Sounds like a great fishery. Where can i launch a 17 ft fiberform up there, can i run this out to that island? and will i be fish food running into snags, boulders and the like?

LT - My 14 footer only has an 8.8 and 2 of us made it upstream to a bar. If you get the time we can do a shuttle.

Well fellas, Im a first time poster on this site so hello to all. Seccondly, howdy B.Bart.

Now down to buisness

The Fraser above the Mission bridge has many accesable bars for a banky to fish with or without a boat. The boat is just gonna get you a bit more privacy.
7 horse motor?????Nope wouldnt think of it!!!! I value my life to much for that, the Fraser has some fast current, and 7 horses aint gonna get you there safely, 10 is bare bones and still pushing your luck!!
Now as far as the "combat fishery"that sockeye openings provide......well it aint that bad!! People are generaly happy due to the fact that EVERYONE catches their fish!!!

Gear for flossing the Fraser, 2-4oz bouncing betties, 8-12 foot of leader 5 pounds or so less than your main line, 2/0-3/0 hooks, wool, 3 way swivels. Thats it, JUST have lots on hand, you will give up tons of tackle to the river.

No secrets to this fishery, just leave any attitude at home there's lots of fish for everyone.

PS
Historicaly the sockeye opening is the first weekend in Aug.
Its shotgun open and close though, so be ready to head out as soon as it opens!!

To be honest this thread bothers me - the Fraser goonfest is becoming almost too much too handle for this local. That being said, there are a couple things of note that will make it easier for all of us, fish included:

- Use heavy gear, this is a meat fishery and you ARE snagging fish. Please do not use leaders under 15#s, there is enough line in the river already. I recommend 25# leaders. They allow you to handline (with a glove) and release sockeye quickly and they put you in a good position to land the big spings that are invariably flossed.

- Please do not catch and release sockeye all day. Water temps are high and these fish have a long journey. Mortality is estimated at 5-10% - a 75 fish day means you killed 7 - 10 fish. There is no pride in hooking (snagging) 75 sockeye. If you've klunked your two sockeye, toss out the bar rods and plunk for springs. Better yet

- 60 - 80# anchor with 10 feet of chain is standard

- Watch out for submerged Indian nets, they'll stop you dead

- Bring a sounder and find your own piece of water, most of the really busy bars are due to the guys in little tubs with prop driven boats that have a limited range.

- Most importantly, leave some money up north. The strong American dollar makes buying goods and services in Canada a bargain. Gas up your boat/truck and buy some gear locally. Stay a night in Chilliwack or Abbotsford. Consider hiring a local guide (send me a PM for some referals) for a great day on the water, you will gain invaluable local knowledge, and have a great shot at landing 2 socks, a spring and a 6-10' sturgeon all in the same day.