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Fishing Report for Chilliwack to Vancouver – January 16, 2025

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Fishing Report for Chilliwack to Vancouver – January 16, 2025

Hi and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 10th of January 2025.

We truly hope that you had a relaxed and happy holiday season and 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. This happens to be 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. Salmon forecasts in general, not only for the Pinks, are looking very promising and we are starting to see dates fill up. 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…


STEELHEAD:
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. The Vedder/Chilliwack River has, what seems like, a very healthy return of fish to the system. Currently there are quite a few hatchery fish lurking about and anglers are seeing good success through out the entire system. Please remember that all wild steelhead need to be released unharmed. These fish are ultra important to the river and should always be handled with care and released as quickly as possible.

Steelhead Fishing - Steelheading

With the mild winter we’ve been experiencing the river has been in prime shape for the most part. After a heavy rain it only takes a day or two of no rain and/or cooler weather to drop the river.  In higher water the fish will be quite spread out, keep moving and cover as much water as possible. In lower water find deeper holes where the fish feel safe and move slower as often these fish will need a few a looks at your offering before eating it.

In low clear water stick with small baits like trout beads, single egg sacks and wool combos. 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. Adjusting your sink tip is more important than anything for if your not snagging bottom every now and again, your probably not deep enough.

Steelhead Fishing

GRFA will once again be offering float trips on the Vedder/Chilliwack River starting this February!! 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 FishingLILLOOET 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:
We’ve been experiencing a mild winter thus far and this has been keeping the waters a little higher than the last few winters on the Fraser River.  With a little more rain than typical and the mild temperatures you have the making for some fantastic winter sturgeon fishing. The higher water keeps a lot of 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 of the fastest action we’ve experienced in quite a few years for this time of year.

 

Even with the higher water the 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 fall salmon runs. Baits of choice are lamprey, coarse fish, single eggs, dew worms, salmon meat and roe. Keep your offering size down to the minimum as larger baits at this time year are often ignored or the sturg 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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