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Author Topic: New to BC (Mission Area)  (Read 2454 times)

Canadian Anglerz

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New to BC (Mission Area)
« on: December 17, 2023, 11:35:33 AM »

Hi All,

I stumbled across this forum, so it's great to meet you all and hope I can learn about BC fishing.

New to BC, been living in California for 7 years and originally from Ontario, Canada. I am looking for some good places to fish within an hour from Mission and what would I be fishing for as I just want to get out and do some fishing.
Only bank fishing at the moment, sold the kayak when I left California.

Also, looking to do some ice fishing, sold all my gear when moving to California so is there any Ice Fishing guides or hut rentals?

Thanks,
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coastangler

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Re: New to BC (Mission Area)
« Reply #1 on: December 17, 2023, 02:34:44 PM »

Welcome!!! Lots of info on Rod's public website, with many spots well within an hour (and 10 min in some cases) from Mission

https://www.fishingwithrod.com/articles/region_two/stave_river.html
https://www.fishingwithrod.com/articles/region_two/nicomen_slough.html
https://www.fishingwithrod.com/articles/region_two/chilliwack_river.html
https://www.fishingwithrod.com/articles/region_two/harrison_river.html

If you are more into lake fishing, you have Rolley Lake just by mission (no Rod page on that one!) and also https://www.fishingwithrod.com/articles/region_two/whonnock_lake.html

Regarding Ice fishing, if you check Rod's youtube, he has lots of videos and info. Sometimes in the comments/video description you can get an idea of the area and what to use. Also see https://www.fishingwithrod.com/blog/2017/12/17/ice-fishing-in-bc-a-fun-family-pastime/

Have fun! and don't be too disheartened with the fishing conditions right now in BC. Probably December-Feb is the slowest time of the year for fishing in BC, although Winter Steelhead is starting to happen, if that's your cup of tea. Check out Pacific Angler weekly fishing report as well as maybe stop by at one of the local tackle shops (hatchr n matchr is probably your closest one and is actually a great one)
« Last Edit: December 17, 2023, 02:36:43 PM by coastangler »
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clarki

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Re: New to BC (Mission Area)
« Reply #2 on: December 19, 2023, 09:08:57 PM »

Welcome to BC, and back to Canada!

Coastangler gave you some solid advice and links. The only thing I would add to that is some information about the stocking of trout into lakes in the spring. There are a number of lakes within an hour of Mission that are stocked with catchable rainbow trout.

https://www.gofishbc.com/where-to-fish/

https://www.gofishbc.com/stocked-fish/

Mission is a great spot to use as a home base for fishing. There are lots of great opportunities within an hour’s drive. Be prepared for a learning curve though. River fishing in the area can be affected by ocean tides (yes, even in Mission!), the spring freshet in May/June when the Fraser River and its tributaries swell with snow melt,  the time of year, and fish migrations. Lots to learn, but rewarding to do so!



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RalphH

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Re: New to BC (Mission Area)
« Reply #3 on: December 19, 2023, 10:05:38 PM »

the Fraser River offers some good fishing opportunities particularly for sturgeon and when it's open for salmon. Cross the bridge and bear right to Matsqui Trail Regional Park and some good fishing spots either for still fishing with bait or casting with lures. You'll need a tidal water license to fish downstream of the railway bridge. There are other fishing spots upstream.

East of Mission there is Hatzig Lake which offers bass , carp and various coarse fish. You can access the lake from Neilson Regional Park. Head further east to Dewdney Slough which offers good fishing for coho salmon in late fall.

Check around for lake fishing in the Stave Lake area including some good hike in fishing.
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Blood_Orange

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Re: New to BC (Mission Area)
« Reply #4 on: December 23, 2023, 08:56:08 AM »

Stave River is one of my favourite spots, as the water levels and clarity stay pretty consistent because it's dam-controlled. Both sides are fishable, though you need to drive to the other side because the river isn't usually crossable. The trout fishing in the spring can be excellent if you time it right. There's also some high-stress salmon fishing there in the fall, which I avoid.

Strange as it sounds, check the tides before you go, especially in the spring. The high tide can cause the freshet to back up into the Stave, causing water levels to rise several feet and making the area unfishable. IIRC the tides are 2 or 2.5 hours behind the tide tables in New West.
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