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May 7, 2024

Chilliwack/Vedder River Report

May 7, 2024

Guided Walk-and-Wade and Rafting steelhead fishing trips are super popular. Contact our booking hotline at 604-835-3474 (FISH), info@rivertitan.ca, or follow this link to book your trip today!

*** Check out our blog post on Steelheading 101: Tips and Tricks. ***

The river is now closed upstream of the Vedder Crossing bridge, and open downstream to fly only. There will be the odd steelhead making their way upriver, and some kelts heading back the other direction.

Even with the recent rain the river is in fairly good shape. For those targeting trout and whitefish, the warmer weather should mean an increase in insect hatches. Providing an opportunity for throwing a mayfly or caddis dry fly imitation.

With the reduced traffic there's plenty of room on the Vedder to swing a fly. Steelhead aren't too picky, just aggressive, so classic stinger patterns, steelhead wet flies, large egg-sucking leeches, etc. can be productive. You'll still want to use a sinking tip that gets your fly down in front of the fish. 

New to steelheading or the Chilliwack/Vedder system? Pop into the Chilliwack store, talk to one of the boys and see what they would recommend. We also offer walk-and-wade trips geared towards education.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, and Instagram, where we post regular updates.

Please be aware of the regulations and how to identify your fish. Release all non-retention species properly. Please do not take them out of the water. A single barbless hook is very easy to remove. Stay within your limit.

Real-Time Chwk River Level at Vedder Crossing


Click here for retention limits and up-to-date notices specific to Region 2 rivers

Fraser River Report

January 29, 2024

Salmon
 

There are no current salmon fishing or retention opportunities.

 

Sturgeon

Winter sturgeon fishing on the Fraser can be one of the best times of year to catch giants and "giants in training".

Contrary to popular belief, it isn't slower, just colder.

We've had winter trips where our guests just wanted to stop fishing. Not from a lack of sleep but because their arms were sore from landing fish. 

Although the larger fish go into a state of semi-hibernation, they won't pass up the opportunity for an easy snack. While the smaller fish, which haven't typically gorged themselves on salmon during the Summer and Fall months, are more migratory, looking for a meal.

The bigger fish also tend to hunker down in the deeper holes which hold food and provide a darker environment. During the winter months, the Big Muddy isn't always that muddy, making the deeper water a more comfortable refuge from the bright sun of the day.

For tackle, we recommended using small less intrusive hooks (sizes 4/0 to 6/0), lighter leader, and appropriately sized bait (roe is always a good choice). If you're targeting juvenile sturgeon you may want to try circle hooks. They have been known to lay on food, which can lead to a belly hookset with regular octopus or J-hooks. By using a circle hook, you have a much less chance of foul hooking. And, of course, make sure that the barb is properly pinched. 

Patience is also key during winter sturgeon outings. The fish can be less aggressive, and often very sensitive to the bait presentation. Which is where circle hooks are effective. The fish won't feel the prick of the hook point, and will often gently suck the bait in and just sit there or move away ever so slightly. You may see the tip make a slight dip down, requiring a good reel down to set the circle hook.

This is not to say that there aren't giants where the smaller fish are hanging out. We've had many encounters with 8-footers while targeting juveniles for tagging. You think you've got a dink pecking at your line, only to have a beast racing away when you set the hook - good times!

If you're on the hunt for a monster sturgeon, a sounder with side imaging is also an absolute must. Slowly working your way through deep slots will help pick out hunkered down fish.

And you don't need a boat to enjoy this fishery either. Shore fishing on the Fraser River is easily accessible, super relaxing, and can also be a great family activity. Chuck out a couple of rods, play on the beach, and see what happens.

If you would like to learn more about gear and technique, drop into either store and the gang will be happy to share their knowledge. We've also got all of the gear specific to shore fishing for sturgeon to get you started.

Our calendar for guided sturgeon trips is filling up fast. Give our booking hotline a call at 604-835-FISH (3474) or email info@rivertitan.ca to book your adventure.

About Sturgeon

The incredible power and strength of these unique fish are demonstrated with acrobatic jumps, long hard pulling runs, and, most importantly, impressive durability. Making them one of the most exciting catch-and-release fisheries on the planet.


Many people have taken the time to educate themselves on the conservation and management efforts that the Sports fishing sector has dedicated over 20 years to ensure that these fish will be around for years to come. If you have never experienced a Sturgeon fishing excursion, we highly recommend you try this world-class fishery that is dedicated to conservation and sustainable fisheries for generations to come.

Please handle these prehistoric beasts with care and keep them in the water as much as possible. Our job is to keep an eye out for these fish and report your observations to the authorities immediately.

Real-Time Fraser River Level at Mission

Real-Time Fraser River Level at Hope

Real-Time Fraser River Level Near Agassiz

Albion Test Fishing Data

Click here for retention limits and up-to-date notices specific to Region 2 rivers

 

Harrison River Report

October 27, 2023

The prime coho run is winding down but fishing will continue for a few weeks.

Sturgeon fishing is doing awesome, with lots of food swimming around. 

Be aware, targeting chum has been closed down by DFO.

Chehalis River Report

November 18, 2023

It's now late in the season but there are reports of coho moving up. There are always late returns that work up the Harrison to the Chehalis, even as late as January (not a typo).

Be sure to check out the Region 2 freshwater salmon regulations for details.

Stave River Report

October 27, 2023

With the closure of targeting chum by DFO, the last of the coho fishing is all that is left. This fishery is winding down for salmon, with sturgeon fishing near the mouth a really good option.

Be sure to check out the Region 2 freshwater salmon regulations for details.

Nicomen Slough/Norrish Creek Report

November 18, 2023

It's coho season in the slough. Working the incoming tide can be your best bet.

Be sure to check out the Region 2 freshwater salmon regulations for details.

Local Lakes Report 

The smaller urban and rural lakes and ponds are usually fishable year-round, slowing down from October to March, and relatively productive from April to September. 

Bass fishing is becoming more and more popular in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. Cultus Lake has become a hot spot, with invasive smallmouth appearing in frightening numbers. Late Spring through Early Fall are a great time to target these fish, and it is recommended that you kill them when caught.

Larger lakes, such as Alouette, Chilliwack, and Cultus can be go-to's during the spring and summer months with the aid of a sounder and an optional downrigger. Fish can be found at various depths, but often deeper than traditional trolling hardware can achieve without assistance. Depending on the body of water you can find rainbow trout, cutthroat, kokanee, bulltrout / dollies, lake trout, brooktrout, and whitefish.

Kawkawa Lake is another local option for kokanee. Although a downrigger can be very useful, it isn't necessary.  Presenting a jig is another highly effective method when you know where the kokanee are hanging out in the water column. 

Although you can "fish" Harrison Lake, it is not renowned as a productive body of water.

Interior Lakes Report

May 1, 2024

Spring has sprung! It's time to hit your favourite lake and enjoy world-class trout fishing.

Check out our blog post on the 10 Must Have Trout Flies for BC Lake!

 

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