Deans Dino Blog

Hi There! and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 1st of October 2026.

October is upon us, and this is “the” time of year to get out on the water and enjoy the bounty that Mother Nature provides each fall. With salmon and sturgeon available right on our doorstep, there is plenty happening out there. Here’s the lowdown on what’s going on…

SALMON:

First and foremost, keep in mind that the Fraser River remains closed to salmon fishing. Thankfully, there are still plenty of opportunities to chase salmon locally. Other rivers remain open, including the Harrison and Vedder, and both are experiencing very good returns of fish at the moment. As always, please consult the current fishing regulations for specific quotas, openings and closures.

The Harrison River has seen a decent push of both chum and coho over the past few weeks, with the fishing only getting better by the day. This is still very early for the Harrison, which bodes well for the remainder of the season. Most anglers are float fishing jigs and bait, while spoons, spinners and flies both single hand and Spey are also producing fish.

The Vedder River is very low but is producing fish nicely throughout the system, particularly during low light conditions. Float fishing roe, jigs and wool combinations, along with spinners, have been effective. With the low water, the mouth has also been producing well during slack tides, with anglers working spoons and spinners.

The Stave River has some chum around and has also seen some decent pushes of coho lately. Look for this fishery to continue improving, as the Stave is typically a late season river. Coho have primarily been caught from boats in the lower river using spinners, spoons and flies. Chum are being taken by the usual methods of float fishing in the upper river, closer to the dam.

As we approach the middle to latter part of the month, we should also see the Dewdney Slough start to produce coho. These fish are typically targeted on the tides in the lower slough with spinners and spoons. Further upstream, many anglers are float fishing where there is more current.

BOOK YOUR 2026 SALMON ADVENTURE NOW!! 604-792-3544

GRFA has decades of experience when it comes to targeting salmon throughout the Fraser Valley. Whether you’re looking to learn more about the fishery or simply want to get out on the river and put a few salmon on the end of your line, we can help.

We offer both half and full day jet boat adventures, featuring top quality tackle, experienced professional guides, and a commitment to making your day as safe, comfortable, and enjoyable as possible.

Whether you’re looking for an action packed adventure or a laid back day on the water with family and friends, we’ll tailor the experience to your style.

Call or email today and let’s get you on the water!

info@greatriverfishing.com

STURGEON:

Although the sturgeon fishing can be a little day to day, it has been remarkably consistent lately. With the end of the sockeye run, sturgeon have been busy fattening up for the winter, and you can really tell. Most fish are looking like absolute butterballs incredibly girthy and in fantastic shape. In fact, many of the fish we’re seeing are 10–20% heavier than they were just a month ago!

Good average size and decent numbers have been the norm lately.

The sturgeon have primarily been targeting salmon in the river and have now switched their attention from Sockeye to Chum and Chinook, with plenty of both already moving through the system.

Fish have been stacking up in the deeper holes, and if you find a few, it’s worth sticking around there are bound to be more nearby. Some guides have also been doing exceptionally well fishing the shallower edges of the holes, particularly when targeting larger specimens.

The river is very low right now, and anglers and boaters need to be especially careful. We’ve already seen a few boats high and dry on gravel bars. Of particular concern is the old Five Fingers stretch, from Wellington Bar to Bowmans Bar. This area is extremely touchy in low water, and prop driven boats should steer clear.

Everyone should be keeping a close eye on shallow gravel bars and watching their sounders carefully while running the river even in a jet boat.

Despite the lower water, the Canyon continues to produce both numbers and size.If you’re thinking about running this special piece of water, keep in mind that it is very “heavy” water and is not for the timid or inexperienced jet boater, especially at low levels. Please be careful out there!

If you’re interested in trying your hand at some of the biggest sturgeon around in one of the most spectacular venues in the world, drop us a line. We’d be more than happy to help organize one of our Ultimate Fraser Canyon Sturgeon Trips for you.

Contact us at info@greatriverfishing.com.

BOOK YOUR 2026 STURGEON ADVENTURE NOW!! 604-792-3544

What better way to spend a beautiful fall day than relaxing in a comfortable covered jet boat, surrounded by spectacular scenery and waiting for that next heart stopping bite from the almighty sturgeon!

The action has been steady, the scenery spectacular, and every trip carries the possibility of battling a giant.

We offer both half and full day jet boat adventures, featuring top quality tackle, experienced professional guides, and a commitment to making your day as safe, comfortable, and enjoyable as possible.

Whether you’re looking for an action packed adventure or a laid back day on the water with family and friends, we’ll tailor the trip to your style.

Big fish. Beautiful scenery. Unforgettable memories.

Call or email today and let’s get you on the water! info@greatriverfishing.com

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2027! WINTER & SPRING

The Lillooet River is a gem of a winter fishery for Bull Trout and also offers opportunities at Steelhead, Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout.

This is one of our premier trips, and once you experience it, you’ll understand why.

The Lillooet is a remote fishery that receives very little fishing pressure and requires a skilled jet boat operator to reach the best water. The combination of sheer beauty, majestic scenery and miles of perfect fishing water makes this one of those true bucket list rivers.

Why leave it on your bucket list? Come get it done! info@greatriverfishing.com

Once again, we’ll be offering our River Raft Float Adventures on the Vedder/Chilliwack River this winter in pursuit of the elusive Steelhead!

These trips are designed to enhance the fishing experience and provide access to water that can be difficult to reach any other way.

Our raft adventures will begin February 1st and run through the end of April.

Want to knock Old Squaretail off your bucket list? This is your opportunity!

Steelhead will begin entering the Vedder around the middle of December and are typically present in catchable numbers by the first week of January. The peak of the run is generally toward the end of February, with good fishing often continuing well into April.

We’ll primarily be float and/or fly fishing for these chrome beauties, using the raft to provide easier access to the river. Most of the actual fishing will still be done from shore.

For anglers with limited time or those simply wanting to learn the ins and outs of steelheading we’ll also be offering Walk & Wade opportunities..

If Steelhead are on your bucket list, or you’d like to learn more about these exciting winter opportunities, drop us an email for more information.

info@greatriverfishing.com

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