Thus far our winter has been mild and quite temperate, this has kept local rivers in decent shape for fishing and many anglers are enjoying the conditions. Before we get into what’s happening on the water we would like to take a moment and let you know what we are up to.
GRFA will have a booth at the Wild Sheep Society of BC’s 2024 Salute to Conservation & Mountain Hunting Expo in Penticton this weekend. This incredible event raises funds for wild sheep in BC and in the process often 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 23 and 24 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 https://wssbc.onlinehuntingauctions.com/ Bid Big.. Bid Often! Now onto the fishing…
STURGEON:
With February waning sturgeon have moved into their typical cool weather haunts and have switched to the usual spring baits. Look for fish in the deeper holes or along their edges in shallower waters. Once you find them, stay close as they tend to stack up this time of year and often ones does not have move far 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 salmon runs. Baits of choice are lamprey, coarse fish, single eggs, dew worms and roe. Keep your offering size down to the minimum as larger baits at this time year are often ignored or they 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.
As of late the fishing has been quite decent for these dinosaurs of the deep. Good numbers of fish in the 3′ to 8′ mark have been the norm with the possibility of a giant always lurking. Most of the fishing has been happening downstream of the Vedder River confluence, however we are still seeing some decent action, especially on the larger fish, upstream around Chilliwack.
With the Fraser being low we recommend that anglers venturing out be very vigilant when cruising the river. Upstream of the mouth of the Vedder River there are many exposed and slightly submerged gravel bars and one really needs to know the lay of the water before heading out. In fact anyone running prop driven motors on their boats should probably avoid the area altogether and stick to the lower river for the moment. For those with jet boats, take it slow and easy and if it’s really bad don’t risk the inevitable, these frigid waters are not for swimming in at this time of year.
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
STEELHEAD:
The Vedder river water levels have been yo-yoing up and down for the last few weeks and with this fluctuation the river has a very healthy bump of fish in it at the moment. Even with the high water last week an outstanding number of fish were captured with many being hatchery fish. With the water being on the high side most of the fish have blasted up stream and anglers are concentrating their efforts in the mid to upper portion of the river.
Most steelheaders have been using large offerings such as rubber worms, large jigs and of course, bait in the form of roe or shrimp. As the water drops and becomes cleaner and cleaner look towards smaller offerings like trout beads and wool combos. Fly anglers really need to spend their time in shallower fish haunts like long tail outs and sloping runs where the fish have better visibility and can be reached with a heavy sink tip. Again, look towards big intruder style flies in darker colors to stick out better in the murkier water and switch to smaller brighter flies as the river cleans up and gets cold.
GRFA will once again be 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. We will be primarily float and/or fly fishing for the chrome beauties and will use the raft primarily to offer ease of access and most of the fishing will be still be done from shore. Peak of the run is traditionally mid to late March and bleeds well into April. We are experiencing some pent up demand and much of March is booked, if you are interested at all please don’t delay to contact us and we’ll do our best accommodate your needs. Want to knock old square tail of the bucket list? This is your best opportunity…drop us a quick email for more info. info@greatriverfishing.com
LILLOOET RIVER TROUT & STEELHEAD:
With spring just around the corner our thoughts once again 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
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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