Fraser River Sturgeon Fishing...Page 3

Terminal Tackle

Well, you will need a lot of mainline on your reel. One can use either monofilament or braided line. I prefer braided line, as it is lot more durable and does not stretch on the hook set, which is critical. A Sturgeon's mouth is made primarily of cartilage, so a good hook set is key. Lets say 80-100lb. braided line will be your best bet for main line.

Leader tested for 60-80lb. is adequate. Some guys prefer mono, I prefer braided nylon sturgeon leader. Keep your leader between 30" to 40" long. You will use a 1/0-2/0 swivel to connect your leader and main line. In between your weight and your knot on the main line, you will add at least a couple of large beads, to allow your weight to free slide nicely and to protect the weight from doing damage to your knot. A California slider or a '1/0 2 way swivel' will connect the weight to the main line.

As far as hook size is concerned, don't be shy. A sharp 6/0 to 9/0 will stick just fine. It is a good idea to match your hook size with the size of bait you are using. For weight, it really depends on the water you are fishing, and the condition of the river.The faster the current, the more weight is required. I find 16-20 oz. weights work well in just about all conditions, with an 18oz. weight being the most commonly used.

The key to keeping a fish on following a hook set is to keep all your tackle in top shape. There is no room for error. I try to pull my rig out of the water very 10 minutes or so, to ensure that everything is the way it should be. You would be surprised what the Fraser can do to the end of your line.

What bait to use

Well, it all depends what time of the year you are fishing. As funny as this sounds, I look at sturgeon fishing kind of like fly-fishing. Instead of matching the hatch, your goal is to match the food source that is floating around the river at the time. You also have your search patterns that will work year round.

The first major food source for Sturgeon of each new year, are the Eulachon, a type of Smelt. The migration of these fish takes place in April. Not coincidently, this is when sturgeon fishing picks up. This is probably the most aggressive feeding period for these fish. Fishing eulachon during April and the first part of May is your best bet.

Following the Eulachon, the second major part of Sturgeon diet is made up of Salmon migrating up the Fraser River. Sturgeon key in on spawned out carcases. Also, anglers will discard remains of salmon they have caught into the river during a typical sockeye opening. Various remains of these salmon are the ticket during July and August, when the Sockeye fishery is in full swing. Some of the more popular remains anglers like to use include salmon bellies, roe, gills, or any other part of the salmon that will stay on the hook.