Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Wool on June 29, 2014, 06:22:56 PM

Title: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: Wool on June 29, 2014, 06:22:56 PM: Does anyone sockeye fish in the Richmond to New west area of the Fraser? B Betty's.
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: vancook on June 29, 2014, 06:39:09 PM: Well sockeye is not open for retention right now so no.
Also if you want to floss some fish the lower Fraser is not ideal due to current flow
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: Wool on June 29, 2014, 07:12:32 PM: Understood about the season, just wondered if it can be done down here?
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: Humpy on June 29, 2014, 07:20:53 PM: Chilliwack is a better area to BB.
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: Rantalot on June 29, 2014, 07:55:17 PM: Well you could use the Ladner two hook set up :o
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: fic on June 29, 2014, 09:35:57 PM: You should be able to reach some of the fish in the Richmond area along the south arm. Enticing them to bite is not easy.
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: ynot on June 30, 2014, 01:53:22 PM: if the run is good expect opening between july 31 and aug 15 then stay open till labor day or later.
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: Rodney on June 30, 2014, 09:59:04 PM: Enticing sockeye salmon to bite is not easy in the tidal portion of the Fraser River, but it's not impossible. They will strike spoons, spinners and anything else you'd throw at a pink or coho salmon, just not as often as them. I've also seen sockeye salmon chasing down a baited hook with shrimp. I've also caught sockeye salmon by bait while it is anchored on the bottom.

If you want to floss sockeye salmon, go upstream.
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: Wool on June 30, 2014, 11:42:36 PM: Swinging a 4oz sinker with a 12 ft leader sounds a little strange, sorry. I'd like to say I tried before joining the cult. Lol. I heard a couple stories at Fred's about the danger with BB. If you hit me with that sinker, and I lived... I would drawn you. They must bite?
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: Tangles on July 01, 2014, 12:04:36 AM: A friend of mine with a lot more experience than me claims that many days he's had his limit of socks in Richmond fishing the same way as for pinks. He's also saying Richmond should give you best chance as the sockeye get progressively lockjawed as they enter the fresh water. I've never caught sockeye myself and since I don't plan on joining the BB crowd, considering the size of the run I think I'll give this fishery a try.
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: Rodney on July 01, 2014, 12:21:16 AM: Quite the opposite. Sockeye salmon, like chum salmon, are mostly lock jawed as they migrate through the tidal portion of the Fraser River. As they get into the tributaries, they are way more aggressive and can easily be caught. In the non-tidal portion of the Fraser River between Hope and Chilliwack, they are flossed not because these fish will not bite, but because the water clarity is simply too poor to produce any consistent results.
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: cutthroat22 on July 01, 2014, 02:45:41 AM: Quote from: Tangles on July 01, 2014, 12:04:36 AM
A friend of mine with a lot more experience than me claims that many days he's had his limit of socks in Richmond fishing the same way as for pinks. He's also saying Richmond should give you best chance as the sockeye get progressively lockjawed as they enter the fresh water. I've never caught sockeye myself and since I don't plan on joining the BB crowd, considering the size of the run I think I'll give this fishery a try.

People do catch socks in Richmond constantly. Unfortunately they don't really catch them, they snag them. There are only 2 places of I know this is possible. DFO seems to turn a blind eye as it goes on every year.

I always thought one of those flashers with a hoochie cast out far might work.

I have caught 2 on jigs but that was a lot of time spent on the river (hours and hours, probably days) and I was not fishing for sockeye.
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: Wool on July 01, 2014, 08:25:26 AM: Same tactics as pinks?
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: RalphH on July 01, 2014, 09:30:22 AM: Sockeye are caught out in the chuck pretty regularly as they stage off the banana and in the harbour using flashers and hot pink hootchies. In the Harrison when there was a regular opening small krill dyed hot pink was the go to bait. Seems to me that if they can be taken it will be based on finding the right place in the water column with either bait or scented artificials. Just my guess. I've heard most are snagged currently. Most guys go up the valley where it is easier to get a hook where the fish are - they have to stay close to the bottom and seems nobodies put their mind to catching them in the river below Mission. I have heard some guys have cracked how to catch large numbers of chum down towards Richmond using small plugs on standard bar gear and fish on a strong running ebb tide to make the plug work. Of course with the poor chum runs last several years this might not be as worth the effort as it once was.
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: Wool on July 01, 2014, 09:44:19 AM: I'm going to put serious effort into this.
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: pwn50m3 f15h3r on July 13, 2014, 06:09:12 PM: How far upstream on the Fraser does BB'ing get easier to do?
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: Flytech on July 13, 2014, 07:34:36 PM: Quote from: pwn50m3 f15h3r on July 13, 2014, 06:09:12 PM
How far upstream on the Fraser does BB'ing get easier to do?

