Hello everyone – we hope the Spring of 2025 finds you all outside enjoying some good fishing!
April and May sturgeon fishing has been fair to good. Water levels are at reasonable levels but there was a fair amount of debris from last years’ Chilcotin slide. In that early August 2024 event, the river rose and fell very quickly, stranding debris from the slide on the shorelines and gravel bars of the Fraser river. When spring river levels finally attained the last August’s river height, all that debris floated off the bars and passed through the Fraser valley. With river levels still rising, the debris has since passed us leaving us with improved conditions. Now we wait for the snow run-off (freshet) to occur and bring some higher water. Fraser basin snowpacks are larger this year over last year’s, but are still below normal. The cool and damp weather we’re experiencing currently goes a long way to keeping snow in the hills for later in the season, subsequently maintaining lower water temperatures for all fish.
We saw many returning guests so far this season, which is a testament to the fishery and the efforts of our guides on the boat. We are looking forward to seeing many more returning guests this year. We sincerely appreciate our lengthy list of repeat anglers who we’ve come to know over these many years.
To those who have never been, sturgeon are definitely a bucket-list fish that all anglers of every level of experience and angling discipline will enjoy, and be amazed at. The ride in the jet boats are enjoyable, the scenery and river views are fantastic and you may even see some wildlife such as deer, bear, and eagles. Plus you can also see the conservation process at work as we participate in the tagging program to learn more about these unique fish.
Looking ahead, we will continue to fish for sturgeon but we also may see some salmon opportunities on the Fraser for late summer and early fall. This may include chinook and pink salmon. We’ll keep our fingers crossed.
As mentioned, 2025 is a pink salmon return year. Pink salmon are a 2 year-cycle fish and return dominantly in the Fraser system on odd-numbered years. In the north (Skeena etc) their dominant return is on even years. Pink salmon begin entering the Fraser river in visible numbers by mid August; these fish are migrating further up to the interior tributaries of the Fraser, and local pinks hold up in heavy numbers by early September. These fish are pretty easy to catch and when caught early in the season are very attractive, silver fish in the 4-6 pound range. They are also very good table fare when cooked fresh. Pinks are easily caught on jigs, spoons and on the fly. Sturgeon also love pink salmon and will scoop up as many as they can stuff into their belly. Anglers looking for sturgeon will find September a very good time for some of the best sturgeon fishing to be found. Currently we have limited days available for September but if you are wanting a day trip, drop us a line or give us a call and Maggie will do her best to find a spot for you.
Once the pinks are done, usually first week of October, we are into coho and chum salmon. Last year we saw some excellent fishing for both species and we hope to see another season like it.
That’s all for now, we thank you for your time reading our blog.
It is a pleasure to have spent 35 years guiding and running boats on this amazing waterway.
Come join us for a day of sturgeon or salmon fishing on the river, and experience all that the Fraser river has to offer!
Have fun, enjoy what we have today, and remember to get outdoors and enjoy some Nature!
We look forward to spending quality time in the boat with all of you soon!
Cheers from all of us at Cascade Fishing Adventures!
Cheers!
Whether you are looking for a day trip fishing or you want to stay longer, we can arrange everything from your pickup at the airport in a limo, to your hotel accommodation and the best guided fishing tours in the Fraser Valley. Please contact Marc or Maggie on Toll Free: 1-877-887-4366 or use our contact form.