Fraser River Fishing | 4 To 8 Hour Charter Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Target sturgeon and salmon on 48 hour Fraser River chartersSmall groups of 4 guests with equipment and guidance providedKeep catches within regulated limits during open seasons
Get ready to experience some of the best salmon and sturgeon fishing the Fraser River has to offer. This combo trip gives you the chance to target multiple species in one of British Columbia's most productive fishing waters. Whether you're after that trophy sturgeon or hoping to fill your cooler with fresh salmon, the Fraser delivers year-round action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Our experienced captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish while sharing local knowledge that only comes from years of guiding on this legendary river.
Your fishing adventure starts with meeting your captain at the dock, where you'll get a quick rundown of the day's game plan. The Fraser River changes with the seasons, tides, and weather, so your guide will adjust techniques based on current conditions and what's biting. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped charter boat that can comfortably handle up to four anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. The trip length varies from four to eight hours depending on what you book, but trust me - time flies when the fish are cooperating. All the tackle and gear you need is provided, from sturgeon rods capable of handling 200-pound fish to lighter salmon setups perfect for those acrobatic coho. Just make sure you've got your fishing license sorted before you arrive, plus any snacks and drinks you'll want throughout the day.
Fishing the Fraser means adapting to what the river gives you. For sturgeon, we're talking bottom fishing with heavy tackle - think circle hooks, pyramid sinkers, and fresh bait like salmon bellies or eulachon. These ancient fish cruise the deeper holes and channels, so you'll be dropping baits in 30 to 60 feet of water and waiting for that telltale sturgeon bite. Salmon fishing is a whole different game. Depending on the species and season, your captain might have you trolling with spoons and flashers, drift fishing with roe, or even casting spinners in the shallows. The beauty of a combo trip is switching between techniques as conditions change. One minute you're battling a 6-foot sturgeon on heavy gear, the next you're playing a chrome-bright coho on a spinning rod. Your guide handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so you can focus on what matters - hooking and landing fish.
The Fraser River system supports five different salmon species, each with their own personality and fighting style. Pink salmon, also called humpies, show up in massive numbers during odd-numbered years. These smaller salmon average 3 to 5 pounds but make up for size with sheer numbers and aggressive strikes. They're perfect for kids or anyone who wants consistent action. Coho salmon are the acrobats of the bunch - when you hook one, expect jumps, runs, and everything in between. These silver bullets typically weigh 8 to 12 pounds and hit lures with authority. Chinook salmon are the kings for good reason. These powerful fish can exceed 30 pounds in the Fraser, with their broad shoulders and bulldogging runs testing both angler and tackle. Chum salmon might not win beauty contests with their spawning colors, but they're underrated fighters that can surprise you with their strength. Sockeye salmon are prized for their rich, red meat and spirited battles, though they can be picky eaters requiring finesse and patience.
Sturgeon are the real show-stoppers though. These prehistoric giants can live over 100 years and grow longer than the boat you're fishing from. White sturgeon in the Fraser commonly reach 6 to 10 feet, with true monsters pushing 12 feet or more. The fight is unlike anything else in freshwater - imagine hooking into a submarine that doesn't want to come up. Most sturgeon are catch-and-release to protect the population, but the photos and memories last a lifetime. The best sturgeon bite often happens during slower salmon periods, so your captain will time the trip to maximize your chances at both species.
The Fraser River offers world-class fishing opportunities that attract anglers from around the globe, and for good reason. This top-rated charter experience gives you access to productive waters, expert guidance, and the chance to target multiple species in a single trip. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next trophy or someone new to the sport wanting to learn from the best, this combo trip delivers the goods. Remember that salmon seasons and regulations change throughout the year, so definitely confirm the current rules with your captain when booking. The Fraser's salmon runs are tied to natural cycles, making timing crucial for the best action. Don't wait too long to secure your dates - the best fishing periods fill up fast, especially during peak salmon season. Contact Kilby Lodge - Sturgeon Adventures today to book your Fraser River fishing adventure and get ready to experience some of the finest angling British Columbia has to offer.
