Hi There! and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 1st of October 2025.
With the Pink salmon returning in massive numbers through September we saw some incredible fishing, and what a treat it was to get to fish the mainstem Fraser River for salmon again… it’s been too long. Anglers enjoyed wide open gravel bars with miles of picture perfect salmon holding water with no shortage of bent rods. It was truly an amazing time to be on the river.
Now with October once again at our doorstep, the promise of some superb fishing is here. This is the time of year that gets the blood flowing for the local angler, so many options and so many fish to come.
Coho, Chinook and Chum numbers are above par for the this time of the year with more fish pouring into the system daily… and the fishing has been excellent! This bodes very well for October and November. If this trend in numbers continues, like it has for the other salmon runs, we are in for a bumper crop of fish!
With salmon and sturgeon available here’s the low down on what’s happening out there right now…
SALMON:
Keep in mind that the Fraser is officially closed to salmon fishing. This measure was put in place to protect migrating interior steelhead, ie Thompson and Chilcotin Steelhead stocks, which are currently believed to be at dangerously low levels. We all need to do our part in protecting this fragile fishery and understand that conservation must be at the fore front of our way of thinking.
Having said that opportunities for salmon still abound locally. In fact all other rivers remain open including the Harrison, Vedder, and Stave which are all starting to see salmon. Please consult your fishing regulations for specific quota’s and openings. https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/fresh-douce/region2-eng.html
The Vedder River has been producing well with some nice very nice Coho and Chinook coming to hand. Most anglers are targeting the lower river as the runs have just started. The mouth has been producing well on the slack tides with anglers working spoons and spinners. Others have been targeting the canal during low light conditions float fishing roe, jigs, wool combo’s and spinners. Keep in mind that 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.
The Harrison River has seen decent numbers of coho and a few chum already! Keep in mind that this is early for the Harrison Coho/Chum run and bodes well for the next few weeks. Most anglers are float fishing jigs with bait, spoons/spinners and flies, both single hand and spey.
The Dewdney Slough, Stave and Chehalis Rivers should start seeing some fish in the next few weeks and for all accounts the numbers look strong and we should be in for a great season!! Stay tuned and we’ll keep you posted.
“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:
With quite a few pinks still in the system, sturgeon have been very much fattening up for the winter and you can really tell, most of them look like butterballs and are very girthy… almost all fish are 10 to 20 percent heavier than a month ago!! Good size average and decent numbers have been the norm lately.
Sturgeon have been primarily targeting salmon in the river. At the moment Pink parts are working best however with Chum salmon numbers increasing in the rivers expect the sturgeons attention to start to shift towards them. Strips of salmon meat and the roe (singles or skeined), have been the baits of choice.
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.
The rivers water levels has been up and down lately with rains both locally and in the interior. One needs to be careful when running the river as the levels yo-yo around. Of particular note the old Five Fingers stretch of river (Wellington Bar to Bowmans Bar) is very touchy and a prop driven boat should steer clear of this area. Definitely want to keep an eye out for shallow bars and watch your sounders as your running, even in a jet boat.
With Pink salmon dwindling in the Fraser Canyon, the fish have started to put the feed bag on again and is producing well in both numbers and size. If you are thinking of running this special piece of water keep in mind that is very “heavy” water and not for the timid or unexperienced jet boater, especially in low water. Please be very careful!! If you’re interested in trying your hand at biggest of the big in one of the most spectacular venue’s in the world drop us a line and we’ll be more than happy to help organize one of our Ultimate Fraser Canyon Sturgeon trips with 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
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. 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 will be shutting down for the season at the end of October and they are pretty well booked up… however, 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 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
FRASER RIVER LODGE
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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