Fraser River / Fraser Valley Report

From what I can tell, water levels are about to rise substantially. Warm air temperatures up north and locally will start to affect the Fraser very shortly. Already we are seeing a rise in water levels and clarity has decreased to about 24 inches. As of last night the Fraser was still in good shape.

Sturgeon

Sturgeon fishing continues to improve in the last week with some great days on the water. Water temperatures increased a couple m ore degree’s which always helps. We had a couple nice 5 to 6 footers tail walk recently, this is a good indication of more feeding activity and warmer water temperatures. Come join us for a great day on the water and learn all about the tagging we do for the Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society.

This sturgeon was caught recently near Mission.

There really hasn’t been a “best bait” Last years salmon roe has worked well, dew worms are producing a few fish, smelt and Ulichons are both working. I think this will change as we get closer to the end of the month. With no Ulichon opening it’s going to be a long spring for those anglers and guides that don’t have a good supply of bait.

If your looking for some winter fishing opportunities, we offer winter sturgeon fishing, winter trout fishing on the Fraser, steelhead fishing on the Vedder and Chehalis Rivers and several remote rivers for trout and steelhead. For more information call us toll free 1-866-771-3474 or e-mail us @ sts@guidebc.com

Vedder River

The Vedder River Steelhead fishing has been incredible this past season. I don’t think I have ever seen this good of fishing in at least 15 years. Obviously the ocean survival rates have improved or at least this past year has. Anglers are still pulling out fresh fish on a daily basis with both hatchery and wild fish still abundant.

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We are expecting April to be as good as ever with more fresh fish entering the river system each day. For fly anglers, the lower river has fished well all season and should continue to until we see high water. I don’t think that will happen too soon as we are still having cooler temperatures than normal. Although there are still fresh fish moving into the river, many of the fish you will catch have already been in the system for weeks and even months. The mid and upper river hold a lot of fish, these fish will start sliding back out of the holes and into shallow tailouts. Often in the warm afternoon you will see swirls and splashes from active fish. Runs like the gun barrel, wakes field, bolder run and alison pools are all great locations that hold lots of fish.

Prime Bull Trout fishing is June/July, this beauty was caught on one of our local haunts.

Chehalis River

The Chehalis has been producing some nice fish this past week. I was up looking at the river on Sunday and the flow looks good above the bridge and lower canyon area. I talked to a few local anglers and they reported some good fishing in the canyon and easter seal run. The hatchery area is also producing some nice steelhead as well as a few cutthroat trout.

Harrison River

Water levels bumped up a bit this past week but the Harrison is still quite low. The Bay is still partially dry with limited access. If you are wanting to fish the bay area you will need to access it from Harrison Bay Store or Squakum Camp Ground, there is no access from Kilby due to low water.

From what I am hearing, the lake is fishing better than the river. Salmon fry are starting to hatch so you will soon see some good fishing off of the beaches and creek mouths. We fished several lakes in the past week with some good success for small Cutthroat in the 10 to 12 inch range. Best pattern was rolled muddler and black wooly bugger.

Winter Fly-fishing for Trout

STS Guide Matt Schaape landing a nice winter trout.

Spring Trout fishing is just about here. Some hatches are beginning to occur and salmon fry will soon be abundant in many of our local waters. Some of the larger lakes like Pitt and Harrison Lake will start to fish well as will some of the smaller tribs. We just purchased 3 new Fish Cat Streamer XL pontoon boats for fishing some of the smaller waters and still waters in the interior.

We offer several remote river-fishing adventures where you often don’t see another angler all day. The winter fishery is very good for trout, early spring you can fish trout & steelhead. If your in the area and would like to experience some great trout fishing and incredible scenery, just give us an e-mail or call us toll free 1-866-771-3474

Remember to conserve your catch
Tight Lines and we will see you on the water
Vic Carrao
STS Guiding Service
http://www.guidebc.com
sts@guidebc.com
604 671-FISH (3474)