Great River Fishing
Pitt River bull trout
Pitt River bull trout
Great River Fishing
We seem to have jumped straight from winter into summer. What a beautiful spring we’re having. Here’s what’s happening on the water.
Sturgeon
With the summer-like weather we’ve been blessed with, the Fraser River water levels have bumped up dramatically. With the interior snow packs being above average it’s going to keep coming up for awhile; it looks like we’re going to have an early freshet this year. With the high water comes a lot of debris, and anyone angling from an anchored boat really needs to keep an eye upstream to ensure that you don’t get run over by a floating log. Also, fishing lines need to be cleaned more often, at least every 20 minutes, to make sure that the bait is not covered up. Most fish have moved into shallower water (under 40 feet) and the most consistent bait has been lamprey parts and coarse fish.
We have had a phenomenal start in the Fraser Canyon this year. The fishing has been ultra-steady with good numbers of above average fish coming on every charter. If you're thinking of running this special piece of water, keep in mind that is very “heavy” water, and not for the timid or inexperienced jet boater. Please be very careful. The canyon is a high water fishery and the sturgeon haunts are not always obvious as the water levels tend to hide the really good spots.
Cutthroat Trout
The Harrison and Stave Rivers remain clear and high, and have picked up as we are now seeing salmon fry in good numbers. Fish are nosing around for these minnows as the salmon life cycle begins afresh. Best fishing has been at daybreak, but they can keep biting all day with a little cloud cover. Watch for fish crashing minnows close to shore and move to them.
Most anglers are targeting cutties with light fly gear. With the advent of the salmon fry migration, stick with small minnow patterns like the good old Rolled Muddler Minnow and Tied Back Minnows fished close to the surface. Look for fish rising - cutthroat are very schooly and if you just see one riser, there is a very good chance that there are a few more with it. Also cutthroat are very light sensitive creatures, and you would be best to concentrate your efforts to low cloud covered days.
Pitt River
With May upon us we start our annual Pitt River fishery. This special fishery continues through the summer, but having said that, typically the best bull trout fishing is during freshet. No explanation why, just know that the numbers do not lie. As jet boats and experienced boat handling skills are required to access and fish this river, you rarely see other anglers, and more importantly this area is not over-fished. It is truly an adventure that is easily accessible within a day from Vancouver.
Steelhead
The Vedder/Chilliwack river has gone to fly fishing only and is completely closed above the Vedder Crossing bridge. The river is very high at the moment and tough to fish. Look towards large darker intruder style flies with a very fast sinking tip and search out the “softer” water with good light penetration. Often in high and off colored water the fish will hold in fairly shallow water. The BC Water Flow Metre is a good indicator on how the river is doing - check it out here. If the river comes back to under 2 metres there will be some decent water to fish, keep in mind for the fly 1.5 to 1.75 is about perfect.
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