2009, 12:45:12 AM
Went exploring on the upper section today, found trails to dogleg pool, but there's not much action there.  Fish were jumping at the cable pool, but not really biting.  A fly fisher on the big rock just south of the cable bridge was getting some bites.
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: SpringMaster on August 31, 2009, 07:13:40 AM
Went exploring on the upper section today, found trails to dogleg pool, but there's not much action there.  Fish were jumping at the cable pool, but not really biting.  A fly fisher on the big rock just south of the cable bridge was getting some bites.
Thanks Brian.  When do you expect some increase in the water level so the fish cam swim up the river?
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: mr.p on August 31, 2009, 12:48:07 PM
Thanks Brian.  When do you expect some increase in the water level so the fish cam swim up the river?

The Cap needs rain and probably at least a couple days of it to get any rise in the levels.
The only other time the water will rise is in the spring/early summer when there is alot of snowmelt and the reservoir gets filled up.

Judging by the fresh fish I saw in the CP and hatchery about a week ago, there are fish moving in. 
But not many.
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: SpringMaster on September 01, 2009, 07:55:23 AM
The Cap needs rain and probably at least a couple days of it to get any rise in the levels.
The only other time the water will rise is in the spring/early summer when there is alot of snowmelt and the reservoir gets filled up.

Judging by the fresh fish I saw in the CP and hatchery about a week ago, there are fish moving in. 
But not many.

What method would you use in the pool under HW1?  I think the bait ban is on now and we cannot use roe anymore.  So, what would work for coho?
When do Springs enter the river? ???
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: younggun on September 01, 2009, 09:44:44 AM
seeing as u can wade almost everysingle tailout from the highway bridge up to the pipeline bridge and every pool is gin clear and u can see bottom, i spotted 1 boot coho. so dont waste your time. the river needs water bad! the only real time there is consistent flow is around may and june, after that its spotty and either the river is high one day and low the other, or it just gets shut down.
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: SpringMaster on September 02, 2009, 10:42:08 AM
cannt wait for some good water level to fish capilano this year.

When will the Springs enter the river? 
Thx
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: Dr. Backlash on September 02, 2009, 12:41:26 PM
when the rains come...if the river is too low, its really tough for them to make it up the river
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: SpringMaster on September 02, 2009, 01:46:52 PM
when the rains come...if the river is too low, its really tough for them to make it up the river

So basically right now the Springs are circling the mouth of the river and waiting for rain?
Can they be caught with spoons or anything at the mouth?
Thx
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: younggun on September 02, 2009, 01:47:21 PM
lets hope soon because if we get a late opening those springs will be black before they even make it out of the salt
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: SpringMaster on September 05, 2009, 10:43:32 PM
Looking at Capilano cam, it doesn't seem the water level has risen much after all this rain.
Have you guys seen any improvements in the river condition yet?
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: mr.p on September 05, 2009, 10:50:54 PM
Looking at Capilano cam, it doesn't seem the water level has risen much after all this rain.
Have you guys seen any improvements in the river condition yet?

No change in water level.  We need at least a couple of days of solid rain.
There won't be any run off effect until the dry ground soaks up some water first.
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: younggun on September 05, 2009, 11:20:50 PM
the worst is when it keeps on raining they open it up full the river floods and then ur fishing huge water and then they shut it off againa and it drops and all the fish get trapped
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: hotrod on September 06, 2009, 07:15:21 AM
It's raining cats and dogs here right now! hopefully they may open it up after today, but recent expeirience says no. I think the resevior will fill up quite a bit but not enough to let it go. One more good rain needed to blow it over the top. Also they are building a new bridge on Marine drive so they may keep it low for as long as possible. Having said that I just got some new line put on my reel with all my gear ready in case I end up running out the door to the river.In other words ..... anytime now!  Hoping I'm way wrong!

 
    Hotrod
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: salmonlover on September 19, 2009, 02:21:58 PM
has anyone fished here lately if so has it been good?
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: Hooks_of_Fury on September 19, 2009, 03:13:56 PM
ya i went down on friday to the highway bridge. super low and clear. never saw anything even though the river went up to 1.5 on the cam for a half day.
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: ~IvAn~ on September 19, 2009, 05:01:33 PM
 Saw lots being taken in that lower pool by the bridge......dont think the damn will open anytime soon because of that construction thats going on.
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: salmonlover on October 05, 2009, 04:52:09 PM
does anyone know when the best fishing for capilano is? is like the tributaries of the fraser where they heat up middle of october?
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: Matt on October 05, 2009, 11:21:23 PM
Call Dave Steele at Highwater Tackle.  604-986-3239.  He fishes the river a lot and has lots of good info.
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: rhino on October 05, 2009, 11:27:38 PM
i went to check the river out Saturday. the water is  very low and the fish are not interested as they are stale. Any decent amount of rain should make it worth while when the water level is a a foot or 2 higher higher. this will bring in some fresh fish that are more willing to bite. october can be good for some coho and spring action in the right conditions.

good luck
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: scotkemp on October 30, 2009, 11:57:52 PM
since the vedder is blown would the cap be in the same condition, never fished the cap before thought i would look into see what it was open for and give it a shot
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: Capilano Mano on October 31, 2009, 12:06:54 PM
Blown again....
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: nickredway on October 31, 2009, 11:39:07 PM
Was up this afternoon -  high but still good visibility, lost a coho on a colorado on , will give it a try first light.
Nick
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: nickredway on November 01, 2009, 01:15:32 PM
Was up there a few hours the morning - saw a nice coho and a coho jack caught. Only managed to hook up with a nice jack spring. Water was at a good level.
Nick
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: Steelconvert on November 03, 2009, 09:53:48 AM
How is the river looking in person? based on the wecam the river looks very high
Title: Re: Capilano River Fishing.
Post by: mr.p on November 03, 2009, 10:20:20 AM
The web cam is pretty accurate.  Its about an hour delayed though.
The river is up and raging today.