Two years ago, almost to the day, the pinks were running so thick in Squamish that it was common to hook 8 or more fish per hour with a two fish per person per day limit. This year has been significantly slower and we hope that the run will still pick up. Today it took about five hours to hook 8 fish but that is an improvement over a few days ago so let's hope the trend keeps going in the right direction.
Today Dave decided was a good day to go out so we did and both of us will be enjoying some fresh barbecued pink salmon very soon. The key to fishing the lower Squamish is to be there at least an hour before the peak tide arrives at the mouth and then fish for a few hours around the peak tide. It does take the fish some time to move upriver but they can scoot along pretty fast and with the lower numbers, you will see a burst of fish hit the bar and a few lucky fishers hook into some and then the wave is past. This means standing and doing a lot of casting and focusing on mending the line so you have a straight view down your rod tip, along the line to where your fly should be drifting. Too much slack or bow in the line and these rarer opportunities can pass un-noticed.
There were several times when the fish did not surface and one would end up on the line, but generally, if you saw surfacing fish you could look forward to a possible bit and extremely spirited tussle on the end of your line.
Again, the fish will come in very close to shore so if possible, stand in only 8 to 10 inches of water as cast out 20 or 30 feet and a fish just might take your fly between the 11 o'clock to 9 o'clock portion of your drift. A quickly jerked retrieve might enhance the chance of a strike, so be prepared to adjust drift depth, retrieve rates and flies......when things are slow you have to try all the angles!
There were several times when the fish did not surface and one would end up on the line, but generally, if you saw surfacing fish you could look forward to a possible bit and extremely spirited tussle on the end of your line.
Again, the fish will come in very close to shore so if possible, stand in only 8 to 10 inches of water as cast out 20 or 30 feet and a fish just might take your fly between the 11 o'clock to 9 o'clock portion of your drift. A quickly jerked retrieve might enhance the chance of a strike, so be prepared to adjust drift depth, retrieve rates and flies......when things are slow you have to try all the angles!
Dave shows of our limit of chrome pinks. Don't be surprised if you see teeth marks (like just above the tail on the fish on the right, as the seals are continuously prowling for fish. The seals can be pretty brave and frequently come within casting distance and since they can swim quite far without surfacing you won't necessarily see them till they either grab your fish or rise and feel the bite of your hook. All fishing hazards aside, you don't catch any fish sitting on your couch so get out there and enjoy one of the blessings of summer.....fishing for chrome sided pink salmon.
Tight lines!
Tight lines!
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