Salmon Fishing Canada

Salmon fishing and big powerful rivers in British Columbia.

Located in the Fraser Valley, Chilliwack is one of British Columbia's best kept secrets. In just over an hour's drive from Vancouver, you will find the Fraser River. To say that you will find prolific Salmon fishing here is a huge understatement. The sheer number of Salmon running up the Fraser and Harrison rivers defy belief. Depending on the time of year, you can fish for the largest of the Pacific Salmon - the Chinook / King Salmon (with fish to over 50lb), cast a fly or spin for the speedy Sockeye and Chum or experience the amazing Coho roll. On alternate (odd number) years, huge runs of Pinks add to the fun. In addition there are plenty of options with Trout and if you are prepared to forgo the Salmon, you can fish in winter for the huge Steelhead of the Fraser and its tributaries.

Each day you will set out with your guide for 8 hours fishing, Subject to the water level you will be fishing the Fraser river and its tributaries. Sometimes you will fish from the boat and other times we will take the boat to either the shore or exposed gravel banks where you can wade fish. What ever way you wish to fish one thing that's for sure is you will enjoy this prolific salmon fishing.

Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Salmon Fishing British Columbia for Chinook also known as King Salmon or Spring salmon, Chinook salmon are the largest of the 5 Pacific salmon. Chinooks are known for their outstanding strength and stamina, as well as their terrific table qualities!! There are two major Salmon fishing runs of Chinook salmon that are targeted; the Fraser River summer run which fans out into the major interior tributaries, and the fall run Harrison River Chinook. The Harrison is a large tributary to the Fraser with its confluence near Chilliwack. Fraser river Chinook Salmon are commonly caught from May through early September, will range in size from10 to 40 pounds and are in mint condition being only a few days from the ocean. They are commonly caught by bar-fishing using heavier gear and a spinning, or by float fishing with a variety of different baits. Either technique will require a boat to access the better areas. The fall run Harrison fish, a white flesh variety, are generally larger and can reach weights of 60 pounds or more! These Salmon are also caught by bar-fishing during October. The limit for Chinook salmon fishing is one adult fish per day, a possession limit of two.

Coho Salmon (O. kisutch). A smaller salmon ranging in size from 4 to 12 pounds, Coho Salmon are a favorite fish by all anglers on the Fraser. Also known as silver Salmon, fishing for Coho generally occurs from September through November using bar fishing, spin fishing, float fishing, and fly fishing techniques. Many of the area's tributaries have Coho returns, however, we choose to concentrate our efforts on the Fraser , and the Harrison river. The limit for Coho vary from two to four HATCHERY (adipose fin-clipped) fish per day, double that for possession.

Sockeye Salmon (O. nerka). Thank goodness these fish average only 5 - 6 pounds or we'd never land them. The action when the sockeye salmon are in, is incredibly exciting. Salmon fishing in British Columbia for these silvery speedsters that arrive in June and migrate up the Fraser in huge numbers right through mid-September. Sockeye are best caught bottom bouncing with light salmon gear. (PLEASE NOTE: Our company will use the bottom bounce technique during Fisheries and Oceans Canada sanctioned sockeye openings ONLY!) These fish provide a unique angling opportunity for all anglers whether a beginner or a pro. They can also be caught with fly fishing tackle. This fishery is regulated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and can be opened or closed on short notice. The sockeye salmon fishery is typically open on August 1st, and can remain open for the entire month. The limit for sockeye is two fish per day, four in your possession. These fish are highly sought after for their excellent table qualities.

