On boxing day, I got out on the water in the upper end of the canal and it was cold but only one other angler was upstream so I felt I was first at the hole. This did not turn out to be much of an advantage and although I worked the several hundred yards of river I only ended up with a large sucker to show for it. As it turned out an estimated 180 anglers did make it out for derby day and only three fish were weighed in when the bell sounded at 2:00 pm. By then I was well on my way to mom's for a hot shower and belated Christmas ham.
The first few days in January right after the big snow were clear and cold and the Squamish looked to be in prime shape but almost 24 inches of snow made the road virtually impassable. Then came the rains of this week which boosted the Capilano, Mamquam and as I drove out today the Squamish was up somewhat and muddy. So the day got a slow start but success favors those who persevere. I got a late start but as it turned out I only saw 5 trucks that I could attribute to fishermen and this seemed in my favor.