Hi There! and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 14th of January 2026.
We truly hope that you had a relaxed and Happy Holiday Season and, if we haven’t already, we wish you and yours a healthy, safe, prosperous and fish filled New Year! With the advent of the new year we start to look forward to the new fishing opportunities that it brings.
Currently all the locals rivers are experiencing a little higher water levels. However, it looks like we are entering a clear snap for a few days and this should bring the rivers down fairly quickly, and it is common knowledge, in the fishing realm, that a dropping river is prime for anglers…
POTENTIAL HUGE SOCKEYE RUN FOR 2026 BOOK NOW!!
Before we get into what’s happening on the water currently, 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 ab-normal 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
STURGEON:
We’ve been experiencing more than our fair share of rain over the past few weeks and this has been keeping the waters up on the Fraser River. Couple this with some mild temperatures and you have the making for some fantastic winter sturgeon fishing. The higher water keeps extra scent in the river, which keeps the fish sniffing around, and the warmer temperatures keeps them active and feeling good about feeding. With the fish very much stacked up in their favorite wintering holes, we are seeing some fast action. In fact some of the best fishing of the season has been as of late with not only numbers, but size as well, with quite a few larger specimens over 8 feet in length on almost every outing.
Sturgeon have moved into their typical cold weather haunts and have switched to the usual winter baits. Look for fish in the deeper wintering holes and along their edges. Once you find them stay close, as noted; they tend to stack up in the winter and often ones 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 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 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
STEELHEAD:
Mid December saw the first push of steelhead into the Vedder/Chilliwack River and they have been sprinkling in ever since. This is the time to dust off the old centerpins or perhaps try out that new spey system you got for Christmas and get out on the water.
With the recent rains we’ve been experiencing the river is often high and turbulent. Having said that, it seems there are a good number of fish in the system already and those that have ventured out during some of lulls in the water levels have done excellent. It only takes a day or two of no rain and/or cooler weather to drop the river and with the weather man promising this over the next week it is looking promising. With the water up and showing some color, look towards slightly larger offering such as rubber worms, jigs and roe. At this time of year with these conditions the fish will be quite spread out, keep moving and cover as much water as possible.
BOOK YOUR 2026 STEELHEAD ADVENTURE NOW!! 604-792-3544
We will also, once again, be offering River Raft Float Adventures on the Vedder/Chilliwack River this winter for the elusive Steelhead!! This is in an effort to enhance the fishing experience and open up water that is difficult to access any other way. These adventures will start the first of February and run until the end of April. Want to knock old square tail of the bucket list? This is your best opportunity…
Steelhead will start to enter the Vedder about the middle of December and are typically there in catchable numbers by the first week of January. Peak of the run is towards the end of February 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 be 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 interest you please drop us a quick email for more info.info@greatriverfishing.com
COMING UP! 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
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 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
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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JAN