Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: steve B on November 10, 2010, 06:23:15 PM

Title: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: steve B on November 10, 2010, 06:23:15 PM
I am asking for some tips as to what lures i might try for pinks in the fraser Tidal freshwater portion just below the Abbotsford bridge , I know its early to be posting this I alsio fly fish and any tips would help

thanks steve B
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: one more cast on November 10, 2010, 06:59:46 PM
Pink lures/spinners/flies for pinks.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: rjs on November 10, 2010, 07:31:41 PM
I've had very good results with 2 inch pink buzz bombs !
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: BNF861 on November 10, 2010, 08:45:56 PM
A little early but at least you have about ten months to find anything pink with a hook  ;)
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Bently on November 10, 2010, 10:51:43 PM
A little early but at least you have about ten months to find anything pink with a hook  ;)

 :P :P ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Rodney on November 10, 2010, 11:29:34 PM
http://www.fishingwithrod.com/articles/2007/0807_01.html
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: ~IvAn~ on November 10, 2010, 11:44:53 PM
talk about jumping the gun! ;D
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Rodney on November 10, 2010, 11:52:56 PM
Eager tiger.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Fish Assassin on November 11, 2010, 12:08:32 AM
My go to spoon last year was the Hotrod spoon. Too bad they don't make them any more.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: HOOK on November 11, 2010, 12:28:08 AM
you guys are hilarious with thinking that anything pink will get pinks. I normally use Chartruese flies and do way better especially if there is alot of pink being thrown. other colours also work but Pink, chartruese and blue have been my best, Oh and natural rolled muddlers in clear water. The best thing is finding the retrieve speed they want it at then it doesnt really matter what your using  ;)


dont get me wrong, Pink will catch pinks but another colour can be the key to getting more then anyone around you. Last pink run i used pink 2days out of a total of 3-4months of fishing for pinks. rest of the time i was using chartruese flies in various patterns


my 2 best pink - pink flies are a pink beadhead wooly bugger (river) and a fly called the Pink Eve (this is best in the salt chuck)
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: dereke on November 11, 2010, 02:46:02 AM
Talk to flyfishing magician hook and I think him and I might disagree ;D. "The Staple" which as far as I know is Aarons recipe is a an absolute destroyer in the beach and fresh water fishery for pinks. Sparse pink and silver. Nothing outperformed it that I saw last year. Hilarious we are talking pinks already, I guess he's eager. As said they aren't that tough to catch when they are in the mood.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: fishseeker on November 11, 2010, 08:22:54 AM
That article put out by Rodney was pretty helpful.

Everybody told me pink spoons worked best for them but I often found they would appear to go off the bite on pink and I would get into fish as soon as I switched to something else.    Blue stripe and Red stripe were VERY effective for me last year.   I also found small spin-glo's worked very well at times - just needed a bit of weight above a two way swivel and about two feet of leader to the spin and glo.

I don't know if others share my opinion but I think pinks go on and off presentations and it can really help to change up when the bite appears to stop.  In summary these things worked well for me:

a) Pink quater ounce spoons - the goto color for most people
b) Quater ounce with blue stripe or red stripe.
c) Spin glo's red and yellow combination.

..and last but by no means least.  Slower retrieved always worked better for me (Sometimes I would mix it up by doing the slow retrieve with an odd twitch of the rod tip every now and then).  Experimenting with retrieve rate, jerks of the rod tip and different presentations can make a difference when the fishing appears to be slow.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Fish or cut bait. on November 11, 2010, 08:47:49 AM
Quote
..and last but by no means least.  Slower retrieved always worked better for me (Sometimes I would mix it up by doing the slow retrieve with an odd twitch of the rod tip every now and then).  Experimenting with retrieve rate, jerks of the rod tip and different presentations can make a difference when the fishing appears to be slow.

Yes, definetly change up your retrieve before switching up lures or flies.
It may be colour but if it may be the retrieve.
Vary your retrieve several times before you tie on something different when not getting any action.

