Hi and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 16th of November 2020
As we move into November we see one of our favorite times of the year on the river. With fishing pressure diminishing quickly the rivers start to empty of people and yet the fishing remains very strong. In fact it’s often some of the best of the season.
How important is fishing to you…??? Before we get into the fishing we would like to address an opportunity for all fishing enthusiasts to partake in. On September 9th a bar fishing demonstration was held on the banks of the Fraser River and some of the fishermen were ticketed and gear confiscated. Legal representation has been secured and this could be a lengthy battle, one we believe to be worth fighting. We are hoping the outcome to be fair to all Canadians and anglers abroad by allowing recreational salmon angling on the Fraser River, a publicly owned resource. The Fraser Valley Salmon Society is fully supporting these anglers and is looking for your help. This is our chance to fight for the sport anglers and it is our hope that this will spur a more favorable approach from DFO towards recreational angling on the Fraser River. For more info or to donate follow this link. https://ca.gofundme.com/f/save-the-public-fraser-river-fishery
Now onto the fishing….
Sturgeon
Sturgeon are currently gorging themselves on the remains of salmon that have spawned and now are completing the circle of life. With so many of the salmon returns being late this season it looks like sturgeon will be putting on their winter weight for quite some time yet.
Water levels on the Fraser and Harrison Rivers has been quite high lately with the interior of BC going from freezing temps back to a warmer climate. The snow levels followed suite and its this melt off that really dictates the water levels. As temperatures normalize in the interior, back to the typical cooler temps, the water levels have started dropping again and this really helps sturgeon activity on the rivers.
Many fish are now dropping down from the upper river and following the salmon up from the lower river and this bodes well for the sturgeon anglers fishing between the mouth of Stave River and the mouth of the Harrison River. These fish have been stacking up in the deeper holes and if you find a few, stick around, there’s bound to be more. Some guides have been doing very well fishing the shallower edges of the holes, especially for larger specimens.
Sturgeon are mostly seeking out chum salmon parts as there are lots of spawned out carcasses from the early runs in October. Chum roe and single eggs have been the bait of choice lately as this food source is very proliferant at the moment. Also excellent is fresh and not so fresh chum meat, especially in the Fraser main stem.
What better way is there to spend a beautiful autumn 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.
Salmon
Chum and Coho salmon are still returning to their natal streams. Runs have been late this season and we are seeing some of the better fishing of the season right now! Water levels have been somewhat problematic, however with favorable weather conditions forecasted it looks like things should be very good for the next few weeks.
The Fraser River is open now open for salmon and one is allowed to target Chum and Coho. Water levels and clarity was tough this last week but again with levels now on the hard drop we should see some excellent bar fishing opportunity shortly. Please check regulations HERE for limits and openings.
The Harrison has been plagued with high water most of the season making it tough to find shoreline if one wants to get out of the boat and fish. Water levels are dropping at moment and it looks like we should have perfect water conditions shortly. Chum numbers are still coming on mass and these fish tend to be the chromest of the season as they speed up from the salt feeling mother nature’s pull to profligate. Most anglers are float fishing jigs and the like for them however we should see some excellent fly opportunities open shortly.
The Dewdney Slough and Stave River are still getting decent numbers of coho on almost every tide push. Most anglers are casting spoons and spinners with a few doing very well fly fishing small streamer patterns on the strip. When fishing tidally influenced water such as the Dewdney and Lower Stave your best bite is typically as the tide is running in. We typically look at the New Westminster tide charts and add 2 to 3 hours depending the system fished.
“GRFA has decades and decades worth of knowledge when it comes to targeting salmon on the mighty Fraser River System. If you would like to learn more about this fishery or simply want to get out on the river for some salmon fishing we can help. Please contact Rick at rstahl@greatriverfishing.com and let us help you experience the thrill of salmon on the rod.”
Coming up!!
With late fall and winter quickly approaching our thoughts turn towards the new fishing opportunities that it will bring. The Lillooet River is a gem of a winter 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 sheer 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
GRFA will once again be offering river raft Float adventures on the Vedder/Chilliwack River this winter for the elusive steelhead!! This is in an effort to enhance the fishing experience and open up water that is difficult to access any other way. These adventures will start the first of February and run until the end of April. Want to knock old square tail of the bucket list? This is your best opportunity…
Steelhead will start to enter the Vedder about the middle of December and are typically there in catchable numbers by the first week of January. Peak of the run is towards the end of February and holds on well 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 Rick a quick email for more info. rstahl@greatriverfishing.com
Christmas is right around the corner!!
For all those looking to get a jump on their Christmas shopping, Gift Certificates are now available! This is a fantastic way to start a family tradition that bonds and secures the ties between us. Available in any denomination these Gift Certificates never expire and can be used on any date throughout the year. Give the gift that every fisherman wants… the GRFA experience! Call or Email today info@greatriverfishing.com 1-604-792-3544
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NOV