Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). If you see a question you may have, please click on it for the answer.

What kind of fish do you fish for and when?

We fish for all 5 species of pacific salmon, steelhead, trout, dolly varden and sturgeon. Each species has their specific times when they are abundant. Salmon fishing occurs from mid May through to mid November. The best times for salmon depend on the species you're after but in general the very best fishing is between August and November. Trout fishing is year round; we fish interior lakes and local rivers for cutthroat and char. Sturgeon fishing is year round but there are two peak periods when fishing is at it's best. Springtime offers great fishing from March to mid May and then again in mid September to late November. If you want to experience the very best fishing for both salmon and sturgeon late September to early November is best. Steelhead fishing is best between January and April with peak fishing between Feb 15 and April 15.

What methods do you use to catch fish?

We use many methods to catch salmon and steelhead, fly fish, spin fish, float fish, back troll and bottom bounce. Each species and river has its best methods for catching fish, we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the method which works best. For sturgeon we use a method called plunking, this method is most effective while fishing the river bottom. We anchor our boat in various locations on the river, cast our weighted lines to the river bottom and place our rods in rod holders. We then wait for the fish to bite and all hell to break loose. For trout and char we mostly fly fish, at certain times of year we will also spin fish for trout.

Do we need to bring our own fishing gear?

No, many anglers prefer to use their own rods, reels and waders, which is fine with us. We do supply all rods, reels, leg waders and fishing tackle on all of our guided fishing trips including fly-fishing.

How long are the trips?

We offer a variety of options for all of our fishing and adventure packages. We offer a choice of 6 or 8 hours of guided fishing each day. Whether you're fishing 1 day or 1 week you can choose the amount of hours you fish with a minimum of 6 hours per trip.

What kind of boats do we use?

Our boats are top-notch river jet boats; we mostly use outboard jet boats so that our customers are not squeezed for space. All boats are fully equipped and have canopies.

The boats we run are:
21 foot Nied River Jet Boat with a new 200 hp Mercury Jet
21-foot Woolridge Centre console Jet Sled, this boat is ideal for fly-fishing with 4 swivel seats and a casting deck.
21 foot Alumiweld inboard 350 hp Jet Boat
19 foot Woolridge Alaskan with a 135 hp Johnson (Prop driven)
19 foot Aluminum Harbour Craft with a 200 hp Mercury jet
18 foot Alumiweld with a Johnson 80 hp Jet
17 ® foot Woolridge Alaskan with a Johnson 100 hp Jet

How many guests per boat?

Most of the boats we use can carry 4 guests per boat; we don't usually mix groups of anglers so when you book a trip with STS you are booking a guide and boat for your group or trip. We can accommodate 1 angler to a group of 30 or more.

Do you offer accommodations?

Yes, we offer a variety of accommodation options. Our two most popular accommodations is the Harrison Mills Country House, which offers modest luxury in a 5000 sq ft lodge located near the shores of the Harrison River.

The STS Suite is our second most popular accommodation; this is a 1-bedroom suite in our home located in Mission, B.C. The suite offers 1 bedroom, full kitchen, bathroom/shower, dinning room, living room with a TV and fly tying table with accessories.

We also offer cabins on the shores of Harrison Lake and log cabins on the Sandpiper Golf & country club. Please see our accommodations section for pictures and descriptions of accommodations.

What's the weather like and what should I bring for clothing?

Vancouver and the Fraser Valley have some of the mildest weather in all of Canada. It never gets really cold and the hot spells don't last for long. Our coldest month is January with our lows only reaching -1C for short periods while the rest of Canada is at freezing temperatures of up to -30C and colder.

If you're visiting our area between Dec 1 and Jan 31 we recommend bringing some warm clothing like fleece, wool or gortex. If you're bringing your own waders, neoprene or breathable waders are fine. Good rain gear comes in handy at all times of year in British Columbia. We do supply waders, rain pants and all fishing tackle.

Feb, March and April are less predictable; the weather can be warm and sunny or wet and cold. Sometimes you get both on the same day so be prepared for anything. We suggest being ready for any type of weather so bring some warm clothing just in case.

May and June are two of my favourite times of year, the flowers are in full bloom, birds are singing and the salmon are just beginning to migrate up the rivers. The temperatures range from 65 F to 80F on average but again anything is possible. When you live near the mountains you quickly learn the best way to predict the weather is by looking over the next mountain.

July, August and early September are usually warm months, temperatures range from 70 to 85 F with the odd hot spell. Light summer clothing is suitable for this time of year, on the sunny days we fish standing in the water in shorts and sandals or hip waders. We suggest to all persons who travel to British Columbia to always be prepared for a little rain.

Late September to November the mornings are beginning to get cold, like springtime, anything can happen from wet and cold to warm and dry. This is what I call the perfect time, not to hot, not to cold and great fishing for salmon and sturgeon.

Do we need a lunch?

On many of our multi day packages lunch is included, on single day trips we do not include the lunch but can provide one upon request. We offer hot and cold lunches with snacks and non-alcoholic beverages and shore barbeques. We can also accommodate large corporate groups for lunches, dinners and retreats.