And yes, it's not just the colour pink as pointed out above.
Pink, blue, purple, chartreuse,...... and combinations of these work well also.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Kype on November 11, 2010, 09:20:06 AM
Fly fishing wise,

The Clouser family tied with Tungsten eyes are deadly with a short strip retrieve giving the fly a life like pulsating action - the Pinks go nuts for them.  Colourwise we prefer Brown / White and Chartruese / White and for low / clear water rolled Muddlers as noted by Hook.

Last Summer on the Vedder we were out catching the gear guy's 3 - 1 with the flies in lower clear water - great fun!

Good luck!
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: HOOK on November 11, 2010, 11:45:37 AM
Dereke - thats the pink eve i was talking about however the version we use is modified and scaled down in size  ;D
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Nitroholic on November 11, 2010, 11:58:21 AM
1/4oz-3/8oz gold hammered croc with a red stripe, dead slow retrieve
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: cutthroat22 on November 11, 2010, 11:59:56 AM
I had substantially better luck using jigs then I did spinners and spoons.  Maybe my retrieve with spinners/spoons was not effective, I'm really not sure.

Really looking forward to bringing my son who will be 4 as well as some non-fisher friends to enjoy salmon fishing in 25c weather. 8)
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: joska on November 11, 2010, 03:24:39 PM
Really looking forward to bringing my son who will be 4 as well as some non-fisher friends to enjoy salmon fishing in 25c weather. 8)
yeah i cant wait for the g/f to realize why i am addicted to this sport we all love so much...
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: rjs on November 11, 2010, 04:23:27 PM
pinks ! lol aug 30 2009 drifting buzz bombs at sand heads ! never seen them so thick !  (http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv119/rjs1962/SDC10405.jpg)
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: steve B on November 11, 2010, 06:10:17 PM
wow thats a lot of info i tried for pinks last year but no luck so i figure 2011 i might do alittle better I heard that pink salmon swim close to shore ? plus i just bought a smoker and i would like to enjoy some smoked pink slamon next fall

thanks everybody and thanks rod for the link to your very imformative articles on sportfish of BC
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: NiceFish on November 11, 2010, 06:50:14 PM
if you fish the incoming tide in the lower fraser you should be able to find waves of pinks moving through within 10-30 feet of the shore. It can be stacked with fish in really close for an hour or two then nothing for several hours....hit and miss sometimes, another key is being able to fish those tides as sometimes it's during the mid day
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: FlyFishin Magician on November 11, 2010, 08:27:44 PM
Talk to flyfishing magician hook and I think him and I might disagree ;D. "The Staple" which as far as I know is Aarons recipe is a an absolute destroyer in the beach and fresh water fishery for pinks. Sparse pink and silver. Nothing outperformed it that I saw last year. Hilarious we are talking pinks already, I guess he's eager. As said they aren't that tough to catch when they are in the mood.

I'd have to agree with you Derek (sorry Hook)!  The staple outperformed every fly in my box on the beach, Squish, upper Fraser, and it also slayed the pinks in the Campbell River this year.  And yes, I do have chartreuse flies, rolled muddlers, pink eve's, and many more patterns.  Not to say that those other patterns didn't work (they did), but the staple was my "starting quarterback" and didn't disappoint.   Anyway, I did indeed create this fly myself, but the basic pattern concept was from Aaron Goodis who many of you probably know.   ;)
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: norm_2 on November 12, 2010, 08:32:52 AM
FlyFishin Magician, do you have a photo of this fly?  Or anybody?  I would appreciate it.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: FlyFishin Magician on November 12, 2010, 10:47:05 PM
I can't seem to find the photo on my hard drive.  ???  I might have to take another photo.  Basically, the fly has a pink tail, silver body, pink overwing with krystal flash, and a pink hackle collar.  I like to use a size 6 - 8 streamer hook - depending on where I'm fishing.  For the beaches, a small sparse pattern works well.  For the upper Fraser, a larger more dressed fly works in the coloured water.  The key is to not overdress the fly. I think that any variation of this pattern will produce pinks.  Of course, other factors such as the leader and type of retrieve will also come into play.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: WildRod on November 12, 2010, 11:50:12 PM
talk about jumping the gun! ;D

Yah, maybe a little early, but if you want to stock up your tackle box, now the time to do it!  By May/June every tackle shop will be sold out of anything pink/fire striped/red/purple...

