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STS Update for Apr 15, 2011
I would like to take this opportunity to thank those of you have dropped by our booths during the past several months. It is nice to see you all and hope to see you on the water this year.
Below I have provided you with our 2011 pre-season Forecast. It looks like another great year. Prime dates are already going fast. I have also included Vic's Pick which will help you choose best dates to come and experience the great fishing. If you can't make it during those dates, don't worry too much, we will still work hard to find you that trophy sturgeon or salmon.
2011 pre-season predictions
An estimated 42 to 70 million salmon to hit the Fraser this Summer/Fall
Vancouver Salmon
Vancouver Harbour and surrounding islands sustain a healthy 365 day fishery for salmon, bottom fish, prawns and crab. In fact it is probably the most underrated fishery along our coast. The 2011 season looks like it's going to be excellent, with 30 to 50 million Pinks and another 12 to 17 million sockeye we are going to have a lot of great days on the water. Trolling for sockeye and pinks is a great way to catch these fish, action is often fast and furious.
If you're visiting Vancouver and would like to try some salmon fishing, our saltwater boats are moored at the Delta Airport Hotel just minutes from Vancouver Airport. We offer airport shuttle service and pick up from Vancouver's Canada Line if your staying in downtown Vancouver.
Chinook Salmon
The final pre-season estimates have just come in and it looks like we are going to have another great year of salmon fishing on the Fraser River. This year the Fraser River will open for retention of salmon on July 15, the early run of Chinook is not doing so well so we need to protect these fish.
If you're wanting to come on a spring or early summer fishing trip for Sturgeon or Bull Trout and add a day of salmon fishing we can still get you on the water for salmon but we will be fishing in Vancouver Harbour, around Bowen Island & Gulf Islands. The late run of Chinook looks much better so by early to mid August we should be into some great fishing on the Fraser.
Vic's Pick - August 10 to 27 for Best Fishing for (Red Meat) late Summer Chinook
Sockeye & Pink Salmon
Sockeye salmon begin to arrive in early July with best runs arriving in early August. The early Stewart Run is still have some issues but the summer and late summers are looking good with a run estimate of 12 to 17 million fish. We expect sport fishing opportunities in early August through to end of August.
The Pink Salmon runs is going to be crazy, they have increased the early season predictions to an estimated 30 to 50 million salmon which begin arriving in late August. By first week in September these fish will have invaded the Fraser so fishing will be spectacular. I love Pink fishing with light spin tackle and fly rods and look forward to this fishery every two years.
Vic's Pick - Sockeye Salmon - August 7 to August 21
- Pink Salmon - Sept 7 to Sept 30
Note: We are already 70% full for Sept Pink Salmon Fishing, please book soon if you want to experience some great salmon fishing and incredible sturgeon fishing.
Coho
The past two years we have seen some great Coho fishing on the Fraser, Harrison, Vedder and some of the smaller tributaries. The Coho have been large and plenty if your willing to put in the time. The last Pink year was 2009, when we were fly fishing for pinks we were hooking 2 to 6 coho per day which is great fishing. We are expecting the same for 2011.
Vic's Pick - Fraser Coho - Sept 15 to Oct 10
- Harrison Coho - Oct 5 to Oct 25
Sea-run Bull Trout
Without a doubt, my favorite fishery in the Fraser Valley. For those of you who have experienced this trip you understand why this is my favorite fishery, for those of you who have not, it won't be around for ever (as we have seen with other great fisheries) so now's the time to come fish with me & my crew. We had a great season the last 3 years and expect another good run of fish, the average size is between 2 to 8 lbs with good number of fish in the 3 to 5 lb range in peak season.
Vic's Pick - June 3 to July 15 (for the larger fish)
- July 15 to August 15 (late run fish which are a bit smaller)
Sturgeon
Saving the best for last. As most of you know sturgeon fishing is very good for 7 months of the year, it really doesn't matter when you come, there is some great fishing opportunities. Having said that, there is definitely a time to target those larger fish when they are feeding on salmon. Our Canyon Fishing is also very good with timing a bit different than lower river sturgeon. With 2011 seeing so many sockeye and pinks we are going to have another great year on the water.
