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Fishing Report for Chilliwack to Vancouver – March 22, 2019

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Fishing Report for Chilliwack to Vancouver – March 22, 2019

Hi and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 22nd of March  2019.

WOW! Spring has sprung… What a crazy weather ride we’ve been on! Temperatures have gone from sub zero winter like conditions straight to Summer in less than a week. If this 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…

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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. We’re seeing mostly smaller fish in the 4 to 6 foot range however this heat will soon raise the water levels and this should wake up the big boy’s.

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The salt water designated portion of the river, downstream of Mission, has been producing huge numbers of fish however you are hard pressed to find any over 5 and a half  feet in length. From the Vedder River to Mission has also been very good for numbers but we have been seeing some decent fish as well, no 10 foot monsters but some decent 6 to 8 footers sprinkled in with the smaller fish. 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.

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Eulachons have 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 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. 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.

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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

Vedder River Steehead Fishing

STEELHEAD:
The Vedder River, along with most all other Fraser tributary’s are at the lowest levels that we’ve experienced in over a decade. Having said that this bought of warm weather is bound to bring it, and the others, up in a hurry with the inevitable snow melt. In fact the rivers have already turned and the last few days have seen a spike in water levels and has really got the fish moving.

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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.

Although we have heard of more fish out of the upper river look towards the entire river to start putting out fish. Fish will be moving more and the bite can come on almost any time of day, however, early mornings and dusk are still prime time.

GRFA will once again be offering float trips on the Vedder/Chilliwack River starting this Spring!! 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…

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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 TROUT & STEELHEAD
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.

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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

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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

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NEWS
GRFA will be lending time and elbow grease to the Fraser Riverkeeper scheduled for THIS Saturday the 23rd of March at the end of Gill. Start time is 8 am so please give back to the fishing community and come help keep our river pristine and debris free. With approximately 600 volunteers this is the single largest river cleanup in all of BC and 2nd in Canada.

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Since 2007, Fraser Riverkeepers annual Fraser River clean-up, organized with the help of Woodtone, the late Andy Rotzetter of Rotz Disposal, and our partners in the Fraser Valley Illegal Dumping Alliance has netted a whopping 100+ tonnes of illegally dumped garbage from wilderness areas and salmon habitat. This year we’re making it our mission to mark the clean-up’s 10th anniversary by bringing our 10-year total to more than 100 tonnes. With your help, we can do it! Burgers are included for lunch!

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Come celebrate with us at Clean-up HQ, located at the end of Gill Rd in Chillwack, BC, on March 23rd while we roll up our sleeves together and give back to the beautiful rivers and back country where we all love to swim, drink, and fish.

You can check out Fraser Riverkeepers web site at http://www.fraserriverkeeper.ca/ and check them out on face book at https://www.facebook.com/fraserrivkeeper/

That’s it for now. Conserve our waters and here’s to great fishing, forever…

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