Last updated: September 7th, 2008

STS Guiding Service has begun preparing for the arrival of our new 28 ft Twin Engine Jet Boat, This boat is designed for fishing charters and jet boat tours on the Fraser and in the Fraser Canyon. We will not only be able to accommodate large groups of up to 12 passengers for tours but we will also offer large group fishing charters where customers can stay together and enjoy the comraddery. This will be the first of its kind on the Fraser and will offer a whole new experience. Come join us for a guided sturgeon trip or Jet Boat tour that you won’t soon forget.

Sturgeon fishing in the Fraser River canyon (Photo: Vic Carrao).

STS Guiding Service nominated for Mission Business Excellence Award!

STS has been nominated for Business of the Year Award for the business excellence awards for 2008. The semi formal event will take place in the ballroom of Rockwell’s Bar & Grill at the Best Western Hotel on Friday Oct 17. Congratulations to all the guiding staff and Vic & Teresa Carrao.

Salmon
Chinook fishing was fair to excellent last week, Tom’s best day was on Friday when he landed 4 Chinook, all in the 18 to 24 lb range. On Saturday the river jumped up a foot or so and water clarity decreased down to about inches. We are not really sure why but a good guess would be the warm weather we are having has melted the last bit of snow pack. Either that or they let some water out of the Nechako Dam.

Saturday and Sunday was a right off for salmon fishing due to poor water conditions but by Monday afternoon water clarity was already improving so my guess is that by mid week we should be back catching some nice Chinook.

Fraser River chinook salmon (Photo: Vic Carrao).

Our best salmon fishing of the season is still to come so if your wanting to get out and fish for those large Chinook, Chum and Coho, We still have some great dates available in the fall. Give us a call at the office you e-mail us at sts@guidebc.com to book your next guided fishing adventure.

White sturgeon
Sturgeon fishing has been off and on for the past two weeks. We have caught some incredible fish with lots of fish over 7 ft and Ryan managed to landed his largest ever sturgeon measuring 9 ft 10 inches to the fork. All of these fish were scanned and to our surprise every fish over 7 ft was a new fish that had never been tagged.

Best bait has been what we call stink bait or better known as rotten salmon, believe it or not Eulachon have been working quite as well. The standards such as salmon eggs, gills and salmon bellies also work well this time of year.

If you're looking to get out onto the water over the next month, sturgeon fishing is one fishery you should give a try. We are starting to fill up for dates for September, October and November so if you are planning on fishing with us during peak season, book soon to not be disappointed.

The Vedder is finally settling down now and starting to look a bit more fishable. Water conditions are still a bit higher than normal but clarity has improved. Reports from local anglers are mixed but for the most part anglers are frustrated at the lack of success. Late August through to about mid September the Vedder is generally this way, local anglers who have the experience know that fishing the tides in the lower river is your best bet to find those early Coho. My recommendation is to hit the river first light and concentrate your efforts between the Train Bridge and canal. Fish the deeper slots and tight to the bank using cured salmon eggs and a small piece of wool.

Early season Coho fishing can be a challenge but if your persistent there is no reason you can’t find a few fish each morning. Check the tides and add 5 hours, if you have a high tide in the late evening or middle of the night, fish the lower river at first light. Although many anglers fish Coho like other salmon staying in one area all day, try fishing more like steelhead and cover lots of water. Having current fishing reports can be a great help, Internet forums are okay but I think your local tackle store will be a bit more accurate. Trying calling the guys down at Hubs Sports at 604-859-8316 to get an updated report.

Trout fishing has been fairly good this past week with lots of smaller trout in the 12 to 16 inch range. We did manage a few trout in the 20-inch range as well as a few larger Bull Trout. Give it another week or two and we should start to see some great trout fishing on both the Pitt and Lillooet systems. Once salmon begin to spawn, we fish with single egg patterns fished under a strike indicator; the presentation is much the same as nymphing.

Flyfishing for trout and char on the Pitt River (Photo: Vic Carrao).

We offer fully guided fly-fishing trips on the Lillooet River, Pitt River and some remote lakes within 2 hours drive of the Fraser Valley. Take advantage of our 30 years of angling experience and join us for an adventure of a lifetime.

The local saltwater fishing has been fair to good as of late. Many of the guide boats are either targeting Capilano River Coho or Fraser River Chinook. As we progress into September our big Harrison Chinook should arrive off Point Grey and the Fraser Mouth. These fish are among the largest of the year with fish in the 40+ pound range possible. This fishery typically gets going around the first week of September and extends into the third week of September. Later in September our Capilano Chinook fishery should get going and keep us busy with large Chinook until the third week of October. Give us a call to book a charter for these big Chinook! Our prime weekend dates are booking quite fast!

Remember to conserve your catch. Tight Lines and we will see you on the water!

Vic Carrao
STS Guiding Service
sts@guidebc.com
1 866 771-FISH (3474)