Best Salmon returns in decades are expected to return to the Fraser this summer/fall
2014 is starting to look like it could just be one of the best salmon seasons in decades. The preliminary pre-season forecast for 2014 are indicating strong runs of salmon throughout British Columbia. When looking through the forecast there are over 90 specific reports ranging from a rating of 1 ( stock of concern) to 4 ( abundant).The good news is that many of the reports are indicating surplus fish and in the case of sockeye everyone is excited to get the season started.
Vancouver Salmon Fishing
The salmon Fishing in the Gulf Islands has been on fire for the past two weeks, lots of Chinook in the 15 to 25lb range being caught as well as some Ling Cod and even a few Halibut. One of the most overlooked and ignored fisheries along the coast is the salmon fishery right outside Vancouver near the confluence of the Fraser. Once this area is opened to salmon retention we offer some of the best local salmon fishing you will find. From early July through to middle of August we will be offering salmon fishing charters for Chinook and Sockeye out of our Delta Hotel location, until then the Gulf Islands is only a 1 hour run so we will target these fish as long as the weather allows us to cross over to the Island.
West Coast Vancouver Island Adventures
Along with these huge runs of sockeye, the Columbia river is expecting millions of Coho and Chinook which travel down the west coast of Vancouver Island. We will be targeting these fish from our west coast location near Port Hardy where the salmon and halibut fishing is legendary. STS will be on the Island targeting Salmon and Halibut from late June through to early August, if you would like to join us we still have a few dates available. If you can’t make it to the Island we will also be offering daily charters out of our Vancouver locations.
We offer any combination of nights/days but our most popular is our 4 night 3 day package.
4 nights at Whales Reach Lodge
Breakfast each morning
Lunch each day of Fishing.
Dinner each night
3 Full Days of Guided fishing (8 to 12 hours per day)
Fish for Chinook, Coho, Halibut, Snapper, Ling Cod
2 – person – $2640.00 per person
3 – person – $2200.00 per person
4 – person – $1995.00 per person
Fishing License & tax not included in above price
We are 95% full for July, please call or e-mail us for available dates.
Fraser River Salmon Fishing
As i mentioned above the Fraser River is expecting 10’s of millions of sockeye salmon during the summer of 2014, these fish will begin migrating up the Fraser in early July but the bulk of fish will be in the river by early to middle August. My early season prediction is that fishing on the Fraser will be consistent and predictable between August 15 to September 10, if you look at the 30 million run that returned in 2010, these time periods are similar.
Salmon/Sturgeon combo trips will begin producing excellent results once the salmon fishery is opened on the Fraser in early August. Most years it takes about a week once the rec fishery is opened. Sturgeon will begin feeding in the main stem river and on and below popular sockeye fishing bars along the Fraser. If you are looking for some great eating salmon to take home and would like to include a Trophy Sturgeon Picture for the wall, book between August 15 & Sept 10 for best chances in summer.
Fall salmon and sturgeon fishing is also very good on the Fraser, Harrison and other local tributaries. The Fall has always been considered the best fishing of the year for both salmon and sturgeon. Many of our guests who fish the Fall time period come mainly to catch Trophy Sturgeon but salmon fishing on light tackle and fly can be epic. During Fall ( Sept 15 to Nov 15) we fish for Chinook, Coho and Chum Salmon as well as Sturgeon.
Looking for some great local fishing in June & July
If your are looking for some great local fishing over the next 2 months, there are several fisheries that should be considered. Although the Fraser River is high, there is still some good fishing for sturgeon in side channels and main stem river behind islands. The Vancouver Salmon fishing is fair to excellent during this time period and one of our premier fisheries, the upper Pitt River will be fishing at it’s best through both June and July.
Fraser Canyon Fishing and Jet Boat Tours will be available beginning August 1, most weekends are already full but we do still have a few seats on tours for August 9 & 23 and we have a full day canyon adventure for August 24. If you are looking for a unique experience, this trip is one that should be considered. We will also be offering a shorter 2 hour tour from Hope to Sailor Bar departing from Hope in the afternoons.
For those of you who are looking for a private lodge atmosphere our Above & Beyond Anglers Retreat is the perfect getaway, we still have some dates available for end of August and October which are both great times to fish and Golf at the Sandpiper. Our 2 night 3 day golf/fishing packages start at $1150 per person based on 8 people and offer private accommodations, all meals, private chef and 2 days of guided fishing and 1 day of golf.
We really look forward to what should be an excellent summer /fall season, all our guides are ready to go and we are excited. We hope to see you and please feel free to call or e-mail us with any questions or concerns.
Celebrating 20 years of Guiding Fishing Adventures 1994-2014
Vic Carrao
STS Guiding Service
Local 1-604-671-3474
Toll free- 1-855-223-5453
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