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Targeting Staging Salmon at the Fraser River Mouth: Gear, Tactics, and Tips

Targeting Staging Salmon at the Fraser River Mouth: Gear, Tactics, and Tips

As we head into September, it’s prime time to target Fall Chinook off the Fraser River mouth. Anglers can expect excellent opportunities for both red and white Chinook, with productive fishing spots stretching from the Bell Buoy to the South Arm, also known as Sand Heads. The "hot spot" can change daily, as these staging Chinook are constantly pushed around by the tides and follow fresh waves of fish entering the river system. This dynamic fishery can go from slow to red-hot in a matter of hours, so it's essential to stay flexible and be prepared for the action to heat up fast.
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But before you head out, remember: these will be some of the biggest fish of the season, so it’s crucial to check your gear and ensure you’re prepared to battle these heavyweights.
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Essential Gear for Staging Salmon
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When targeting staging Chinook, bait is the name of the game. Most productive depths for this fishery range between 25 to 75 feet. Let’s break down the gear you’ll need based on the water column you're fishing.
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Topwater to 45 Feet: UV Flashers & Teaser Heads
In the top 45 feet, UV light is still penetrating the water, making reflective flashers with UV properties highly effective. Here are some productive flashers for this depth zone:
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Twisted Sista Flasher: This flasher features Moon Jelly on both sides, with contrasting red and green stripes, providing excellent visibility.
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Super Betsy Flasher: With a glow stripe on the back and a chrome body, it adds flash and visibility in murkier waters around the river mouth.
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Derby Winner Flasher: Similar to the Betsy, but on a UV chartreuse blade for extra pop, this flasher also features a glow stripe on the backside.
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Pair these flashers with matching teaser heads to create a cohesive setup.
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For example:
Chrome finishes like Herring Aid pair well with Super Betsy flashers.
UV Green or Chartreuse teaser heads are great matches for green/chartreuse flashers like the Derby Winner or Twisted Sista.
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Midwater: 45 to 55 Feet
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As you fish deeper into the water column, you’ll want to introduce more glow into your presentation. The light fades quickly below 45 feet, especially with murkier water near the river mouth. A great option for this depth is the Gibbs Highliner STS. This flasher offers a combination of glow and UV, making it a strong choice for the midwater column, paired with a UV green teaser head for added visibility.
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Deepwater: 65 to 75 Feet
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At these deeper depths, the Fraser River's muddy water significantly reduces light, so utilizing glow flashers becomes crucial. Some top-performing options include:
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Gibbs Highliner Guide Series Lemon Lime: Featuring glow on the back, this flasher combines green, chartreuse, and reflective Moon Jelly for maximum visibility.
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O'ki Chartreuse Phantom: With two shades of Moon Jelly on a UV blade and a glow crush back, this flasher stands out in dark waters.
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O'ki Salty Dawg: This flasher features a transparent Moon Jelly blade with an extra stripe of glow for enhanced visibility.
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For teaser heads, stick to glow varieties, such as Glow Chartreuse Splatter, Glow No Bananas, or Glow Green Splatter, which will pair well with your deepwater flashers. Remember, it’s always a good idea to charge your glow gear with sunlight or a UV light for best results.
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Alternative Gear When Bait Isn't Available
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If you’re unable to find bait or simply prefer to fish without it, there are other effective options to target staging Chinook.
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Hootchies: Chartreuse or green Splatter hootchies are especially popular for this fishery and work well at various depths. These hootchies mimic the movement and appearance of baitfish and can be highly effective in both clear and murky water.
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Spoons: Another fantastic option is spoons, which can be matched to the flashers you’re using. For deeper depths, go with spoons that have glow backs like Skinny G’s with glow properties. For higher in the water column, between 36 to 45 feet, Nickel-back Skinny G’s are best. Larger spoons such as the 3.5" and 4" G Force or Big Eye Spoons (in sizes ranging from 3.5" to 5") are also highly effective in this fishery, providing a larger profile to attract bigger Chinook.
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Selecting the Right Bait
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When it comes to bait, there are several factors to consider based on size and presentation. Popular bait options include:
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Anchovies: These are perfect for anchovy-style teaser heads and come in both 5½” and 6” sizes.
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Herring: Medium-sized herring (blue label) is great for larger presentations, while smaller green-label herring pairs well with bullet roll teaser heads for a tight roll and presentation.
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If you're not into tying your own leaders, you can also rely on pre-tied rigs like the Rhys Davis pre-tied rigs for convenience and effectiveness.
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Final Tips for Success
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As you prepare for this dynamic fishery, make sure you’re constantly adjusting your gear based on water depth and conditions. With the right combination of flashers, teaser heads, and alternative gear like hootchies and spoons, you'll be well-equipped to tackle these staging salmon and make the most of the September bite.
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So, gear up, stay flexible, and get ready for some of the best fishing action of the year!
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Also, check out this informative video from Jason Tonelli of Pacific Angler for a visual guide on catching Chinook at the Fraser River Mouth. In this video, Jason covers essential tips on bait, flashers, and teaser heads specifically for the Fraser River Mouth salmon opening. Keep up to date with Fishing Reports from the Pro's at Pacific Angler by signing up for their Friday Fishing Reports!
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