Fraser River Sturgeon Fishing Report - August 22, 2025
Mid August Sturgeon Fishing Update from Richmond, BC
We’re getting into the good stuff now! August has already been phenomenal for sturgeon fishing on the Lower Fraser River, and things are only looking better from here.
Salmon Runs Fueling the Bite
According to the most recent Pacific Salmon Commission report, an estimated 46,700 pink salmon passed Mission this past week. With a preseason forecast of more than 27 million pink salmon, these early numbers are right on track with predictions.
The true bulk of the run is still a few weeks away, and when it arrives–combined with the abundance of sockeye and chinook pushing through–we can expect some outstanding sturgeon fishing.
Peak Feeding Season
This is go time for sturgeon. Winter brings scarcity, so right now they are working hard to pack on weight. Expect hard bites and long runs.
While often called bottom feeders, white sturgeon are known to actively hunt when salmon are plentiful.
River Conditions
Water levels have been steady the past few weeks, making fishing more comfortable compared to early summer highs.
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The lower river is in good shape on both incoming and outgoing tides.
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Ebb tides still produce fast flows, so look for soft back eddies to help keep your bait still.
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Smaller sturgeon often hold in these slower spots, while the big ones tend to roam the faster current.
It’s not a hard rule, but worth considering if you’re finding mostly juveniles.
Make sure you’ve got a pair of gloves onboard–the scutes on these smaller fish are sharp.
Bait of Choice
Right now, salmon is king when it comes to sturgeon bait. With this year’s pink retention opportunities in both the ocean and the Fraser, getting prime bait has never been easier.
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Pink, Sockeye and chinook waste pieces (heads, spines, and fin chunks) are excellent choices.
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Remember: only non-edible parts of salmon are permitted for bait.
Keep it simple, and you’ll keep the bites coming.
Final Word
Between strong salmon returns, steady river conditions, and aggressive feeding behavior, August and the weeks ahead are shaping up to be prime time for sturgeon fishing on the Lower Fraser.
Plan Your Fraser River Sturgeon Charter Today
Whether it’s your first trip or your tenth, summer sturgeon fishing on the Fraser is something you’ll never forget. Our Richmond-based charters make it easy to jump right into the action.
📞 Call us at 778-788-8582 or
🟩 Click the "Book a Trip" button at the top of the page to lock in your date.
Tight lines,
Jake Comrie