Personally I've had luck with the pink buzz bombs.  Time to stock up!  ;)
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: FlyFishin Magician on November 13, 2010, 08:43:47 AM
Now there's something I need a hand with!  Hardware!  What kind of spoons are good for pinks?  I can't seem to catch any fish when I try spoons - while guys like Hook are catching them one after the other.  I go back to the fly rod and no problem!   :-\

So, just any pink spoon will work??  I've tried the Gibbs crocs - red striped, cerise (pink), blue striped, green striped - but no luck for me.  I've only tried using spoons a couple of times in the lower Fraser, but I'm obviously a noob here.   :)
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Bently on November 13, 2010, 08:44:53 AM
My go to spoon last year was the Hotrod spoon. Too bad they don't make them any more.

I found a place last year that had about 50 of them left over, they found them in the back of the store, I just happened to be there when they put them out. I bought 20  ;D
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: azafai on November 13, 2010, 09:51:51 AM


are they any different than those you can order therm here:
http://www.gloutdoors.com/dreamweaverwdwalleyespoon.aspx
this one for example
(http://www.gloutdoors.com/ProductImages/dreamweaver%20spoon%20images/wd/wd_Dreamweaver_65014.gif)
or this one
(http://www.gloutdoors.com/ProductImages/dreamweaver%20spoon%20images/wd/65012.jpg)

Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Bently on November 13, 2010, 10:20:32 AM

are they any different than those you can order therm here:
http://www.gloutdoors.com/dreamweaverwdwalleyespoon.aspx
this one for example
(http://www.gloutdoors.com/ProductImages/dreamweaver%20spoon%20images/wd/wd_Dreamweaver_65014.gif)
or this one
(http://www.gloutdoors.com/ProductImages/dreamweaver%20spoon%20images/wd/65012.jpg)



Way different than both of those. You can get the newer versions {cheap imitations}, but the originals are long gone as far as I know.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Fish Assassin on November 13, 2010, 11:29:15 AM
The imitations are made by Gibbs. Not nearly as effective as the originals in my opinion.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Bently on November 13, 2010, 12:36:53 PM
Before I got all these Hot Rod lures, I got some plain spoons and painted them up with some nail polish my wife and daughter gave me. I did very well with them also. Pinks are very easy to catch on a spinning set up IMO. I have  more fun with the fly rod for these fish now.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: lapa on November 13, 2010, 06:37:24 PM
Way different than both of those. You can get the newer versions {cheap imitations}, but the originals are long gone as far as I know.
Bently,
Could you please  post some pictures of the original one.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: leadbelly on November 13, 2010, 07:10:13 PM
the Les Davis hotrods? the one on the right is no name, maybe Gibbs
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs570.ash2/149289_455927922750_697292750_5974429_3164026_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs577.ash2/149950_455927822750_697292750_5974426_3717017_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Bently on November 13, 2010, 07:10:30 PM
the second from the left... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D but all those will do just fine. I've also had good fishing with a pink rooster tail.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Easywater on November 14, 2010, 06:00:49 PM
the Les Davis hotrods? the one on the right is no name, maybe Gibbs
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs570.ash2/149289_455927922750_697292750_5974429_3164026_n.jpg)


I've had good success with the 2nd one from the left as well.
That little red tab on the hook seems to make a difference.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: doja on November 14, 2010, 06:07:21 PM
You know, with the sockeye being in record numbers, and chum the opposite, but coho being quite strong I wonder..... What if the pink run failed to materialized.... :o

