A presentation by Pacific Rivers Outfitting Company
Region 2 consists of several rivers within the lower mainland. We will focus primarily on those within the Fraser Valley; Fraser, Chehalis, Harrison and Chilliwack/ Vedder.
Fish ID
There are 5 species of Pacific Salmon located in the rivers within Region 2: Chum, chinook, coho, pink and sockeye. Other species located within region 2 rivers are; steelhead, bull trout, cutthroat. It is imperative to properly identify your catch.
Reading the River
Fish take the path of least resistance. This is a brief explanation to how fish migrate up river, so as an angler you can better understand how to target them.
If there is a spot for fish to rest, you will find them there. If fish have travelled through rapids, they will seek rest at the tail out of the run. If the current is strong, they will seek refuge behind boulders. If the water is clear, they will travel under brush and overhanging trees as cover. If multiple species are in the system at one time, chinook will sit in faster stronger water and push the other fish such as coho towards the seem and edges. Coho like to sit shallow calm water.
River Dynamics
As shown below, the run on the left of the island shows the head of the run where a riffle forms, as this water travels downstream and starts to spread out, it forms the mid part of the run or main run. As the force / speed decreases and widens, the river forms the tail of the run or tail out.
River Etiquette
It is not proper handling to drag a fish onto the beach without proper identification. If you are having difficulty trying to identify whether a fish is hatchery or not, don’t hesitate to ask the person beside you. It may be a learning point for them too.
Tackle and lures / bait
There are various ways to set your rod up. Find which one you like best.
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