Hi and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 11th of February 2025.
With this cool weather its hard to believe that SPRING BREAK is just around the corner. This is a great time to get out and take advantage of the warming waters as fish really start to get frisky. This is typically a busy time for us and spots are starting to fill! If you are at all interested in getting out fishing with the kids please don’t hesitate to drop us a line.
Also, once again GRFA will have a booth at the Wild Sheep Society of BC’s 2025 Salute to Conservation & Mountain Hunting Expo in Penticton the weekend February 20th to 22nd. STOP BY our booth and Spin the wheel of Prizes – cost is a mere $2 and all the money raised on the weekend goes directly back to WSSBC conservation – LET’S SEEE HOW MUCH WE CAN RAISE.
This incredible event raises funds for wild sheep in BC and in the process enhances other species that coincide with these magnificent animals. This weekend will have all the ingredients that the outdoorsman could want in a show and there’s still a little room left. Check out the above link if you interested in attending this worth while event. For those that can not make the show there will be a live online auction February 21 and 22 that is open to all. Simply register and start bidding, maybe you could win an 8 Hour Ultimate Fraser Canyon Sturgeon Fishing Experience along with 2 nights stay in our Riverside Domes! Check it out HERE Bid Big.. Bid Often! The entire auction and details can be found here: https://wssbc.onlinehuntingauctions.com/
FUN WITH PINKS!!
2025 is an odd numbered year which means we will have a return of Pink Salmon this August through September! These salmon show up on mass every other year and not only are they superb sport themselves but the wily sturgeon love to eat them making for some fantastic fishing fun. Pinks Salmon returns are currently forecasted to reach an astounding 30 Million in the Fraser system!! In fact all the salmon estimations are looking very promising and we are starting to see ALL FALL dates filling up fast. If your at all interested in getting out this late summer or fall it’s definitely not to early to book. Book now to avoid disappointment. For those looking to get out sooner here’s what’s happening on the river scene at the moment…
Now onto the fishing…
Budding GRFA guide Dawson with his first steelhead on the fly… Although he’s caught heaps of steelhead with a centerpin outfit, this was his first on a spey rod. It was also his largest ever. What a beast! Congrats buddy!!
STEELHEAD
With the cold snap we’ve experienced of late the Vedder River, along with most all other tributary’s are at their lowest levels. This low and gin clear water can make for challenging fishing but not impossible, in fact there are still quite a few fish being caught which bodes well for when we finally warm up a bit and the river bumps up.
With the conditions being low, cold and clear don’t be afraid to fish shallower water, often 3’ or less during low light conditions, early mornings and late afternoon. Fish will often stage in this shallow water, found at the heads and tail outs of runs, soaking up what warmth the light can provide before moving on. As the sun rises concentrate your efforts to the deeper slots, bolder pools and cut banks where fish can rest comfortably in safety.
Offerings for steelhead in low water are typically on the small side and often the successful angler has to “comb” the runs fairly tight to ensure that all willing takers were covered. For those drift fishing small jigs in pink and peach have been working along with smaller washed out pink rubber worms, trout beads and wool combo’s. Of course small bags of roe or single eggs always work. For the fly guy, bring the size of your intruder down and keep it bright, like the old adage goes “bright day – bright fly”. Also do not be afraid to go small Popsicle style flies or even single egg patterns, especially during mid day. Keep in mind 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. 
With waters expected to rise over the next few weeks adjust your offerings accordingly. As the waters rises and/or colors up, start running larger baits like jigs, rubber worms and skeined roe. For the fly angler the same principle applies, low clear water use small bright flies and larger darker flies as the water levels rise and color.
GRFA is once again 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… Peak of the run is towards the end of February, through March and into April. 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 us a quick email for more info. info@greatriverfishing.com
LILLOOET RIVER TROUT & STEELHEAD
With winter upon us our thoughts turn towards the new fishing opportunities that it will bring. 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. This 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 us for more info info@greatriverfishing.com
STURGEON
Last week saw the Fraser River clog up with ice flows as most of BC was pelted by a winter storm and temperatures plummeted to sub freezing. Ice plugged the river to the point where one could not safely fish or go boating. All one can do is wait it out and have faith, knowing it will clear and the fish will bite. The river has cleared up considerably however, to those venturing out, we still suggest to keep a sharp look out for any straggling large pieces of ice. Pick your anchoring spots accordingly, looking for lees in the current out of the main flow where the ice will avoid you as much as possible. Also keep in mind, last weeks cold weather brought the river down and many gravel and sandbars are now very much on the shallow side, be vigilant out there and avoid getting grounded on them. 
Look for fish in the deeper wintering holes. Once you find them, stay close, they tend to stack up in the winter and often ones does not have move much to get into consistent action. Also, in the lower river, play the tides as often they will spur a good bite in cold water conditions.
At this time of year many different baits can work on any given day and it’s wise to have more of an assortment than during the salmon runs. Baits of choice are lamprey, coarse fish, eulachon, single eggs, dew worms and roe. Keep your offering size down to the minimum as larger baits at this time year are often ignored and sturgeon 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.
What better way is there to spend a winter 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.info@greatriverfishing.com
Opening in April! Fraser Canyon Riverside Domes
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. Check out a short video about the Fraser Canyon Riverside Domes.
These state of the art geodesic domes represent the new standard for all things “glamping”. Handsomely appointed and offering all the luxuries of home these structures and surrounding property will leave you breathless. Stargaze from inside your dome and enjoy 550 square feet of living space heated with a propane fireplace, as well as air conditioned to achieve your maximum comfort level. Enjoy the wood burning cedar hot tub next to the river and take full advantage of the massive deck with a unique fire table and BBQ to enjoy your favorite cuisine. Then end your day next to a cozy fire in the beautifully created pit with wood provided (not in fire season). For more info or to find out availability please reach out to Alyssa at info@greatriverfishing.com
That’s it for now. Conserve our waters and here’s to great fishing, forever…
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