2024 season wrap up – Salmon
2024 has shaped up to be one of the most consistent seasons we have seen in many years. Many of our salmon fisheries such as Coho salmon and Chinook salmon have rebounded for the second consecutive year. All summer long anglers were reporting larger than expected salmon returns up and down our coastline. On the West Coast, areas like Winter Harbour, Tofino, & Port Renfrew reported better than average fishing. The inside passage where many of our Fraser River salmon pass through reported some of the best fishing in 20 years. Communities such as Port Hardy, Campbell River, Comox and Parksville’s French Creek produced great results from mid July through to late October.
The Coho fishing on the Fraser and Tributaries was excellent late in the season on both fly and gear. The Chinook returns have also been favorable to the Fraser and anglers were having good success at both the river mouth and on tributaries. The Chum run started off slow but after the first week more fish started moving in. DFO announced 1.135 million fish had arrived so all the local rivers were opened for fishing and keeping.
If you are looking for a freshwater or saltwater fishing trip, reach out to us early as Vic Carrao (founder of STS) will be working with us for another season helping guests plan and choose the very best possible dates for an incredible fishing adventure. Vic has over 30 years experience in both fresh and saltwater salmon fisheries and knows most fisheries in SW British Columbia. Give him a call and let Vic help you plan your next Fishing Adventure.
What to expect for 2025 – Salmon
It’s still a bit early to predict all 5 salmon species but 2025 is shaping up to be another great year. Everyone up and down the coast and on the Fraser is excited for what’s to come. Our first runs to the Fraser River will be in early summer with Chinook & Sockeye entering the river first, then Pink Salmon, Coho and Fall runs of Chinook and Chum. For us on the Fraser, we will start fishing for Coho and Pink Salmon in late August through to late September, then we will focus on late summer & Fall Chinook, Coho and Chum salmon if opportunities are provided. If by chance we see a recovery in our Sockeye fishery, we could see salmon fishing opportunities as early as mid August but it’s still way to early to tell.
Peak Times for freshwater fishing for salmon
– Coho Salmon: August to November
- Chinook Salmon: Sept / October 31
- Pink Salmon: August/September
- Chum Salmon: October/November
Peak Times for Saltwater Salmon/Halibut
- Chinook: July/August
- Halibut: May to July
- Ling Cod/Rock Fish: Year Round
Take advantage of Vic’s extensive knowledge and reach out before you book your next fishing vacation, you won’t regret it. Vic.carrao or sts
2024 season – Sturgeon
It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 season’s guiding for sturgeon on the Fraser River. This fishery has evolved into one of the most incredible fisheries found anywhere in the World today. People travel thousands of miles and cross the Globe to experience the battle these freshwater giants offer.
Tail walking leaps followed by reel screaming runs that can easily spool you if your guide is not on the ball and paying close attention. I don’t think I have seen a better season for large monster fish than this past year. 2024 will definitely go in the record books for STS Guide Chris B who managed to guide one of his groups to his largest sturgeon ever landed measuring a massive 10ft 4inches weighing well over 500lbs.
Speaking of STS Guides, long time guide Doug Elias will be going into his 20th year guiding for STS. Doug has provided hundreds of guests with amazing experiences on the water for both salmon and sturgeon and we look forward to another great year with Doug leading our team out of our Mission location. Doug not only guides for Sturgeon but also salmon and loves fly fishing. Doug also fishes the Saltwater for salmon out of Vancouver on his time off. If you would like to fish with Doug is 2025,email us at sts
What to expect for 2025 – Sturgeon
As mentioned above, Sturgeon fishing continues to improve and with average catch sizes going up, we expect another great year fishing for these monster fish. As many of our guests already know, there is no better time to fish for Sturgeon than on a year when Pink Salmon are returning to the Fraser River. Pink Salmon returns are in the millions and these 2-4lb fish make a great meal for large sturgeon. In fact Pink Salmon will make up the majority of a Sturgeon’s diet from mid August through until end of September.
Once Sturgeon feast on Pink Salmon, they will begin to fill up and fishing will slow for several weeks. You want to time this fishery so that you arrive before that happens or after they digest and begin feeding again on the Fall salmon runs. Sturgeon fishing is at it’s best when there is lots of food available in the river, that is why it is important to speak to Vic or one of our other representatives to ensure the best possible outcome for your next fishing adventure.
Peak Times to fish for Sturgeon 2025 season
Food Source for Sturgeon
- Spring: March 15 – May 15 ( Eulachons & Lamprey Eels are migrating in river)
- Early Summer – June 15 – July 31 ( Sockeye & Chinook are migrating)
- Summer: August 15 – Sept 30 (Pink Salmon are migrating in river)
- Fall : October 15 – Nov 30 ( Chinook, Chum & Coho Salmon migrating)
The dates provided above are peak times to fish for sturgeon based on food availability, migration and past history. These dates can be dialed in even closer to make for a guaranteed trip of a lifetime when you speak to one of our representatives. Vic or one of our team members are available 7 days a week to help you plan your next trip. Give us a call or shoot our team an e-mail to get your 2025 dates secured.
Holiday Season is closing in, as usual STS will be selling gift certificates for Guided Fishing as well as Jet Boat Tours & Kayak Tours through our sister company Harrison Eco Tours. You can email or call us or visit www.harrisonecotours.com to book kayak and jet boat tours, visit www.guidebc.com for Fishing Adventures.
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Celebrating 30 years of Guiding Fishing Adventures 1994-2024
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