I still have all my lures from last pink run as I buy bulk to avoid having to hunt down stuff when it gets hot. And yes those "lightning bolt" lures do work quite well... But I know what works better...and have enough to last to next seasons pink 8)
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: HOOK on November 14, 2010, 06:16:30 PM
IF i toss lures i usually juse use K-Wobblers in pink. I find its way more about the retrieve than the lure especially lure fishing
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: bbronswyk2000 on November 14, 2010, 06:47:37 PM
When the fish are on the spinners I use usually out fish anything else I have in my box. It also doesnt matter if it has pink or green prism tape. Its the spinner that gets them every time.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Madmardigan on November 14, 2010, 06:55:01 PM
Around breast cancer awareness week,Michaels craft store's have many rolls of hot pink duck tape.It'll turn any spoon or croc pink,and is fairly durable,and cheap.And it's the Canadian way too..eh ;)
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: joska on November 14, 2010, 07:04:37 PM
When the fish are on the spinners I use usually out fish anything else I have in my box. It also doesnt matter if it has pink or green prism tape. Its the spinner that gets them every time.
i found that out last season... did well with the lighting bolt and got into something huge with a kwobbler but the vibrax spinners in pink did the trick outing after outing...
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: NiceFish on November 14, 2010, 07:08:13 PM
Never had any issues catching pinks in the fraser provided they are in the area.... doesn't seem to matter what you use, what matters is how you retrieve it, I usually reel and let it drop and it's picked up almost instantly if there is a fish on it
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Blackgivesway2blue on November 14, 2010, 07:09:13 PM
For spinners, would Blue Fox's work? if so what size's? im getting excited for this, even though i got 10 months too wait  :D
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: joska on November 14, 2010, 07:20:46 PM
For spinners, would Blue Fox's work? if so what size's? im getting excited for this, even though i got 10 months too wait  :D

i use 3's and 4's but think a 5 wouldnt be overkill
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: vancook on November 15, 2010, 07:51:56 AM
I rarely fish hardware so sizes to use are beyond me. What size spoons do you use?
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: doja on November 15, 2010, 08:22:16 AM
I rarely fish hardware so sizes to use are beyond me. What size spoons do you use?

For pinks, generally you'll use small to medium sized lures (don't ask numbers, i don't know) Anything over the size of a $2 coin is usually not really need. Clear water, smaller is generally better.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Tofino Osprey Lodge on November 15, 2010, 09:41:49 AM
Some good crab bait coming next year
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Matt on November 15, 2010, 08:26:40 PM
Any body been out yet?  I've heard reports of a few coming out of Peg Leg.  Better get a spot soon...  ;D
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: dereke on November 19, 2010, 08:17:43 AM
Saw huge schools at Furry Creek as well. Get out and get em while the fishing is hot! ::) :o
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: kosanin kosher salt on November 19, 2010, 04:49:21 PM
hit  no.3 road last night at high tide , hooked into about 9 landed only 2 they got such soft mouths . 
really  anybody know the numbers coming back next year , or how many fry went to the ocean this year?
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Matt on November 26, 2010, 05:54:22 PM
On the beach today: http://www.break.com/index/seal-steals-fishermans-fish.html
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: lapa on March 22, 2011, 02:53:42 PM
FlyFishin Magician, do you have a photo of this fly?  Or anybody?  I would appreciate it.
I would be also interested.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Dude on March 23, 2011, 09:58:20 PM
hit  no.3 road last night at high tide , hooked into about 9 landed only 2 they got such soft mouths . 
really  anybody know the numbers coming back next year , or how many fry went to the ocean this year?

kosanin kosher salt- Im confused...the pinks are coming in already?? I live in richmond i would love to get out after work and try my luck
but i thought they come in late summer??
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Blackgivesway2blue on March 23, 2011, 10:20:14 PM
kosanin kosher salt- Im confused...the pinks are coming in already?? I live in richmond i would love to get out after work and try my luck
but i thought they come in late summer??

he was being sarcastic, they wont be here for a while,   ;)
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: one more cast on March 24, 2011, 09:35:04 AM
he was being sarcastic, they wont be here for a while,   ;)

His post was made Nov. 19th. of 2010.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: andrew5 on March 24, 2011, 11:49:13 AM
Hi guys,

Berry's bait is stating on their annual April sale flyer that between 30 - 50 million pinks are forecasted for this year. This seems pretty high, ao I tried googling forecasts and couldnt find anything.