Be sure to check your package to see if lunch is included.

How do we book a trip?

It easy to book a trip with STS Guiding, once you have decided on a 1 day trip or multi day package just contact us by Phone @ 604-671-FISH (3474), Fax 604-826-3028, E-mail sts@guidebc.com or visit our website @ www.guidebc.com. We require a deposit of $100.00 cdn for each day trip booked and $100.00 per person for each day booked on a multi day accommodation package. We accept cash, cheque, money order, Visa or American Express (Amex) for all deposits and cash, money order, Visa and Amex for full payment (no cheques).

What is your cancellation policy?

A 25% deposit is required at the time of booking. Cancellations must be received 30 days prior to your fishing trip in order to receive a full deposit refund. If cancellations occur 10 – 30 days prior to your fishing trip, we will issue a credit valid for the 2005/06 season. If cancellations occur within 10 days of your fishing trip, there will be NO REFUND of deposit paid.

No Show Policy - Each guided trip is issued at start time. Fishing guides will wait for a reasonable amount of time (1 to 2 hours) for groups to show for their guided trip. When a group does not show for their guided trip, full payment is due, no refunds or credit is issued.

Any changes to the above policy's can only be made by management of STS Guiding Service. Please forward all requests by mail or e-mail to STS Guiding Service Ltd.

When do we pay for our trip? And what is your cancellation policy?

The balance owing on your trip can be paid anytime before or during your trip. You can pay by Visa, Amex, cash or money order. If you are writing a company cheque we request a credit card number guarantee.

Our cancellation policy is easy, your deposit is fully refundable within 90 days of your trip after that the deposit is non-refundable. We try our best to fill the cancelled dates and offer a credit whenever possible but sometimes this is not possible.

How do I get to Mission from Vancouver?

We are located in Mission, B.C. Mission is approx 1 hours drive east of Vancouver on Hwy 1.
Directions- Take Hwy 1 east from Vancouver to Abbotsford, take the Sumas exit and drive north. At the 3rd set of lights the road turns into Hwy 11, which travels north to Mission. There are good signs on the Hwy that will help you find Mission. The travel time from Hwy 1 to Mission is approx 20 minutes by car. As you travel on Hwy 11 you will come to a large bridge that crosses over the Fraser River, once you cross the bridge you're in Mission.

How do I get to the Mission Marina?

We are located in Mission, B.C. Mission is approx 1 hours drive east of Vancouver on Hwy 1.

Take Hwy 1 east from Vancouver to Abbotsford, take the Sumas exit and drive north. At the 3rd set of lights the road turns into Hwy 11, which travels north to Mission. There are good signs on the Hwy that will help you find Mission. The travel time from Hwy 1 to Mission is approx 10 to 15 minutes by car.

As you travel on Hwy 11 you will come to a large bridge that crosses over the Fraser River, once you cross the bridge you're in Mission. Once you cross the bridge turn right on the first off ramp. The road will curve to the right then go strait for approx 200 yds, you will then have to turn left to go to Mission or Turn Right to go to the Boat ramp. Turn right then right again at the stop sign. Follow the riverside road to the end and park in the parking lot on your left. Mission Marine is a land mark that is visible from the bridge and is across the street from Mission Boat launch.

Please call me at 604 880-3597 if you have any problems finding us.

How do I get from Vancouver airport to Harrison Mills Country House?

Vancouver Airport to Harrison Mills Country House 
From Vancouver Airport take Granville St to 12th Ave, travel east on 12th Ave to Hwy #1. Follow Hwy #1 east to Hwy 11. Note: (Hwy # 11 is the 3rd and final exit to Abbotsford and is called the Sumas exit). Drive north on Hwy 11 to Mission then follow signs to Hwy 7 east. Travel east on Hwy # 7 to the Harrison river bridge then turn right on the first street which is called School rd.
Harrison Mills Country House is the big Yellow House on your left.
Note: The Harrison Mills Country House is located on School rd, which is the first rd on your right once you cross the Harrison River Bridge. The Harrison river bridge is the 3rd bridge you will cross once you leave Mission on Hwy # 7. The drive from Vancouver Airport to Mission takes approx 60 minutes. Mission to Harrison River Bridge is approx 30 minutes.

City route from Vancouver Airport to Harrison Mills Country House
From Vancouver Airport take Granville St to Hastings Street. Travel east on Hastings, which will turn, into Hwy # 7. Follow Hwy # 7 strait all the way to Harrison Mills Country House.
This is one of the easier routes but takes a bit longer as you will travel through the city and smaller communities along the way. (See above for directions from Mission to Harrison Mills Country House.
City route from Vancouver to Harrison Mills Country House
Take Hastings street east to Hwy #1. Follow Hwy # 1 east to Hwy #11. Note: (Hwy # 11 is the 3rd and final exit to Abbotsford and is called the Sumas exit). Drive north on Hwy 11 to Mission then follow signs to Hwy 7 east. Travel east on Hwy # 7 to the Harrison river bridge then turn right on the first street which is called School rd.
Note: The Harrison Mills Country House is located on School rd, which is the first rd on your right once you cross the Harrison River Bridge. The Harrison river bridge is the 3rd bridge you will cross once you leave Mission on Hwy # 7. The drive from Vancouver Airport to Mission takes approx 60 minutes. Mission to Harrison River Bridge is approx 30 minutes.

