Well it’s that time of year again when we put most of our boats away for the winter, do some maintenance and get ready for our 26th season on the Fraser. It is also a great time to reflect on the past year and thank all of our guests for choosing to fish with STS. These days there are many options for guides on the Fraser, we do really appreciate our loyal guests who return to fish with us year after year. The staff at STS would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
2019 was a good season for sturgeon fishing, right from the get go in early spring we were on the big fish. It seemed liked it never ended. Spring, Summer and Fall all produced amazing results for better than average sized sturgeon. Even as I write this, only last week STS Guide Renee managed to guide a group to a beautiful 8ft 4 inch sturgeon out of our Mission location.
Over the winter months we will continue to offer sturgeon charters out of Mission, Chilliwack and Harrison. On all sturgeon charters we scan, tag and release working closely with the Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society and Ministry of Natural Resources. All of our catch data is provided to these organizations so that they can monitor the health of our sturgeon population. This program is critical for our future so when hiring a guide, consider hiring ones that participate in this important program.
Salmon season was challenging to say the least, most of the west coast was closed to retention and the Fraser was closed to salmon fishing most of the summer. We did manage to have some good salmon fishing but that was only because we have other systems we can fish that were not affected by the closures. By early Fall we were fishing the Harrison River which produced some decent fishing all the way through until middle of November. Were hoping for some better salmon fishing opportunities for 2020.
Speaking of 2020, we are extremely excited for this season to begin, we have started off with with a strong burst of early bookings so please don’t wait too long to book your accommodation/fishing packages. Some of the more popular accommodation options that we offer are already filling up, just shoot us an e-mail or call the office at 604-671-3474.
2019 Tournament Winners
Annual Spring Events – We will once again be putting on our spring Jet Boat Seminar and spring Sturgeon Tournament, both of these events will take place in April and should be booked early to participate as they both fill up fast.
Jet Boat Seminar – April 25 or April 26
This one day seminar is catered to the beginner to expert who is looking to learn all about the Fraser River. We travel 200-280km departing from Mission Harbour at 8am. Learn all about boat safety, navigation, handling, reading water, and everything else you need to know. Trip details below.
When – April 25 or April 26 –
Where – Mission to Yale (Hells Gate subject to water conditions)
How long – 8 hours 200-280km round trip
Cost $195 pp– Max 10 people
How to book – call 604-671-3474 or email sts
Sturgeon Tournament – April 18, 2020 –
1st prize $1000.00, 2cd prize $500, 3rd prize $250, more prizes for largest fish, most fish etc. All guests will participate in the Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation mark recapture program where all fish will be scanned, marked and released unharmed. There will be a pre-tournament meet and greet with coffee and snacks and a post tournament event where the winners will be announced. This is a one day event with option to purchase a second day.
When – April 18
Where – Mission Harbour
How Long – 8 hours including pre/post events
Cost $275 pp or $1100 per boat of 4.
How to book – call 604-671-3474 or e-mail sts
Big Fish, Big Battles, Big Stories that’s what canyon fishing is all about. Come join Vic and Renee in 2020 for one of the most exciting trips offered on the Fraser River. This trip is the only one offered on the Fraser that travels from Hope to Hells Gate. Vic has been exploring the Fraser Canyon since early 2000 and has a passion for this region of the Fraser. All trips are full day adventures where you will enjoy the amazing scenery, fishing, whitewater and history.
When – July 15 to October 10
Where – Fraser Canyon ( Hope to Hells Gate)
How Long – 8 hours – full day
What’s included – full day sturgeon fishing, 132km round trip to Hells Gate, Barbeque lunch, skeet shooting ( if time permits)
Fishing licenses and gratuities not included.
How to book – call 604-671-3474 or e-mail sts
Sturgeon Capital of the World – Day Trips & Multi-day packages
As always we will be offering day trips and multi-day packages out of our Mission location. Mission is considered Sturgeon Capital of the World, that’s why we have been offering charters from this location for over 25years. Mission boasts more fish per river mile than any other location on the Fraser, Come join us and see for yourself.
When – Year Round
Where – Mission Marina
How long – 6 & 8 hour trips offered 7 days a week
What’s included- Guide, boat, all fishing tackle. Fishing licenses, gst and gratuities are not included.
How to book – call 604-671-3474 or e-mail sts
All the Staff at STS would like to thank you for taking the time to read our reports and fishing with us this past year. We hope you all have a great holiday and come join us for another great season on the Fraser. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from all of us at STS.
Celebrating 25 years of Guiding Fishing Adventures 1994-2019
Vic Carrao & Staff.
GuideBC 