- What does a typical fishing day look like?
- Our 8 hour experiences usually run 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You'll meet your guide at the assigned boat launch. Start and finish times are flexible and we can accommodate almost any schedule. On a combined salmon and sturgeon trip, you and your guide decide together how much time to spend on each species. *On occasion we can offer Hotel pickup, please enquire.
- How long are your trips?
- We offer 4-, 6- and 8-hour day adventures, multi-day packages, and remote wilderness camps. Each is tailored to your goals. See Our Fishing Packages for details.
- What fish do you target, and when?
- White Sturgeon is year round, all 5 species of wild Pacific Salmon, Steelhead, Rainbow Trout, Bull Trout and Cutthroat Trout are specific timings based on run timing and just when these fish are best targeted. Check our "When to Come" schedule to plan around your favourites. *Please contact us by email or phone call and we will be happy to provide more detailed information.
- Do we need to bring our own gear?
- Simple answer is No. We can provide all the rods, reels, tackle and gear you'll need to target the species you are coming to the area to fish for. You're welcome to bring your own rods, reels and waders if you prefer. *If you are a double hand Spey fisher we urge you to bring your own rods and reels. Most are 4 piece and can easily be brought on airlines. These rods are very expensive and are a special tool for each angler visiting. You can request more information by contacting us directly anytime.
- What kind of boats do you use?
- We use Custom welded river jet boats, designed and built for our local rivers with safety and comfort in mind. Our fleet varies from 20 feet to 24 feet and our Tour Boat is 28 feet long. The normal adventure is best suited for up to 4 anglers per boat and guide as we want all experiences to be non crowded. Many of our clients prefer 2 persons per boat and guide and even 1 person in some cases. *We do NOT offer shared trips where you add anglers to other groups.
- How many guests per boat?
- For sturgeon and salmon trips we recommend up to 4 anglers per boat maximum. For steelhead, trout and wilderness trips we recommend up to 3, so your guide can give everyone full attention on the river. These glacier remote rivers are skinny waters usually and the balance in the boat is best with 4 anglers at the most. Each experience is unique and we can offer more detailed information if you contact our team directly.
- What are my options for accommodations?
- We partner with a range of accommodations that share our values of service and hospitality. Based on your dates and the species you're after, we'll situate you where you can reach the morning's fishing grounds with the least travel. See our Accommodations page for options. * Hotel, Luxury Riverside Fraser Canyon Domes and the Fraser River Lodge are the most requested.
- What's the weather like, and what should I bring?
- Vancouver and the Fraser Valley enjoy some of the mildest weather in Canada. No, it isn't snow covered for 6 months of the year. We have moving water nearly 12 months of the year and very rarely can we not go fishing with clients. See our What to Bring page for clothing guidance for the season. *Quick answer always is layered clothing and decent quality rain gear.
- Do I need a BC fishing licence?
- Yes. You can buy your freshwater (and saltwater) licence online before your trip. We can also arrange licences for you on arrival for an administration charge. *We have a new freshwater licence system since 2026 - you need to apply for your BCEID then get your FWID and these will be used for both fishing and hunting and brings both together in a way to better keep your records. Any questions, please reach out to our team.
- Can we add lunch and refreshments?
- On water executive lunches can be added for a charge, or bring your own. We always carry a cooler on board to keep food and drinks cold. We can also cater shore lunches, dinners and retreats for larger corporate groups. *Please let us know what you would like and we can try to create something to suit you best.
- How do we take our catch home?
- We are mostly a catch and release company but definitely harvest Salmon when there is abundant stocks available and within Government guidelines and openings. If you are wanting to harvest, please bring a cooler with ice in your vehicle and you can take your catch home at the end of the day. We do not offer "Airline" packaging and we ask that you check with your airline for their guidelines. Guides need to leave on the head and tail of all Salmon for species identification based on Gov laws. (Note: sturgeon are catch and release only since 1994)
- Should I tip my guide?
- Gratuities are always appreciated and earned and "tipping" is part of the culture in all of North America. Guides are all paid well and If you're happy with your trip and service, roughly 10%- 20% of the total is standard based on the fishing costs. *In most cases for an 8 hours day, we see from $150.00 to $200.00 in the current year.
- Do you offer gift certificates?
- Yes. Personalized, made to order gift certificates are available for birthdays, anniversaries, Father's Day, Mother's Day, gifts for employees, retirement or any occasion. Contact us to arrange a special "no expiry" certificate suited for your needs.
- When do we pay?
- There is no payment before we confirm availability. Each trip's pricing and your quote show whether the next step is a booking fee, deposit or full payment. To secure a boat and guide we require 50% deposit on the time of booking. Your final payment in full is due no later than 30 days prior to your fishing date. *Please contact our team if you would like to arrange a special payment plan, we can be flexible in cases when needed.
- What is your cancellation policy?
- Our policy is simple, be fair to us and we will be fair to you.....The current cancellation policy is we will provide a full refund 30 days prior to your adventure date, but this refund needs to be used in a future credit of a trip with our team. There is no refunds if you cancel your trip less than 14 days prior to your adventure date. *Our guides rely on this work all year long and there is virtually no way to rebook them on short notice as we book far in advance when planning the yearly schedule. *We do take each cancellation request seriously and will review situations that come up and try to be as fair as we can to you as a client.
- How do we book?
- Contact our team and we'll help design your special experience for fishing or Tours. Email info@greatriverfishing.com or call 604.792.3544 (office) Dean's direct cell number is 604.991.3474 (call or text is fine too) Leave messages if no answer and we will be happy to call you back asap.
