Click link at the bottom of this report for our Covid Policy
Hi and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 19th of March 2021.
The weather has been fantastic and if it doesn’t make you want to get outside and get into some fish than most nothing will. Luckily there are some fantastic fishing opportunities for those looking to shake the winter blues. Here’s the low down…
STURGEON:
Fishing for sturgeon has been phenomenal!! Huge number days have been the norm and with this incredible weather look for it only to improve. Numbers to hand have been very impressive with multiple double headers happening on almost every outing and triples being common place. Along with a plethora of smaller fish we are seeing a good number of 7 foot plus specimens.
The salt water designated portion of the river, downstream of Mission, has been producing impressive numbers of fish however you are hard pressed to find any over 6 feet in length. From the Vedder River to Mission has also been very good for numbers however we are seeing some big fish in the mix . 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 winter and often ones does not have move much to get into consistent action.
Eulachons have just started to arrive on their annual spawning run from the salt and Sturgeon just love eating these oily bait fish. With the arrival of the eulachons sturgeon should start moving out the extreme depths and into some shallower water looking for these tenders morsel. Obviously eulachons are working; however with the run just starting lamprey and single salmon eggs have still been the bait of choice. Keep your offering size down to the minimum as larger baits at this time year are often ignored or the sturg will often “lay” down it to save it for later; this results in foul hooked fish as the motion of the fish telepaths to the rod like a bite.
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. Take it slow and easy and if it’s really bad don’t risk the inevitable, these frigid waters are not for swimming in even with this stunning weather.
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 tributary’s are at the lowest levels that we’ve experienced in quite a few years. This incredibly low and gin clear water can make for challenging fishing but not impossible, in fact there are still quite a few fish being caught which bodes well for when we finally warm up a bit and the river bumps up.
With the conditions being low, cold and clear don’t be afraid to fish shallower water, often 3’ or less during low light conditions, early mornings and late afternoon. Fish will often stage in this shallow water, found at the heads and tail outs of runs, soaking up what warmth the light can provide before moving on. As the sun rises concentrate your efforts to the deeper slots, bolder pools and cut banks where fish can rest comfortably in safety.
Offerings for steelhead in low water are typically on the small side and often the successful angler has to “comb” the runs fairly tight to ensure that all willing takers were covered. For those drift fishing small jigs in pink and peach have been working along with smaller washed out pink rubber worms, trout beads and wool combo’s. Of course small bags of roe or skeined chunks always work. For the fly guy, bring the size of your intruder down and keep it bright, like the old adgae goes” bright day – bright fly’. Also do not be afraid to go small Popsicle style flies or even single egg patterns, especially during mid day. Keep in mind 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 once again offering float trips on the Vedder/Chilliwack River. 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 mid-March through most of April. 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
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.
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
That’s it for now. Conserve our waters and here’s to great fishing, forever…
Comments
MAR