By Rodney Hsu

So, why am I making the effort to write about a tiny pier that is built in the heart of a busy centre in North America? Well, the reason is that many of my good fishing memories took place on it. One such memory, took place in 1995, that is still fresh in my mind. Just reflecting back on the day always puts a smile on my face, because the fishing was simply fantastic.

It was late August, and since it was the last few days of my summer holiday before the hectic life began at the university, I decided to spend a couple of hours one evening down at the pier. My plan was for some relaxation, but what took place was unexpected. My equipment of the day, was a 6 foot light spinning rod, with a small spinning reel that was fitted with 8 pound test line. Of course, one can never forget a fold-up chair when pier fishing.

The tide was perfect, it peaked about one hour before I arrived and there was a slow outflow. I threaded a small spin n glow onto the line, and tied on a No. 4 hook. The rig was ready to go, once I attached the weight onto it. Picking out a fat lively dew worm, I threaded it onto the hook. What would resist it? The result was so unpredictable. It might be a large squawfish, a bull trout, a cutthroat trout, or simply a small sculpin. I cast my irresistible offering out into the current, allowing it to drift for a few seconds before hitting the bottom. Lying the rod down and sitting on my comfortable chair, the fishing had now officially begun. The atmosphere of the pier was very alive, there were twenty or more fellow anglers who were also searching for the big one.

Laughter can be heard from the kids who were running and playing around. It did not take long to get me busy again. Two huge taps on the rod woke me up from my daydreams. I jumped up from the chair, set the hook and it was on. The catch was not what I was hoping for, a bullhead floated onto the surface as I reeled it in. I quickly unhooked the fish to let it go, and in no time I was back to fishing again. I could heard sounds of joy around me, as some pulled up a few peamouth chubs from the water. As I shifted my attention back to my rod, I could see my rod dancing right beside me! The excitement made me screamed as I hooked the fish. "Fish on!", I yelled as everyone's focus was now on me. This was no bullhead, the line was being peeled off my reel. Before I had a chance to breath again, the fish leaped out of the water. It was a pink salmon!

By now, everyone had quickly reeled in their lines, so there would be no tangles. Kids ran to the edge off the pier to see what the fuss was all about. Screams of excitement could be heard as most of the local anglers do not get many chances to see a salmon hooked. After running for so long, the fish finally cooperated a little and started swimming towards me. My next problem arose, how do I land the fish without making it going under the pier. Luckily, it never did. I walked the fish towards the shore and one kind gentleman climbed down the rocks to tail the fish for me. It was an average pink salmon, around 6 pounds. That was definitely the highlight of the day, and it certainly heightened everyone's fishing spirit. By the end of that evening, I would hook two more of those magnificent fish.

The "No. 3 Road" pier was built in the early 90's for the sportfishermen. Located at the south end of No. 3 road in Richmond, it offers anglers some excellent fishing between April and December. It is only a short drive from most parts of the Greater Vancouver region, therefore it is a convenient hangout for those on weekends or after a hard day of work. Between May and September, kids have the chance to get hands on experience on catching smaller fish such as peamouth chub, northern squawfish, largescale sucker, sculpins, flounders and the odd shiner perch. It is not only a spot for novice anglers, for many years I have seen many large fish being caught. The pier provides a great resting place for fish because it reduces the strong current during the outgoing tide. In early spring and late fall, anglers will often encounter large bull trout. Throughout the entire summer, occasionally a large chinook can also be sighted. During fall, pinks, chums and cohos will frequent the pier as they migrate towards the upper Fraser. One species of fish that most anglers enjoy to catch on the pier is the pacific tomcod. These tomcod, range between 30cm to 50cm, migrate into the Lower Fraser between late August and December to spawn. During peak tide, one can find people crowding the pier catching these bread & butter fish.

When fishing this pier, it is most productive if you fish on the sides of the pier that are facing the shore of the river. In these waters, the current is slowed down by the pier, therefore it is where most of the fish are. Many times people are surprised how close the large fish are swimming to the shore. For pacific tomcod on the other hand, you would need to whip your line towards the middle of the river with a large weight due to the strong current. The best way to learn is to watch other anglers, local knowledge is always the key to success. Due to the dark silty water of the Fraser River, when fishing for salmon, you will need to find lures or bait that have great contrast to the water.

Although the No. 3 road pier has given me many memorable experiences, I have also seen many anglers whose actions degrade this wonderful sport. Due to the infestation of the bullheads, often anglers would catch and leave them to die and rot on the pier. This is clearly unacceptable. Although bullhead maybe useless to us and has no economical value, it may play a great role in the Fraser river ecosystem that we have not even encountered yet. It is also extremely cruel to leave unwanted fish to die, not to mention it is illegal. During peak season of fishing, some anglers would also fight over fishing spots. Such embarrassing attitude is almost comical, after all this is only fishing. Next time when you decide to go fishing, please remember to treat others the way that you would love to be treated, and treat unwanted fish like the way you would treat a salmon, or a trout. If you do, it will make your fishing day even more pleasant and rewarding. To report any illegal fishing activities, you can phone the DFO office in Steveston (604-664-9250). No. 3 road pier falls in the fishery management area 29, make sure you check the regulations before you start your fishing day.