Hi and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 24th of July 2018.
The weather continues to be incredible up the Fraser Valley. Warm days, great company and BIG fish, this is what we live for. Anyone heading out on the water these days better not forget the sun screen lotion and some cool drinks it’s been hot… and so has the fishing. Here’s what’s happening…
Sturgeon:
The last few weeks has seen an incredible number of big fish! The big boy’s are definitely on the feed and the water temperatures are perfect for epic battles. It’s rare at the moment to catch a sturgeon that does not launch out of the water, in fact most fish are jumping repeatedly and the runs they are taking are blistering. It’s definitely time to go “hog” hunting, only word of advice is to make sure you have a few people on board to switch up on the rods. Once one these behemoths is hooked it’s fairly uncommon for the initial angler to finish off on them and most are having to be chased with the boats.
The Fraser is still dropping but not nearly at the rate of a week ago and has leveled off somewhat. Water that was too fast to fish a few weeks ago is starting to slow down and become fishable. As the water drops more and more fishing grounds opens up and the “holes” are getting more fishable and larger. What this means to the angler is to keep moving around as the fish will spread out more with more slack water around. Even 100 feet can make the difference. Keep in mind that with the dropping water many gravel bars are starting to appear and one needs to be more careful when running the river, especially with a prop propelled boat.
The river also has a good number of salmon in it now and the Sturgeon are starting to switch their attention to salmon parts and Roe. Having said that do not forsake the tried and true summer baits, like Lampreys, dew worms and coarse fish, as every day seems to be different.
The Fraser Canyon Ultimate Sturgeon Experience continues to be fulfilling the dreams of our “Big Game” clients interested in that special experience of a lifetime. The last few weeks have brought both good numbers of fish and some of the famed “Monsters” to the shore or for a boat side release. The river seems to be on a constant drop each day and the water temperature is rising which makes these fish even more frisky and numerous jumps are very common on most all hookups. The Fraser canyon is still deemed as the most complex and complicated area to navigate and fish for Sturgeon and that is another reason we love it there. For these reasons many other companies refrain from fishing here often and only 5 of our guide team have been specially trained to create experiences like no other. The Fraser Canyon area we fish is typically between Laidlaw and Yale and the river rises and falls over 45 vertical feet each season from low water in February to high water in May, June or July. This is where our team shines, we are on this portion of the river more then anyone and we know where the fish are biting each day and how to navigate the best fishing spots in all water conditions. The area gives you an opportunity to land a giant Sturgeon everyday from April 1st each year to approximately October 15th. Others say they fish it regularly, but we know they really don’t….! Come see what everyone that has fished this scenic, cultural and historic area has enjoyed and the reason they keep coming back and booking it. rstahl@greatriverfishing.com
We are now offering a new “angle” on fishing the canyon portion of the Fraser… introducing 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. If this interests you please contact us for more information at info@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 low and become tough to run with a jet boat. Because the Pitt is glacier fed, water levels have still been fluctuating with any warm weather bumping the river up and cool days bringing 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. Some salmon have been reported in the river but not huge numbers as of yet. Hopefully with this warm weather we are slated for the rivers water levels bump up and we’ll see the first really good push’s salmon.
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. Spin fishing with spoons has been deadly as well with Croc’s in a ¼ to 3/8 ounce being the best.
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:
We need rain to bring up the river a little and get the fish that are in the river moving as well as some fresh fish into the river. With the water levels low the fish are starting to stack up in certain holes. We have sen both Chinook and Sockeye through out the system now with some good concentrations in the middle stretch around the crossing. Keep in mind that the sockeye are a non-targeted species and should not be removed from the water! If you do happen to catch one please release them carefully and unharmed. They are a species of concern and we need to do our part to ensure that they will be able to thrive as they once did.
If you see chinook rolling and showing themselves stick it out, they can turn-on at the drop of a hat. Sockeye will also show themselves allot but are typically much smaller and just boil where as chinook will sometimes leap clear of the water or at least get their heads out and their obviously a much larger fish… We have heard of Chinook being taken on jenssen eggs, wool and roe, and the odd one on the fly. Fish are biting best during low light conditions. Concentrate your efforts to first and last light or cloudy days.
Fraser River Salmon Opening: Coming Soon… hopefully
Sockeye numbers have been very good in the ocean and in the Fraser itself. With the early summer fish almost through and the bonanza of late summers staging out in the salt water it looks like we may have opening for these feisty critters coming very soon. Water conditions have been favorable and numbers are looking good.This is the high year in the four year cycle for sockeye and we are really hoping that DFO opens the river in the first week or two of August. If you are at all interested in getting out on the water for this much coveted fishery please do not delay in booking your day with GRFA. August and September are already very full and openings will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. Contact Rick at rstahl@greatriverfishing.com for more details and to book your day.
That’s all for now, until next time: tight lines and scream’n reels.
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