I fish for sturgeon all year and see reliable fishing in all 12 months. Over time I’ve learned how to stay on fish through every season, so I don’t limit trips to a short “peak window”. The simple answer: the best time to come is whenever you can get here.

Large fish are possible year-round. I’ve filmed TV shows and major content in January and February, including breaking ice to reach the right water and landing very large fish on camera. I don’t promote only one “prime” month, because my experience shows giant sturgeon can be caught in any month with the right approach.

My guiding business is built around a 100% catch rate on trips. While no one can literally guarantee nature, I structure the day, locations and effort so that guests do catch fish, not just go for a boat ride. That expectation is consistent across my guiding.

I’m based in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada, and I fish the Fraser River between Chilliwack and Hope. Most guests:

• Fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
  
• Drive roughly 1–1.5 hours east to Chilliwack
  

From there it’s a short drive to whichever boat launch I’m using for the day.

You do not need prior big-fish experience. I regularly guide:

• Beginners
  
• Families with children
  
• Couples
  
• Groups of friends on a “bucket list” trip
  

I supply the gear and instruction. Your job is simply to follow guidance and enjoy the experience.

I’m Yves Bisson, owner and lead guide at Sturgeon Co. I’ve been guiding professionally on the Fraser River for over two decades. Sturgeon Co. is a specialised guiding operation focused on:

• Targeting large white sturgeon
  
• Providing a high-standard client experience
  
• Maintaining strong conservation practices

Conservation is a central part of my work:

• I have personally scanned and tagged over 28,000 sturgeon as part of monitoring and research programs.
  
• I have received a formal conservation award in the province for this contribution.
  
• On trips I explain tagging, data collection and best handling practices, so guests understand the conservation side of the fishery.

You are booking a small, owner-operated business. Sturgeon Co. is led by me, with a very small, hand-picked team of guides who share the same standards. The aim is to stay focused on quality, not scale, while giving guests confidence that whoever they fish with is operating to the same level.

You don't need to bring anything except for a valid freshwater fishing license & sturgeon conservation tag for all guests over 15 years of age. A good phone or camera is also suggested.

1. Go to the Website: Visit the BC Freshwater Fishing e-Licensing System.
2. Create a Profile: If you are a new angler, register for a "BC Angler Number" (this is instant).
3. Select Your License: Buy a Basic Freshwater Fishing Licence (1-Day, 8-Day, or Annual).
4. Add the Sturgeon Tag: You must add the "White Sturgeon Conservation Licence" to your cart for the same dates. You cannot legally fish for sturgeon without this add-on.
5. Print It: We strongly recommend printing a paper copy to carry with you on the boat, as cell service can be unreliable.

Please check the Chilliwack, BC 14 day forecast and dress accordingly. Use the below as a guide.

SPRING/SUMMER STURGEON FISHING

Air temperatures could range from 20-35 Degrees Celsius throughout the day. Layering is a good idea to adjust to the temperature throughout your trip. In summer, it’s always recommended you bring sunblock & polarized sunglasses. If there's a chance of rain, bring rain gear. Yves will supply Simms G3 waders as well as Simms boots if you need to get into the water to hold your fish for the ultimate fishing photo.

FALL/WINTER STURGEON FISHING

The temperature on the water is generally slightly cooler than the surrounding land, but not as significantly different as if you were fishing in open water. Best idea is to layer your clothing, especially in the cooler months. Also, fighting a large sturgeon in the winter will certainly warm you up.
Yves’ 23-ft jet boat has a covered area with a heater to make things more comfortable on cooler or wet days.
Polarized sunglasses are handy on sunny days.
Gloves and a hat are advisable when the weather is cooler.
If it’s raining, bring rain gear. Yves provides Simms G3 waders as well as Simms wading boots.

The goal is to catch big sturgeon and still break away from the busy crowds, so we depart from one of three locations.  Our departure is from either Chilliwack, Agassiz, or Hope.  Depending on where fishing is best at the time of your trip, Yves will let you know the point of departure prior to your trip, and send you the GPS coordinates. You can see our boat launch map under tab "Day with Yves"

You will be sent a confirmation email at booking with a location and time to meet your guide.

Absolutely! We love to see your photos on social media and in our reviews.

All trips are booked in Canadian Funds.

We will do our best to accommodate any changes in your schedule but please note most trips are booked 6 months to a year in advance.

We are a 100% catch and release fishery. By provincial regulations all sturgeon caught must be released.

The Great White Sturgeon can reach lengths over 12 feet and weigh up to 1,000lbs!

Sturgeon have been recorded to live up to 150 years old.

Since establishing catch and release efforts over 40 years ago populations continue to show growth.