Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => Fishing Reports => Members' Fishing Reports => Topic started by: Rodney on September 01, 2007, 09:50:38 PM
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While a big chunk of the Lower Mainland population decides to escape from the city on this long weekend, we took advantage by staying behind and enjoying good quality salmon fishing just minutes away from our doorsteps. This portion of the Fraser River is often overlooked. I enjoy it tremendously because of the vast amount of casting space and the freshness of newly arrived salmon from the ocean.
This year's Fraser River pink salmon season has been, well, challenging. The big mass of fish that usually arrives in the tidal portion of the Fraser River during the incoming tide has not showed itself. Small scattered schools have been creeping into the river so fish can be caught if one puts in the time. The water clarity has not helped either. With one foot or less of visibility, it is rather impossible to entice a bite unless the lure just happens to be in front of a fish. That being said, I was quite pleased to see the water clarity today, which was much better than a few days ago.
Mark/fishersak, Carlo/chrome mykiss and I decided to give it a shot this afternoon during the weak incoming tide. The tidal change was only 7 feet, but I expected to see some fish nevertheless. The morning incoming push was more favourable, but the bed was simply too comfortable.
I started at 4:00pm, the other two showed up an hour later. The odd fish showed themselves on the surface, but overall the river was awfully quiet as usual. By 6:00pm, Mark was getting rather bored and started changing lures. Finally at 7:00pm, I first connected with a rather small fish, which turned out to be a chinook jack with a nasty seal bite on its tail. This was followed by a feisty male pink salmon that towed Carlo's light gear around until it tired itself out and swam into the net. I matched the chrome male with a female that was just as fresh ten minutes later. Both fish were estimated to be only 4lb. We seem to be encountering many small fish this year.
A semi-productive day indeed, but one cannot ask for more when the fishing is done so close to home.
Photographs
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/albums/album34/070901_1.jpg)
A skinny and rather coloured chinook jack, notice the scar just above its tail.
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/albums/album34/070901_2.jpg)
Mark performing a beautiful net job on Carlo's prized catch.
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/albums/album34/070901_3.jpg)
Bleeding the fish immediately can retain its freshness.
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/albums/album34/070901_4.jpg)
A chrome pink salmon's tail. The spots are usually much more visible.
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/albums/album34/070901_5.jpg)
My female pink salmon.
For those who are interested and did not see this, you can find information on the Fraser River pink salmon fishery at:
http://www.fishingwithrod.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=15540.0
Good luck.
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You caught one of my Thompson River jacks. ;D ;D
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Don't worry, it's swimming somewhere between Surrey and Mission now. ;)
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I was out today aswell saw a few fish caught. Had a couple on but lost them before we could net them. Always nice to be out.
PS thanks for the report ;D
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Thanks for the report rodney! Those are some real chrome pinks!
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Nice doe Rodney
Tell Carlos I want to get hooked up with one of those sweatshirts... ;)
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Carlo was modelling for our latest advertiser on the website.
http://www.riversideflyandtackle.com
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That chinook look malnourished
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Golfman, I'm your hook up for those sweaters. (i actually work there) What size do you wear?
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I think I should learn the magic from Rodney. ;D
Over the last few days, I have covered lower fraser, all its arms ;), tried all sorts of lures- spoon, spinner, buzzbomb, zzinger...but without a single bite from this year's elusive pink. The river looked extremely calm with some very rare fish activity.
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good job guys! looks like a fun evening. that jack spring is rather anorexic looking, you should have put the sick looking little bugger out of his misery. ;D
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Thanks for the report Rodney...nice lookin fish!
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Golfman, I'm your hook up for those sweaters. (i actually work there) What size do you wear?
And while you are at it can you scrounge up an XL for me :)
TH
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Hey Rodney,
Good pics of your day. I want to take my 9 and 10 yr old nephews out for pinks but don't know you part of the Fraser. Is there any places to go in Richmond/Steveston that have kid friendly beaches or not so dicey shorelines. The spot in your pics looks productive but the dike rocks will be a big challenge for the kids.
thanks
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I want to take my 9 and 10 yr old nephews out for pinks but don't know you part of the Fraser. Is there any places to go in Richmond/Steveston that have kid friendly beaches or not so dicey shorelines. The spot in your pics looks productive but the dike rocks will be a big challenge for the kids.
Unfortunately, all of the shorelines where this type of fishing is done are similar to that. That being said, I've taken kids in that age group to these spots for pink salmon fishing and they did very well. You simply have to direct your full attention to the kid. On sunny days, the rocks are fine but on a rainy day, they are very slippery and not recommended for inexperienced individuals. The easiest access area would be Dyke Road between the end of No. 3 Road and Gilbert Road in Richmond.
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thanks Rod, I'lll check out where you recommended and hopefully the boys will get some action from the pinks or pike minnows to keep them busy.