Sturgeon fishing on the Fraser River in BC should be on the bucket list for any serious sport fishing enthusiast. People come from all over the world to experience the natural beauty of the British Columbia landscape, not to mention the giant prehistoric monster lurking in the muddy waters of the Fraser River! Catching these beasts is not as simple as throwing a hook in the water, it requires years of experience combined with top-quality equipment.
Sturgeon Facts
Sturgeon exist all over the world, but BC is home to one of the largest healthy populations of this prehistoric fish. A state record in Minnesota was a sturgeon measuring over 6 feet long, in BC we will catch multiple 7+ footers in the same day! These massive fish can be in excess of 14 feet long, weighing in excess of 1000 lbs, it is like reeling in a small whale.
Sturgeon in BC can live to be over 100 years old and have been in existence for over two hundred million years!
Best time for Sturgeon Fishing on the Fraser River
Sturgeon fishing is open all year, but by far the best fishing is between March and November. This gives you a large window of opportunity to land the biggest fish you have likely ever seen on a rod. Whether you prefer the warmer summer weather or would prefer to experience BC in the spring or fall, you are sure to land multiple fish with the right bait and location.
Sturgeon Fishing Bait
Generally speaking, the best bait to use depends on the time of year, and what the sturgeon are typically feeding on at that time. The Eulachon migration takes place in April, which is also when sturgeon fishing picks up to start off the season. The next big part of a sturgeon’s diet is salmon, the Fraser River has the largest salmon runs in the province, each leaving behind plenty of food to feed these monsters. Many anglers use salmon remains, including bellies, roe, gills, tails, anything you can put on a hook.
Something to keep in mind, during peak bait fish migrations the food selection is enormous, which allows sturgeon to be pickier. While we always fish with multiple types of bait to maximize our chances, sometimes a fresh piece of raw salmon is more appealing than the half-rotted fare floating down the river.
Fraser Fishing Adventures Fraser Fishing Adventures specializes in sturgeon fishing on the Fraser River. With over a decade of practical experience, not to mention a few tricks up our sleeve with different kinds of bait and proven fishing spots, we can help you land a monster sturgeon and a great fishing story that will be the envy of your friends! Click here to book your adventure!