Fraser Valley Report for December 28 /2002: Steelheader.net- Steelhead, Salmon and trout fishing

Fraser Valley report for the week of December 28 /2002

The staff at STS Guiding would like to wish all of our website visitors and guiding clients a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. By the looks of our early bookings we should be in for another great season filled with record-breaking catches and memorable fishing adventures.

As most of you know we are always trying to improve our guiding service and website.
We would like to welcome Ken Funk to our team of professional guides. Ken has an extensive background in the fishing industry and has been fishing the Fraser Valley for most of his life. We are confident that if Ken is your guide, you will be more than satisfied with his ability and knowledge.

We would like to thank all of those who entered our Guided Trip Contest. The winner of the 6 hour guided sturgeon trip for 2 is: Alan May of Algonquin, Illinois. Alan, please e-mail or call us with your preferred date.

We are working on a very exciting giveaway for our next FREE DRAW. I won’t let the cat out of the bag quite yet but stay tuned as we will be announcing some GREAT PRIZES within the next week or two.

Fraser River

Sturgeon
The Fraser River is in excellent condition with water temperatures just dropping below 40 degrees a few days ago. Sturgeon fishing has been fair with some good days with larger fish in the 4 top 6-foot ranges. You can expect to work for every fish you catch but if you’re persistent you should be able to hook into some good quality fish. We are offering a special discount for all January Sturgeon charters. Please e-mail us for further information.

For those looking for post Christmas gifts
We offer gift certificates for both our annual 3-day steelhead/river fishing seminar (January) our annual 3-day fly-casting seminar (March/April) and 4, 6 & 8 hour guide trip for salmon or sturgeon. All these gifts can be purchased on-line through e-mail or you can call us at 604-671-FISH

Cutthroat fishing continues to produce good results in the Chilliwack to Agassiz area. Fishing with eggs patterns, searching patterns or streamers will produce fish if they are willing. There is not a lot of surface activity once water temperatures drop below 40 so you will need to fish your way through water that you believe holds fish.
Check out our fly patterns on our fly-fishing section. http://www.guidebc.com/flypatterns.asp
For productive winter patterns. We also have 7 new fly fishing articles that include Cutthroat fishing. http://www.guidebc.com/flyfishing.asp

Vedder River

The Vedder River is in prime shape for fishing for steelhead, unfortunately there are not a lot of fish in the system yet. The Boxing Day derby netted 8 hatchery fish a few reported wild fish released. Considering the number of anglers this is very poor. I wouldn’t be too concerned as most rivers along the coast are experiencing late returns.
Mid January is usually when we begin to expect to have a reasonable chance at catching those elusive Steelhead.

River fishing/Steelhead seminar
We still have a few spots left
Once again we will be offering our 3- day river fishing /steelhead seminar which will be held in late January. This seminar is very popular and has sold out when offered. This year’s seminar will be held once again at Hub Sports in Abbotsford. The classroom sessions will be from 7-9 PM each night, the fish out is from 8 AM – 2 PM.
You can read more about this seminar at http://www.guidebc.com/floatseminar.asp

Available dates:

Next Available Seminars
Hub Sports January 20, 22, 25
January 21, 23, 26

Chehalis River

My two daughters and I made a trip up to Hemlock Ski resort on Thursday. 12 inches of fresh powder covered all 36 runs. The skiing was fantastic, light snow fell in the morning with the sun peaking out by early afternoon. On the way up we drove over the Chehalis River. The water was just starting to turn a bit tea colored but water levels still looked low. On the way back the water had risen a few inches but looked pretty much in prime shape for fishing. We have had a few reports but nothing that would make me trade in my skis for a fishing rod. Until we get a few more fish in the system ( mid to late January) I think we will just keep praying to the snow gods for more powder.

Harrison River
The Harrison River has been pretty slow for the most part. We spent a few hours on the river last week with nothing but cold hands to show for our efforts. I wouldn’t expect too much from this river until early spring. Until then try fishing the Fraser system for best trout fishing opportunities.

Trout and Char fly-fishing
Our best winter fishery is just beginning to heat up. Good numbers of Bull trout, Rainbows and Cutthroat can be caught all winter. We not only offer guided jet boat trips but also guided raft trips on rivers seldom fished by anyone in the winter. We are now taking booking for winter/spring steelhead and trout fishing on one of our more remote river adventures. Space is limited so don’t wait until it’s too late.

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)
604-671-FISH (3474)