The Fraser River

Confluence of the Thompson and Fraser River Lytton BC Fraser Canyon The Fraser River is the largest fish producing water course in the province and the worlds largest supporter of the spawning sockeye salmon. Because of this, millions of Spring, Coho, Chum, Pink and Sockeye salmon pass through the canyon on their way to spawning grounds every year. Canada's Second Largest River over 1300 km long one of the most commercially rafted river's in the world. In the Canyon the River is wedged between the Cascade Mountain Range and the Coastal Pacific Mountain Range narrow rock canyon wall's cut a windy and narrow passage for the mighty Fraser ripping through this vigorous landscape

Native First Nation Salmon Dip Net Fishing on the Fraser River

|The Cow that swam the Fraser||1997 water levels|

Fraser River Videos

Fraser River Salmon Fishways

In 1917 the International Pacific Fisheries Commission was formed by Canada and the United States. Since that time, efforts have been made to improve the run of salmon to the spawning beds. This was brought Pacific Salmon Fishways or Fish Latters on the Fraser River Canyon about by the construction of fishways. These fishways help the salmon through the difficult sections of the Fraser River System. Fishways are now at Yale, Hell's Gate and Bridge River Rapids. The Hell's Gate Fishways were opened in 1945. Their effect on migrating salmon can be shown throughout the experience at the Quesnel Lake System. In 1941 only 1100 fish reached the spawning beds, by 1973 the number had increased to over 250,000 fish, and in 1981 this number had increased again to over 800,000 fish! These increased numbers mean to the fishermen a catch of several million fish. The survival rate of young salmon has been improved through the construction of artificial spawning channels. These are now in operation at Weaver Creek, Gates Creek, Pitt River and Nadina River. These serve the sockeye population, while a further channel at Seton Creek has been built for pinks. The Weaver Creek Channel, completed in 1965, produced, in its first five years of operation, a total catch to fishermen of over 600,000. The Fisheries Commission hopes, over time, to restore the Fraser River to its pre-1913 status as a salmon stream.

www.hellsgateairtram.com Pacific Salmon Fishways or Fish Latters on the Fraser River Canyon

Lady Franklin

The Lady Franklin is a beautiful large rock, or one might say a island in the middle of the Fraser River in Hope BC. This Rock... Island was named after Lady Jane Franklin, Husband of Sir John Franklin an early explorer who loved this area so much This Beautiful Area is along the Old Caribou Wagon Trail. To get there drive along the Trans-Canada HYW east bound through Yale, across the small bridge take for first right, and fallow the road that runs along side the Fraser River for a couple minutes. This is a great spot to stop for a picnic.

Alexandra Provincial Park

Historic Alecandra Bridge Provincial Park in the Fraser Canyon Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park is a small park centered around the site of the original Caribou Wagon Road bridge over the Fraser River. The original bridge was constructed in 1861 by Joseph W. Trutch and named after Princess Alexandra of Wales. To recover the $45,000 construction cost for the 90 meter bridge, a toll of $7.40 per ton was charged. Today a second bridge, built in 1926, sits on the site of the original which was dismantled in 1912. The park was established in 1984. It provides both rest stop and picnic facilities for travelers. Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park is two kilometers north of Spuzzum and 40 km north of Hope. There is a hiking trail that can lead visitors down to the site of the old Alexandra Bridge. Part of this trail is remnant of the old highway from the 1920s. This trail is less than ? km in length one way. Fish passing through this area to tributaries of the Fraser include Pink, Chum, Spring, Coho and Sockeye. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have the appropriate license. The park is open April 28 to October 9.

The Fraser Canyon Gold rush of 1858

In 1858 The Fraser Canyon was transformed forever when word that Banks of the Fraser River were rich with gold Hundreds of thousands of Pioneers made Mainland BC'S oldest Church St. John the Divine 1863 there way to the fierce Fraser Canyon in hopes to strike it rich. Thousands and Thousands of men died in there efforts as the Fraser Canyon was such a dangerous terrain to cross. like Simon Fraser said in the words of his Journal after naming an especially fierce point of his journey "Hell Gate" his journal wrote no man should ever venture through this point it was surely like passing through the gates of hell! However this would not stop these gold hungry miners to continue on in the Chance they would too become rich like the many successful gold prospectors of that time! Small Cities started to burst up everywhere in the Fraser Canyon turning Yale BC into the largest north American city east of Chicago. After the hype has died down these communities remain rich in history there is many places throughout the Fraser Canyon where Gold Panning at Hells Gate Airtram you can visit and learn about the Gold Rush Such as Yale BC where a Museum, Historic Church, and Pioneer Grave Yard has been preserved for viewing. You Can still pan for gold in the Fraser Canyon. Historic Yale and Hells Gate Airtram both have gold panning setups where you can learn how to pan for gold and keep the gold as a souvenir. Visit the Hope Visitor Info Center for more information regarding open claim spots to pan right on the Fraser River (Experience Required) and maybe you too can strike it rich!

sts guiding services

We Fish the Fraser, Harrison, Vedder & Pitt Rivers

Guide BC STS Fishing Services and Guide Service Fraser Canyon STS Guiding Service offers world class Salmon, Trout, Sturgeon and Steelhead fishing on the Fraser River in British Columbia, Canada. We are located just 50 miles east of Vancouver on the Fraser River. Fishing on the Fraser River, Vancouver, British Columbia assures our clients some of the best Salmon, Trout, Steelhead and Sturgeon fishing anywhere to be found on the West Coast of British Columbia. We offer fully guided day trips as well as full inclusive fishing packages with lodging on the Fraser River. We fish all styles and methods including fly fishing, spin fishing, plug fishing and bait fishing for sturgeon. Inside our site you will see why fishing on the Fraser River and Harrison River area is considered world class.

www.guidebc.com

sts guiding services hells gate jet boat rides

JET BOAT TOURS

Hells Gate Jet Boats STS Guiding Service Wild and extreme are just a couple of the words used to describe STS Jet boat experience! Ripping non stop action through some natures fiercest play ground. Using custom designed jet boats, and 30 years of experience on local rivers STS is the a safe way to enjoy the rugged beauty of the Fraser Canyon. Fraser Canyon jet boat tours start in Harrison Hot Springs and brings you through the Fraser Canyon where you can come face to face with Hells Gate. STS also offers a range of other guiding services like ATV tours, guided fishing, white water rafting and more information on STS jet boat tours visit STS Hells Gate jet boat tours.