Hi There and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 25th of March 2025.
SPRING BREAK is here! Wondering what to do with the kids? Why not get them out and into the great outdoors… take them fishing and make memories that will stay with them forever!
SPRING BREAK FEVER!
Spring break is a great time to get out and take advantage of the warming waters as fish really start to get frisky. This is typically a busy time for us and spots are starting to fill! If you are at all interested in getting out fishing with the kids please don’t hesitate to drop us a line. info@greatriverfishing.com
2025 is an odd numbered year which means we will have a return of Pink Salmon this August through September! These salmon show up on mass every other year and not only are they superb sport themselves but the wily sturgeon love to eat them making for some fantastic fishing fun. Pinks Salmon returns are currently forecasted to reach an astounding 30 Million in the Fraser system!! In fact all the salmon estimations are looking very promising and we are starting to see ALL FALL dates filling up fast. If your at all interested in getting out this late summer or fall it’s definitely not to early to book. Book now to avoid disappointment. For those looking to get out sooner here’s what’s happening on the river scene at the moment…
Now onto the fishing…
STEELHEAD
The Vedder River water levels have been bouncing around a little of late, which seems to have pushed in quite a few fish with some bigger specimens around. At the moment the river is high, however with the rain slated to stop conditions should be ideal as water flows and levels decend.
Currently there are quite a few hatchery fish lurking about and anglers are seeing good success through out the entire system. Please remember that all wild steelhead need to be released unharmed. These fish are ultra important to the river and should always be handled with care and released as quickly as possible.
Water temperatures have risen slightly and for those keen to try fly fishing for old square tail this is “the” time of year that they will move and chase a swung fly well. Use a heavy sink tip with the biggest intruder you can throw with either a spey or single handed rod and hang on, the bite can be powerful when fishing like this.
For those looking to float fish try using larger offerings such as pink rubber worms and large jigs. Also, as noted, the fish can be apt to chase an offering at this time of year and it’s not a bad idea to have a few Colorado spinners and maybe even a small spoon along.
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 towards the end of February, through March and into 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 us a quick email for more info. info@greatriverfishing.com
LILLOOET RIVER TROUT & STEELHEAD
With spring nearly upon us our thoughts turn towards the new fishing opportunities that it will bring. The Lillooet River is a gem of a spring fishery for Bull Trout and a great opportunity at some steelhead, cutthroat and rainbow trout as well. This 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 us for more info info@greatriverfishing.com
STURGEON
With the recent rains the Fraser has colored up and the Sturgeon fishing has remained solid, in fact has been very good as of late. Our charters last week had some fantastic action with multiple double headers reported. Lots of fish at the moment in the 4 to 7 foot range with a sprinkling of some very respectable fish pushing over 8 feet in the mix. Both the saltwater and the fresh water portions of the river have been very good and without too much fishing pressure. Look towards the fishing only getting better as the water starts to warm and we start seeing Eulachons beginning their annual migratory run up the river.
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 7 feet in length. From the Vedder River to Mission has also been very good for numbers however we are also seeing some big fish in the mix .
With the water being very low and cold the fish are in their typical late winter holes and are quite stacked up. Keep moving around until you find them, once you start getting bites stay close as they tend to pack up at this time of year and often ones does not have move much to get into consistent action. At this time of year a plethora of different baits can work on any given and it wise to have an assortment. Baits of choice are lamprey, coarse fish, single eggs, dew worms and roe. 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. This is the lowest we have seen the river and there are many exposed and slightly submerged gravel bars that are very hazardous 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. info@greatriverfishing.com
Opening in April! Fraser Canyon Riverside Domes
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. Check out a short video about the Fraser Canyon Riverside Domes.
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 more info or to find out availability please reach out to Alyssa at info@greatriverfishing.com
OPENING SOON!! Fraser Canyon Teepee Escape
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, don’t delay, drop us a line today. info@greatriverfishing.com
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! Fraser Canyon Teepee Escape ~ Video
That’s it for now. Conserve our waters and here’s to great fishing, forever…
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