Hi there and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 17th of February 2026.
February is typically the time that many anglers like to prep gear and dream about the warmer months around the corner. We are blessed that in our neck of the woods we do not experience the frigid cold that Canada is known for and we can keep fishing without drilling holes through the ice. Thus far our winter has been mild and quite temperate, this has kept local rivers in excellent shape.
Before we get into the scene on the river… GRFA will have a booth at the Wild Sheep Society of BC’s 2026 Salute to Conservation & Mountain Hunting Expo in Penticton the weekend of February 27th to 28th.
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 are interested in attending this worthwhile event. For those that cannot make the show there will be a live online auction February 27 and 28 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/
GRFA would like to announce that we have purchased a NEW boat strictly for touring the river. This behemoth 26 footer is powered by twin inboards and can take on 22 passengers. Starting this April, these private, scenic and historical tours typically will last around 2.5 hours and are fantastic for corporate and large groups looking for a unique experience. For more info check out https://greatriverfishing.com/jet-boat-river-tours/
STURGEON:
The Fraser River bumped up dramatically over the last week and this is the highest water we have seen in February for quite a few years. This has caused the sturgeon in the non tidally influenced water to put on the feed bag. In fact the big fish seem to have shaken off the winter cold and are taking the bait well with fish over 8 feet in length on all of our trips of late! With the fish very much stacked up in their favorite wintering holes, we are seeing some fast action on some very nice fish.
Look for fish in the deeper wintering holes and along their edges. Keep moving around, trying different anchor locations until you find them, once you start getting bites stay close as they tend to pack up at this time of year and often one does not have to move much to get into consistent action.
Different baits can work on any given day and it is wise to have a wide assortment. Baits of choice are lamprey, coarse fish, roe and salmon meat. Keep your offering size down to the minimum as larger baits at this time year are often ignored or 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.
BOOK YOUR 2026 STURGEON ADVENTURE NOW!! 604-792-3544
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
WINTER & SPRING 2026
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 sheer 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 info@greatriverfishing.com
STEELHEAD:
The water levels on the Vedder River 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. Water conditions are pretty well prime at the moment and fish are being taken throughout the system.
Tamihi Creek has a new clay bank that was exposed during heavy rains in January and it is putting a little color into the river. Therefore downstream of the Tamihi confluence the water clarity has been a little “greener” than normal, even when low. Remember that this is typically a very good thing as fish feel safe, still see well and eat confidently in these types of conditions. If you find the water too colored in the lower reaches try moving above the confluence and you will probably find it in great shape.
With water conditions fairly ideal most of the traditional gear used for steelhead have been working. For those drift fishing small to medium jigs have been working along with washed out pink rubber worms, trout beads and wool combo’s. Of course small bags of roe or skeined chunks always work. For the fly guy, vary the size of your intruder depending on the water conditions, using larger darker flies in low light or murkier water and brighter smaller flies in bright light or clear water. 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.
BOOK YOUR 2026 STEELHEAD ADVENTURE NOW!! 604-792-3544
We are offering River Raft Float Adventures on the Vedder/Chilliwack River this winter/spring for the elusive Steelhead!! This experience opens up water that is difficult to access any other way. These adventures run until the end of April. Want to knock old square tail off the bucket list? This is your best opportunity…
Peak of the run is towards the middle of March and holds on well into April. We will be primarily float and/or fly fishing for these chrome beauties and will use the raft primarily to offer ease of access to the water and most fishing will still be done from shore. Also, for those with a time constraint or just wanting to learn the in and outs of steelheading, we will be offering Walk and Wade opportunities. If this is something that interests you please drop us a quick email for more info.info@greatriverfishing.com
POTENTIAL HUGE SOCKEYE RUN FOR 2026 BOOK NOW!!
We would like to take a moment and talk about what we’re in store for this summer. Last year we were blessed with an abnormal amount of Sockeye Salmon returning in the month of August. This allowed for a surprise sport angling opportunity on the Fraser River… Well this year is the 4 year high in the Sockeye cycle and current projections are upwards of 30 million fish!!! This should once again allow for a sport fishing opportunity and most likely we will be open towards the end of August and into September. We are super excited about this and are already starting to see anglers that are in the know booking dates in anticipation. If your at all interested in getting in on the action please do not hesitate to reach out to us for more info or possible dates. info@greatriverfishing.com
FRASER CANYON RIVERSIDE DOMES
The Domes are now closed for the season and we would like to Thank all of you that took advantage of these beautiful accommodations. Having said that this is the time to book your 2026 vacation and avoid missing out on all that the stunning Fraser Canyon has to offer! Whether it be a fishing trip of a lifetime or perhaps just a cozy weekend get away, now is the time to drop us a line and avoid disappointment, you’ll be glad you did. info@greatriverfishing.com
These 2 Geodesic Domes are the ultimate headquarters to your Fraser Canyon outdoor 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, anglers 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 you up 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. Enjoy 550 square feet of living space heated with a propane fireplace 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
FRASER RIVER LODGE – BOOK YOUR 2026 STAYCATIONS TODAY
From large corporate events to single person stays, the lodge can handle all your needs. Combining Great River Fishing Adventures’ exceptional team and professional guiding services with Fraser River Lodge’s commitment to providing an extraordinary and memorable stay, promises an unmatched fishing retreat. Together, we look forward to welcoming fishing enthusiasts and corporate groups from near and far to continue to explore the diverse fishing opportunities our region has to offer.
Drop us a line for more information on this enhanced fishing experiences and to book your next adventure. info@greatriverfishing.com
That’s it for now. Conserve our waters and here’s to great fishing, forever…
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