Hi There! and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 5th of November 2025.
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.
Currently Chum are still pushing in hard with every tide and DFO has opened a catch and release fishery! With the exception of the Fraser, all systems that have chum are now open to non-retention. These late chromers are coming in amazing numbers and it just goes to show how “open and close at a moments notice fisheries” just are not feasible in this day and age.
Along with the bonanza of Chum, the late returns of Coho salmon are showing up and staging in the Dewdney slough, Stave and Harrison Rivers.
Also keep in mind that traditionally the sturgeon fishing remains very good, some of the most productive fishing of the year. With all the early salmon carcasses in the river, coupled with a certain sense of urgency as winter approaches, puts them on the bite well.
Currently all the locals rivers are experiencing a little higher water levels. However, it looks like we are entering a cold clear snap for a few days and this should bring the rivers down fairly quickly, and it is common knowledge, in the fishing realm, that a dropping river is prime for the angler…
With salmon and sturgeon available here’s the low down on what’s happening out there right now…
SALMON:
Chum and Coho salmon are still returning to their natal streams in fantastic numbers! Runs have been late this year and we are seeing some of the better fishing of the season right now!
As noted earlier with the high numbers of Chum coming in late they are now open to a non-retention, catch and release, fishery. For all the local freshwater salmon regulation check out https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/fresh-douce/region2-eng.html
The Harrison River is jam packed with chum at the moment and the action has been incredible. Spey fishermen, as well as single handed fly chucker’s, have been doing very well on small flashy flies swung in the current. Float fishers have been slamming fish with jigs tipped with prawn. There also has been a bonanza of Coho around and the fly guys, as well as the spin fishermen, have been getting into them consistently in the slack waters and back eddy’s where they like to congregate.
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 waters 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 4 hours depending the system fished.
With salmon being on the late side the Vedder River is still fishing well. With the higher water fish have been scooting through and good numbers of Chum, Chinook and Coho are throughout the system. Pressure is high on the river and the more well-known spots can be very busy. Please be courteous to your fellow angler and use proper fishing etiquette.
“GRFA has decades and decades worth of knowledge when it comes to targeting salmon in the Fraser Valley. 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 us at info@greatriverfishing.com and let us help you experience the thrill of salmon on the rod.”
STURGEON:
Sturgeon are still plump from the Pink salmon bonanza and now with the fall return of salmon spawning they’ve really put on the feed bag and the fishing has been epic! These dinosaurs of the deep are in great fighting shape making anglers work for every inch of line and showing off in spectacular leaps and sizzling runs.
The river has jumped up with the recent weather and is in excellent shape. Having said that we are experiencing a lot of debris in the water, mainly in the form of leaves. Its very wise to keep an eye out for these “patches” of leaves when one is motoring into or leaving shore with a jet boat, they can jam a jet pump quickly. With this patch of cold clear northerly weather that we are salted for, we should water levels drop over the next week.
Many fish are now dropping down from the upper river as well as following salmon up from the lower river and this bodes well for the sturgeon anglers fishing between the mouth of the 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 salmon parts as there are lots of spawned out carcasses from the early runs in October. Roe and single eggs have been the bait of choice lately as this food source is very predominant at the moment. Also excellent is fresh and not so fresh salmon meat, especially in the Fraser main stem.
The fishing season for the Fraser Canyon has come to end for us this year. Thanks to everyone that made it up the canyon with us this season, we appreciate you and hope that we can bend a rod together again. Keep in mind that anyone looking to do a little sight seeing or cultural tour, we would be happy to take you up to this spectacular venue. Or if you want to ensure your spot for 2026… Drop us a line and we’ll get it sorted for you. info@greatriverfishing.com
What better way is there to spend an 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.info@greatriverfishing.com
COMING UP! WINTER & SPRING 2026
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 info@greatriverfishing.com
COMING UP! WINTER & SPRING 2026
We will also, 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. Also, for those with a time constraint or just wanting to learn the in and outs of steelheading, we will be offering Walk and Wade opportunities. If this is something that interest you please drop us a quick email for more info.info@greatriverfishing.com
FRASER CANYON RIVERSIDE DOMES
The Domes are now closed for the season and we would like to Thank all of you that took advantage of these beautiful accommodations. Having said that this is the time to book your 2026 vacation and avoid missing out on all that the stunning Fraser Canyon has to offer! Whether it be a fishing trip of a lifetime or perhaps just a cozy weekend get away, now is the time to drop us a line and avoid disappointment, you’ll be glad you did. info@greatriverfishing.com
These 2 Geodesic Domes are the ultimate headquarters to your Fraser Canyon outdoor 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, anglers 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
RASER RIVER LODGE
Recently we were able to accommodate the lodge on their annual staff appreciation fishing day. A good time was had by all and only helped to strengthen our commitment to creating the ultimate fishing get away. Thanks Team! Looking forward to an astounding 2026 season!
From large corporate events to single person stays, the lodge can handle all your needs. Combining Great River Fishing Adventures’ exceptional team and professional guiding services with Fraser River Lodge’s commitment to providing an extraordinary and memorable stay, promises an unmatched fishing retreat. Together, we look forward to welcoming fishing enthusiasts and corporate groups from near and far to continue to explore the diverse fishing opportunities our region has to offer.
Drop us a line for more information on this enhanced fishing experiences and to book your next adventure. info@greatriverfishing.com
That’s it for now. Conserve our waters and here’s to great fishing, forever…
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