Hi and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 29th of August 2021.
As the days get shorter and August wanes in September we start getting excited about the angling opportunities soon to arrive. Here’s the gist…
Sturgeon:
GRFA proudly hosted the 2021 Jurassic Classic Sturgeon Fundraiser last weekend. Through the efforts of the The Wild Sheep Society of BC, Guide Outfitters Association of BC and the N. America Wild Sheep Foundation, this incredible event raises awareness and much needed funding for the plight of the Wild Sheep here in BC. Special thanks go out to the sponsors, donors and the volunteers that made this year’s event a smashing success, especially with all the struggles that the pandemic created. Not only did we raise a substantial amount of money for a worthwhile cause but the fishing was spectacular. With an overall weight estimate of over 15,000 pounds of sturgeon brought to hand over 2 days in 11 boats. Simply Awesome!
GRFA Team Guide Glen, along with Austin, Bruce, Dallas and Ty with the winning fish of the 2021 Jurassic Classic. This dino taped out at 9′ 6″ with a 46″ girth and estimated weight of 606 LBs. Congrats guys!! Fabulous Fish
Water levels on the Fraser have dropped dramatically over the last few weeks, and with the approach of fall, the fishing has been fantastic. Water that was too fast to fish a few weeks ago is starting to slow down and become fishable. Also, on the other side of the coin, some fishing holes that where doing well are starting to slow down, literally, and the fish are moving into spots that have enough flow to provide them comfort and food. Keep in mind that with the dropping water many gravel bars have appeared above the mouth Vedder River and one needs to be more careful when running the river, especially with a prop propelled boat.
Water temperatures have come down and are currently ideal. The fish are feeling active and are holding in some strong currents’. Heavier weights have been the key in some situations as often we are anchoring as close to the fast seams as possible and then chucking out into the heavy water. Lighter weights are often rolling and some fish could be missed as they dislodge the weight easier and everything moves on them before they can really eat the bait.
The river has an abundant number of Pink salmon in it (but remains closed to sport-fishing for them) and Sturgeons have definitely switched gears and are actively searching out salmon now. There are some boats still reporting activity on other baits like lamprey and coarse fish but this seems to be a day to day phenomena rather than the norm. Having said that its still worth having a rod fishing something other than salmon meat, particularly pike minnows.
The Canyon portion of the river has been phenomenal over the last few weeks with numbers of fish coming to hand simply stunning. It’s dropping fast and the fishing is getting faster, 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!! 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 warm late summer 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
Even though we are experiencing high numbers of Chinook and the Pink returns are looking far better than expected, the Fraser River remains closed to salmon fishing and will most likely remain so for this season. Sockeye returns are in trouble and September finds the much depleted Thompson and Chilcotin steelhead entering the system and they will trigger a complete shutdown of salmon opportunities for the recreational angler on the Fraser River.
Other tributaries of the Fraser, such as the Vedder, Harrison, Stave and Nicomen Slough to name a few, most likely will remain open and offer the sport angler some decent opportunities as we move into late September. For quota regulations check out https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/fresh-douce/region2-eng.html
Most of the news on salmon numbers has been quite positive as we are seeing larger than expected numbers of Coho, Chinook and Pinks than first anticipated. This bodes well for those planning their Fall River fishing from late September through November but will not help us out much in the short term until salmon start moving out of the Fraser and into their natal streams. If you are at all interested in trying your hand for some salmon latter this season the time to book your excursion is now as dates are starting to fill up and space is limited. For more info on salmon fishing with GRFA please contact Rick at rstahl@greatriverfishing.com
NEW for 2021!! We are proud to announce that we have opened Fraser Canyon Riverside Domes! These 2 Geodesic Domes are the ultimate headquarters to your Fraser Canyon sturgeon fishing adventure! Nestled onto an amazing piece of property right on the banks of the mighty Fraser River near Yale BC, it is ideally situated for the outdoor enthusiast, angler and nature lover looking to get away and enjoy what the Fraser Canyon has to offer. Boasting over a thousand feet of riverfront your guide will pick and drop you off via jet boat for an amazing day up the highly scenic Fraser Canyon chasing some of the largest sturgeon in the world.
These state of the art geodesic domes represent the new standard for all things “glamping”. Handsomely appointed and offering all the luxuries of home these structures and surrounding property will leave you breathless. Stargaze from inside your dome and enjoy 550 square feet of living space heated with a propane fireplace, as well as air conditioned to achieve your maximum comfort level. Enjoy the wood burning cedar hot tub next to the river and take full advantage of the massive deck with a unique fire table and BBQ to enjoy your favorite cuisine. Then end your day next to a cozy fire in the beautifully created pit with wood provided (not in fire season).
For more info or to find out availability please reach out to Alyssa at info@greatriverfishing.com
That’s it for now. Conserve our waters and here’s to great fishing, forever…
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