Fraser River Fishing | 4 To 8 Hour Charter Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Target Sturgeon and Salmon on Fraser River charters4-8 hour trips accommodate up to 4 guests maximumEquipment provided, license and refreshments required separately
Picture yourself on the legendary Fraser River, rod in hand, with the chance to hook into some of British Columbia's most prized fish. This combo charter gives you shots at both massive sturgeon and all five species of Pacific salmon – talk about covering your bases. You'll spend 4 to 8 hours on the water with a seasoned captain who knows exactly where the fish are holding, and trust me, the Fraser delivers year after year. Whether you're after that trophy chinook or hoping to wrestle with a prehistoric sturgeon, this trip puts you right in the action on one of Canada's most productive fishing rivers.
Your day starts with meeting your captain who's been working these waters for years. The Fraser River system is massive, stretching over 1,300 kilometers, but your guide knows the sweet spots where salmon stack up during their runs and where sturgeon cruise the deeper holes. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped boat that can handle up to four anglers comfortably – perfect for a family trip or a group of fishing buddies. The beauty of this combo approach is versatility; when the salmon bite slows down, you can switch tactics and target sturgeon, or vice versa. Remember to check with your captain about current salmon regulations before you head out, as seasons and limits change throughout the year. The Fraser is heavily regulated to protect these incredible fish populations, so staying legal is priority number one.
Your captain provides all the fishing gear, which is a huge plus because Fraser River fishing requires specific tackle for different species. For salmon, you'll likely be using downriggers or running plugs and spoons at various depths, depending on what's working that day. Sturgeon fishing is a completely different game – think heavy sinkers, circle hooks, and plenty of patience while you wait for that telltale tap-tap-pull. The Fraser's current can be strong, especially during freshet season, so having the right weights and rigging makes all the difference. Your guide will handle the technical stuff and show you the ropes, but don't be surprised if you're switching between light salmon gear and heavy sturgeon rods throughout the day. Bait varies too – salmon might hit herring, anchovies, or lures, while sturgeon prefer lamprey, eulachon, or even nightcrawlers depending on the season.
Chinook Salmon: These are the kings of the Fraser, and for good reason. Chinooks can push 30+ pounds and fight like freight trains. They typically show up in late spring through summer, with the best fishing happening from June through August. What makes chinooks special is their incredible strength – they'll make long, powerful runs that test your drag and your nerves. Local anglers call the big ones "tyees," and landing one is a badge of honor on the Fraser.
Coho Salmon: If you want acrobatics, coho are your fish. These silver bullets jump, twist, and put on a show that keeps anglers coming back. They're typically smaller than chinooks, averaging 8-12 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in attitude. Coho fishing peaks in late summer and fall, and they're known for hitting lures aggressively. The Fraser's coho are particularly feisty because they're fresh from the ocean and full of fight.
Sockeye Salmon: These deep-bodied fish are prized for their incredible table fare and their unique fighting style. Sockeye don't jump much, but they bulldoze through the water with surprising power for their size. The Fraser sees massive sockeye runs every four years, with smaller runs in between. When they're running thick, the action can be non-stop. They're typically caught on specific lures and flies, and timing your trip with the run is everything.
Pink Salmon: Don't let anyone tell you pinks aren't fun – these scrappy little salmon show up in huge numbers every odd year and provide fast-paced action perfect for beginners or kids. They average 3-5 pounds but make up for size with sheer numbers. When the pinks are in, you might hook fish on every drop. They're also great eating when caught fresh from salt water.
Chum Salmon: Often overlooked but incredibly strong fighters, chum salmon are the Fraser's hidden gems. They can reach 15+ pounds and have a unique fighting style – strong, steady pulls rather than flashy jumps. Chum fishing can be fantastic in late summer and fall, especially in the lower Fraser. They're also known as "dog salmon" due to their pronounced teeth, but don't let the nickname fool you – they're legitimate game fish.