Chum Salmon (O. keta). Ranging in size from 8 to 20 pounds, the tenacious chum salmon, or dog salmon as they are commonly called, are the "water buffaloes" of the river. The chum will color up when it enters the freshwater in mid to late September, but that does not deter it from attacking anything in its path! Avery strong salmon, most anglers will agree that the chum is hard on tackle and provides a worthy challenge when taken on drift, spinning and fly tackle. The chum is easily identified by the purplish vertical bars on its sides and, on the bucks, by rather large teeth, hence the nickname dog salmon. Occurring in good numbers, chum can be found almost anywhere in the lower Fraser and its tributaries. The limit for chum salmon is two fish per day, four in your possession. Salmon Fishing in British Columbia is exciting

Pink salmon (O.gorbuscha). Pink salmon are found in the lower Fraser and its tributaries on every odd numbered year (2003,2005, etc.). In 2001, approximately 18 to 20 million pink salmon found their way to this area! Reports that exceed DOUBLE that number, were experienced during 2003! That's a lot of fish. Commonly called humpies because the males develop a conspicuous hump on their backs, pink salmon can be taken on every type of tackle and will bite readily. This makes fishing for pinks fun for everyone including the younger anglers. The next run will begin in late August and continue into mid-October 2005. The limit for pink salmon is four fish per day, eight in your possession. Come on Salmon Fishing in British Columbia.

What our customers have to say: "Salmon fishing at its best, we all had great fun, with the Pinks in the river there was Salmon everywhere." George Bush "As a whole family we had a ball thank you so much, watching my son catch Salmon was just the icing on the cake." Howard Hill "Thanks Mark thanks to all the guides see you next time. " Ian Moore

Rhombus Hotel Chilliwack

R/O

Rhombus Hotels & Resorts, Downtown Chilliwack, is centrally located in the heart of the Fraser Valley providing a tranquil Salish Park setting and a scenic views emphasizing the diverse natural wonders which British Columbia has to offer.

The hotel offers 110 appointed guestrooms with a choice of king or double beds, executive club rooms or suites. Every amenity you need is provided. In- room coffee maker, personalized climate control, data port jacks, in-room movies, iron, ironing board, hair dryer, room service and complimentary parking.

Overlooking Salish Park, Rhombus Hotels & Resorts Downtown Chilliwack, provides a relaxing atmosphere where you can unwind from your day. It is a full facility hotel featuring restaurants, lounge, indoor pool, jacuzzi and the luminous wannth of a sauna.

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggest itinerary which can be changed if you so wished to suit your requirements personally

9 - Days / 6 - Days Guided Fishing

Day 1	Depart either LONDON GATWICK (LGW) or MANCHESTER AIRPORT (MAN) with Canadian Affair AM Arrive VANCOUVER Airport PM On arrival meet and greet by Angling Direct Holidays representative and private transfer to your accommodation. Approx 90 minute drive. Rest of day yours to relax, shop etc........ Overnight: accommodation Rhombus Hotel Chilliwack
Day 2 to 7	In the morning you will be picked up by our guide from your accommodation and driven to the river. Enjoy a full 8hrs fishing before returning to your hotel around 4.30pm. Overnight: accommodation Rhombus Hotel Chilliwack
Day 8	In the morning you will be picked up from your accommodation and transferred to vancouver airport, approx 90 minute drive. Depart VANCOUVER Airport PM with Canadian Affair Arrive VANCOUVER Airport PM
Day 9	Arrive either LONDON GATWICK (LGW) or MANCHESTER AIRPORT (MAN) AM

Departure Dates & Prices

9 - Days / 6 - Days Guided Fishing

Dates	Prices
All Year	From £1495 pp

Note: The above itinerary is based on flights with Canadian Affair which only depart on Saturday and return back to the UK the following Sunday. Alternative itineraries are available with flights from British Airways.

Note: The above prices are per person and are based on two people sharing the accommodation and four people sharing the transfers and fishing. Please be advised these prices may fluctuate due to changes in flights and exchange rates.

Whats Included & Excluded

Options Business Class Flight Upgrades Tour Extensions Non fishing excursions available on request. Car Hire

What's Included International return flights All Airport transfers. 7 nights accommodation 6 days full fishing as indicated on itinerary. All local Canadian taxes.

What's Excluded All food and drinks Holiday insurance Personal items Local Tips (Non Compulsory).

