Hi and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 1st of July 2018.
This is the time of year that we reflect on just how lucky we are to be living in a free country that is filled with the wonders of nature and the bounty that it offers. Here’s wishing everyone a joyous and fun filled time as Canada celebrates its 151st birthday. Happy Canada Day!!
Sturgeon:
Before we get into the fishing conditions we would like to talk about a new and exciting adventure that Great River fishing is offering this summer. We would like introduce you to shore fishing for the almighty white sturgeon. GRFA has acquired some access to beach’s and banks in the Fraser Canyon where one can cast to the likely haunts of some massive fish from dry land. This puts a whole new twist on fishing for these living dinosaurs. Imagine sitting next to a cozy fire on a beautiful sandy beach or exploring a rocky shoreline all the while awaiting the telltale tug of a sturgeon. It’s like having a fabulous picnic with the anticipation of some great fishing action. Also, there will be some camping opportunity coming soon, again a private beach with your companions and a some sturgeon to while away the time. If this interests you please contact us for more information at info@greatriverfishing.com (Office: 604-792-3544) or contact Rick at rstahl@greatriverfishing.com (Cell: 604-997-3474) .
Now onto what’s been happening… With the warmer weather that the interior of BC has been experiencing along with a little rain, the Fraser has risen somewhat over the last week and a half. We are by no means at freshet levels but some areas are once again tough to get to shore with a large fish due to the water levels. What this means for the angler is that we need to once again be watchful for floating debris and check our baits more often to ensure that they are not covered up with this debris. Also, some of the holes that were easy to anchor in are once again flowing hard and we need to pick our anchor drop locations carefully.
The fish are definitely reacting to this fluctuating water and seem to be moving around a lot. They do not have a problem exploring further up into waters that were quite shallow not long ago… and so should the angler. With the bump in water also came a bump in water temperatures which has spurred some incredible action as well as fierce fighting fish, it is rare at the moment to catch a fish that does not jump, in fact most that are hooked are jumping three to six time and making blistering run after run. It’s a great time to experience the ultimate fight of the great white sturgeon!
With the fishing moving around so much it’s good for the angler to wait a little longer at each anchor location. Instead of waiting a half hour to move you can easily wait for 45 minutes to an hour, in some cases they just seem to keep coming. Baits of choice have been salmon parts and coarse fish with some fish still coming to lamprey.
With the higher water the Canyon portion of the Fraser has been doing very well. The fishing has been ultra-steady with good numbers of above average fish coming on every charter. If you are thinking of running this special piece of water keep in mind that is very “heavy” water and not for the timid or unexperienced jet boater. Please be very careful!! The canyon is a high water fishery and the sturgeon haunts are not always obvious as the water levels tend to hide the really good spots. If you’re interested in trying your hand at biggest of the big in one of the most spectacular venue’s in the world drop Rick a line and he’ll be more than happy to help organize one of our Ultimate Fraser Canyon Sturgeon trips with you. rstahl@greatriverfishing.com
What better way is there to spend a warm summer 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.
Pitt River:
The river has been very up and down in terms of water levels. Lately it has been very low and can become tough to run with a jet boat, this is not the place for novice jet boaters!! Because the Pitt is glacier fed, water levels have still been fluctuating with any warm weather bumping the river up and cool days bring ing it down fast. If you are interested in trying out this river for the first time please keep in mind that is boat access only and the river can be treacherous to run for a novice jet boater, especially now.
Fishing seems to be day to day with new bunch’s of fish pushing in every few days. The fish have been scattered and it’s been best to keep moving. Fly fishing is the choice of most anglers and a fast sink tip with different colored leach style streamer patterns in different color schemes are the norm. Having said that the almighty spoon and spin combo has been deadly.
Coming soon! The timing on the salmon runs up the Pitt River is from mid July through Mid August. These free rising fish are super charged chromers that love to smash a lure or fly. This is the height of the season for the river and we are filling up fast. If you are interested in trying this incredible fishery don’t delay, contact us today.
Great River Fishing Adventures guides have many years’ experience fishing the Upper Pitt River watershed and are knowledgeable about the area and effective techniques to target all species. As Jet Boats and experienced boat handling skills are required to access and fish this river, you rarely see other anglers, and more importantly this area is not over fished. It is truly an adventure that is easily accessible within a day from Vancouver. For a free personalized quote please drop Rick an email at rstahl@greatriverfishing.com
Vedder / Chilliwack River:
Opens today!! The river should have a few red Chinook in it now but really gets going towards the end of this month. Water levels are absolutley mint and with the nice summer weather, should make for a great day out. Stay tuned and we’ll keep you posted. Please keep in mind that if you do happen into a sockeye or two that they are closed and should be released as carefully as possible. These special fish are a species of concern and we all need to do our part to ensure their survival for future generations.
That’s all for now, until next time: tight lines and scream’n reels.
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