How do I get from Seattle or Bellingham to Fenn Lodge?

From Bellingham take the Guide Meridian north to the US /Canada border. Once you've crossed the border drive north to Hwy #1. Follow Hwy # 1 east to Hwy #11. Note: (Hwy # 11 is the 3rd and final exit to Abbotsford and is called the Sumas exit). Drive north on Hwy 11 to Mission then follow signs to Hwy 7 east. Travel east on Hwy # 7 approx 30 km to the Harrison Bay Store. Harrison Bay Store is on your right hand side, watch for the large blue and yellow STS Guiding Service sign on the side of the highway. Once you're at HBS, the turn off to Fenn lodge is the first side road on your left just past the store. There is a large sign on the side of the highway that says Fenn Lodge 4 km. There is also a rustic hotel on the corner called Sasquatch Inn. Once you turn left at the Sasquatch go strait for approximately 4 km. There is good signage on the road and entrance to Fenn Lodge.

How do I get from Seattle or Bellingham to Harrison Mills Country House?

Bellingham Washington to Harrison Mills Country House
From Bellingham take the Guide Meridian north to the US /Canada border. Once you've crossed the border drive north to Hwy #1. Follow Hwy # 1 east to Hwy #11. Note: (Hwy # 11 is the 3rd and final exit to Abbotsford and is called the Sumas exit). Drive north on Hwy 11 to Mission then follow signs to Hwy 7 east. Travel east on Hwy # 7 to the Harrison river bridge then turn right on the first street which is called School rd.
Note: The Harrison Mills Country House is located on School rd, which is the first rd on your right once you cross the Harrison River Bridge. The Harrison river bridge is the 3rd bridge you will cross once you leave Mission on Hwy # 7. The drive from Vancouver Airport to Mission takes approx 60 minutes. Mission to Harrison River Bridge is approx 30 minutes.

How to I get to Grant Narrows from Vancouver?

Road Directions to Grant Narrows
Heading "East" from Vancouver on the Lougheed Highway. Cross over the Pitt River Bridge eastbound. Turn left on Dewdney Trunk Road (first set of lights over the bridge) Turn left on Harris Road across the Alouette River Bridge Turn right on McNeil Road Turn left on Neaves Road Cross over the Sturgeon Slough Bridge You will then continue straight on to Grant Narrows at the end of the road.
Here you will be met by your hosts at the dock and transported to the Pitt River Lodge. Your trip across Pitt Lake -- North America's largest tidal lake -- takes approximately one hour.
Secure parking at Grant Narrows Regional Park, $5.00 per day.

How do I get to Mission from Vancouver?

We are located in Mission, B.C. Mission is approx 1 hours drive east of Vancouver on Hwy 1.
Directions- Take Hwy 1 east from Vancouver to Abbotsford, take the Sumas exit and drive north. At the 3rd set of lights the road turns into Hwy 11, which travels north to Mission. There are good signs on the Hwy that will help you find Mission. The travel time from Hwy 1 to Mission is approx 20 minutes by car. As you travel on Hwy 11 you will come to a large bridge that crosses over the Fraser River, once you cross the bridge you're in Mission.

Take the first exit to the right off the bridge, stay in the right lane and take the first turn to the right. You will come to a stop sign ( Wardden Automotive on your right hand side) Turn right, drive to the end of the road and park in the Parking Lot on the left. Mission Marine and Captains Cove Pub are across the street.

How to I get from Mission to Harrison Bay Store & Tackle?

HBS is located 30 KM east of Mission on Hwy 7. Just take Hwy 7 east from Mission until you see Harrison Bay (big body of water on you right) HBS is just past Squakum Campsite on your right hand side. It's takes approximately 20 minutes by car from Mission ( 29.5 KM). HBS is a small gas station/tackle store, it has a large sign out front with a fish on it. In case you get lost the direct phone number is 604-814-2555 or my cell at 604-880-3597.

How to I get from Mission to Kilby Park?

Kilby Park is located 32 KM east of Mission on Hwy 7. Just take Hwy 7 east from Mission until you see Harrison Bay (big body of water on you right) Go past Harrison Bay Store and cross the Harrison River Bridge, take your first right and follows signs. It's takes approximately 30 minutes by car from Mission ( 32 KM). If you get lost, HBS is a small gas station/tackle store, it has a large sign out front with a fish on it. In case you get lost the direct phone number is 604-814-2555 or my cell at 604-880-3597.

How do I get from Mission to Fraserview Anglers Retreat?

FVAR is located just a few miles east of Mission 1 block off of HWY 7. From Mission, drive east on Hwy 7 to the Shell Gas Station ( 2 miles out of town) Turn left on the first street past the gas station ( Dewdney Trunk Rd) then turn left again on the first street ( Brient Drive ) Follow Brient Dr until the road makes a hard left and goes down a hill. We are the large White House on your right side at the bottom of the Hill.

Our address is 34827 Brient Dr.