Deans Dino Blog

Fishing Report for Chilliwack to Vancouver – July 15, 2022

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Fishing Report for Chilliwack to Vancouver – July 15, 2022

It’s been a cool start our summer this year and we are finally seeing some typical warmer weather. For those waiting for the perfect time to fish this may be it! Here’s the lowdown on what’s happening on the river…

NEWS: Salmon Opening
Numbers of Sockeye in the Fraser River are currently excellent and continue to build! The current projected numbers for the late summer fish are high and it looks like we will be getting an opening this August! Yes, this is the high in the 4 year cycle and it is looking very promising for an opening sometime mid to late August and continuing into September. This should bleed into the coho and chum fall fishery giving us a well deserved long salmon season. For those thinking of trying this fishery please do not hesitate to book as space is already very limited for us through the proposed opening. Drop us a line at info@greatriverfishing.com or call 604-795-3455 for more info or to get on the waiting list.


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MORE NEWS: We would like to mention that the Sumas First Nation will have a gill net fishery on the Vedder River every Thursday to Sunday until the end of the month. This opening is from the Keith Wilson Bridge to the Sumas River out flow on the Fraser. This should not interfere with rec-fishers as that water is high and fish are moving through this stretch sporadically and holding further upstream where people are sport fishing for them. Please be respectful and give them the right of way. For more information visit http://greatriverfishing.com/fishing-reports/urgent-fishery-notice-vedderchilliwack-river-july-1-2022/


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STUGERON:
The Fraser remains unseasonably high, however it has crested and is currently on the drop.  Typically the river reaches its max flow in early to mid June; however we are running a few weeks behind. This is by and large due to the cool spring we just had and with snow packs still melting, were most likely in for a high water July. The Fraser will continue to bounce up and down but for the most part we should see slow dropping conditions, and for those in the know, a dropping river equals feeding fish.

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Fish are very active in these dropping conditions as not only is the river on the drop but it is warming as well, couple that with all the extra scent from run off in the water and they can become quite aggressive. With the fish moving as much as they are one is best served to fish each spot a little longer than usual, let them come to you. The trick is anchoring above feeding areas with an array of different baits… and then it’s time to hang on as they have been jumping repeatedly and making blistering runs!

Most fish are moving in shallower water (under 40 feet) and are quite opportunistically  feeding at the moment. The river has a good number of salmon in it already and the Sturgeon have started to switch their attention to salmon parts in some areas, however, for the most part they seem to have a different appetite from spot to spot and day to day. Therefore do not forsake the tried and true summer baits, like lampreys, dew worms and coarse fish, as you just can’t tell what there going to eat until they’re on the line.

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Be vigilant when boating on the river as there is still some debris coming down the Fraser. One is also wise to keep an eye upstream while anchored for logs and trees that may hang up on your anchor line and or fishing line; they can really make a mess in hurry.

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The Fraser Canyon has been fishing very well as of late and we have seen some truly huge fish and fantastic numbers. 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

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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


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UPPER PITT RIVER:
The Pitt has been a roller coaster ride in terms of water levels this summer, with fluctuating temperature bouncing the river up down between extremes. Because the Pitt is glacier fed, water levels have been fluctuating with any warm weather bumping the river up and cool days bringing it down fast. Keep in mind it takes a whole lot of rain to even move the river level a little at this time of year, in fact, rain typically means the river will be on the drop. Having said that, rain can put some colour into the water which is better for the fishing than crystal clear conditions.

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The fish have been somewhat scattered and it’s 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. With the water fluctuating try smaller patterns when its clear and larger robust patterns when its colored up.

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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.

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If you are interested in trying out this river for the first time it is boat access only and the river can be treacherous to run for a novice jet boater, be careful and play safe. 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


 

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Vedder / Chilliwack River:
It’s Open!! Although slightly high at the moment, look towards water level dropping dramatically over the next few weeks. Fish numbers are quite good for this time of year and we expect it will only get better as move through summer, a bumper crop is expected for 2022! Stay tuned and we’ll keep you posted. 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.


Fraser Canyon Riverside Domes are open for the 2022 season!
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 a closer look at the Domes Click Here


NEWS: Fraser Canyon Teepee Escape UPGRADES!
With the popularity of these accommodations increasing constantly we have managed to add even more to the experience! The 20′ Teepee now has a stand alone rustic covered outdoor kitchen and bathroom with all the goodies to along with it, including a large deck with fire table overlooking the river.

By moving the kitchen outside we added plenty of space to the interior of this teepee. This teepee is now set up the same as the 26 footer with a king bed and a daybed with trundle (2 regular sized twin beds). This is the ultimate canyon get away for those looking to add to their fishing adventure or just wanting to take in what the historic Fraser Canyon has to offer.

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We’ve also added a small teepee for kids looking to get away from their parents… or maybe the other way around. This little teepee is a down scaled version just the right size for children to have their own glamping experience. To have a closer look at the Teepees Click Here

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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