The Fraser River is a great river to spend some time on at the moment. The sturgeon fishing has continued to stay quite productive as of the last few weeks. The fish seem to have been getting a bit tight lipped on certain baits but there are a few tactics you can use to increase your success. As for water levels historically, it is typically about a meter lower throughout the month of August than it is right now. That said, water levels have been no issue for me throughout the month.
A juvenile White Sturgeon from a recent trip on the Lower Fraser River
Sockeye have been pushing into the Fraser over the last few weeks. This means there is an abundance of food for sturgeon at this point. I've found that when an abundance of food is the case enticing a fish to commit to your bait can be challenging as they do start to get picky.
With that being said, using odd bait that isn't typically used at this time has proven to be beneficial. Some of my best days the last week or so have been on eulachons of all things. So, switching up bait and trying different things have proven successful for me. I find around this time of the year bait seems to be the difference maker over tides and location. Roe has been a consistent producer for me as well which is typically the bait of choice right now as salmon start pushing in. With fall salmon season commencing in the near future more and more opportunities will be had to allow the recreational angler to attain some fresh fish as well as fresh bait. Using fresh uncured roe, salmon belly and salmon heads from fresh caught fish have proven to work excellent going into the fall months.
Nonetheless sitting back, pulling on sturgeon and hanging out in some warm weather for the last few weeks of summer makes for a fantastic day.
A slow but fun filled day hanging out on the many sandy bars of the Fraser
If you'd like to get setup or just talk sturgeon in general make sure to swing by the shop. If you'd like to get our for a guided sturgeon trip on our jetboat be sure to call the charter line at 778-788-8582 or follow the booking link above.
Ethan Da Silva