Hi and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 14th of July.
July is upon us and we are quickly approaching the midpoint of summer… and what an incredible season it has been thus far!! The big fish just seem to keep coming! Here’s what’s been happening.
STURGEON:
With rains in the interior of BC helping keep this year’s fire season in check, they have brought up the Fraser River water levels somewhat over the last week. More concerning is the incredible amount of debris that has suddenly shown up.
Big Bar Slide
Most of this debris is from the Big Bar slide that happened last week and is currently a hot issue as salmon stocks of concern have been partially blocked. (See Article HERE for more info) Also, the Chicoltin River received an unseasonable amount of rain in late June leaving it at freshet or even flood levels. What this means to the sturgeon fisher is that we once again having to clean our lines frequently and keep a sharp eye upstream to avoid having logs knock you off anchor, similar to a freshet scenario.
The river itself has only come up about 10 inches and sturgeon are still feeding very well. Most feeding fish can be found in shallower water (under 30 feet) at the moment and the most consistent bait has been coarse fish and lamprey. However some anglers have started to do well on salmon parts with sockeye and chinook in the river and one is wise to bring some along as we get further into July.
Dennis, Adam, Darrell and Trevor with a GIANT 10′ 6″ White Sturgeon! Well done guys!
It’s been a fantastic BIG fish season with another 10 footer brought to hand as well as a few over 9 and a plethora of 7 and 8 footers. Sturgeon are actively searching out food now, especially with all the new scent in the water. The trick is finding them… and then its “hang on” time as they have been jumping repeatedly and making blistering runs!
Even though the river feels like its freshet again do not be fooled, many gravel bars are exposed on the river and many more are now just under the surface. This is especially true from the mouth of the Vedder River upstream all the way to Yale. Be very vigilant and remember that just because you ran through an area the week before doesn’t mean it’s safe to do so now. It’s always safer to run a new area upstream first, preferably with a sounder that shows depth while on plane, so you can use the current to hold the boat under power if you need to come off step quickly.
The Fraser Canyon continues to fish very well and we have seen some truly huge fish as of late. 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!! The canyon is a high water fishery and the sturgeon haunts are not obvious as the water levels tend to hide the really good spots. It’s also an area with massive rocks and underwater crevices that love to snag anchors and fishing gear, if you are uncertain about an area it would be wise to keep moving. 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 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. rstahl@greatriverfishing.com
UPPER PITT RIVER.
As we move into July the Pitts water levels have stabilized and it’s in prime shape. Keep in mind the Pitt is glacier fed, water levels fluctuate with any warm weather bumping the river up and cool days bringing it down fast, sometimes over a foot in an 8 hour period! This is a shallow water fishery and not the place for an inexperienced jet boater. The river has changed dramatically from last year and will continue to “move” around as the season progresses. This is not the place to run into trouble as it is a remote river and help can be far away…
Fishing seems to be day to day with new bunch’s of fish still pushing in every few days. The Bull trout have been scattered and it’s been best to keep moving. Fly fishing is the choice of most anglers and a fast sink tip with different colored leach style streamer patterns in different color schemes are the norm. Having said that the almighty spoon and spin combo has been deadly.
Coming soon! The timing on the salmon runs up the Pitt River is from mid-July through mid-August. These free rising fish are super charged chromers that love to smash a lure or fly. This is the height of the season for the river and we are filling up fast. If you are interested in trying this incredible fishery don’t delay, contact us today.
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
Vedder / Chilliwack River:
Now Open!! There have been a few coveted chinook reported in the system and look towards more entering the system with any kind of bump in the water levels. Water is low and clear at the moment and one is best served fishing the deeper pools and runs during low light conditions such as daybreak and dusk. Most anglers will be running float fishing gear with roe or prawns as bait. Also, small spin-n-glows and wool combos seem to produce well.
Please keep in mind that if you do happen to catch a sockeye that they are closed and should be released as carefully as possible. These special fish are a species of concern and we all need to do our part to ensure their survival for future generations.
GRFA is once again offering Raft Fishing Adventures on the Vedder / Chilliwack River. This is an awesome way to fish the river with no hiking required as you silently drift along with the current all the while having all the amenities you could need right in the boat. Relaxing and peaceful these trips are one the best ways to access miles of river that otherwise would require long hikes and opens up water that is typically tough, if not impossible to get on. For more info drop Rick an email rstahl@greatriverfishing.com
That’s it for now. Conserve our waters and here’s to great fishing, forever…
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