Full Day Fraser River Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
River Fishing
8-hour Fraser River fishing adventure targeting Sturgeon and SalmonCaptain John provides all equipment and expertise for successful fishingSmall group experience limited to 2 guests maximum
The Fraser River around Chilliwack offers some of the best fishing in British Columbia, and Captain John knows exactly where to find the action. This 8-hour charter puts you right in the thick of it, targeting everything from monster White Sturgeon to hard-fighting salmon runs. You'll cover prime water with a local captain who's been working these currents for years, using proven techniques that consistently put fish in the boat. Just bring your fishing license, some snacks, and drinks for the day – Captain John handles all the gear, bait, and know-how to make this a top-rated fishing experience.
Your day starts early on the Fraser River, where Captain John will have the boat rigged and ready for whatever species are biting. This isn't a crowded party boat situation – with just 2 guests max, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your lines. The Fraser's got incredible diversity, so you might start the morning anchored up for sturgeon, then move to drift fishing for salmon depending on what's running. Captain John reads the water like a book and adjusts tactics throughout the day based on conditions, tides, and fish behavior. You'll learn why this stretch of river consistently produces world-class catches, from the deep holes where big sturgeon lurk to the current breaks where salmon stage up during their runs.
Captain John runs heavy tackle for the sturgeon – we're talking serious rods and reels loaded with strong line because these fish can easily hit 100+ pounds. For sturgeon fishing, you'll be bottom bouncing with chunks of salmon or lamprey eel, learning to feel the difference between a bite and just dragging bottom. When targeting salmon, the approach shifts completely. Depending on the season and run timing, you might be backtrolling with roe, pulling plugs, or drifting spinners through productive runs. The captain provides all rods, reels, terminal tackle, and bait, plus he knows exactly which presentations work best for each species. You'll pick up techniques that locals use, like reading water temperature changes and understanding how tidal influence affects fish movement this far up the Fraser system.
White Sturgeon are the real prize on the Fraser River, and Chilliwack sits in prime sturgeon habitat. These prehistoric fish can live over 100 years and grow massive – the Fraser holds some of the largest freshwater fish in North America. White Sturgeon bite best during slack tides when they're actively feeding along the bottom. They're catch-and-release only, but landing a 6-foot sturgeon that's been swimming these waters since before you were born is something every angler needs to experience. The fight is pure power – long, bulldogging runs that test your gear and endurance.
Chinook Salmon, also called King salmon, are the heavyweight champions of the salmon world. The Fraser River Chinooks are legendary for their size and fighting ability, with fish regularly topping 30 pounds during peak runs. Spring and fall offer the best Chinook action, when mature fish are either heading to spawning grounds or returning from the ocean. These fish fight smart – they'll sound deep, make screaming runs, and jump when they feel the hook. Chinooks hit hard and don't give up easily, making them a customer favorite for anglers who want that premium salmon experience.
Coho Salmon bring a different kind of excitement to Fraser River fishing. While smaller than Chinooks, Coho are absolute acrobats once hooked. They'll jump repeatedly, strip line on multiple runs, and fight way above their weight class. Coho runs typically peak in late summer and early fall, and they're aggressive feeders that will hit a variety of lures and baits. Their bright silver sides and energetic fights make them perfect for anglers who want steady action and great photo opportunities.
Green Sturgeon are less common but equally exciting when you hook into one. They're smaller than White Sturgeon but still pack plenty of power, and they're distinguished by their olive-green coloration and bony scutes along their sides. Green Sturgeon are anadromous, meaning they spend time in both fresh and salt water, and catching one on the Fraser is considered a real bonus. They feed similarly to White Sturgeon but tend to be more active during certain tidal phases, and Captain John knows the specific spots where they show up most consistently.
The Fraser River around Chilliwack delivers year-round fishing opportunities, but the best dates fill up fast with Captain John. Whether you're after that bucket-list sturgeon or want to experience world-class salmon fishing, this charter gives you 8 solid hours with a captain who knows where the fish are and how to catch them. You'll come away with new techniques, stories to tell, and hopefully some great photos of the fish you caught. The Fraser River's reputation speaks for itself – this is where serious anglers come to test their skills against some of BC's most sought-after gamefish. Don't wait to book your spot, especially during prime salmon runs when demand is highest.
Captain John's 22' Northwest jet boat is your ticket to prime fishing waters on the Fraser River. This 2019 beauty packs a serious 429HP Chevy engine that'll get you to the hot spots fast, cruising at 35 knots when needed. Built for serious anglers, she's rigged with everything you need – GPS to navigate the Fraser's channels, fish finder to locate those trophy Sturgeon and Salmon, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 5 people, so bring a friend for this full-day adventure. While you focus on landing that monster fish, the jet drive design means we can access shallow runs and rocky areas where the big ones hide. Just grab your license and pack some snacks – Captain John provides all the tackle and local knowledge to put you on the fish.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon, the kings of the Fraser system, are the largest salmon species and what many consider the ultimate prize. These bruisers average 15-20 pounds but can push 30+ pounds during peak runs. They're light-sensitive fish that prefer deeper water and structure, often holding near the bottom in main channels and pools. Spring and fall runs bring the best action, with fish moving through on their way to spawning grounds. What sets kings apart is their incredible strength and stamina - they'll make long, powerful runs that test your gear and skills. The meat quality is top-notch too, with that rich, reddish-pink flesh. Since they stay deep, use weighted gear and fish early morning or evening when they're most active. Key tip: troll deep with herring or spoons, and don't be afraid to get your bait right down to the bottom structure.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are some of the most acrobatic fish you'll encounter on the Fraser. These 8-12 pound fighters are known for their aerial displays once hooked - they can jump up to 6 feet straight out of the water. During their spawning runs from late summer into fall, they move through the main river channels and hold in calmer water near cover like logs or undercut banks. What guests love most is their aggressive strikes and spectacular fights, plus they're outstanding table fare with that bright orange-pink meat. The males develop those distinctive hooked jaws during spawning season. Pro tip: in faster water, swing bright spinners through the runs, but in the holding pools, try twitching a pink or chartreuse jig with a long tail - the action drives them crazy.
Acipenser MedirostrisGreen sturgeon are the rarer cousins of white sturgeon, easily identified by their olive-green backs and the single white stripe running along each side. These bottom-dwellers typically run 4-6 feet long and prefer deeper sections of the river system, especially during their spawning migration in late spring and early summer. They're fascinating fish - true living fossils that have been around since dinosaur times. What makes them unique is their prehistoric appearance with those bony scutes instead of scales and their cartilaginous skeleton like sharks. Important note: green sturgeon are protected and must be released immediately if caught. They bite gently like white sturgeon, so the same technique applies - wait for that second tug before setting the hook, and always handle them carefully for a quick, safe release.
Acipenser TransmontanusWhite sturgeon are the giants of the Fraser River, averaging 6-8 feet but capable of reaching massive sizes - the world record 12-footer was actually caught right here in our waters back in 2012. These prehistoric fish spend most of their lives in the ocean but return to the Fraser to spawn from spring through early summer. You'll find them holding in deeper pools and along current breaks, feeding on the bottom with their vacuum-like mouths. What makes them special is the combination of size and fight - they're incredibly strong but bite surprisingly gently. Here's the key: when you feel that first subtle tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them mouth the bait for a few seconds before you strike, or they'll drop it and disappear.
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