Fraser Valley Report for May 14 /2002: Steelheader.net- Steelhead, Salmon and trout fishing

Fraser Valley report for the week of May 14 /2002

Fraser River
Salmon
The Fraser River water levels remained stable this past week. The warm weather from the weekend didn’t really get a chance to melt snow as by Monday it returned to early spring type conditions. Once we see some consistent warm weather the snow will begin to melt and river conditions will deteriorate. Good numbers of Chinook salmon have begun to migrate up the Fraser River. This past weekend anglers fishing creek mouths have had some reasonable success. The mouth of the Vedder River and Coquihala River both produced fair results, as did some of the other creek mouths between Chilliwack and Hope. The largest fish we herd of was a 15 lb Chinook but most of the fish were between 8 to 12 lbs. Casting lures seems to be the best method for this time of year. Once water conditions improve, fishing the main flow with spin n glo’s will produce best results. Until then concentrate your efforts at creek mouths along the Fraser.

Sturgeon
Sturgeon fishing was considerably slower this past week. We did manage a few fish but we really had to work hard for them. The Eulachon run is pretty much over now so most sturgeon in the lower river have eaten well and are not interested in taking your bait. May is usually a bit slower fishing than other months but if you work hard, cover lots of water and use a variety of baits you should be able to hook onto a few fish. For the remainder of May and June we are offering some special rates for first time sturgeon anglers. Please call or e-mail us for further information.

FREE DRAW:
STS Guiding Service and Hub Sports are giving away a Free Quantum Spinning rod combo valued at $70.00 retail. All you need to do is e-mail us with Quantum Free Draw in the subject line. Winner will be announced in our next newsletter.
If you’re looking for Archery products be sure to drop in and see Hub Sports new archery section. Hubs is located at 33917 Essedene Ave, Abbotsford, B.C. Phone- 604-859-8316

Vedder
Water conditions remain good throughout the lower river where fishing remains open to fly anglers. One of our fly guides fished the river for 3 days this past week and managed to hook several steelheads on the fly on 2 of the 3 days. As long the weather remains on the cool side, water conditions should remain good. Once we get a warm spell it won’t take long to turn this river into a raging wall of water. Best flies have been bright Popsicles or rabbit leech type patterns. Remember to get your fly down quickly so using a weighted or bead headed fly will help tremendously.

Harrison
The Harrison River remains in good condition with water levels stable much the same as the Fraser. Once the Fraser begins to rise, so will the Harrison as these two rivers are interconnected. The Harrison River plays an important role in the flood control for the Fraser Valley area. Once the Fraser begins to flood or rise substantially the Harrison will also rise, as the Fraser River will begin to back up into the Harrison. The big difference between these two rivers in freshet is the water clarity. While the Fraser becomes dirty and full of debris the Harrison remains clear and fishable. During spring freshet the confluence of the Harrison is a good place to target migrating Chinook salmon and Cutthroat trout. Angling success for trout continues to be sporadic. Fly anglers seem to be having best results with leech patterns, minnow patterns and streamers.

Local Lakes
Local lakes continue to produce some good results for shore and boat anglers. Another option for those looking to spend a day on the water is to venture a little further into the south interior area. There are many good productive lakes within a 2 – 3 hour drive from Vancouver making for a good full day outing. Lakes such as Corbett, Courtney, Kentucky, Goose, Johnny, Harmon and the entire Hwy 5A chain lakes are easily accessed by the Kane Valley Road off the Coquihala Hwy. These lakes offer good fishing and a variety of trout in various size ranges. Car, truck or RV easily reaches these lakes. A good book to pick up before you go that offers directions and maps is the BC Freshwater Fishing Directory and Atlas. This book can be purchased at your local tackle store, most retail drug stores or larger super markets.

2nd Annual BC Outdoors Sport Fishing / Gibbs Kids Story Contest:
Calling all kids!
B.C. Outdoors Sport Fishing Magazine and Gibbs Fishing Tackle are pleased to sponsor our 2nd Annual Kid's Story Contest, open to Kid's 12 and under.
Want to enter? Visit the kid's section at GibbsFishing.com/Kids, go to the Story Contest and write in with your favorite fishing story. Tell us about the one that got away, or your first time fishing! Enter as many times as you'd like, as long as each entry is a different story. Contest closes September 30, 2002.
The Prize-winning story will be featured in an upcoming issue of BC Outdoors Sport Fishing and will be posted on the Gibbs website. The grand prize consists of $50.00 worth of tackle, a subscription to B.C. Outdoors Sport Fishing Magazine, and a ball cap from each company.
When the fish get biting- kids, get writing!

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)