The Fisherman’s Pole was carved in 1990 by local artist Don Smith. It stands 4.0m (13′ 1.5″) and is displayed at the intersection of Government Street and College Street in the Cairnsmore district, northwest of downtown Duncan.

Fisherman's Pole, Government Street at College Street, Duncan, B.C.
Fisherman’s Pole, Government Street at College Street, Duncan, B.C.

Carver Don Smith says the Fisherman’s Pole is based on design by Simon Charlie, which Don Smith received Simon Charlie’s permission to use.

Don Smith explains the meaning of the Fisherman’s Pole as representing “two forms of fishermen….the Coast Salish fisherman (top figure)…..with a fishing spear….and the Orca or Killer Whale (bottom figure) [which] represents the natural water fisher.”

Fisherman's Pole, Government Street at College Street, Duncan, B.C.
Fisherman’s Pole, Government Street at College Street, Duncan, B.C.
Fisherman's Pole, Fisherman figure, Government Street at College Street, Duncan, B.C.
Fisherman’s Pole, Fisherman figure, Government Street at College Street, Duncan, B.C.
Fisherman's Pole, Killer Whale figure, Government Street at College Street, Duncan, B.C.
Fisherman’s Pole, Killer Whale figure, Government Street at College Street, Duncan, B.C.
Fisherman's Pole, Killer Whale figure, blow hole detail, Government Street at College Street, Duncan, B.C.
Fisherman’s Pole, Killer Whale figure, blow hole detail, Government Street at College Street, Duncan, B.C.
Fisherman's Pole, Killer Whale figure, Government Street at College Street, Duncan, B.C.
Fisherman’s Pole, Killer Whale figure, Government Street at College Street, Duncan, B.C.