Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: CHaddon on September 28, 2015, 08:56:59 AM

Title: Status of Squamish River?
Post by: CHaddon on September 28, 2015, 08:56:59 AM
I was planning a trip this coming weekend up to Squamish. I was doing some reading about the regulations in the area and recent fishing reports and ran into some confusion.

First, I read multiple reports that say the Squamish river is Catch and Release ONLY. However, I am finding nothing in the BC Freshwater regulations that states this.

Additionally, I was hoping to get a first-hand report of the water quality there over the last few days if anyone has been in the area. I've read that the river can blow out pretty easily. I'm hoping to take my wife out to teach her salmon fishing and if the conditions are too tough we might find a different river.

Lastly, are the Coho and Chum running yet??@!?!?!?@
Title: Re: Status of Squamish River?
Post by: CHaddon on September 28, 2015, 09:46:12 AM
Nevermind, I figured out what I was missing in the regulations.

Being new to fishing in BC you almost gotta take a class to learn to interpret the fishing regulations, yeesh!

Squamish River is catch-and-release EXCEPT that you're allowed to retain 1 hatchery marked Coho per day.

Still looking for a report from someone who's been up there but I was hoping to keep my catch so I might find a different river.
Title: Re: Status of Squamish River?
Post by: Flytech on September 28, 2015, 09:47:56 AM
It should be a decent visibility as the rain has subsided and we aren't expecting anymore. By the time you get there it should be good to go. As far as the current regulations bait ban, one hatchery marked coho per day, no pink salmon retention, no retention of steelhead, this is all I can find currently.


They really need to Make the system more user friendly. No wonder people claim ignorance.
Title: Re: Status of Squamish River?
Post by: CHaddon on September 28, 2015, 10:12:10 AM
No kidding. The regulations are on multiple pages and change constantly. There really needs to be a single, consolidated web site page that lets you pick your fishing location and gives you a full run-down of the regulations.

I think the guys claiming ignorance are probably telling the truth for the most part. Fortunately ignorance isn't a defense.

Thanks for the update!
Title: Re: Status of Squamish River?
Post by: Fish or cut bait. on September 28, 2015, 10:17:24 AM
Also BAIT BAN.
Title: Re: Status of Squamish River?
Post by: Flytech on September 28, 2015, 10:18:57 AM
Also BAIT BAN.


Already stated.
Title: Re: Status of Squamish River?
Post by: Fish or cut bait. on September 28, 2015, 11:20:00 AM
Thanks Flytech, an over site on my part but also an over site for many others and on other systems as well  ;)
Title: Re: Status of Squamish River?
Post by: Fish Assassin on September 28, 2015, 12:19:05 PM
No retention of chums.
Title: Re: Status of Squamish River?
Post by: eager_rookie on September 28, 2015, 12:39:01 PM
Hatchery coho are also relatively uncommon, not a good area if you're looking to retain outside of pink season. I fish the squamish systems a few times a week in Oct/Nov each year, and of many many coho I only catch a few hatchery fish each year.
Title: Re: Status of Squamish River?
Post by: Flytech on September 28, 2015, 12:42:57 PM
No retention of chums.


Where are you seeing that?
Title: Re: Status of Squamish River?
Post by: Rodney on September 28, 2015, 12:45:04 PM
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/fresh-douce/region2-eng.html

In the past 7 or 8 years or so now, retention of chum salmon is announced during the season.
Title: Re: Status of Squamish River?
Post by: Fish Assassin on September 28, 2015, 12:46:07 PM
Thanks Rodney. You just beat me to it.
Title: Re: Status of Squamish River?
Post by: Flytech on September 28, 2015, 12:46:11 PM
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/fresh-douce/region2-eng.html (http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/fresh-douce/region2-eng.html)

In the past 7 or 8 years or so now, retention of chum salmon is announced during the season.


And it hasn't been announced yet. Ahh yes, it's not listed, therefore no retention. Once again, not a clear system.
Title: Re: Status of Squamish River?
Post by: Rodney on September 28, 2015, 12:46:44 PM
Not yet, usually not until second week of October when the run is assessed.
Title: Re: Status of Squamish River?
Post by: CHaddon on September 28, 2015, 12:47:52 PM
Thanks Rod I was just about to post that.

The alter at the top of the sheet says ZERO retention unless otherwise stated and the Squamish river only states 1 hatchery Coho per day. Everything else is off limits, C&R.

I'm hoping to retain a few so I'm thinking I might end up at the Vedder again. Packing light and doing some hiking to see if I can find a more secluded spot away from the crowds.

Edit: Apparently I'm too slow, haha.
Title: Re: Status of Squamish River?
Post by: RG on September 28, 2015, 04:21:02 PM
I checked it out yesterday and there was zero visibility.