blogspotter, salmon fishing in the Fraser has not really started yet because condition has not been ideal. Water level has been unusually high and it appears to be rising once again, water visibility is almost zero.
I shall break down what types of salmon fishing are available by the months first. If there are other questions, feel free to ask.
JulyCurrently the only fishery that is opened is chinook salmon that are heading up to the Fraser River tributaries. Sockeye salmon fishing is currently closed, meaning anglers should not be targeting and releasing sockeye salmon specifically. Sockeye salmon from different Fraser River tributaries return into the system at different times. Right now, we are expecting the early Stuart sockeye salmon to return. This population of sockeye salmon is threatened and that is why there is a closure for all fishing sectors. The original estimate of this return is at
250,000 fish at 50% probability level, but the latest test fisheries have indicated the fish are either very late or the return is way lower than expected. As of July 7th, it was estimated only
12,000 fish had passed through Mission. At this rate, the entire run will not exceed
100,000 fish. The low escapement obviously paves a dangerous future for this stock, therefore DFO has asked anglers to
fish selectively by avoiding hooking any sockeye salmon when fishing for chinook salmon. If you do hook a sockeye salmon, handle the fish with extreme care to ensure its smooth journey up the river.
Other chinook salmon fishing opportunities available in July include fishing for them at creek mouths where cleaner water runs into the dirty Fraser. Vedder River also has a red chinook salmon fishery in July, the fishing doesn't usually become good until mid or late July. Fishing method employed for this two fishing opportunities is the usual float fishing technique. Simply use a foam float set a few feet above your hook. Bait such as roe works very well. You can also try a piece of red or orange wool to entire them.
Capilano River has coho salmon in July and based on the latest reports fishing has been fairly good this week. The coho are generally fairly small, 1 or 2lb would be the average size. Fishing with roe at first light is usually productive.
AugustOnce the Fraser River drops and clears a bit (if it'll actually happen this year), barfishing for chinook salmon should pick up. To barfish, you need a rod that is strong and stiff enough to cast a weight that is up to 16oz. The rig is casted out and allowed to anchore on the bottom. From the weight, a 2 feet leader is attached with a spin n glow that sits just above the hook. The spin n glow rotates fast in the water due to the current, and often a chinook salmon will bite it. The rod is secured on a rod holder. When the fish bites, it usually hooks itself automatically and the rod will start bouncing in the holder.
Once the test fisheries show escapement is met, DFO will announce for a sockeye salmon opening. Usually this takes place around early August but it varies slightly due to condition and timing of the fish return. This is a popular fishery due to the value of the target species.
Around late August, some pink salmon will start to emerge in the Fraser River.
SeptemberWe can expect an opening for pink salmon this year. Pink salmon are aggressive and will take a lure with no hesitation. A light spinning rod (4 to 8lb test) and a medium spinning reel (Shimano 2500 series) are ideal for this fishery. Here's something I typed up earlier last week about pink salmon fishing in the estuary Fraser:
Location and TimingPink salmon should start to emerge at the Seymour River mouth in North Vancouver, Cates Park in Deep Cove around mid to late July.
For estuary Fraser River around Delta, Richmond, South Vancouver, pink salmon usually arrive in good numbers during the last week of August, but the good fishing happens during the first two weeks of September.
For Richmond, you may want to try
Garry Point Park. Fish the slower, calmer waters such as the small bays in the park. During incoming tide, schools of pinks will arrive and stop for a bit in the bays before moving on. Dyke Road from
No. 3 Road Pier to the junction of Gilbert Road can also be good, mostly during the last two hours of incoming tide. Park your car at the lots at the southern foot of No. 3 Road, walk west and fish along the rocks. If you are fishing there during the first two weeks of September, there will be many other anglers fishing for them too.
North Arm of Fraser River that divides South Vancouver and Richmond can be excellent during the last two weeks of September.
Tide is a crucial factor when fishing at the above locations. Generally the period between two hours before and after peak tide is best, but I have also done very well at times during low tide.
GearWhen the pink salmon are abundant, almost all artificial lures will work. There are however some colours, patterns that I have found work better than others. Pink, orange, green have been the more successful colours for me. a 1/4 spoon painted pink almost never fails. Simply cast, count five seconds, and slowly retrieve. Don't lift the rod and take the lure out of the water too soon, as they often will follow it to shore and only commit in the last second.
For rod, reel and line, I recommend a 6 to 8 feet long light spinning rod rated between 4 and 10lb. For a reel that will stand up to the fight, choose a Shimano 2500 front drag model. For line, maxima Ultragreen 8lb test is still light enough for the pinks to put up a great fight, but durable in the long run.
Check back on the forum for openings and closures. Currently salmon openings after August have not been determined, and will only be announced when the season gets closer. The estimated 2005 Fraser River pink salmon return is at 16 million fish (at the 50% probability level forecast) so an opening in September is more than likely.
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Topic: New to salmon Fishing.. need tips (Read 10662 times)