The Fraser River consistently ranks as one of North America's top salmon destinations, and sturgeon fishing here is world-class. This combo trip gives you the best of both worlds – the excitement of salmon fishing with the chance for a monster sturgeon that could be over 100 years old. Your captain handles the gear, the boat, and finding the fish, but remember to bring your fishing license, some snacks, and drinks for the day. The Fraser's fishing seasons vary, so booking with an experienced local operation like Kilby Lodge ensures you're fishing at the right times with the right methods. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, this river has something special waiting for you. Don't wait – the Fraser's best fishing days fill up fast, and you don't want to miss your chance at British Columbia's finest salmon and sturgeon action.
This 22-foot Thunder Jet speedboat cuts through Fraser River waters with serious power - a 350HP Chevrolet engine gets you to the best fishing spots fast. Built in 2007, this jet boat handles river conditions like a champ and comfortably fishes up to 4 anglers. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating sturgeon and salmon, while GPS navigation keeps you on course to productive waters. Whether you're after the fight of a massive Fraser sturgeon or timing the salmon runs just right, this boat puts you in prime position. The jet drive system means you can access shallow areas where big fish often hide, giving you an edge over prop boats that can't get into tight spots along the riverbank.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of the Fraser for good reason - these monsters can hit 30+ pounds and fight like nothing else. They're light-sensitive fish that stick to deeper water during the day, so early morning and evening are your best bets. You'll recognize them by their black mouths and gums, plus spots on their backs and all fins. These fish prefer cold, deep holes and will hold near bottom structure where the current breaks. Spring through fall brings different runs, but the larger fish usually show up in summer. What guests love most is the raw power - a big chinook will test your gear and skills. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for grilling. Key tip: get your bait down deep with weight since they rarely come up to feed. Use heavy tackle and be patient - when a king hits, you'll know it.
Oncorhynchus KetaChum salmon are underrated fighters that deserve more attention on the Fraser. These medium-sized fish average 10-20 pounds and are the long-distance travelers of the salmon world, migrating up to 2000 miles. In the ocean they're silver, but when they hit fresh water they turn olive-green with distinctive pink stripes. Males develop big canine teeth and hooked jaws that make them look fierce. They prefer depths around 15-40 feet and move in schools, making for exciting action when you find them. Fall is prime time as they make their spawning runs. What makes chum fishing fun is their willingness to bite and solid fight once hooked. The meat is good eating, especially when caught fresh from salt water. Pro tip: don't cast right into the school or you'll spook them - cast a few feet off the edge with chartreuse flies.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or silvers, are some of the most exciting fish you'll hook on the Fraser. These acrobatic fighters average 8-12 pounds and can jump up to 6 feet when hooked - they'll give you a show every time. You'll spot them by their bright silver sides and dark blue-green backs with black spots on the tail. They prefer calmer water near structure like fallen trees or undercuts, especially in the early morning and evening hours. Fall runs are prime time when they're heading upstream to spawn. What makes coho special is their incredible fight and that bright orange-red meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're known to be aggressive and will chase spinners and spoons in faster water. My go-to trick is twitching bright jigs in holding pools - chartreuse and pink work great.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPink salmon are the smallest and most abundant Pacific salmon, averaging around 5 pounds but occasionally reaching 15. Also called humpies for the distinctive hump males develop during spawning, they're perfect for beginners wanting to get into salmon fishing. These fish love cold water and feed heavily on plankton and small crustaceans, which gives their meat that signature pink color. They have a short 2-year life cycle and show up in good numbers during their runs. You'll find them in deeper holes and current breaks along the Fraser. The meat is excellent eating - high in omega-3s and great grilled or smoked. Pro tip: use bright pink jigs or hoochies and add some herring oil scent. They're aggressive feeders, so don't be afraid to work your lure with some action to trigger strikes.
Oncorhynchus NerkaSockeye salmon, also called reds, are prized for having the best-tasting meat of all Pacific salmon. These fish average 4-15 pounds with metallic blue-green backs and bright silver sides - no black spots like other salmon. When they hit fresh water for spawning, they turn brilliant red with green heads. Sockeye swim close to bottom and can be tricky since they're not aggressive feeders like other salmon. May through September offers the best fishing during their upstream runs. What makes sockeye special is that rich, deep red meat that's perfect for grilling and commands top dollar at markets. They fight well for their size and are a true prize catch. The trick with sockeye is getting your fly or lure right at mouth level - they won't chase much. Use smaller flies in low water, bigger ones when water's high.
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