Chilliwack/Vedder River Report

February 29, 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. ***

​

Last night's rain has coloured up the river and caused a bump in the level. It should clear up fairly quickly, but that depends on Mother Nature. Hopefully, it cleans up and starts to recede - which should translate into some good fishing.

​

We've seen a fairly steady stream of fish being weighed into the Wally Hall Jr Derby over the past week, including a new derby leader - an 18.01-pound buck for Andy Jantunen.

​

Mack, one of our guides, has been getting out on the raft and is hooking into some really nice fish. Getting into some juicy water unavailable by foot is a real advantage. If you want to get out and have a very good shot at a fish, now is the time to book a rafting trip.

​

If you're getting out, do come equipped - various size soft beads, jigs, jig with a worm tail, rubber worms, roe sacs, and gooey-bobs are all good ideas. Darker colours show up better when the water is murky, so having a few options is also an excellent strategy.

​

If you're not registered yet for the 24th Annual Wally Hall Jr. Memorial Steelhead Derby, registration is available at both of our stores or by clicking this link.

​

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

July 21, 2023

​

The smaller urban and rural lakes are fishable but quiet right now as water temperatures rise. 

​

Bass fishing is becoming more and more popular in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. Cultas Lake has become a particular 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 this time of year with the aid of a sounder and downrigger. Fish can be found at various depths, but usually 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. Again, a downrigger is recommended, or presenting a jig at the bottom. 

​

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

​

Interior Lakes Report

July 21, 2023

​

It's summer. Some lakes, like Tunkwa, are notorious for good summer fishing when the bombers hatch. Other than that it's basically a hit and miss proposition.