I will do my best to pay respects to someone who has meant the world to many people including his family, friends and those people who fish and boat the Snake River in the famous Hells Canyon. Ernie Heimgartner …was a legend is his time and still is to many of us who love the snake river canyon. Ernie was one of the first guides pioneering some of the most dangerous rapids in North America with is 19ft fiberglass propeller boat. Ernie’s love for the canyon was unconditional and inspiring. Ernie guided many famous people rallying the troops to stop the building of the Dam at Line Point just above Hellar Bar. If it was not for Ernie, the Snake River will not be what it is today.]

I was very fortunate to meet Ernie one summer day while camping at Bear Bar in Snake River Canyon, a mutual friend introduced us to Ernie. After a quick introduction, Ernie and his 2 pals were off heading up the canyon to run some whitewater and catch a few steelhead. At the young age of 75 Ernie was still heading up the canyon for a 3 day fishing trip sleeping in his custom built 25ft jet boat. I was fortunate to get to know Ernie, fish with him both on the Fraser and Snake River, trips I will never forget.
Ernie is and always will be in our hearts, he is one amazing man that will never be forgotten. Ernie, we will miss you dearly buddy, rest in peace my friend. See More

Ernie Heimgartner landing a beauty Salmon River Steelhead.

RIP Ernie, we will miss you buddy.

Although the season is start to wind down there are still some great fishing opportunities for those who don’t mind fishing the cooler weather. Chum Salmon, late run Coho and Sturgeon fishing remains good.

Over the last couple weeks we have consistently produced good catches of both salmon and sturgeon, currently we have trip booked right up until end of November so it’s not too late to get out and enjoy some great fishing. November can often produce some of the best action for both species but weather can be a bit cool and wet. Most of our trips are departing from Mission Harbour so for salmon trips we fish the Stave and sturgeon is mostly below Mission.

If you are looking to get out on the water we will be offering guided river fishing trips until end of November, we will then put away the jet boats and gear until early spring when we will again target sturgeon and cutthroat trout.

If you are visiting Vancouver on business, winter holiday or just need to get out onto the water, we are still offering our Vancouver Habour Winter Chinook trips out of Downtown Vancouver. The winter fishery can be productive for Chinook Salmon between 5 to 12lbs with some great days on the water. If you are a local fisherman and wanting to learn a bit about the tackle we use, have a look at this video by Rick Clarke http://www.youfish.tv/mobile/born-to-fish-bc-winter-chinook-tactics-part-one-video_7b0d33074.html

Planning for 2015

We have already begun booking for 2015 summer salmon and halibut charters on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. These trips are 4 night 3 day, 3 night 2 day or we can custom design a trip specific to your group. We begin in late June and operate through to the end of July. The fishing is world class and outright amazing. We are currently 60% booked so we still have some space available. All dates are considered prime time so everyone will experience a trip of a lifetime.

For 2015 we have a new lodge to offer in Quatsino Sound, this 16 room lodge can sleep 32 people and offers a private relaxing setting in beautiful Heckitt Cove.

We will continue to offer accommodations at Whales Reach for those that prefer to have the ability to drive into town in the evenings.

New lodge for 2015

Gift Certificates available for holidays

If your starting your shopping early, we are once again offering Gift Certificates, Guided Fishing trips, Hells Gate Tour Certificates and STS clothing for sale. Just email us and we will ship them ASAP.

Have any question, need to book a trip or holiday gift, call or e-mail us.

1-855-223-5453 , local 604-671-3474 e-mail – sts@guidebc.com

Lots of rain the past few days but looks like we are going to have a great weekend. Sturgeon fishing is amazing right now with many double digit days.

The past 3 days the Weatherford group has landed over 200 sturgeon between 10 anglers with some beauty fish. The largest was 8ft 4 landed yesterday but they also landed some nice fish over 7ft

Salmon fishing has been excellent for Chum Salmon, with the occasional Coho and Chinook, Harrison is fishing best but Vedder is also producing some nice fish. The Dewdney Slough will begin producing coho anytime now so just plan to fish the incoming tide. You can troll, cast spoons and spinner from shore of bait fish near the confluence.

Should be a great weekend out on the water, if you are looking for a last minute trip we still ahve a few boats available for Monday and Tuesday of next week.

Have a great weekend

Vic Carrao