The Fraser River is famous worldwide for sturgeon fishing, and both experienced and new anglers can have memorable experiences on the river. Some of these prehistoric giants can weigh more than 1,000 pounds. Catching one of these is on the dream list for many fishermen. To maximize your Fraser River fishing trip, you must know how to catch sturgeon safely at different times of the year.
Seasonal fishing for sturgeon: timing is everything
The best times to fish for sturgeon in the Fraser River depend on the time of year. Knowing these trends can make or break your trip. Many people find spring and fall the best times to fish for sturgeon in the Fraser River.
Spring (March to May): As the weather becomes warmer, the sturgeon becomes more active feeding on smelt and other fish. Now is a fantastic time for fishermen to catch bigger sturgeon.
From September to November, during the fall salmon run, sturgeon consume a significant amount of food, making them highly active and simple to catch. People think this is the best time to fish in the Fraser River.
How to Fish the Fraser River: Key Spots and Tips
There are many excellent places to fish on the Fraser River, but some are especially excellent because they have lots of sturgeon. Here are some popular fishing spots:
The area around Mission Bridge is a sturgeon hotspot due to its deep water and abundance of food. The area around Chilliwack is a local favourite, offering numerous opportunities to catch large fish.
When you go fishing for sturgeon in these places, remember these tips:
Heavy-duty gear that can handle big, strong fish is best. It’s important to be patient because sturgeons often need time to bite. Monitor the water temperature and level, as these factors influence the sturgeon’s activity level.
A Year-Round Look at the Fraser River Fishing Seasons
Spring and fall are the best times to fish for Fraser River sturgeon, but you can fish year-round. Sturgeon are less active in winter, but you still catch them with bottom fishing and fresh bait. You can always catch sturgeon in the summer, especially in cooler, deeper water.
How and where to catch a sturgeon on the Fraser River?
If you’ve never fished the Fraser River before or don’t know where the best spots are, getting a local guide is a fantastic way to learn. A lot of guides work out of places like Chilliwack and Mission, and their boats come with everything you need for a wonderful day on the water.
What is the ideal equipment for sturgeon fishing?
Because sturgeon are some of the strongest freshwater fish, your gear needs to be just as strong. What you’ll need is this:
Rods and reels: Use heavy-duty rods and reels capable of holding at least 150 yards of the 80-pound test line. At Hooked Up Fishing Adventures we will provide you with the rods and reels that you need.
Hooks and bait: It works best to use big circle hooks and food like salmon roe, lamprey, or oolichan. We mix up our own bait for our clients and have had a tremendous success rate.
Lines of leadership: Leader lines that don’t wear down easily can handle the rough mouths of sturgeon.
How to Catch and Release Sturgeon
In British Columbia, sturgeon are a protected species, so using the right catch-and-release methods is essential to their survival. Do these things:
Keep the fish in the water as much as possible to prevent stress.
Use hooks without barbs to prevent injury.
When you lift the fish for pictures, don’t hold it vertically; instead, support its body.
Quickly and gently put the sturgeon back into the water.
In conclusion
Fishing for sturgeon on the Fraser River is an exciting activity that lets you connect with nature and fight one of the river’s most famous residents. You can have a fantastic trip if you know about seasonal patterns, the best places to fish, and bring the right gear. Remember to fish ethically by following the catch-and-release rules to make sure that these dinosaurs will live on for many years to come.