Honestly, I prefer not to use BBs. But you need to find the shallower water, farther up you go the better.
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: pwn50m3 f15h3r on July 14, 2014, 07:39:53 AM: Quote from: Flytech on July 13, 2014, 07:34:36 PM
Honestly, I prefer not to use BBs. But you need to find the shallower water, farther up you go the better.
Who said I was using bb's?
I was just asking to see where there aren't any bb'ers
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: SkagitDreamer on July 14, 2014, 08:34:33 AM: I've caught sockeye that bite on the chuck but, like Sasquatch sightings, I'd have to see it in person to believe they regularly bite anywhere upstream. Sockeye are flossed upstream and that seems understood and accepted by all parties. Personally, it's not for me yet it is what it is.
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: typhoon on July 14, 2014, 08:53:23 AM: As has been said before, sockeye will bite when they are in their home rivers with good visibility. You regularly see sockeye biting in the Vedder and Harrison rivers rivers.
A dead-drifted jig under a float is the least effective flossing tool and I have caught many sockeye using this method while fishing for other species.
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: SkagitDreamer on July 14, 2014, 10:23:19 AM: Wow. That's baffling yet exciting to hear. I gave up on all my tactics when I tried enticing them to bite years ago - least I know now. Who says an old dog can't learn a new trick? Lol
Thank you!
👍
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: Flytech on July 14, 2014, 02:37:54 PM: Quote from: SkagitDreamer on July 14, 2014, 08:34:33 AM
Sockeye are flossed upstream and that seems understood and accepted by all parties. Personally, it's not for me yet it is what it is.

Not accepted by all parties. There is a large contingent that believes this type of fishing should be outlawed.
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: Flytech on July 14, 2014, 02:39:08 PM: Quote from: typhoon on July 14, 2014, 08:53:23 AM
As has been said before, sockeye will bite when they are in their home rivers with good visibility. You regularly see sockeye biting in the Vedder and Harrison rivers rivers.
A dead-drifted jig under a float is the least effective flossing tool and I have caught many sockeye using this method while fishing for other species.

I've caught them on the fly in the Upper Pitt, so I agree with you 100%.
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: SkagitDreamer on July 14, 2014, 02:44:29 PM: Yes, I agree that flossing should be outlawed, but really didn't want to open that can of worms. Enough said.
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: htdub on July 14, 2014, 03:43:11 PM: My friends and I have caught sockeye by bait fishing. It's a good workout on the arms on the shoulders to get one tho.
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: SkagitDreamer on July 14, 2014, 03:48:50 PM: Quote from: Flytech on July 14, 2014, 02:37:54 PM
Not accepted by all parties. There is a large contingent that believes this type of fishing should be outlawed.
s

Obviously not enough of a contingent, sadly, for it's still a legal fishery. If we're on the same page lets collaborate and do something about it. Let me know how I can help.
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: Flytech on July 14, 2014, 08:23:10 PM: Quote from: SkagitDreamer on July 14, 2014, 03:48:50 PM
Obviously not enough of a contingent, sadly, for it's still a legal fishery. If we're on the same page lets collaborate and do something about it. Let me know how I can help.

Agreed 100%, not all that do it, know that it's frowned upon. They really need to stop selling BBs, but the local shops need to pay the rent.
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: RalphH on July 14, 2014, 09:02:36 PM: I have got sockeye on the Chilliwack by short floating green wool. These fish were hoked in the snout. I have hooked sockeye in the snout bb in the Fraser. My guess was perhaps 30% of the fish I landed looked like they may have legitimately taken the hook. When fishing was allowed in the Harrison dyed krill still fished with a float was the most effective method - so they will take. I have no idea how large the contingent is that wants bb'ing on the Fraser banned - at best it is a vociferous minority who think they have a lock on right and wrong.
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: SkagitDreamer on July 14, 2014, 09:52:20 PM: I think most people value our sockeye and the idea of having them in the future. Are anglers that choose to bb the only ones that should be able to enjoy them? Are others being ridiculous for not wanting a part of that on an ethical standpoint? Just because there is a fishery for them does that make it right? There are many questions and maybe no proper answers. Polarizing each side does nothing for the resource, it's future, or the integrity of the fishing community or non-anglers who merely want the option of a future with sockeye in it. As a born and raised citizen of bc I'd hate to lose them. As an angler I believe it's our duty - together and with our differences as an angling community - to steward the resource for all, regardless of what regulations dictate. These differences of opinions will be what brings us all to the table of discussion, so don't fear it but embrace it. I certainly think change is due and will not have my values scullied by anyone talking trash online or in person, nor would I knowingly do that to anyone. What's needed is dialogue and, depending on that dialogue, perhaps change. That's all. No need to get our hackles up. We're better than that.
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: RalphH on July 14, 2014, 10:15:57 PM: Much of what you say is internally inconsistent and contradictory. Everyone in the Province has access to sockeye through the commercial fishery when it's open, the 1st Nations fisheries or is free to purchase a sport fishing license for fresh or tidal where is some variety of opportunities to catch and retain sockeye. If you are a sport fisher and want to discuss ethics in the larger community you may find you are just generally bad company for many people with far more intellectually developed ideas on the topic. Sport fishing is very ethically suspect. Arguing anything within sport fishing on the basis of 'ethics' is foolishly suspect.
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: SkagitDreamer on July 14, 2014, 10:32:02 PM: You're probably right about being ethically suspect; in fact, your proving it. I'm not gonna get into a pissin contest or internet tuff guy showdown of words with you, sorry - that's not only counter-productive but juvenile and... suspect. Troll someone else. Being new to the forum I had found your posts and information most helpful to those asking. You can have the last word coz I'm done on this subject - with you.
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: VA7DDP on July 15, 2014, 12:19:07 AM: My apologies but I am not used to the abbreviated terminology. What does BB stand for?
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: Fish Assassin on July 15, 2014, 12:43:16 AM: Quote from: VA7DDP on July 15, 2014, 12:19:07 AM
My apologies but I am not used to the abbreviated terminology. What does BB stand for?

