Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). If you have a question not listed, please e-mail us.
What Kind Of Fish Do You Fish For And When?
We fish for all 5 species of Pacific salmon, halibut, ling cod, snapper, 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 in both fresh and saltwater. 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 its best. Springtime offers great fishing from March to the middle of May and then again in the middle of 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 and trolling and jigging for salmon and Halibut. Each species 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. For our saltwater salmon fishing is mostly troll flashers and bait and all Halibut fishing is fished for off the bottom by jigging.
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.
We offer a variety of options for all of our fishing and adventure packages. We offer a choice of 4, 6 or 8 hours of guided fishing each day. Whether you’re fishing 1 day or 1 week you can choose the number of hours you fish with a minimum of 4 hours per trip.
Our boats are top-notch river jet boats; we mostly use jet boats in the river and larger ocean boats for saltwater fishing. All boats are fully equipped and have canopies, our ocean boats have heads and heaters. If you would like to learn more about our boat, please see About STS Boats page.
Most of the boats we use can carry 4 – 5 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. Our larger 28ft twin engine boats can carry as many as 12 passengers but for fishing, 6-8 is best.
Yes, we offer a variety of accommodation options. Our most popular accommodations are; Fraserview Anglers Retreat, Best Western and our private Lodge Above & Beyond Anglers Retreat. 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 the 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 too hot, not too cold and great fishing for salmon and sturgeon.
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.
Be sure to check your package to see if lunch is included.
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), E-mail sts@guidebc.com. We require a deposit of 25% on all bookings, We accept cash, money order, Visa or American Express (Amex) for all deposits and final payments
What Is Your Cancellation Policy?
CANCELLATION POLICY
Deposit, Cancellation and Payment policy
A 25% deposit is required at the time of booking, deposits are non- refundable Final payments are due 30 days prior to your trip
Cancellations that occur 10 days or more prior to your fishing trip will result in a credit valid for the same or following season. If cancellations occur within 10 days of your fishing trip, there will be NO Credit issued.
All requests to change trip dates or cancel trips must be done by email to sts@guidebc.com. If you send a cancellation notice by e-mail, be sure that we receive it. Please call us.
No Show Policy – Each guided trip is issued a 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.
All cancellations must be sent in writing to sts@guidebc.com. If you send a cancellation notice by e-mail, we will send a reply in acknowledgment. Be sure that you receive a reply – or be sure to call us to follow up. Any changes to the above policies can only be made by management of STS Guiding Service. Please forward all requests by mail or e-mail to STS Guiding Service Ltd.
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 straight 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 landmark that is visible from the bridge and is across the street from Mission Boat launch.
Please call me at 604 671-3474 if you have any problems finding us.
How Do 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 Do 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 your right) Go past Harrison Bay Store and cross the Harrison River Bridge, take your first right and follows signs. It 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 604-671-3474.
33428 Harbour Ave,
Missionl, BC V2V 2W4
Local: (604) 671-3474
Toll Free: (855) 223-5453
© STS Guiding Service