Vic's Pick - Fraser River - Mission to Hope - August 21 to Oct 30
- Fraser Canyon Hope to Hells Gate - August 7 to Sept 30
- Fraser Canyon Linton to Lillooet - July 1 to August 31
2011 Booking Schedule
Our calendar is beginning to fill up for primetime salmon & sturgeon, weekends in September and October are the first to go, then Fridays. I would suggest sending me an e-mail and we can work on getting you your preferred dates.
Hells Gate Jet Boat Tour Dates
Are you looking for the ultimate adventure in River Jet Boating?
Our 2011 Tours have already begun, we have completed two trips this past week which were both wet and exciting. Saddle Rock was running big , Sailor bar has some growing to do but Little Hells Gate is where the fun is. As water levels begin to rise the canyon waters are going to become larger and more thrilling.
We are currently selling seats for:
May 7, 15, 21, Jun 4 & 5, Jul 30, Aug 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21
- Cost - $109 + $10 Transport Fee
- Trip distance - 100km round trip
- Meeting Location - Hope to Hells Gate
- Length - 4 hours
Private group trips are available year round, birthdays, stags, corporate retreats & family outings.
Ride to Conquer Cancer Fundraiser
Last year my wife Teresa & I and our 2 daughters decide to fund raise for this great event. Many of our friends and family are affected by cancer including myself so we entered the Ride to Conquer Cancer which is a 260 km bike ride from Vancouver to Seattle. We enjoyed the experience so much and raised $11,000.00, most of which came from the Fishing Community in BC and around the world.
This years fundraising is already proving to be much more challenging, we need to raise $10,000 to enter the ride so we are starting early. STS Guiding is 100% behind this event and is offering some great prizes and gifts to those who donate.
Receive a Free Fly Rod/Reel Case with every donation over $15.00 - All you need to do is go online to the link provided, make a donation of $15.00 or more, then send me an e-mail and we can make arrangements to get you your rod case. We have 20 rod cases to give away.
Auction Item - Hope to Hells Gate Jet Boat ride for you and 11 of your friends. Trip is valued at $1465.00 including taxes. I will be taking bids until April 1, 2011, Just e-mail me your bid.
To make a donation - Click Here
Fly Fishing or Spin Fishing for Sea-run Trout
May 15 to July 15 - Fly Fishing For Latge Sea-Run Bull Trout.
This fishery is as high of quality as you get in the fly fishing world. Getting there is half the fun, fishing the Upper Pitt is an experience you won't soon forget, some say addicting. These sea-run Bull Trout average size is between 3 to 8 lbs with good numbers of fish in the 6 to 10 lb range.
To maintain the high quality experience STS will limit the number of anglers per day offered by our guiding service. You must book early if you are wanting to fish this spectacular river during primetime. Fishing weekdays is far more relaxing and gratifying although we will offer guided trips on Saturday & Sundays. Please book early to experience this great fishery.
Fishing report update
Quick overview
Steelhead - We are currently fishing for Steelhead on the Vedder River in Chilliwack, the 2011 season has been one of the best in many years so we are really looking forward to the last few weeks. The river closes to gear fisherman on April 31 and opens for fly fishing only on May 1. This is a great time to try your luck at fly fishing for steelhead. River is open for fly fishing from May 1 to June 1.
Sturgeon - Sturgeon fishing has been very good so far, some big fish around Mission the last couple weeks. We have had two close encounters with fish over 10 ft in the last week, unfortunately neither one made it to the beach for a picture. Looks like lots of smelts in the river so we should have some great fishing over the next few weeks.
Fraser Canyon Sturgeon fishing is at it's best. August is by far the best fishing in the canyon due to an abundance of sockeye. If you're looking for a wild and wet ride up the canyon with some spectacular sturgeon fishing book August or September. If your staying with us for multiple days, make sure you take at least one day to experience the Fraser canyon.
Salmon Fishing in Vancouver is really starting to pick up, we are seeing some nice feeder springs and some larger mature fish in Vancouver and south end of Bowen Island. We are starting to head over to the Gulf Islands now that the weather is getting a bit nicer. If your wanting to fish for salmon before July 15, Vancouver is the place to do it.
The STS Team would like to thank you for your continued support, hope to see you in 2011.
Remember to conserve your catch
Tight Lines and we will see you on the water
Vic Carrao
STS Guiding Service
http://www.guidebc.com
sts@guidebc.com
604 671-FISH (3474)
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