Bottom Bouncing
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: RalphH on July 15, 2014, 07:29:44 AM: Quote from: SkagitDreamer on July 14, 2014, 10:32:02 PM
. I'm not gonna get into a pissin contest or internet tuff guy showdown of words with you, sorry -
I'm sorry for the rant. I don't want to get into a pissing contest with anyone either.

The issue has been burning hot in the run up to sockeye season for at least a decade and a half now. The side that would like to see the flossing part of the Fraser fishery has had their say in forums like this one and before formal government inquiries like the Cohen Commission. There opinions and observations are noted but recommendations for the kind of changes they seek never find their way to a public report. Isn't it time to give it up?

As far ethics - I think every angler needs to keep in mind fishing is a blood sport. The pleasure we get out of it is at the expense of the fish and it doesn't matter how we try to 'pretty it up'.
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: SkagitDreamer on July 15, 2014, 08:44:54 AM: I'm sorry, as well. Perhaps I sounded like some pompous purist. Truth is, I was raised as a bait-casting, fur n feather hunting guy who loves nothing more than harvesting my own table fare. Yes, I flossed many runs of sockeye and don't regret it. I refrain from dispensing the best spots to bb, to my own chagrin. For my own reasons, I fly fish now and my firearms are in disuse. In no way does that make me better. I'm constantly humbled by the knowledge of people like yourself, Ralph, and have a renewed respect for you. Thanks for that.
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: VAGAbond on July 15, 2014, 11:54:05 AM: Quote
I have heard some guys have cracked how to catch large numbers of chum down towards Richmond using small plugs on standard bar gear and fish on a strong running ebb tide to make the plug work.

I would sure like to know more about this method of catching Chums. The location I will have to work on myself but how about some information on the type/colour etc of the plugs?
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: Stratocaster on July 15, 2014, 12:37:40 PM: I think its less of the freshwater aspect and more to do with water clarity and where they are in the water column that makes fishing for biting Sockeye in the Fraser relatively unproductive. There are viable fisheries in places like Osoyoos Lake, Lake Washington and Baker Lake trolling with Saltwater gear (flashers and hoochies). Tough to do in the Lower Fraser because of visibility and river current issues. I drove down the I-5 a few weeks ago and noticed people bar fishing with small spin and glos tipped with sandshrimp on the lower Skagit river (targeting Baker Lake Sockeye). I think the reason why it can be done on the Skagit is because the sockeye travel closer to shore and closer to the bottom and also because the water is clearer.

For the reasons that I've mentioned above, the upper and lower Fraser aren't really set up well for a consistent sockeye fishery (biting not flossing).
Title: Re: Any Sockeye fishing in the Richmond area?
Post by: RalphH on July 15, 2014, 01:49:50 PM: Quote from: VAGAbond on July 15, 2014, 11:54:05 AM
I would sure like to know more about this method of catching Chums. The location I will have to work on myself but how about some information on the type/colour etc of the plugs?

Ok I heard that people were taking limits (4) of chum in late October/ November on the falling tide bar fishing Tomic #246 3 inch Plugs:

(http://tomiclure.com/wp-content/gallery/200-299/246.jpg)

this was perhaps 10 or more years ago when Harrison and other chum came in in big number. I asked about this at Berry's and this was the plug they gave me. I haven't tried this as they numbers of late chum have dropped off quite a bit but they seem to be recovering now.