Hi and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 8th of March 2023.
It’s starting to feel like spring! With the promise of some sunny weather many are looking at getting out on the water and shaking off the cabin fever. Luckily there are some fantastic fishing opportunities for those looking to loose the winter blues. Here’s what’s going on in the Fraser Valley fishing scene.
FIRED UP!!
The Fraser Canyon is arguably your best in the chance to catch truly large White Sturgeon, period. This world class fishery is like no other, in a venue that offers spectacular settings like no other. Come try what everyone is whispering about… with the company that spends the most time searching out sturgeon haunts up the highly scenic Fraser Canyon. We ply these hallowed grounds all year and no one spends more time in the Canyon looking for these magnificent animals. Not only do we fish here, we live here. Space is limited as we only utilize a few of more tenured and seasoned guides as this can be a finicky fishery in terms of anchor location and bait placement. By minimizing the traffic we also ensures that the hot spots are not overfished and your chance of a fishing trip of a lifetime is realized. Don’t delay, drop us a line for more info today 604-792-3544 or email at info@greatriverfishing.com
STURGEON:
Sturgeon fishing has remained solid all through this winter and 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 3 to 6 foot range with a sprinkling of some very respectable fish pushing over 7 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 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 .
With the water being very low and cold the fish are in their typical wintering 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 in the winter 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 clear 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.
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
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.
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
STEELHEAD:
The March return of fish is definitely pushing in. Although they are mostly wild there are still a few hatchery fish sprinkled in for those that want to take a fish home. Please handle all the wild fish with the utmost of care!! They are our lifeblood and without them our rivers are in big trouble.
We have been hearing of a good number of fish being taken in the lower end as the fish came in and are holding below waiting for water. Keep in mind that, many fish are still pushing up at night and holding in the larger, deeper runs in the mid and upper river. 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 combos. 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 adage 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.
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.
LILLOOET RIVER
This is the time to get out on the Lillooet and get in some spring trout fishing. The Lillooet River is a gem of a winter/spring fishery for Bull Trout and a great opportunity at some steelhead, cutthroat and rainbow trout as well. Also, April sees one of the last returns of true Spring run Chinook left in BC. This is one of the best opportunities to wrestle one of these super special chrome fish.
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? Drop us a line for more info info@greatriverfishing.com
COMING SOON!
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 send an email to info@greatriverfishing.com
That’s it for now. Conserve our waters and here’s to great fishing, forever…
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