By Rodney Hsu

Being able to fish everyday, is every single angler's ultimate fantasy. Since I moved to Richmond back in 1995, I have been able to achieve this ultimate dream. The Lulu Island is surrounded by water, the Fraser River branches off into many small systems in this region, resulting in numerous fishing spots. I visit one of these spots almost on a daily basis during the salmon season. Commuters rush by it in early morning and late evening, yet these waters are still relatively unknown to anglers. It's the Fraser River North Arm, stretching between the Queenborough Bridge and the Vancouver International Airport.

The North Arm can be fished year round. It may not be as productive as popular streams or sloughs in the Fraser Valley, but nine out of ten times it will produce. More importantly, it is close to home and access is easy. Is there a difference between the North Arm and South Arm? I believe so. The South Arm is a large deep channel that allows huge cargo ships passing by. On the other hand, the North Arm is relatively shallow and narrow, resulting in calm water even during tide changes.

After a hard day of work in a busy environment, the North Arm is the perfect place to spend some relaxing time by doing a few casts without the distraction of speeding boats or large angling crowd. The amount of fishing space is endless, you can fish along the entire river where it is not privately owned. I often walk along the shore with my ultralight spinning rod that is rigged up with my favorite spoon or spinner. Fishing is unpredictable in the North Arm. You may encounter fish at all sizes, from large tyee to small peamouth chub. Bull trout and dolly varden are abundant in these waters through the year. They come in all sizes, from one pound to ten pounds. These hungry chars are always eager to attack your lures. The calm waters make this stretch of river an ideal place for barfishing during fall months. Coho, spring and chum pass by the shallow waters in the thousands each day. With a bit of patience and some well cured roe, it is not unusual to hook into some very nice salmon when the timing is right.

Although it can be fished year round, certain times are definitely better than others. For coho and chum, peak time ranges between October and November. During the summer month, you will encounter numerous coarse fish such as peamouth chub, northern squawfish and largescale sucker. You will also find the odd freshwater crayfish nibbling on your bait. Between late spring and early September, sockeye and spring salmon will move through this system. Bull trout will frequent the area year round, but the peak time is during fall. Although there seems to be many fishing opportunities, there are always regulations such as closures enforced in this area. Please check the latest regulation updates before heading out. Give the North Arm a go next time, you maybe pleasantly surprised.