Note: The above prices are per person and are based on two people sharing, accommodation and four people sharing the transfers and fishing. Please be advised these prices may fluctuate due to changes in flights and exchange rates.

Enquiries & Bookings

Once you have an idea of what destinations and duration of the holiday you would like, contact one of our consultants on 01603 407596 who will be pleased to assist you with any questions and additional literature you may require to help you finalise your holidays itinerary, availability and prices.

When you are ready to book your holiday, our consultants will take down all particulars and take a deposit payment, please make sure that before making any booking that you have read our terms and conditions. At the time of the booking we will ask you to correctly spell the first and last name of each traveling member, as some flights will need to be ticketed at the time of booking and due to airline regulations no name changes can be made, once a ticket has been issued. On receipt of the deposit we will send the lead booker a “Booking Form” and a deposit receipt invoice which becomes the legal contract between Angling Direct Holidays and your party

Tackle Required
Want to talk to our Daiwa travel consultant

It is recommended that all clients bring the following:

• Peaked Cap • Polarized Sun-Glasses • Waterproof Jacket • Wind-bloc Fleece • Steel Flask (hot water to make tea/coffee) • Cameras (Film, Video, Digital) • Plenty of films

In the winter months it is recommended to bring thermal underwear, hats and gloves.

In the summer months it can be very hot and a wide brimmed hat and SPF 20+ sun screen is a must.

Salmon Fishing.

For fly fishing clients it is recommended that you bring the following tackle:

British Columbia offer’s a diverse variety of fly fishing opportunities; there are many species of Salmon and Trout to challenge your skills with a fly rod. Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden Char, Steelhead, Sockeye Salmon, Coho Salmon, Chum Salmon, Chinook Salmon and Pink Salmon. Many of the rods, fly lines and flies we use work for more than one species. Below you will find a list of some of the preferred rods, lines and flies we use for fishing for the above species.

Chinook / Sockeye / Steelhead / Chum

The species mentioned above are fished on or near the river bottom; we need to get the lines down as quickly as possible in order to be effective. Any of the lines mentioned below will work well. Hi D Sink tip lines of 13 feet or more are suitable for these conditions. The water speed and depth will determine which lines work best, having a variety of sink rate lines is best.

Rods - 9 to 11 feet class 8 to 10 weight or double handed spey rods
Lines - Hi D sink tip type 4 or 5 or shooting heads or T250 to T350
Flies - Sizes 6 to 2
Salmon -

Pink Salmon

Pink salmon are one of the smallest and easiest members of the salmon family to catch. We use many of the same rods and lines used to catch large Trout or Char. We fish many depths of water for Pink Salmon so having a variety of slow sink tip lines is best. Any fly that is made from Pink material will work, we like pink flies made from Maribou, Rabbit Leech, Polar Bear or Mallard Flank.

Rods - 8 to 9½ feet class 6 to 8 weight
Lines - 10 to 13 feet sink tips slow to medium type 2 to 4 or medium full sink
Flies - Anything pink in sizes 8 to 4    

Coho Salmon

Coho Salmon are a great species to catch on a fly, we like to use floating lines whenever possible as these salmon will often come to the surface for a fly. Floating lines or mono core lines are best.

Rods - 9 to 10 feet class 6 to 8 weight
Lines - Floating, mono core or slow sink lines
Flies - Sizes 8 to 6 3x long with and without bead head 

Cutthroat, Dolly Varden, Rainbow

We fish local and Wilderness Rivers for all species of trout available in our area. Rods and lines will vary depending on where we fish but most often we are fishing rivers, a variety of sink tip lines and floating lines are best.

Rods - 7½ to 9 feet class 3 to 8 weight
Lines - Floating, Sink tip type 2, 3 or 4
Flies - Patterns will depend on what time of year we are fishing, below is just a few of the flies we use for trout.
Stone Flies (adult/nymph), May Flies (adult/nymph), Minnow Patterns, Egg Patterns, Rolled Muddlers, Woolly Buggers, Red Spey, Large Rabbit Leech patterns in purple, black, white, grey.

 

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