Hi and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 20th of October 2017.
The rains we have needed for months have finally arrived!! Although they’re late, we’ll take what we can get. The rivers are finally up and with the extra water in the systems the salmon have followed suit. Last week saw a good push of Chum salmon throughout the Fraser and Harrison Rivers as well as all the other tributaries that typically support them. The last few days have seen a terrific jump in Coho and Chinook numbers as well… Exciting times!
With the water coming up 6+ feet on the Fraser in the last few days the bar fishing has waned. There’s simply too much color and debris in the water. Having said that next week is calling for mostly dry conditions and the river should drop fast and make for ideal conditions for the bar fishermen. Most anglers that Bar fish target Chinook and Coho, keep in mind that Hatchery Coho are open now (2 a day) and the use of bait is also now allowed. 
Bar fishing is a simple technique were one fish’s a spreader bar with a large spin-n-glow (with or without roe) and heavy weight. This is more of a chuck and wait for a bite kind of fishery.
As the water recedes and visibility comes back to the water look towards pulling out the fly rods and hitting the Frasers gravel bars for some fine salmon action as well. Heavy Sinktips with intruder style fliers are the norm. Also, float fishing, jig twitching and spoons should be working as well.
For those of you that can not wait the fishing for the Chum and Coho on the Harrison River has really picked up. Fly anglers have been utilizing heavy sink-tips and intruder style flies fished on a swing from the slower gravel bars for the Chum and striping streamer style patterns in the slack water for Coho. Anglers have also been running float rigs with jigs and gold or copper spoons with success.
What ever your speed there will be something out there for you very shortly. Your local tackle store can help you through the maze of gear and techniques available.
“GRFA has decades and decades worth of knowledge when it comes to targeting salmon on the mighty Fraser River. 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.”
The sturgeon fishing has been super consistent lately. Alot of fish have pushed down from the upper Fraser and the lower river is now producing great numbers. With the end of the pinks and the start of the chum die off, 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 and half ago!! Decent size average and decent numbers have been the norm lately.
Sturgeon has been primarily targeting the dead salmon in the river. Using much of anything else has not been very productive. Roe and single eggs have really been the ticket lately…
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, as they sit next to the dying salmon waiting for them to perish.
As noted above the river has come dramatically and one really needs to be cleaning the lines a lot now. Every 15 minutes would not be too much. Also, keep an eye out upstream for larger debris such as logs and trees when anchored, and of course while you’re running your boat. Next week should see the waters drop and debris flow slow.
What better way is there to spend a warm 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. rstahl@greatriverfishing.com
That’s it for now. Conserve our waters and here’s to great fishing, forever…
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