Hi and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 12th of March 2020.
It’s starting to feel like spring! With the promise of some sunny weather many are looking at getting out on the water and shaking off the cabin fever blues. Here’s what’s going on in the Fraser Valley fishing scene.
STURGEON:
Fishing for sturgeon has remained very good as of late. In fact numbers to hand have been very impressive with multiple double headers happening on almost every outing. We’re seeing mostly smaller fish in the 4 to 6 foot range with the odd larger specimen thrown in the mix. The salt water designated portion of the river, downstream of Mission, has been producing huge numbers of fish however you are hard pressed to find any over 5 and a half feet in length. From the Vedder River to Mission has also been very good for numbers and we have been seeing some decent fish to say the least… Istvan guided a lucky group into an 11’2” monster! His personal best! This epic fish is the single largest specimen we have seen in a few years and will be a tough fish to beat.
What a HOG!! 11 foot 2 inch monster of a white sturgeon… Well done! Congratulations!
Be vigilant when cruising the river, particularly upstream of the mouth of the Vedder River as there are many exposed and slightly submerged gravel bars that become hazards especially for those that run prop driven motors on their boats. Take it slow and easy and if it’s really bad don’t risk the inevitable, these frigid waters are not for swimming in at this time of year 🙂
With the water being very low and cold the fish have moved into their wintering holes and are quite stacked up when you find them. Keep moving around until you find them, once you start getting bites stay close as they tend to pack 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 and it wise to have an assortment. 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 the sturg will often “lay” down 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. rstahl@greatriverfishing.com
STEELHEAD:
The Vedder River, along with most all other tributaries are at very the low levels. This low and gin clear water can make for challenging fishing but not impossible, in fact there are still quite a few fish being caught which bodes well for when the river bumps up.
With the conditions being low and clear don’t be afraid to fish shallower water, often 3’ or less during low light conditions, early mornings and late afternoon. Fish will often stage in this shallow water, found at the heads and tail outs of runs, soaking up what warmth the light can provide before moving on. As the sun rises concentrate your efforts to the deeper slots, bolder pools and cut banks where fish can rest comfortably in safety.
Offerings for steelhead in low water are typically on the small side and often the successful angler has to “comb” the runs fairly tight to ensure that all willing takers were covered. For those drift fishing small jigs in pink and peach have been working along with smaller washed out pink rubber worms, trout beads and wool combos. Of course small bags of roe or skeined chunks always work. For the fly guy, bring the size of your intruder down and keep it bright, like the old adage goes” bright day – bright fly’. Also do not be afraid to go small Popsicle style flies or even single egg patterns, especially during mid day. 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.
GRFA is once again offering float trips on the Vedder/Chilliwack River starting! 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 NOW through most of 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 Rick a quick email for more info. rstahl@greatriverfishing.com
LILLOOET 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 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? Contact Rick for more info rstahl@greatriverfishing.com
COMING SOON!
The Fraser Canyon is arguably your best in the chance to catch truly large White Sturgeon, period. This world class fishery is like no other, in a venue that offers spectacular settings like no other. Come try what everyone is whispering about… with the company that spends the most time searching out sturgeon haunts up the highly scenic Fraser Canyon. We start plying the waters of these hallowed grounds in April and typically quit in October. Space is limited as we only utilize a few of more tenured and seasoned guides as this can be a finicky fishery in terms of anchor location and bait placement. By minimizing the traffic we also ensures that the hot spots are not overfished and your chance of a fishing trip of a lifetime is realized. Don’t delay, drop us a line for more info today 604-792-3544 or email Rick at rstahl@greatriverfishing.com
That’s it for now. Conserve our waters and here’s to great fishing, forever…
Comments
MAR