Hi and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 11th of April 2020.
In these strange times that we are in, with the world seemingly closing around us, it’s nice to know that the great out of doors is still open. It’s up to all of us in the fishing community to try and keep it this way and fish “safe”.
Please ensure that when you are out on the water, or traveling to and from, that you are adhering to all Covid-19 protocols in place. Use common sense when approaching other anglers or non-anglers also enjoying the open spaces. The government has put out some guidelines and updates for recreational fishing and they can be found here. Please stay safe and healthy and together we can get through this.
GIFT CARDS & FUTURE DATES
There are 1.14 million small businesses in Canada, accounting for 97.9 per cent of the country’s employers, according to Statistics Canada data from December 2017. Many, if not most, of these businesses are being hit hard by the pandemic, particularly those in the service sector. Please consider purchasing gift cards or the like from these hard hit businesses’ to be used in the future when we can all get back to a normal lifestyle again. Keep in mind that when this virus has run its course things will be very busy and time/space for these businesses will be at a premium… Thanks so much!!
Now onto the fishing: here’s what going on…..
STURGEON:
Fishing for sturgeon has remained incredible as of late. Not only have the numbers to hand been good but were starting to see bigger fish in the 8’ plus category plus plenty of 6’+ thrown into the mix.
Keep in mind that many boat launches are closed now and its best to check ahead before heading out. With limited access we need to once again ensure that we are staying with in the provincial guide lines and hopefully the launches that are open can remain so.
The Fraser has bumped up a little with the recent warm weather we’ve been having. Water has colored up with the bump; however the river is still quite low. With the low visibility it is more important than ever to watch for gravel bars and other obstacles as you run the river, especially with any prop driven boat.
Eulachons are in the river now on their annual spawning run. These are small bait fish (candle fish) that migrate up the Fraser from the saltwater to spawn at this time of year. With the arrival of the eulachons sturgeon will start moving out the extreme depths and into some shallower water looking for these tenders morsel. Obviously this is the bait of choice at the moment; however lamprey and single salmon eggs have also been extremely effective. Keep your offering size down to the minimum as larger baits at this time year are often ignored or the sturg will often “lay” down on it to save it for later; this results in foul hooked fish as the motion of the fish telepaths to the rod like a bite.
The salt water designated portion of the river, downstream of Mission, has continued to produce good numbers of fish and has started to show some decent fish as well. From the Vedder River to Mission has also been very good for numbers and the average fish seems to be little larger. Keep moving around, trying different anchor locations until you find them, once you start getting bites stay close as they tend to pack up in the spring and often one does not have move much to get into consistent action.
What better way is there to spend a spring day than sitting in a comfortable covered jet boat waiting on another bite from the almighty sturgeon. With limited fishing pressure on the river this is a great time of year to get out and experience these dinosaurs of the deep. We offer half and full day outing’s via jet boat with nothing but the finest in guides and tackle. We pride ourselves in ensuring your day is as comfortable, safe and enjoyable as possible. Whatever your speed, we will cater to your needs. Call or email today. rstahl@greatriverfishing.com
STEELHEAD:
The Vedder River, along with most all other Fraser tributaries have come up somewhat but stayed surprisingly low with the heat wave we went through. The last few days we’ve seen some rains and the rivers finally got a bump of much needed water. This will get the fish moving, especially the ones that have been holding low in the rivers, and the upper portions of the rivers should start producing well.
With the conditions starting to rise, look towards slightly larger offerings like jigs and plastic worms, particularly in low light conditions. Of course small bags of roe or skeined chunks always work.
For the fly guys, this is the time to get out there. With the rising water also comes slightly warmer water which can really induce steelhead to chase and and attack your offering. Fly sizes and colors can vary greatly and water conditions will dictate what you run just keep in mind that salmon smolts are starting to pop and minnow like flies can be the key. Remember that you want to be running very heavy sink tips and if your not touching bottom every once in a while, your just practicing casting.
GRFA is once again offering float trips on the Vedder/Chilliwack River starting! This is in an effort to enhance the fishing experience and open up water that is difficult to access any other way. Want to knock old square tail of the bucket list? This is your best opportunity…
Peak of the run is NOW! We will be primarily float and/or fly fishing for the chrome beauties and will use the raft primarily to offer ease of access to the water and most fishing will be still be done from shore. If this is something that interest you please drop Rick a quick email for more info. mailto:rstahl@greatriverfishing.com
LILLOOET RIVER CHINOOK:
April sees one of the last returns of true Spring run Chinook left in BC traverse through the Lillooet River! This is one of the best opportunities to wrestle one of these super special chrome fish. They are free rising and love to smash a swung fly or chase down a spoon. Along with opportunity of hooking a giant slab there are still lots of Bull trout in system as well as Cutthroat to keep you interested in between chinook grabs.
The Lillooet is one of our premier trips and when you get there you will see why. This is a remote fishery that gets very little pressure and requires a skilled jet boater to reach the best waters. The sheer beauty and majestic scenery coupled with miles of perfect fishing water makes this one of those bucket list kind of rivers… want to get it out of your bucket? Contact Rick for more info mailto:rstahl@greatriverfishing.com
UPPER PITT RIVER
With this warm weather are attentions starts to drift towards late spring and early summer and the fishing opportunities to be had. The Upper Pitt River is one of these special fisheries and for good reason, big bull trout living in one of the prettiest places around. The beginning of May starts this special fishery and it continues through the summer but having said that typically the best Bull Trout fishing is during freshet. No explanation why, just know that the numbers do not lie. Bigger fish and numbers. Great River Fishing Adventures guides have many years’ experience fishing the Upper Pitt River watershed and are knowledgeable about the area and effective techniques to target all species. As Jet Boats and experienced boat handling skills are required to access and fish this river, you rarely see other anglers, and more importantly this area is not over fished. It is truly an adventure that is easily accessible within a day from Vancouver. For a free personalized quote please drop Rick an email at rstahl@greatriverfishing.com
That’s it for now. Conserve our waters and here’s to great fishing, forever…
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