Thousands of people drive over it every day and most don't bother a second glance at it, the Mamquam River is perhaps one of my favorite rivers in the Squamish area to fish. If you have ever fished it, Chances are it was during Salmon season for the plentiful Chum, Pink or Coho. Thats usually the extent of most fishing experiences on this urban river. But this river has exceptional Trout fishing as well. During the winter and spring, the Mamquam holds some of the largest sea-run Bulltrout encountered anywere in Squamish, more Cutthroat per Kilometre then the Squamish or Cheakamus, Rainbows, Springs, lots of Coho and even a late run of Steelhead. 
The Canyon water Holds lots of Rainbows and the reaches above the powerhouse hold Rainbow and bulltrout for almost 20km up the river. Winter tends to be a slower time to fish this river as it is very low and clear, but if you can find a couple nice runs, you can usually get into some larger sea run Bull, sea run Cutthroat and Rainbow trout. When the Cheakamus and Squamish Blow out during high water, the Mamquam usually gets back into shape the fastest. Large flies tend to work well for most species here, especially for the Char, but a simple egg sucking leech, rolled muddler or even a stonefly Nymph will work almost anytime of the year for the smaller trout. If the opportunity arises, don't be afriad to test your skills on the Mamquam.
The Canyon water Holds lots of Rainbows and the reaches above the powerhouse hold Rainbow and bulltrout for almost 20km up the river. Winter tends to be a slower time to fish this river as it is very low and clear, but if you can find a couple nice runs, you can usually get into some larger sea run Bull, sea run Cutthroat and Rainbow trout. When the Cheakamus and Squamish Blow out during high water, the Mamquam usually gets back into shape the fastest. Large flies tend to work well for most species here, especially for the Char, but a simple egg sucking leech, rolled muddler or even a stonefly Nymph will work almost anytime of the year for the smaller trout. If the opportunity arises, don't be afriad to test your skills on the Mamquam.
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I am as new to fly fishing as they come, but I am wondering what type of leader you use when fishing for Bull and Cutthroat? What # sinker? or is it a floating leader? Hopefully this makes sense, just getting to learn the lingo.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Sam
great post. If i am ever in that area i will hit that river for sure and i wont tell in anyone to put more people on your favorite river.
ReplyDeleteSkully, I generally only ever use a dryline with 7-12 feet of leader and twistons when I fish the Mamquam, (4-8lb maxima tippit for bulls) when I try to get into the deep slots or in higher water, I will go to a type 3 sink tip with about 31/2-5 feet of leader. Totally dependant on water conditions and what kind of flies i'm using
ReplyDeleteI love to read posts about rivers. It helps to get me through the winter until I can hit my local streams.
ReplyDeleteHi ive lived in squamish pretty much my whole life and ive never fished about the mamquam powerhouse, ive walked in a couple of times just above the power house but I wasnt able to find any places that you could consider fishable , how far up do you have to travel before you find good runs or deep pools and how do tou access them .
ReplyDeleteA very awesome blog post. We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. imp source for fishing
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