Local Rivers:
Fraser River: tidal and non-tidal – Fraser River is still open to fishing for all salmonid species, trout and sturgeon. Angling for the trout is great right now, the cutthroat are plentiful and aggressive as are the white fish and bull trout. Fish for them with single eggs; worms or small roe pieces. Single barbless hooks apply in all BC waters.
The sturgeon fishing has become fair, best baits are lamprey eels; roe and worms. Change ups should include pike minnows and salmon parts – the stinkier the better!! Change baits often and fish the lunar tables. Catch and release ONLY when fishing for sturgeon. Lower Fraser to the sand heads – winter chinooks are still around for those who brave weather conditions!
Chilliwack/Vedder: Better late than never – the steelhead are throughout the system. The preferred baits are 8 & 10mm beads with a short leader, jigs, worms, live ghost shrimp, roe sacks, Colorado’s and crocodiles for change ups. Biggest fish is 16.4 lbs for now.
Harrison/Chehalis: The iron heads have slowed down for now. It is still early so enjoy some endless cutthroat fishing, as well as rainbows, dollys and white fish.
Stave: dismal for steelheads this season.
Interior Lakes:
Anglers are enjoying a winter of great ice fishing! From Stump to Sheraton and up to Kamloops ice fishing is on fire – get out bundle up and enjoy! March typically is a hot time to fish for the rainbows and cutthroat, as the smelt and fry are plentiful.
Use spinning gear with your weight attached on the bottom end of your tackle and use a slip float. Use baits such as bloodworms, roe, salmon egg sacks (small) and deli shrimp – change ups could be small crocks and small spinner baits tipped with krill oil.
Please remember licences and tags are due for renewal April 1st! Don’t be an April ‘fool’ !!
Thanks Loren, Darien and Elaine