Sturgeon fishing
By Vic Carrao, STS Guiding Service
Come join us for the 2017 salmon and sturgeon season, with a pre-season forecast of up to 12 million salmon, we should have a great season for both salmon and sturgeon.
Fishing Report
Good to be back home after 65 days on the road. I think I have arrived back just in time for some great fishing, as the water conditions throughout the Fraser and local rivers look perfect. Looking at the salmon runs as they enter the Fraser, things are starting off a bit slow but numbers of fish past the Albion Test Fishery are improving daily. Local rivers like the Vedder are getting some early Chinook and Cultas Lake Sockeye, but keep in mind the sockeye are all catch and release.
I know many people think sockeye don’t bite but they actually do in clear water, so if you're just after action, try fishing shrimp, or even roe bags, under a float and you just might be surprised how good the fishing is. We like to cure our shrimp or krill with double hot red pro cure. You don’t need to cure it long, just put a dozen or so shrimp or krill in a zip lock baggy, then add some pro cure and shake. I prefer to do this early morning before I head out the door - by the time you get to the river, it’s ready to use. This method works great on clear rivers like the Vedder and Harrison.
Talking with our guides, sturgeon fishing has been improving with some nice fish being caught this past week. Most of the fish are being caught using salmon bellies or Pike Minnows. Fish are being caught in all parts of the river so it’s great to see the mid-July fishery already picking up. The spawn area closure is not in effect as of now, so you are free to fish the entire river for sturgeon. We have some of the most experienced and best trained guides on the water, so if you're looking for a guided trip for salmon, sturgeon or trout, give us a call.
Thomas was up on the Pitt River yesterday doing a trip, and reports that fishing was a bit slow, and the river has changed drastically since he was last up. If you're planning on going up just be careful, as things can go bad very quickly in that type of water. If you're wanting to experience a Pitt River adventure, now through to August 15th is good for Bull Trout, Sockeye and the occasional Chinook. All fish are released unharmed and fly fishing is the preferred method.
Long time STS Guide Doug Elias reports good sturgeon fishing on the lower Fraser. Doug landed some big sturgeon this past month, and some of the jumpers shots he managed to get were spectacular. Doug has been guiding with STS for 11 seasons now and can find the fish day after day. Doug is also a fly fishing guide, so if you're looking to tackle those Pink Salmon on the fly, Doug would be a great guide choice.
Tony has just returned from a week of fishing up at our Saltwater Lodge in Quatsino Sound. The fishing for salmon, cod and snapper has been excellent, the Hali fishing was a bit slower this week, but we are still getting them. Thomas will be heading back up to guide a few trips next week, and I will also be heading up to take advantage of this great fishery.
I will be running my twin engine boat up in the Canyon, so if you're looking for a canyon adventure I still have a few weekdays available in August and September. We also have seats available for our Hope to Hells Gate Jet Boat Tour for August 20 and August 27 - book now to get your seat, cost is $139 per person.
STS Guiding - 604-671-3474 - www.guidebc.com