Your fishing adventure awaits aboard our reliable 22-foot Thunder Jet speedboat, perfectly designed for navigating the Fraser River's productive waters. This 2007 jet boat packs serious power with its 350HP Chevrolet engine, getting you to the hottest fishing spots quickly and efficiently. Built for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to fight those monster sturgeon and seasonal salmon without feeling cramped. The boat comes equipped with GPS navigation to pinpoint prime fishing locations and a fish finder that takes the guesswork out of locating your targets below the surface. Whether you're after the Fraser's famous white sturgeon or hoping to land some fresh salmon during open season, this setup gives you the edge you need. The jet drive system handles shallow waters and river debris like a champ, letting us access those hard-to-reach spots where the big fish hide. All fishing gear is provided, so just bring your license, snacks, and drinks for a solid day on the water.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the giants of the salmon world, and the Fraser produces some real monsters. These fish average 15-20 pounds, but we regularly see 30-pounders, and I've guided clients to even bigger ones. They're deep swimmers, staying near the bottom in the coldest water they can find, which makes them light-sensitive. Early morning and late evening are prime times. What guests love about chinook is the sheer power - once you hook one, you know it. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for the grill. They'll hit everything from plugs to spoons, but my secret weapon is a weighted herring fished deep near structure. Look for them around rock piles and drop-offs where baitfish congregate. When the big ones are running, there's nothing like it.
Oncorhynchus KetaChum might be underrated, but they're tough fighters that'll surprise you. These fish average 10-15 pounds and are built for the long haul - they make the longest migration of any Pacific salmon. In the ocean they're silver, but when they hit freshwater they turn olive-green with distinctive pink stripes. You'll find them in deeper runs, typically 15-40 feet down during the day. Fall is prime time when they're heading upstream to spawn. What I love about chum fishing is the sight-casting opportunities - you can often see them before you cast. The trick is staying patient and not spooking the school. Cast a few feet off to the side, never right into the group. Chartreuse flies work great, but don't overlook pink and purple patterns.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are real acrobats - they'll jump clear out of the water and give you a fight you won't forget. These beauties run 8-12 pounds on average and have that classic silver body with a dark blue-green back. You'll find them in the deeper pools and eddies along the Fraser, especially where there's good cover like fallen trees or undercut banks. They're most active during early morning and evening hours when the light is low. What makes coho special is their incredible jumping ability - they can leap 6 feet straight up. The meat is bright orange-red and tastes fantastic. My go-to tip for coho is using a twitching jig with a long tail in holding water, or swing bright spinners in the current. Chartreuse and pink patterns work best here on the Fraser.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaAlso called humpies, these are the smallest Pacific salmon but they're plentiful when they run. Averaging around 4-5 pounds, they're perfect for anglers just getting into salmon fishing. You'll find them in the Fraser's cooler waters, usually staying close to the bottom where temperatures hit that sweet spot around 10°C. They feed heavily on plankton and small crustaceans, which gives their meat that distinctive pink color. Pink salmon have a short 2-year life cycle, so their runs can be huge but unpredictable. When they're in, they're aggressive and will hit bright pink jigs or hoochies that mimic their natural prey. The key trick I always share is to add some herring oil to your lure - it drives them crazy. Great table fare and a fun fight for beginners.
Oncorhynchus NerkaRed salmon are prized for their deep crimson meat and incredible flavor - they're what you see in high-end restaurants. These fish run smaller at 4-8 pounds but they're scrappy fighters. In the ocean they're metallic blue-green, but turn brilliant red with green heads when spawning. They stick close to the bottom, feeding mainly on zooplankton. Best fishing is May through September when they're running upriver. What makes sockeye tricky is they're not aggressive feeders during spawning runs, so you need to get your lure right at mouth level. Use smaller flies in low water, bigger ones when it's high. A #6 wet fly is my starting point. The key is finding the right depth where they're swimming and being persistent.
British Columbia