Full Day Salmon Fishing Charter - Fraser River
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fullday Fraser River salmon fishing with expert guidanceModern jetboat access to prime salmon and sturgeon spotsPeak fall season targeting with gear and float fishing
Picture this: you're standing on the deck of a modern jetboat at 7 a.m., watching the Fraser River come alive as the sun hits the water. The air is crisp, the current's just right, and Captain Kyle is already prepping the gear for what could be your best salmon day of the year. This isn't your typical half-day rush job – we're talking a full 8-hour adventure on one of BC's most productive salmon waters, with plenty of time to work the runs, switch techniques, and really get dialed in on whatever's biting.
Starting from Island 22 Boat Launch in Chilliwack, you'll have front-row seats to some of the Fraser's prime salmon water. Captain Kyle knows these stretches like the back of his hand – where the fish stage up, which holes produce when the tide changes, and exactly when to switch from spoons to float rigs. The jetboat gets you to spots that bank anglers can only dream about, and with 8 hours to work with, there's no rushing between holes or cutting short a hot bite. Fall season from September through November is when this fishery really shines, with multiple salmon species moving through the system and plenty of opportunities to put some serious bends in your rod. The boat's equipped to handle up to 4 guests comfortably, though this particular charter caps at 2 for a more personalized experience where everyone gets prime positioning and constant attention from the guide.
Captain Kyle brings everything you need to stay versatile out there – spinning rods for casting spoons, float rods for drift fishing, and heavier setups when the big chinook are around. You'll work through different presentations depending on conditions: maybe start the morning casting spoons to active coho, switch to float fishing the deeper holes when the bite slows, then finish with some jigging if the sturgeon decide to crash the party. The gear's all top-shelf stuff that can handle whatever the Fraser throws at you, from screaming coho runs to those heart-stopping moments when a 40-pound chinook decides your offering looks tasty. No need to worry about bringing tackle – Kyle's got the local patterns dialed in, from the right spoon colors for murky water to float setups that get down to where the fish are holding without spooking them.
The Fraser River system during fall migration is like a salmon highway, and you'll be fishing right in the thick of it. Pink salmon show up in massive numbers during odd years, creating some of the most action-packed fishing you'll find anywhere. These scrappy fighters might be smaller than their cousins, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and attitude – expect fast action and plenty of hookups when they're around. Coho salmon are the acrobats of the bunch, known for their aerial displays and lightning-fast runs that'll test your drag settings. They typically run 8-15 pounds in the Fraser system and are absolute dynamite on lighter tackle. Chinook salmon are the kings for good reason – these bruisers can push 30-40 pounds or more, and when one grabs your line, you'll know immediately you're connected to something special. They're powerful, stubborn, and will use every bit of current to their advantage. Chum salmon might not win beauty contests, but they're serious fighters that'll give you a workout, especially the bigger males with their hooked jaws and aggressive nature. Sockeye salmon round out the lineup with their bright red bodies and firm fight – they're prized not just for the battle but for their incredible table fare.
This full-day Fraser River experience gives you the time and expert guidance to really capitalize on one of BC's premier salmon fisheries. Captain Kyle's local knowledge, combined with 8 hours of prime fishing time and access to productive water that most anglers never see, sets you up for the kind of day that becomes the story you'll tell for years. Just remember to grab your BC freshwater fishing license before you show up – it's required and Kyle can point you toward where to get one if you're not sure. With fall migration in full swing and multiple salmon species moving through the system, this is your chance to experience the Fraser River at its absolute best. The deposits are non-refundable, so once you're committed, start checking the weather and get ready for a day of serious salmon fishing.
Captain Kyle's 19' ThunderJet Sport Jet is your ticket to serious salmon action on the Fraser River. This purpose-built fishing machine packs a 200 HP punch, cruising at 50 kph to get you to the hot spots fast. The shallow draft design cuts through Fraser's waters like butter, accessing those prime salmon holding areas other boats can't reach. Built tough for BC's rugged river conditions, this jetboat handles everything from early morning calm to afternoon chop. The spacious layout gives two anglers plenty of room to work spoons, jigs, and floats without getting tangled up. Whether you're casting to rolling fish or bouncing bottom for sturgeon as a bonus, this boat's stable platform keeps you fishing comfortably all day long. Modern electronics help locate schools while the reliable jet drive means no props to worry about in shallow water.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings for good reason - these monsters can hit 20-30 pounds and fight like nothing else in the river. They're light-sensitive fish that hug the bottom in deeper water, especially around dawn and dusk when they're most active. Our Fraser River kings show up during fall runs, and they're pure muscle with that distinctive black mouth and gums. The meat is top-shelf with deep red flesh that's loaded with oils. What guests love most is the raw power - these fish can strip line and test your drag like no other salmon. Best advice: fish early morning or evening with weighted gear down deep, and when you hook one, hold on tight because they mean business.
Oncorhynchus KetaChum salmon are underrated fighters that deserve more respect. These silver-sided fish average 10-20 pounds and change to olive-green with purple stripes during spawning. They're found throughout our Fraser system and prefer moderate depths where they school up in good numbers. Fall is prime time from September through November when they're making their epic migration - some travel 2000 miles to get here. What makes chums fun is they're sight fishers that spook easy but fight hard once hooked. The meat's solid and they're actually easier to catch than most think. My trick: don't cast right into the school or you'll spook them all - drop your line a few feet off the edge and let it drift through.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, known as silvers, are absolute acrobats that'll jump 6 feet out of the water when hooked. These gorgeous fish run 8-12 pounds with bright silver sides and can be found in the deeper pools and calmer water along structure like fallen trees. Peak season here runs September through November when they're pushing upstream to spawn. What makes cohos special is their aggressive nature and willingness to chase lures - they're true fighters that never give up easy. The meat is fantastic with that bright orange color and rich taste. Pro tip: when you're working deeper holes, try twitching a bright jig with a long tail near the bottom where they hold.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPink salmon, also called humpbacks, are the smallest Pacific salmon but don't let size fool you - they're scrappy fighters that average 4-5 pounds. These silver beauties develop their signature hump and hooked jaws when spawning. They love cold water around 10°C and stick close to the bottom during our fall runs from September through November. What makes pinks special is their two-year life cycle, so we see them in big numbers every other year. They're perfect for beginners since they're eager biters and great table fare with that classic pink flesh. My go-to tip: use bright pink jigs or hoochies and add a bit of herring scent - they can't resist it.
Oncorhynchus NerkaSockeye salmon are the premium catch with that famous red flesh and rich flavor that commands top dollar at market. These blue-green beauties run 4-15 pounds and lack the black spots you see on other salmon. They travel close to the bottom during our peak runs from September through November, following their incredible journey back to spawn. What makes sockeye special is their amazing taste and the challenge - they can be picky feeders. The deep red meat is loaded with omega-3s and has a bold flavor that holds up to any cooking method. Key tip: fish low in the water column with smaller flies or lures at mouth level since they swim with mouths opening and closing as they feed.
Chilliwack, BC