Vancouver BC Fishing Report
By Rodney Hsu, Fishing with Rod | Last updated: October 9th, 2018
We have a new episode to show you! The above video is our trip to Vancouver Island's Somass River back in mid September. We targeted chinook salmon with Murphy Sportfishing's newest guide Matt Grimston, who is currently the youngest freshwater fishing guide in BC. 85,000 chinook salmon are expected to return to this river system, so the action was jam packed!
There are several closures which you should be aware of. Please see the following:
- Tidal Fraser River salmon fishing closure from September 28th to October 24th
- Non-tidal Fraser River salmon fishing closure from September 29th to October 25th
- Fraser River mouth salmon retention closure from September 28th
- Harrison River chinook salmon retention closure
Fall salmon fishing season is in full swing now. Chilliwack/Vedder River has been producing well. Stave River is seeing some chum salmon in the system. Harrison River has also been fishing great for chum salmon. Fraser River is closed for salmon fishing but sturgeon fishing has been excellent. Capilano River is low again, coho salmon can still be found in the system. Squamish River's coho salmon fishing is starting as well. With the cooler weather, lake fishing opportunities are also available. Urban lakes have been restocked by the Fraser Valley trout Hatchery.
For daily updates, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Upcoming Events and Promotional News
Here are some of the latest news and upcoming events in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley!
- Check out the latest episode of "Learn How with Pacific Angler" which we've just produced. This one features Matt Sharp explaining how to pack and carry multiple fishing rods for your trips.
Capilano River
Capilano River has been producing coho salmon lately, due to the rise of water level a couple of weeks ago. The river is low again, fish are found in the system but they are obviously more easily spooked than when water was higher. Please note that bait ban is in effect until the end of October. Casting and retrieving spoons and spinners at first light is a good approach to catch these fish. Fly fishing with small patterns also work well.
Please remember that you might encounter the odd steelhead in the system. ALL steelhead (hatchery and wild) have to be released with care. Please report individuals who choose to do otherwise.
Stave River
Stave River is now seeing some chum salmon returning into the system. The next few weeks fishing will only get better. Chum salmon can be very fun to catch. They are plentiful, and easy to entice! Float fishing with a jig usually does the trick. Adjust your float depth so it is a foot or so off the bottom. This way you can avoid accidentally foul hooking fish.
Hatch Match'r Fly and Tackle in Maple Ridge is your best one-stop shop on the North side of Fraser Valley. New owner Nick and his staff are always happy to help you, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned angler. They are open seven days a week.
Squamish River
Squamish River is dropping, and has some clarity to it. Cheakamus River's conditions are also very good. This river system is now seeing some coho salmon returning. Casting and retrieving a big spoon or spinner works well. There is a bait ban in effect.
Chilliwack River
Chilliwack River's conditions have been excellent. River level rose and dropped over the last two weeks due to rain, which is bringing plenty of fish into the system. The chinook salmon fishing is winding down, but some fresh fish can still be found. Coho salmon can be found throughout the system but they are always on the move. This is still a first light fishery as only clear sky is in the weather forecast. Fish in the 3 to 5lb range are common, but some bigger coho salmon are reported this season, up to 10lb. Float fishing with roe, lure casting have been working very well as usual. Late afternoon can also be very productive when fishing pressure is lower.
For ongoing updates, please see this year's fall salmon fishing updates in our discussion forum.
Check out the following video tutorial on how to tie a bait loop to secure your roe on the hook.
Fred's Custom Tackle has a new store in Chilliwack! The address is 6336C Vedder Road, just north of Promontory Road. The store has up to 70 parking spots so very convenient for those who are towing a boat. Opening hours are 7:30am to 5:30pm on Monday to Saturday, and 7:30am to 4:00pm on Sunday.
Harrison River
Harrison River now produces both coho and chum salmon. Fishing can be good and will only get better as more fish arrive in the system. Please note that chinook salmon retention is closed due to low abundance.
Tidal Fraser River
Tidal Fraser River is now closed for salmon fishing until October 24th. This measure is done to protect the Interior Fraser River steelhead runs, which are in extremely low numbers. The river remains open for trout and char fishing, which can in fact be quite good. Grab a light spinning outfit and cast spoons and spinners for these fish. Your best chance is to fish anywhere downstream from the Pitt River confluence. For more information, please check out this article.
Please note that in spring 2016, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has issued a night time fishing closure for all finfish species in the Tidal Fraser River. To fish the Tidal Fraser River (downstream from the railway bridge in Mission), you are required to have a valid saltwater fishing licence.
If you would like more information on fishing in the Tidal Fraser River, please stop by Berry's Bait and Tackle in Richmond. Mike, Len and Michele have a team of knowledgable staffs who regularly fish this area and they can help you out.
Non-tidal Fraser River
Non-tidal Fraser River is now closed for all salmon fishing until October 25th. This measure is done to protect the Interior Fraser River steelhead runs, which are in extremely low numbers. The river remains open for sturgeon fishing, as well as trout and char fishing.
Sturgeon fishing has also been very consistent due to the abundance of food (salmon) in the river.
Bass Fishing
Although the weather is cooling down a bit, bass fishing should still be good. Largemouth bass are active in some waterbodies around the Lower Mainland. Deer Lake in Burnaby, Mill Lake in Abbotsford, Sturgeon Slough in Pitt Meadows and Sumas River in Chilliwack are all good options to try out. Smallmouth bass have recently been reported in Cultus Lake, please see this blog post for more details. The daily quota of both large and smallmouth bass is 20.
Lower Mainland Lakes
With the cooler weather, trout fishing in lakes should pick up again. Catchable rainbow trout stockings have begun for most urban lakes in early October. They'll be restocked a couple of times until the end of October. This is a great opportunity for smaller kids who aren't ready for salmon fishing in rivers.
These articles may assist you:
- Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley Lakes
- Bait Fishing for Stocked Rainbow Trout
- Lure Fishing for Stocked Rainbow Trout
Please remember that for lake fishing, if you are fishing from shore, you are only allowed to use ONE rod. If you are fishing alone in a boat, then you are permited to use two rods. Only one hook is allowed on your rod. Please note that single barbless hooks are required to be used at some lakes. You should note the daily quota of trout for the lake where you are fishing. Catch and release is required in some lakes, please check regulations.
Before heading out, please read the freshwater regulations in Region 2 first. For more regular updates, make sure you follow our Facebook page. If you witness violations, please contact the nearest conservation office or phone 1-877-952-RAPP (7277). Conservation officers can not attend all calls, but they do their best to catch those who do not choose to play by the rules.
Good luck and please conserve your catches!
Rodney Hsu
Webmaster, Fishing with Rod Production
