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Fishing Report for Chilliwack to Vancouver – April 7, 2022

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Fishing Report for Chilliwack to Vancouver – April 7, 2022

Hi and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 7th of April, 2022.

Birds are chirping, trees are starting to bud and its time to mow the lawn… Spring has sprung! This is that time of year that many of us start looking for outdoor activities and for the angler this means wetting a line. Before we get into the local fishing conditions we’d like to take a moment for a little worth while plug.

The Fraser Valley Salmon Society (FVSS) is having its 36th annual AGM meeting on the 21st of April at the Evergreen Hall here in Chilliwack at 6:35 PM (Doors open at 6 PM). There will be a FVSS Logo Cleanviewing of the much heralded “Heart of the Fraser” documentary 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 adventure for  Sturgeon. *Restrictions apply – you must be a FVSS member to win the guided fishing adventures – sign up at the meeting.

Click Here to view the 2022 FVSS Newsletter and see what this special organization is doing for your fishing future. Now onto what’s happening on our rivers…

 


STURGEON:
The Fraser River has come up only slightly, but the waters have dirtied up quite a bit. This has spurred on the annual Eulachon run. These are small bait fish (candle fish/smelt) that migrate up the Fraser from the saltwater to spawn at this time of year. They seem to be in the lower river in good numbers and the sturgeon are definitely noticing.

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Sturgeon are now moving out of their cold weather haunts and starting to forage for food. Once you find them, stay close as they tend to stack up real well in the spring and often one does not have move much to get into consistent action. At this time of year a plethora of different baits can work on any given day and it is wise to have more of an assortment than during the fall salmon returns. Baits of choice are lamprey, coarse fish, single eggs, dew worms, roe, salmon parts and of course, Eulachons.

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Even though the waters have dirtied up the river remains low!! Be vigilant when cruising the river, particularly upstream of the mouth of the Vedder River as there are many exposed and slightly submerged gravel bars that become hazards especially for those that run prop driven motors on their boats.

2nd year students from the Fish & Wildlife Resource program, along with Dr. Marvin Rosenau joined the GRFA crew for some juvenile sturgeon tagging this past week. What a great opportunity to learn on the job.

2nd year students from the Fish & Wildlife Resource program, along with Dr. Marvin Rosenau joined the GRFA crew for some juvenile sturgeon tagging this past week. What a great opportunity to learn on the job.

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

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STEELHEAD:
The Vedder River has risen slightly and it is in very good shape which is a pleasant surprise as the newly formed clay banks in the closed area are not affecting the clarity nearly as anticipated. This rise in water has the fishing moving around quite a bit and the late return of fish are still pushing in well with some beautiful chromers to be had. We’re still seeing the odd hatchery fish even, probably a sign of a late over all return.

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Water temperatures have also risen and for those keen to try fly fishing for old square tail this is “the” time of year that they will move and chase a swung fly well. Use a heavy sink tip with the biggest intruder you can throw with either a spey or single handed rod and hang on, the bite can be powerful when fishing like this.

Photo 2022-03-14, 8 55 19 AM (edited-Pixlr)

For those looking to float fish try using larger offerings such as pink rubber worms and large jigs. Also, as noted, the fish can be apt to chase an offering at this time of year and it’s not a bad idea to have a few Colorado spinners and maybe even a small spoon along.

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The river does have quite a few fish that have been in the system for quite some time now and are starting to darken up as they prepare for spawning. Please handle all the wild fish with the utmost of care!! They are our lifeblood and without them our rivers are in big trouble.

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GRFA is currently offering float trips on the Vedder/Chilliwack River! 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…

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The peak of the run for numbers and size is through the month of April. We are primarily float and/or fly fishing for the chrome beauties and are using 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


LILLOOET RIVER:
This is the time to get out on the Lillooet and get in some spring trout fishing. The Lillooet River is a gem of a winter fishery for Bull Trout and a great opportunity at some steelhead, cutthroat and rainbow trout as well. Also, although no longer a targeted species, April sees one of the last returns of true Spring run Chinook left in BC. Truly a special place.

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This season has been one of the better trout seasons that we’ve seen on the Lilly and it seams to be holding on quite well. Waters have bumped up somewhat and currently the salmon fry are just starting to emerge from the gravel. This is traditionally a great time to be swinging minnow patterns for aggressive trout and the odd super charged steelhead. With temperatures remaining mild the Lillooet will most likely have an early freshet so if you are interested don’t delay too long, the time is now.

Photo 2022-03-22, 9 56 11 AM (edited-Pixlr)

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 shear 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 rstahl@greatriverfishing.com


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UPPER PITT RIVER – Coming Soon!
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

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Photo 2021-09-03, 9 30 56 AM

Fraser Canyon Riverside Domes are now open for 2022! These 2 Geodesic Domes are the ultimate headquarters to your Fraser Canyon sturgeon fishing adventure. Nestled onto an amazing piece of property right on the banks of the mighty Fraser River near Yale BC, it is ideally situated for the outdoor enthusiast, angler and nature lover looking to get away and enjoy what the Fraser Canyon has to offer. Boasting over a thousand feet of riverfront your guide will pick and drop you off via jet boat for an amazing day up the highly scenic Fraser Canyon chasing some of the largest sturgeon in the world. For more photos and info on the domes and property Check Out Fraser Canyon Riverside Domes.

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

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