The Sockeye Salmon (aka Red Salmon) runs in the mighty Fraser River and its tributaries are considered to be some of the largest in the world. The Sockeye Salmon, are highly prized for their mouth watering, delicious and dark orange meat. They are a hard fighting fish, displaying great aerial acrobatics, and super fast, line peeling runs. They average 5-8lbs, with bigger fish over 10lbs available. Every year, anglers patiently await the arrival of the Sockeye Salmon, as it provides fast, action packed fishing that is hard to beat! During big runs, it is not uncommon to hook between 15-25+ salmon per person per day.
The Sockeye Salmon fishing in BC is strictly controlled by our Fisheries Department (DFO), with a very regulated fish-retention season that usually opens in the first half of August and can last into the first week of Sept. This is primarily a Fraser River “harvest” fishery with bottom bouncing being the common local fishing method for catching these fish in really fast water. We also fish several other smaller tributaries that offer great fly-fishing opportunities for these salmon.
About Sockeye Salmon Fishing:
Sockeye Salmon are present in our rivers from Aug- mid Nov, with the best fishing times being in August… see “BC fishing calendar“. When fishing in BC, expect the Sockeye Salmon to arrive in our rivers as lean, silver fish, fresh from the ocean and in prime fighting and eating condition. As spawning time approaches, they turn to a beautiful and vibrant dark red color that makes them very visible in the clear rivers.
Its hard fighting abilities and great tasting meat (high oil content), makes this species one of the most sought after salmon in BC . This popular, summer-time fishery provides exciting fishing opportunities for everyone. It does attract a lot of additional fishing pressure, but during retention openings, there are plenty of fish for everyone. For most, this is a harvest fishery. With warm summer weather and exciting fishing action, this is a highly recommended fishery for family and group outings.
Please Note: This fishery is subject to retention openings and closures, so please check with us regularly for updated information.
Why We’re The #1 Fraser River
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From start to finish this trip has been the smoothest I have ever had. From contacting Chris to book the fishing, his flexibility around fishing dates, accommodating me to have a girlie trip in Vancouver. Checking in to make sure the trip was going as planned. The detailed invoice making it easy to go to a bank in the UK and just pay. The fishing well what can I say I think I cried when I seen the first sturgeon jump. I laughed and cried when we landed them. We caught Chinnook and Chum. James was just an absolute diamond. He had the patience of a saint. He made sure we never left that river with a blank. He made lunchtimes fun. Our group caught over 80 salmon and 5 sturgeon for the week. Stuff that dreams were made of. We were planning a return to Alaska next year but this company impressed us so much we are taking the family next year. I am happy to answer any questions but use Chris and his team. They will not disappoint.

We had 9 days salmon and sturgeon fishing with Bluewater and was the best experience you could ever hope for. Our guide Sacha ( bro ) was brilliant and put us consistently on both salmon and sturgeon. Thanks again to Chris and the boys for making this a venture one we will never forget. Cheers guys and see you next year.

I have been fortunate to fish with Chris Ciesla and his guides for a number of years now and can honestly saw it has been the best guided fishing I have ever done. I have fished for and caught countless numbers of Salmon from the small Pinks to the giant Kings and never weary of catching and playing some of the hardest fighting Pacific Salmon particularly on the fly. I run my own Spey School here in Scotland and encourage my clients to try out the fishing in BC just for the sheer pleasure of catching so many fish. I describe BC as Scotland on steroids – huge mountains, massive rivers and forests and of course – scores of fish to be caught. All you’ll need is a 14/15 foot fly rod, Skagit line with T14 tips and you are ready to catch as many fish as you want. Just one thing – plenty of 30lb backing, like maybe 250 metres!!! Because when you hit a King be prepared for a run like you’ve never had before. Chris and his guides are fantastic and they go out of their way to ensure you get the best out of your trip. DO take a day at Sturgeon fishing it will blow your mind. The biggest I’ve had was 7feet 10 inches which was duly returned – well, no one would make the French fries. Get yourself out there in October any year when you can catch most of the Pacific species – don’t wait just do it!!

First time fly fishing, I went with Chris and Shane and was helped by their enthusiasm and their knowledge. I caught lots of chum including a 25lb chum which left me shaken and stirred. The Fraser river and Harrison river gave me the best fishing and I caught a bigger fish than Tommy. I was up the pit river where I caught Dolly varden and Bulltrout and I saw two bear cubs. The whole trip was really exciting and made perfect with Chris and Shane who were great guides. I have been back and we fished for the Pink salmon and I caught 60 salmon, this was amazing and the guide Ryan was so helpful what a wonderful place.

Bluewater Rockies are probably the best guiding company in the Fraser River Valley area. The service you receive is second to none, fantastic guides, fantastic fishing, we first used Bluewater Rockies in 2005, the first time we ventured into British Columbia fishing, there were 4 of us fishing this trip, the adventure we had was out of this world, so much so we have returned every 2nd year in increasing numbers, in 2007 7 of us made the trip, 2009, 12 made the trip, 2011 due to the recession12 made the trip, but on our recommendation a group of 12 friends experienced Bluewater Rockies the week after us, and they also had the trip of a lifetime, we are booked to go again in 2013 in the Fall, Chris and the guides are now considered friends and not merely guides, you will never find a more friendly professional group of guys.

From start to finish this trip has been the smoothest I have ever had. We were planning a return to Alaska next year but this company impressed us so much we are taking the family next year. I am happy to answer any questions but use Chris and his team. They will not disappoint.

We had 9 days salmon and sturgeon fishing with Bluewater and was the best experience you could ever hope for. Thanks again to Chris and the boys for making this a venture one we will never forget. Cheers guys and see you next year.

I have been fortunate to fish with Chris Ciesla and his guides for a number of years now and can honestly saw it has been the best guided fishing I have ever done. Get yourself out there in October any year when you can catch most of the Pacific species – don’t wait just do it!!

First time fly fishing, I went with Chris and Shane and was helped by their enthusiasm and their knowledge. I caught lots of chum including a 25lb chum which left me shaken and stirred. I have been back and we fished for the Pink salmon and I caught 60 salmon, this was amazing and the guide Ryan was so helpful what a wonderful place.

Bluewater Rockies are probably the best guiding company in the Fraser River Valley area. The service you receive is second to none, fantastic guides & fantastic fishing. Chris and the guides are now considered friends and not merely guides, you will never find a more friendly professional group of guys.

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Bluewater Rockies Sportfish Guiding Co.
An industry leader for 25 years, our company has been serving anglers from all four corners of the globe, and has built an international reputation for consistently providing top-quality River Sportfishing Adventures & Holidays.
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