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Fishing Report for Chilliwack to Vancouver – October 23, 2019

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Fishing Report for Chilliwack to Vancouver – October 23, 2019

Hi and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 23rd of October 2019.

As we approach the end of October we typically see some of the best fishing of the year. With salmon runs peaking and sturgeon fattening up for the winter on them it’s the time to get out on the water and enjoy all that we are blessed with here in southern BC. Here’s how things are progressing….

WM7Sturgeon:
With the Chum Salmon returns not amounting to their typical numbers sturgeon have been forced to work a little harder for their fall feast and are biting fairly well at the moment. They are still plump from the Pink salmon bonanza and in great fighting shape making anglers work for every inch of line and showing off in spectacular leaps and sizzling runs.

WM4

Sturgeon have been primarily targeting salmon in the river, having said that many fish are being taken with other baits like lamprey and pike minnows. This often happens at this time of year as they start looking for a little variance in their diet and simply are tired of salmon. Chum eggs, singles or skeined, has been the all-around bait of choice, especially for the larger fish, and for those that can stomach it, stink bait from spawned out chum has also proven good.

WM5

Fish have been stacking up in the deeper holes and if you find a few, stick around, there’s bound to be more. Some guides have been doing very well fishing the shallower edges of the holes, especially for larger specimens.

WM8

The river is dropping still from the recent rains and one really needs to be careful out there right now, we have seen a few boats high and dry on the gravel bars. Of particular note the old Five Fingers stretch of river (Wellington Bar to Bowmans Bar) is very touchy and a prop driven boat should steer clear of this area. Definitely want to keep an eye out for shallow bars and watch your sounders as your running even in a jet boat.

WM3

The Canyon continues to produce both numbers and size.  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, especially in low water. Please be very careful!! 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

WM6

What better way is there to spend an autumn 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.

Salmon:
With Chum salmon returns being lower than expected, many tributaries of the Fraser have now been closed to the retention of them. Salmon fishing remains open and one can still take Coho and Chinook, however Chum are catch and release only on the Harrison, Stave, Allouette and Chehalis Rivers as well as the Nicomen Slough.

WM9

This is one of the wettest falls we have seen in many years and the water in all river systems is considerably higher than the average mean. With the high water fish are traversing quickly through the lower ends and moving up the rivers faster than normal. This has made the fishing a little difficult at the mouths of tributaries for the Fraser like the Vedder River, Nicomen Slough and the Harrison River. Further up these tributaries has been the ticket as the fish slow down and hole up as they approach their spawning grounds.

WM10

The Harrison has seen a decent push of chum lately but not in traditional numbers. There are some Coho around and we’ve managed a few Chinook as well however the higher water has made it challenging to find schools of fish. Look to conditions improving as the water drops and more fish push in. Most anglers are float fishing jigs with bait, spoons/spinners and flies, both single hand and spey.

WM12

The Vedder is in peak season now and fishing well. With the higher water fish have been scooting through and good numbers of Chinook and Coho are throughout the system. Pressure is high on the river and the more well-known spots can be very busy. Please be courteous to your fellow angler and use proper fishing etiquette.

WM2

The Nicomen Slough is starting to put out Coho consistently and anglers have been busy throwing spoons, spinners and flies at them. Look for a high to dropping tide in the lower reaches as the fresh fish push in and hang out. The upper slough around Suicide Creek and the creek itself has been good for those wanting to do a little drift fishing, having said that, spinners and small sparkle flies have also been producing.

WM13

 “GRFA has decades and decades worth of knowledge when it comes to targeting salmon Fraser Valley. If you would like to learn more about this fishery or simply want to get out on the river for some salmon fishing we can help. Please contact Rick at rstahl@greatriverfishing.com and let us help you experience the thrill of salmon on the rod.”

That’s it for now. Conserve our waters and here’s to great fishing, forever…

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