The Squamish River system boasts some of the best fishing opportunities in British Columbia for seasoned pros and families alike. Whether you are camping with the family or on a day trip with your friends, the Squamish River and its tributaries provide easy access and year-round fish.
Please note you must release all wild trout,char and steelhead in the Squamish River system, there are no hatchery freshwater fish in this system. Lets keep it that way.
We ask that you please obey all fishing regulations and respect the environment and private property so that this favorite past-time will continue for generations to come. Listed below are some regulations and rules for our immediate area. Please visit BC Sport Fishing Guide for current closures, regulations and licensing.
Local Tip
The Squamish River water level and clarity can quickly change making fishing difficult depending on season and weather. Please check the current water level so that you can plan accordingly. The Cheakamus river is dam-controlled and is usually the last river to 'blow-out'.Freshwater Fishing Regulations
2015-2017 Freshwater Fishing Regulations for Region 2 (Lower Mainland)
Single barbless hooks must be used in all streams, bait ban.
Your basic licence must be validated with a Conservation Surcharge Stamp if you intend to fish for steelhead anywhere in B.C.
Must release all wild trout/char/steelhead.
| Water Body | Exceptions to Regional Regulations |
|---|---|
| Ashlu Creek | Bait ban; release all steelhead |
| Cheakamus River | Bait ban; release all steelhead |
| Elaho River | Bait ban; release all steelhead |
| Mamquam River | Bait ban; release all steelhead |
| Squamish Powerhouse Channel | Bait ban; Squamish River tributary located upstream of Ashlu Creek |
| Squamish River | Bait ban; release all steelhead* |
| SQUAMISH RIVER’S TRIBUTARIES | All tributaries No Fishing EXCEPT: Ashlu Creek, Cheakamus, Elaho and Mamquam Rivers, and the Squamish Powerhouse Channel |
BC Sport Fishing Guide (Salmon) Regulations
BC Sport Fishing Guide (Salmon) for Region 2 (Lower Mainland)
The tidal boundary for the Squamish River is a line running true west from the tip of the Squamish Dyke (“Windsurfer Spit”)
Unless otherwise stated in the table below, the daily limit for all waters in Region 2 is zero (0).
| Waters | Specific Area | Species | Dates | Limits/Gear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheakamus River | All | Apr 01-Mar 31 | Bait ban. | |
| upstream of the Bailey Bridge approx. 2 km north of where the Squamish Valley Road crosses the Cheakamus River. | Coho | Apr 01-Mar 31 | 1 hatchery marked fish per day. | |
| downstream of the Bailey Bridge approx. 2 km north of where the Squamish Valley Road crosses the Cheakamus River. | Coho | Apr 01-Mar 31 | 1 hatchery marked fish per day. | |
| Mamquam River | All | Apr 01-Mar 31 | Bait ban. | |
| Coho | Apr 01-Mar 31 | 1 hatchery marked fish per day. | ||
| Squamish River (including Powerhouse Channel), also see Cheakamus and Mamquam Rivers | downstream of the powerline crossing approx. 1.5 km upstream of the confluence with the Cheakamus. | All | Apr 01-Mar 31 | Bait ban. |
| Coho | Apr 01-Mar 31 | 1 hatchery marked fish per day. | ||
| upstream of the powerline crossing approx. 1.5 km upstream of the confluence with the Cheakamus. | All | Apr 01-Mar 31 | Bait ban. | |
| Coho | Apr 01-Mar 31 | 1 hatchery marked fish per day. |