Are there any official forecasts that have been released on the salmon fishery yet? I thought around 15 million was the average run. Thoughts?...

Berrys sale flyer:
http://www.berrysbait.com/files/2011aprilsale.pdf

-great looking deals too by the way.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: azafai on March 24, 2011, 01:14:02 PM


this is a more reliable source but about Alaska:


(http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/abl/msi/images/PinkForecast/2011Forecast.jpg)


http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/abl/msi/msi_sae_psf.htm

Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: ynot on March 24, 2011, 02:29:57 PM
2011 is a dominant cycle year for Fraser River pink salmon; above average returns are expected.
Fisheries will be planned and managed consistent with Fraser River sockeye, Interior Fraser
coho, Fraser River steelhead, and Fraser River pink management objectives. from the dfo web site.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Blackgivesway2blue on March 24, 2011, 09:35:20 PM
His post was made Nov. 19th. of 2010.

yes his post was made than , but are you saying he was hooking into pinks on November 19 , 2010 ? if he was talking about hooking pinks (because kosanin kosher salt's post wasnt very informative) , hes just joking around,
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: RA40 on March 24, 2011, 09:45:48 PM
I was at a Salmon Stronghold meeting last night and I was talking to someone about the upcoming Pink run, the estimate has been increased to 20 - 50 million. Apparently the out migration count of 900,000 million fry was under estimated as the test fishery boat missed 4 days, after recalculations the estimate of fry was over 1 billion.

On another subject but kinda related, we talked about why some runs of salmon are so much stronger than other and compared life cycles of individual stocks. For example the Harrison river system has 3 seperate CU ( Conservation Units) of Sockeye. One group spawn in Harrison Rapids in faster water, these fish dont migrate to Harrison Lake, the fry head strait out to the ocean which is very unusual for sockeye. The weaver creek stock spawns in weaver creek, then migrate up Harrison River into Harrison Lake, they spend 1 - 2 years in the lake then migrate out to sea. The 3rd stock is Harrison Lake sockeye which spawn in the lake. Interesting to note that last year record return of 900,000 spawners were the Harrison Rapids stock that go strait to sea, also, these fish dont migrate past fish farms and head out using the inside passage.

Not sure if you guys are familiar with Salmon Strong Hold concepts, maybe that is another topic.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: steelie-slayer on March 24, 2011, 10:43:21 PM
I was at a Salmon Stronghold meeting last night and I was talking to someone about the upcoming Pink run, the estimate has been increased to 20 - 50 million. Apparently the out migration count of 900,000 million fry was under estimated as the test fishery boat missed 4 days, after recalculations the estimate of fry was over 1 billion.

wohoo its gonna be a steller year, better get all your pink stuff soon looks like stores will sell out early  ::)
guess this means i get no van. island fishing trip  :'(
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Silex-user on March 25, 2011, 08:49:30 AM
This year Pink's run is going to lots of fun on fly rod again.



Silex-user
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Easywater on March 25, 2011, 09:38:13 AM
Interesting to note that last year record return of 900,000 spawners were the Harrison Rapids stock that go strait to sea, also, these fish dont migrate past fish farms and head out using the inside passage.

Isn't it the inside passage (Port Hardy to Prince Rupert) where a large number of fish farms are (Johnstone Strait)?
It would be better if they migrate to the outside south through the San Juans completely avoiding all the fish farms.

Great news that there are different sets of outward migrating fry - protects the runs from catastrophe.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Stratocaster on March 25, 2011, 01:19:43 PM
I would be also interested.

Hmm, I don't think you can get it out of him that easily! ;D

I had to trade my tried and true roe recipe for it!

Good trade though.  FFM whacked alot of Hatchery Ho's this past year!

