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Fishing Report for Chilliwack to Vancouver – April 15, 2017

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Fishing Report for Chilliwack to Vancouver – April 15, 2017

Hi and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the  15th of April 2017.

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April 3rd

The torrential rain falls have decreased the last few days and the rivers are on the drop and most are in prime shape now.  This should only help the fishing, dropping river equals grabby fish, doesn’t matter the species. It’s time to dust off the rods and get on the water.

STURGEON:
Our charters last week had some fantastic action with multiple double and triple headers reported every day. Some respectable fish too with multiple 7 to 8 foot fish beached. Expect this to only get better as water temps start to rise.

Fishing has been particularly good in the lower river below the confluence of the Vedder all the way through to the mouth in Richmond. The Eulachons are in and they have been the bait of choice lately.  The river is on the drop but still has debris floating around, not much, but still keep an eye out for floating logs if running the river.

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April 8th

April is here and with it the start of the Fraser Canyon fishery. If you have never experienced this special stretch of water it truly is something else and brings sturgeon fishing to a whole new level.  We have had a boat or 2 up there last few days and the fishing was better than expected. If you’re interested in giving these fishing grounds a go let us know and we’ll be happy to forward more info. If you’re thinking of trying this area on your own please take extra precautions as the waters are considerably wilder, steeper and deeper than downstream of Hope. They really do require a veteran jet boat operator to navigate safely.

What better way is there to spend a clear 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.

STEELHEAD:

watermark 5The Vedder is in prime shape and has been putting out fish very regularly. The river does close at the end of the month above the Vedder Crossing Bridge and switch’s to “Fly Only” below the bridge. Also, as we move through April we can expect to see fewer hatchery fish and more wild strain, please ensure that when handling these special fish you are doing everything in your power to release them unharmed, they are the corner stone of our fishery. Keep in mind that many of the smaller systems close at the end of April, please check your regulations before heading out.

Drift anglers continue to do well on all the traditional gear such as Pink Worms, Jigs and Corkies, also don’t forget to throw in a few Colorado spinners as the fish react well to them at this time of year. Fly fishermen have been doing well, particularly in the evenings with slightly warmer water. Again most traditional intruder style patterns as well as minnow patterns have been working well.

Steelhead are a fabled fish with plenty of lore and mystery surrounding them. These chrome bullets will not only strain tackle to the limits but will test the stamina and determination of the angler pursuing them. Let us help you knock this one off your bucket list. Currently we are offering very affordable half/full day walk and wade expeditions with either drift gear or fly/spey. Also, there are some limited full day jet boat trips available for the angler looking to get away from hustle and bustle.

From novice to expert, our guides are extremely well versed in steelheading.  Whether you’re  looking to catch your first ever steelhead or want the added challenge of taking one with a spey or fly rod, we have the right guides as well as the best gear waiting  for you. 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.

 Cutthroat Trout

watermark 6The Harrison and Stave Rivers remain clear and high and have picked up as we are now seeing salmon fry in good numbers. Fish are nosing around for these minnows as the salmon life cycle begin a fresh. Best fishing has been at day break but they can keep biting all day with a little cloud cover, which we’ve had plenty of lately. Watch for fish crashing minnows close to shore and move to them.

Most back waters of the Fraser are muddied up with the river being up and spring being here. There’s still might be a few that are far enough back from the main stem that remain clear and are still fishing but you will have to explore.  Any warm afternoon can trigger a winter stonefly hatch, we seen some last week. These little bugs are best represented with small leaches or swimming style nymph pattersn in 12’s to 16’s.

Most anglers are targeting cuties with light fly gear. With the advent of the Salmon fry migration stick with small minnow patterns like the good old Rolled Muddler Minnow and Tied Back Minnows fished close to the surface. Look for fish rising, cutthroat are very schooly and even if you just see one riser there is a very good chance that there are a few more with it.  Also cutthroat are very light sensitive creatures and you would be best to concentrate your efforts to low cloud covered days.

Searun Cutthroat with stand, and stay active, in the coldest condition of any known trout. This makes them the ideal mid-winter cure for cabin fever. Novice to expert we can help you dial these little battlers in. We offer half and full day excursions via jet boat or walk in’s for these ghosts of the coast. Drop us a line and we’ll be happy to fill you in.

COMING SOON:Pitt River Flyfishing
It’s time to start thinking about summer fishing opportunities. Of particular note our Wilderness Fly Fishing Adventures for Bull Trout up the Scenic Upper Pitt River begin June 1st!!  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

NEWS:

Adopt A River1The City of Chilliwack has partnered with the Chilliwack/Vedder River Cleanup Society (CVRCS) and the Fraser Valley Regional District for the Adopt a River program, aimed at improving the environment of the Vedder/Chilliwack River through organized, regular cleanup events. Since 2002, the Adopt a River clean up events have collected over 87 tonnes of waste from the Vedder/Chilliwack River shoreline. This event will be held on the 22nd of April. Registration is from 8:30 to 9:30 at the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve. Please make a plan to attend and help keep our rivers debris free and pristine.

418369_262952690445486_109681332_nThe Fraser Valley Salmon Society is having its 32nd annual AGM meeting on the 27th of April at the Evergreen Hall here in Chilliwack at 6:45 PM. There will be many key speakers and the opportunity to rub shoulders with fellow anglers from all over. Come voice your thoughts, continue your support and have a chance to win one of the many door prizes and also a chance to win one of 2 guided fishing adventures for Salmon or Sturgeon. *Restrictions apply – you must be a FVSS member to win the guided fishing adventures – or sign up at the meeting.

That’s all for now, until next time: tight lines and scream’n reels.

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