Fraser Valley Report for March 3 /2002: Steelheader.net- Steelhead, Salmon and trout fishing

Fraser Valley report for the week of March 3 /2002

Check out our new weekly Fraser Valley fishing report in the Province News Paper each Thursday starting March 7 / 2002.

Sign up now for our one day fly fishing seminar.
March 23
The 1 day seminar will be held on the Vedder river, during the 6 hour seminar Erik will show you many of the techniques that are used throughout British Columbia for Steelhead, during the seminar you will also fish for Steelhead with Erik and you will learn about:

Fraser River

The Fraser River is once again in great condition. Water clarity is at least 10 or more feet with temperatures fluxuating between 32 F and 36 F. Cutthroat fishing has been fair to good in the back channels and main stem between Mission and Agassiz. Many of the tributaries such as Maria slough, Johnson slough, Stave River, Dewdney slough and the Harrison River have good numbers of fish. As water temperatures increase, salmon fry will begin to emerge and become prey for these beautiful fish. Our next peak fishing season for local Cutthroat is between March 1 – April 31.

Sturgeon
Sturgeon fishing continues to be very good in the lower and mid river areas up to as far as Chilliwack. Sturgeon are beginning to become aggressive feeders once again. Water temperatures will begin to warm and the annual Oolichon migration is just around the corner. Once the Oolichons enter the Fraser some of the best fishing of the year will occur. Our guests from XL Ironworks sure found that out this past weekend when they managed to land over 40 sturgeon with the largest fish caught by owner Gary Kerrison. I’m sure the sales staff from Alberta will go home with a lasting impression of the Fraser River and the mighty White Sturgeon.

Vedder
Water conditions March 3 – Upper River – Moderate flow with good visibility –, Mid to Lower River – Good visibility in the morning, clouding up in the early afternoon on the warmer days.

The river is once again in great shape. Anglers are continuing to catch good numbers of fish throughout the river with the lower river producing the best results. The water is still quite high but if this cold weather continues we should see a constant drop in water levels. Both lure/bait and fly anglers are reporting good success. Small roe bags and spinners seem to be the two hot lures for gear fisherman while larger rabbit strip flies in pink, orange and purple are producing good results for fly anglers.

Our fly guide Erik Skanning will once again be holding our 1 day introductory fly fishing for steelhead seminar on the Vedder to take place on Saturday March 23/2002. We still have some space available.

Chehalis
High and Clear
The Chehalis River is in great shape for Steelhead anglers. Water levels and flow are good with excellent visibility. Anglers are reporting fair to good fishing in the lower river and canyon area. Be sure to use the buddy system if you plan on fishing the canyon area. Never ever enter the canyon alone. Best lures and flies are the same as on the Vedder ( see above)

Harrison
The Harrison has been fishing well the past week or so. Good numbers of Cutthroat are spread throughout the river just waiting for the fry to emerge. It won’t be long before this river heats up so keep an eye out on the shoreline for actively feeding fish.
Pink and Chum salmon fry will be the first to show so make sure you have a good variety of sizes and colors in tie down minnows or epoxy minnows on hand. I also like using flash flies as they often take the larger fish in the river.

2002 Bookings
For those of you planning a vacation or day trips for primetime salmon, trout or sturgeon fishing, I would recommend booking as soon as you have your group organized or dates confirmed. We are booking up prime dates very fast as many of our returning clients have already made their plans and set their dates for spring and summer. Our next prime dates are listed below; please contact us for further information.

March 1 to April 31 - Prime Steelhead on the Vedder,
Prime Sturgeon on the Fraser
Prime Cutthroat, Rainbows and Dollies on local and hard to reach rivers.
June 1 to July 1 – Prime Chinook fishing on the Fraser

August 1 to Sept 7 –Prime Sockeye and Chinook on Fraser and tributaries

Oct 1 – Nov 15 – Prime Coho, Chum and Fall Chinook.

Please feel free to call or e-mail us for booking information or availability.

Remember to conserve your catch
Tight Lines and we will see you on the water
Vic Carrao
www.guidebc.com
sts@guidebc.com
604-880- FLYS(3597)