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Fishing Report for Chilliwack to Vancouver – April 24, 2019

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Fishing Report for Chilliwack to Vancouver – April 24, 2019

Hi and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 24th of April  2019.

Trees are budding and the birds have returned from their wintering grounds to greet this incredible spring that were having. As the days continue to grow longer the local waters are warming up and the fish are biting! Here’s whats happening…

 STURGEON:
IT’s TIME! The big boys have woken up and we are starting to see some real nice fish on almost every charter. With water temps bumping up, levels rising and the river muddying up, the bigger fish have definitely started to become very active and are feeding hard after a long winter. Although numbers have come down slightly from the winter the raw weight of the fish to hand has increased dramatically…

WM2

With the waters levels rising and warming sturgeon are starting to leave their wintering holes and are moving into shallower lies to feast upon the remaining eulachons and whatever else they can find on the sandy bottom. This will typically spread the fish out somewhat and one is best served to keep moving trying different anchor drops, remember moving 30 feet can sometimes make the difference. Rule of thumb: if you haven’t had a bite in 45 minutes pick up the anchor and move, at least a little.

WM1

The Fraser has bumped up and visibility in the water is almost zero. Be ultra-vigilant when boating the river as there are many rock bars that are just submersed at the moment. The river has changed somewhat, as it does every year, and some areas that were good to go last year have filled in and channels may have moved. This is especially evident around the “5 Fingers” area of the Fraser (Above the mouth of the Vedder River to Grassy Bar) as most of the current has moved back over to the south side of the river. Also keep in mind that with the rising water comes the debris and it is wise to keep an eye up stream of your anchor location for logs and other debris that could potentially wreak havoc on you anchor line.

Eulachons are still in the river and will be the bait of choice for those fishing around the mouth of the Vedder and downstream. Around Chilliwack and up the baits of choice at the moment are lampreys and single salmon eggs, having said that it’s still a good idea to run at least one rod with eulachon as the fish have been keying in on them at times. Remember to 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 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.

WM11

It was everything we had hoped for… and more. Lots of action, fish were biting. Landon made the entire adventure seamless. He is good at delivering what his clients are looking for. We thoroughly enjoyed the entire day.”      Kevin and Mary-Louise

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 tributary’s came up fast last week with the heavy rains we experienced, however they are all on the drop again and should be perfect soon. 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.

WM7

Keep in mind that the Vedder/Chilliwack River closes on May 1st above the Garrison Crossing bridge and turns to fly fishing only downstream of it. This is it for those looking to put a few last chromers to the beach. Most steelhead returns have been late this season due to low water and the fishing has only gotten better as we move into the late season.  Get out there!

Also, with the higher water conditions 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.

WM6

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.

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GRFA is once again offering float trips on the Vedder/Chilliwack River and the time is now! April finds the Vedder River at its peak for steelhead numbers, water temperatures are up and flow is perfect. Want to knock old square tail of the bucket list? This is your best opportunity…

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. rstahl@greatriverfishing.com

 

COMING SOON!!!WM8

 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

11WMI

 

NEWS, BITS & BITES:
The Fraser Valley Salmon Society is having its 34th annual AGM meeting tomorrow, the 25th of April, at the Evergreen Hall here in Chilliwack at 6:45 PM (Doors open at 6 PM). There will be many key speakers and the opportunity to rub shoulders with fellow anglers from all over. Non-members welcome!! 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 a 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.

FVSS Logo Trans

That’s it for now. Conserve our waters and here’s to great fishing, forever…

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