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Fishing Report for Chilliwack to Vancouver – May 11, 2022

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Fishing Report for Chilliwack to Vancouver – May 11, 2022

Hi and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the  11th of May 2022.

As we continue to move through the spring months we are starting to experience the annual spring freshet. Even with the slightly cooler temperatures than normal, most rivers have come up due to snow melt as daylight holds on longer and longer. Having said that there are still windows of opportunity for those looking to wet a line.

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STURGEON:
For those fishing the lower Fraser River please be aware that there is still an eulachon Food, Social and Ceremonial fishery for the First Nations in the area. We ask that you are mindful of their space and respect their efforts to harvest the remainder of their quota. Please make way for them and help share the river and the resources.

The Fraser has bumped up and visibility in the water is almost zero. Be ultra-vigilant when boating the river as there are many rock bars that are just submersed at the moment. The river has changed somewhat, as it does every year, and some areas that were good to go last year have filled in and channels may have moved. This is especially evident around the “5 Fingers” area of the Fraser (Above the mouth of the Vedder River to Grassy Bar) and the Carey Island area where the river has moved over.

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Also keep in mind that with the rising water comes the debris. Anyone angling from an anchored boat really needs to keep an eye up stream to ensure that you don’t get run over by a floating log. Also, fishing lines need to be cleaned more often, at least every 20 minutes to make sure that the bait is not covered up.

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With the waters levels rising and warming sturgeon are starting to leave their wintering holes and are moving into shallower lies to feast upon the remaining eulachons, lamprey, coarse fish and whatever else they can find on the sandy bottom. This will typically spread the fish out somewhat and one is best served to keep moving trying different anchor drops, remember moving 30 feet can sometimes make the difference. Rule of thumb: if you haven’t had a bite in 45 minutes pick up the anchor and move, at least a little.

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We have had a phenomenal start in the Fraser Canyon this year. 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 spring 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

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CUTTHROAT TROUT:
The Harrison and Stave Rivers remain clear and high and have picked up as we are now seeing salmon fry in good numbers. Fish are nosing around for these minnows as the salmon life cycle begins again. Best fishing has been at day break but they can keep biting all day with a little cloud cover, which we’ve had plenty of lately. Watch for fish crashing minnows close to shore and move to them.

Most anglers are targeting cuties with light fly gear. With the advent of the Salmon fry migration stick with small minnow patterns like the good old Rolled Muddler Minnow and Tied Back Minnows fished close to the surface. Look for fish rising, cutthroat are very schooly and even if you just see one riser there is a very good chance that there are a few more with it.  Also cutthroat are very light sensitive creatures and you would be best to concentrate your efforts to low cloud covered days.

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Novice to expert we can help you dial these little battlers in. We offer half and full day excursions via jet boat or walk in’s for these ghosts of the coast. Drop us a line and we’ll be happy to fill you in.


STEELHEAD:
Most all Fraser tributary’s came up fast last week with the heavy rains we experienced, however they are all on the drop again. This will get the fish moving, especially the ones that have been holding low in the rivers, and the upper portions of the rivers should start producing.

Keep in mind that the Vedder/Chilliwack River closed May 1st above the Garrison Crossing bridge and turned to fly fishing only downstream of it. This is it for those looking to put a few last chromers to the beach. Look towards large darker intruder style flies with a very fast sinking tip and search out the “softer” water with good light penetration. Often in high and off colored water the fish will hold in fairly shallow water. Most steelhead returns have been late this season and the fishing has only gotten better as we moved into the late season.  Get out there!

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UPPER PITT RIVER:
With this warm weather are attentions starts to drift towards late spring and early summer and the fishing opportunities to be had. The Upper Pitt River is one of these special fisheries and for good reason, big bull trout living in one of the prettiest places around. The beginning of May starts this special fishery and it continues through the summer but having said that typically the best Bull Trout fishing is during freshet. No explanation why, just know that the numbers do not lie. Bigger fish and numbers. 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


NEWS: Salmon Opening
Current projected numbers of returning sockeye for the Fraser system are high and it looks like we will be getting an opening this summer! Yes, this is the high in the 4 year cycle and it is looking very promising for an opening sometime mid to late August and continuing into September. Along with the sockeye the chinook numbers are also excellent and they too will likely be included in the opening. This should bleed into the coho and chum fall fishery giving us a well deserved long salmon season. For those thinking of trying this fishery please do not hesitate to book as space is already very limited for us through the proposed opening. Drop us a line at info@greatriverfishing.com for more info.

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NEWS: Fraser Canyon Teepee Escape UPGRADES!
With the popularity of these accommodations increasing constantly we have managed to add even more to the experience! The 20′ Teepee now has a stand alone rustic covered outdoor kitchen and bathroom with all the goodies to along with it, including a large deck with fire table overlooking the river.

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By moving the kitchen outside we added plenty of space to the interior of this teepee. This teepee is now set up the same as the 26 footer with a king bed and a daybed with trundle (2 regular sized twin beds). This is the ultimate canyon get away for those looking to add to their fishing adventure or just wanting to take in what the historic Fraser Canyon has to offer.

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We’ve also added a small teepee for kids looking to get away from their parents… or maybe the other way around. This little teepee is a down scaled version just the right size for children to have their own glamping experience.

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Fraser Canyon Riverside Domes are open for the 2022 season!
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.

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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).

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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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