There’s good news, and there’s bad news.

The good news is that the chinook fishing in the Fraser is extremely good, with barfishing and bottom bouncing from anchored boats both producing lots of fish. Herrling Island is now fishable, and old reliables like Spaghetti, Grassie, and Peg Leg are all active as well.

One of the most frequently asked questions by newer anglers is “How do I get there?” If you haven’t fished on the Fraser River for a number of years with an experienced partner, some of the angling gravel bars are hard to find. There is a map available at some of the local sporting goods stores which shows most of the popular fishing locations on the Fraser River from Hope to the mouth where it enters the ocean.

Unfortunately it takes some interpretation by sporting goods store staff due to name changes, and some obscure road directions. Nevertheless, some map is better than no map. Also, you should never be afraid to try a new spot on your own. Just because there are no other anglers there doesn’t mean that there are no fish. There have been lots of times that I’ve fished a piece of water that wasn’t perfect, but the lack of competition made even modest success a pleasant change. There have also been some chinooks taken in the Chilliwack-Vedder . . . you just have to look for a brighter fish amongst lots of dark ones.

Now for the bad news. After being tempted with predictions of large sockeye returns, just the opposite seems to be happening. Early indications from the fish counter indicate lower-than-expected returns of sockeye to the point of perhaps not allowing a sockeye season at all. We will just have to wait for more information on a daily basis.

Over the years there have been many accusations made by and against each of the three major user groups; commercial, native, and sport. The fact is, the biggest culprit may be none of the above. Apparently, any rise in water temperature over 18 C will dramatically increase the stress on the sockeye, and consequent mortality. Currently the Fraser River average temperature is around 20 C. Obviously this heat wave we are in now is not helping.

Enough said. Let’s wait and see what develops with time. See you on the water.