I wrote this article in the late ’90’s for one of the local fishing magazines that were around during that time. I’ve edited some parts to reflect current fishing opportunities.
The Fraser River is British Columbia’s longest and largest river.
Beginning as a trickle at Mount Robson near Jasper National Park, it tumbles northwest to Prince George where it swings abruptly southward to make its way to the Pacific Ocean. Before it does, the Fraser travels nearly 870 miles (1440 km.) and is joined by important fish bearing rivers like the Nechako, Chilcotin and Thompson rivers. As it travels south, it begins to pick up speed and incredible volume. At French Bar Canyon it begins its journey into steep, high-sided canyon walls, swirling back-eddies and frothing white-water. Especially significant is the point in the Fraser known as Hell’s Gate, a narrow canyon that funnels the water of the Fraser into huge waves and white water, making salmon migration a challenge. The salmon’s use of the fish ladders is critical here. Hell’s Gate, located 1 hour from here, can be viewed up close by taking the popular air tram to the bottom of the canyon. After Hell’s Gate, the river chews through solid rock canyon walls until it reaches Hope where the walls of the canyon subside and the meandering flood plain of the Fraser Valley begins. The rivers breaks into channels and travels at a steady even pace with easy, navigable water until it reaches its destination; the Georgia Strait and the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
In addition to world class sturgeon fishing, the Fraser offers excellent salmon fishing. Huge runs of sockeye migrate through here every summer, providing a valuable food source for the Fraser river’s hungry white sturgeon. Excellent runs of chinook salmon are available from June to mid October and provide an excellent opportunity to catch the largest of the 5 Pacific salmon. Coho and chum salmon provide an excellent sport fishery during the months of September, October and November.
On every odd numbered year, pink salmon travel right by our doorstep by the millions. In 1997, an estimated 18 – 20 million pink salmon migrated up the lower Fraser river providing an unbelievable fishery! The next pink salmon run will be starting in early September 2001 (edit – next pink salmon run will be 2017).
During the summer and fall periods, most trips can be a combination for both sturgeon and salmon. With these major salmon runs, and our excellent sturgeon fishery that starts in April and runs through to mid November, we are confident we can give you a first class fishing adventure.
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.