Hi and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 23rd of January 2019.
Last weeks rains saw most of the rivers rise dramatically, however the cold snap we experienced on the weekend saw the water levels drop dramatically and most if not all systems are now in prime fishing shape. For those of you that are suffering from cabin fever, it’s a really good time to get out and throw a line, here’s whats happening
STURGEON:
With winter upon us the sturgeon have moved into their typical cold weather haunts and have switched to the usual winter baits. Look for fish in the deeper wintering holes. Once you find them, stay close as they tend to stack up in the winter and often ones does not have move much to get into consistent action. At this time of year a plethora of different baits can work on any given and it wise to have more of an assortment than during the salmon runs. Baits of choice are lamprey, coarse fish, single eggs, dew worms and roe.
Fishing has actually been quite decent for these dinosaurs of the deep as of late. Good numbers of smaller fish are the norm through winter with the odd bigger fish still active. The lower river downstream of Mission has been producing huge numbers of fish but you are hard pressed to find any over 5 feet in length. From the Vedder River to Mission has also been very good for numbers but we have been seeing some decent fish as well, no 10 foot monsters but some decent 6 to 7 footers sprinkled in with the smaller fish.
The river is low and will probably remain so for the rest of the winter. Be vigilant when cruising the river, particularly upstream of the mouth of the Vedder river as there are many exposed and slightly submerged gravel bars that become hazards especially for those that run prop driven motors on their boats.
What better way is there to spend a winter 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
STEELHEAD:
Last week saw all the tributary rivers of the Fraser swollen over their banks and un-fishable, however with the rains finally stopping and temps dropping everything is in prime shape now!!
The last few days have been good on the Vedder River as the high water pushed in quite a few fish with some bigger specimens finally around. Most of the fish have been taken in the mid to upper portion of the river. As the water drops look towards smaller offerings such as trout beads, Jensen eggs and wool combo’s, especially during mid-day Also, the river is in prime shape for the fly, swing heavy sink tips with the typical winter offerings such as Popsicle and small intruders.
On the north side of the Fraser reports from the Chehalis River have been decent of late for steelhead however we are not hearing of many fish coming out of the Stave.
GRFA will once again be offering float trips on the Vedder/Chilliwack River starting this February!! This is in an effort to enhance the fishing experience and open up water that is difficult to access any other way. Want to knock old square tail of the bucket list? This is your best opportunity…
Peak of the run is towards the end of February and into March. We will be primarily float and/or fly fishing for the chrome beauties and will use the raft primarily to offer ease of access to the water and most fishing will be still be done from shore. If this is something that interest you please drop Rick a quick email for more info. rstahl@greatriverfishing.com
LILLOOET RIVER TROUT & STEELHEAD:
With winter upon us our thoughts turn towards the new fishing opportunities that it will bring. The Lillooet River is a gem of a winter fishery for Bull Trout and a great opportunity at some steelhead, cutthroat and rainbow trout as well. This is one of our premier trips and when you get there you will see why. This is a remote fishery that gets very little pressure and requires a skilled jet boater to reach the best waters. The shear beauty and majestic scenery coupled with miles of perfect fishing water makes this one of those bucket list kind of rivers… want to get it out of your bucket? Contact Rick for more info rstahl@greatriverfishing.com
That’s it for now. Conserve our waters and here’s to great fishing, forever…
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JAN