Hi and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 9th of May 2017.
Spring is here!! And with it a new advent of fishing opportunities to tickle and satisfy the most hardened and ardent angler. Here’s what’s been happening and a few things coming up…
Sturgeon:
The Fraser has bumped up with the start spring freshet and the fish have spread out a little. Typically we’ll have a few days of tougher fishing as the fish get use to the extra scent in the water but that is quickly getting behind us now. Our charters are still producing decent numbers with some big fish thrown into the mix to keep things real interesting. Look towards the lower river as the weather warms and the fish localize lower down. Keep in mind that with the rising water levels you really need to keep an eye open upstream as we are seeing plenty of debris floating and a log in your anchor line can quickly turn things into mayhem. Eulochans and Lamprey eels have been the bait of choice lately.
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 clear 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.
STEELHEAD:
Most systems are either closed to fishing now or blown out with spring freshet. The Vedder remains open from the Crossing Bridge downstream for fly fishing only. As I write this the river is high but still fishable. There’s been almost no pressure so tough to get any reports back but should make for a good morning or afternoon spent in the nice weather we’re experiencing. With this warm weather the river could blow out for the duration of the month, so get out their while the getting is still good.
Steelhead are a fabled fish with plenty of lore and mystery surrounding them. These chrome bullets will not only strain tackle to the limits but will test the stamina and determination of the angler pursuing them. Let us help you knock this one off your bucket list. Currently we are offering very affordable half/full day walk and wade expeditions with either drift gear or fly/spey. Also, there are some limited full day jet boat trips available for the angler looking to get away from hustle and bustle.
From novice to expert, our guides are extremely well versed in steelheading. Whether you’re looking to catch your first ever steelhead or want the added challenge of taking one with a spey or fly rod, we have the right guides as well as the best gear waiting for you. 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.
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 begin a fresh. 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 back waters of the Fraser are muddied up with the river being up and spring being here. There’s still might be a few that are far enough back from the main stem that remain clear and are still fishing but you will have to explore. Any warm afternoon can trigger a winter stonefly hatch, we seen some last week. These little bugs are best represented with small leaches or swimming style nymph patterns in 12’s to 16’s.
Most anglers are targeting cutties 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.
Searun Cutthroat with stand, and stay active, in the coldest condition of any known trout. This makes them the ideal mid-winter cure for cabin fever. 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.
Pitt River:
With May upon us we start our annual Pitt River Fishery. This special fishery 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
That’s all for now, until next time: tight lines and scream’n reels.
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