The staple is a great fly.  Easy to tie and even works when drifted under a float (like at the Campbell River last year).
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: HOOK on March 25, 2011, 05:08:16 PM
he isnt going to be sharing the top producer sorry and none of his friends will either  ;) I said the name of it what more do you need ? you want us to just tie them for you too ?  ::) its a simple yet quite elaborate little fly for pinks but works so good  ;D
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: brownmancheng on March 25, 2011, 05:23:14 PM
When not using flies, where do you target pinks in the water column near the surface or close to bottom? Probably dumb question, my first pink season is approaching! :)
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: canso on March 25, 2011, 06:03:29 PM
Isn't it the inside passage (Port Hardy to Prince Rupert) where a large number of fish farms are (Johnstone Strait)?
It would be better if they migrate to the outside south through the San Juans completely avoiding all the fish farms.

Great news that there are different sets of outward migrating fry - protects the runs from catastrophe.
I think he made a mistake, the harrison run that is doing very well swim around the outside of the island.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: HOOK on March 25, 2011, 11:07:03 PM
regardless of flies or lures. I find a pretty slow retrieve is the trick in the Fraser especially because of water clarity. In clearer water they love to chase stuff so you can speed it up a bit more  ;D
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Rodney on March 25, 2011, 11:32:16 PM
Awfully early to be getting excited about pinks.... Between now and then, we still have the stillwater season, dry fly for trout in rivers, Fraser River chinook and sockeye season.... ;D
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: 1son on March 25, 2011, 11:40:41 PM
These lures are the best never failed once this is all I used last season but there hard to find  :D

(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h345/jrz604/pinklure.jpg)
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Fish Assassin on March 26, 2011, 12:03:20 AM
They don't make them anymore.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: dan-o on March 26, 2011, 01:02:50 AM
don't forget about the squamish. lots of pinks and a great drive as well.  chartreuse mini clouser with p.b. is my go to, easy flies to tie and helps build confidence in your tying skills as it is hard not to hit a fish. :)
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: HOOK on March 26, 2011, 02:28:10 PM
exactly the fly Dan-O mentioned was my best producer for pinks in freshwater. This is what it looks like and easier to tie with a rotary vise


(http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a80/Flaming_Hook/IMG_3765.jpg)
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: lapa on March 26, 2011, 04:22:32 PM
he isnt going to be sharing the top producer sorry and none of his friends will either  ;) I said the name of it what more do you need ? you want us to just tie them for you too ?  ::) its a simple yet quite elaborate little fly for pinks but works so good  ;D
email sent
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Sandman on March 26, 2011, 04:23:52 PM
My favorite Pink fly is a simple pink bunny strip tied fore and aft.  The body is usually silver mylar or braided pearl.  Add a bead or barbell eyes for weight.  
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Dave on March 26, 2011, 05:06:53 PM
Not sure if you guys are familiar with Salmon Strong Hold concepts, maybe that is another topic.

I thought I was up to speed on most of this stuff but I have not heard of Salmon Strong Hold, or it's concepts.  Please start another thread to explain.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: mistermongz on March 27, 2011, 12:02:38 AM
Here are a couple more "go to" flies.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/barfisher/P3260014.jpg)

that first one on the left works wonders for me for BULL TROUT! and will be one of my go to fly for pinks as well!
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Butch1949 on April 01, 2011, 04:23:57 PM
Can someone help me out here with the Mamquam River....being from Ontario....fished the Mamquam having travelled up on the sea to sky.  Parked in Gov't park, walked over the bridge and down on the east side of Hwy99...I catch myself 4 Pinks all in beautiful shape in no time on pink wool...easy...then I hear from above, this guy hollering from the bridge above that I can't fish there, it is out of bounds....oooops, I go back home check the regs cannot see anything of boundaries here, so I go back and fish the west side to the mouth of the Squamish...or was it Cheakumus....no I think it was Squamish, anyway I see fish but was afraid to fish, would like to explore the east side more, can anyone help??? ??? ???
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Sandman on April 01, 2011, 04:59:03 PM
Can someone help me out here with the Mamquam River....being from Ontario....fished the Mamquam having travelled up on the sea to sky.  Parked in Gov't park, walked over the bridge and down on the east side of Hwy99...I catch myself 4 Pinks all in beautiful shape in no time on pink wool...easy...then I hear from above, this guy hollering from the bridge above that I can't fish there, it is out of bounds....oooops, I go back home check the regs cannot see anything of boundaries here, so I go back and fish the west side to the mouth of the Squamish...or was it Cheakumus....no I think it was Squamish, anyway I see fish but was afraid to fish, would like to explore the east side more, can anyone help??? ??? ???

