Hi and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 14th of April 2020.
What an incredible stretch of weather we are having of late, and the weather man is promising a few more days of it. If this doesn’t make you want to get outside and into some fish then most likely nothing will. Here’s what’s happening on our rivers….
COLUMBIA RIVER:
Traditionally April signifies the beginning of the trout and walleye fishery on the Columbia River. This system is exempt from the spring closure that covers most trout streams in BC. It is also a free flowing tailwater fishery so water temperatures and levels tend to be ideal even when other rivers are too cold, warm, high or low to fish well. Its an ideal get away for those itching to cast at some big wild rainbows or perhaps look for a generous limit of walleye to tempt the appetite.
At this time of year most anglers are fishing streamer style flies cast with either a fast sink tip or weighted fly for rainbows. Look for action in the deeper parts of the river where fish tend to stack up. Walleye anglers are primarily using jigs tipped with night crawlers. These can be cast bounced on the bottom or fished suspended under a float. Again look for deeper slower water where the fish congregate.
With over 30 kilometers of fishing and 1,500 fish per kilometer, the Columbia is a fly fisher’s dream. This fishery is a true hidden gem and offers anglers the best of both worlds with scrappy trout and tasty walleye. Want to give the Columbia a go? GRFA has partnered up with some of the best guides in the area and is now offering trips to this world class fishery. Drop us a line at info@greatriverfishing.com
STURGEON:
Fishing for sturgeon has remained incredible as of late. Not only have the numbers to hand to be good but we are seeing bigger fish in the 8’ plus category plus plenty of 6’+ thrown into the mix.
The Fraser has bumped up a little with the recent warm weather we’ve been having. Water has colored up with the bump; however the river is still quite low. With the low visibility it is more important than ever to watch for gravel bars and other obstacles as you run the river, especially with any prop driven boat.
Eulachons are in the river now in decent numbers on their annual spawning run. These are small bait fish (candle fish) that migrate up the Fraser from the saltwater to spawn at this time of year. With the arrival of the eulachons sturgeon will start moving out the extreme depths and into some shallower water looking for these tenders morsel. Obviously this is the bait of choice at the moment; however lamprey and single salmon eggs have also been extremely effective.
From the Vedder River to Mission has been very good for numbers and we have been seeing some decent fish as well. The salt water designated portion of the river, downstream of Mission, has continued to produce good numbers of fish as well however the size of the fish seems to be little smaller than in the freshwater portion of the river. Keep moving around, trying different anchor locations until you find them, once you start getting bites stay close as they tend to pack up in the spring and often ones does not have move much to get into consistent action.
April is here and with it the start of the Fraser Canyon fishery. If you have never experienced this special stretch of water it truly is something else and brings sturgeon fishing to a whole new level. We have had a boat or 2 up there last few days and the fishing was better than expected. If you’re interested in giving these fishing grounds a go let us know and we’ll be happy to forward more info. If you’re thinking of trying this area on your own please take extra precautions as the waters are considerably wilder, steeper and deeper than downstream of Hope. They really do require a veteran jet boat operator to navigate safely.
What better way is there to spend a spring 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:
The Vedder River, along with most all other Fraser tributary’s have come up somewhat but stayed surprisingly low with the heat wave we are currently experiencing. As the weather continues to warm, the river should come up from snow melt somewhat, as soon as the air temperature stays above freezing in the mountains over night. This will get the fish moving, especially the ones that have been holding low in the rivers, and the upper portions of the rivers should start producing well.
With the conditions starting to rise look towards slightly larger offerings like jigs and plastic worms, particularly in low light conditions. Of course small bags of roe or skeined chunks always work.
For the fly guys, this is the time to get out there. With the rising water also comes slightly warmer water which can really induce steelhead to chase and and attack your offering. Fly sizes and colors can vary greatly and water conditions will dictate what you run just keep in mind that salmon smolts are starting to pop and minnow like flies can be the key. Remember that you want to be running very heavy sink tips and if your not touching bottom every once in a while, your just practicing casting.
GRFA is offering float trips on the Vedder/Chilliwack River and the time is now! April finds the Vedder River at its peak for steelhead numbers, water temperatures are up and flow is perfect. Want to knock old square tail of the bucket list? This is your best opportunity…
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 CHINOOK
April sees one of the last returns of true Spring run Chinook left in BC traverse through the Lillooet River! This is one of the best opportunities to wrestle one of these super special chrome fish. They are free rising and love to smash a swung fly or chase down a spoon. Along with opportunity of hooking a giant slab there are still lots of Bull trout in system as well as Cutthroat to keep you interested in between chinook grabs.
Prime time on these trophy salmon is typically the last few weeks of April and the first week of May. The river traditionally goes into freshet sometime after that and Chinook continue to move in, however water conditions are usually unfishable after the 2nd week of May.
The Lillooet 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
UPPER PITT RIVER
With this warm weather are attentions starts to drift towards late spring and early summer and the fishing opportunities to be had. The Upper Pitt River is one of these special fisheries and for good reason, big bull trout living in one of the prettiest places around. The beginning of May starts this special fishery and it continues through the summer but having said that typically the best Bull Trout fishing is during freshet. No explanation why, just know that the numbers do not lie. Bigger fish and numbers.
Great River Fishing Adventures guides have many years’ experience fishing the Upper Pitt River watershed and are knowledgeable about the area and effective techniques to target all species. As Jet Boats and experienced boat handling skills are required to access and fish this river, you rarely see other anglers, and more importantly this area is not over fished. It is truly an adventure that is easily accessible within a day from Vancouver. For a free personalized quote please drop Rick an email at rstahl@greatriverfishing.com
We’ve added a cedar wood burning hot tub to our teepees!! What an awesome way to relax and unwind after pitting your muscle and mind against the all mighty white sturgeon. Dates are dwindling fast for this summer and many weekend are now full. If you’re at all interested for this season, or perhaps for 2022, don’t delay, drop us a line today.
These Teepee’s are located on the banks of the Fraser Canyon near Yale BC and offer a truly unique experience for those wishing to do a little “Glamping” in style. Guides can pick you up right from your personal river bank steps away from the teepees and drop you off again after a fun filled day of chasing dinosaurs in one of the most scenic river stretches in BC. Or spend the day exploring the incredible countryside and rich history of the Fraser Canyon and its importance during the Gold Rush of 1858 and First Nation culture and history. These teepees are your base camp for your next outdoor adventure! For more information please do not hesitate to reach out to us. info@greatriverfishing.com
We have teamed up with one of the finest operations on the west coast and will be offering salmon and halibut trips. This area is re-known for its exemplary salmon fishing and was not effected by the recent closures. It’s also a phenomenal fishery for halibut and other bottom fish. Couple this with superior hospitality and a beautiful on the water lodge and you have the makings of a top notch West Coast experience. Reach out to us for more information at info@greatriverfishing.com
That’s it for now. Conserve our waters and here’s to great fishing, forever…
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