Carry the reg with you when fishing.  Sounds like a local hoping to chase you out.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Rodney on April 01, 2011, 05:25:29 PM
Squamish, Mamquam and Cheakamus salmon fishing regulations can be found on this page:

http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/fresh-douce/region2-eng.htm

There are no specific "no salmon fishing" sections on the Mamquam River so you can target them anywhere, but just cannot keep any. That being said, seasonal regulation changes can occur to accommodate the health of each year's return. Changes may include no salmon fishing (which means no fishing for them completely, not even catch and release). As the season approaches, a fishery notice will usually come out if seasonal regulation changes are issued. The notice is usually linked from our website's homepage.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: trout80 on April 02, 2011, 03:38:34 PM
I have had pretty good luck with pink jigs.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: armytruck on April 03, 2011, 07:09:41 PM
I looked in the new regs. Freshwater Salmon as well the Freshwater synopsis . There is no mention of any boundary signs on the Mamquam system . There   is      fishing for trout throughout the whole system . Their is no fishing in the tributaries to the Mamquam river . I was informed by a local Whistler guide and through my experience from past fishing in the Squamish area that Fisheries sometimes will post a notice for the boundary sometime around Sept 15 or sooner . Pink salmon may be different . This will probably indicate that it will be for salmon fishing from  the rail bridge on the Mamquam downstream to the confluence to the Squamish River I don't know what the quota for pinks are on that system , but I know you are allowed 1 hatchery marked Coho per day . Your best bet for any information regarding where you are going to fish    . CALL the local fisheries office in the area you are going to go fish . Also get a name , first and last name of the fishery officer you talked to on the phone and carry it with you in case you are hollered at again , you can give the holler people the name and number and they can holler at them . My 2 cents
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: armytruck on April 03, 2011, 07:29:30 PM
Great day on the Cheakamus  ;D(http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k532/Armytruck2010/MARKSPICS0801024x768.jpg?t=1301884107)
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Sandman on April 03, 2011, 09:27:10 PM
I looked in the new regs. Freshwater Salmon as well the Freshwater synopsis . There is no mention of any boundary signs on the Mamquam system . There   is      fishing for trout throughout the whole system . Their is no fishing in the tributaries to the Mamquam river . I was informed by a local Whistler guide and through my experience from past fishing in the Squamish area that Fisheries sometimes will post a notice for the boundary sometime around Sept 15 or sooner . Pink salmon may be different . This will probably indicate that it will be for salmon fishing from  the rail bridge on the Mamquam downstream to the confluence to the Squamish River I don't know what the quota for pinks are on that system , but I know you are allowed 1 hatchery marked Coho per day . Your best bet for any information regarding where you are going to fish    . CALL the local fisheries office in the area you are going to go fish . Also get a name , first and last name of the fishery officer you talked to on the phone and carry it with you in case you are hollered at again , you can give the holler people the name and number and they can holler at them . My 2 cents

There is no retention of pinks in the Mamquam.
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Butch1949 on April 14, 2011, 05:19:53 PM
Thanks everyone for all the info, I did not retain the Pinks, they were in great shape and gave great fun , just bothered by the guy hollering at me from the bridge and I was just on the east side of it at hwy 99, nest time up I walked and fished the river to the Squamish but had better luck just where that guy hollered at me to stop fishing as I was he claimed out of bounds. :-\
Title: Re: Upcoming Pink Salmon Run fraser 2011
Post by: Robbie on April 16, 2011, 09:41:29 PM
Sometimes they close it above the bridge.