Wicks / Sturgeon
Fraser River sturgeon.
The most popular trip Wicks runs, and the easiest one to say yes to. Year-round, any age, any skill level — 4, 6, 8 and 10-hour trips on the Fraser and its tributaries.
The fish
Prehistoric, enormous, and still here.
White sturgeon are North America's largest freshwater fish and the Fraser holds one of the last strong wild populations. Adult fish in this system reach twelve feet. They were here before the rivers took their current shape and they're still here, which is the whole reason the fishery is run the way it is.
Every fish goes back. On juvenile trips you can take part in the volunteer tagging program, so the day feeds into the research that keeps track of the population rather than just producing a photo.
What the day looks like
Any age, any experience.
Trip lengths
4, 6, 8 and 10 hours. The shorter trips suit families and first-timers; the longer ones give you more water and more chances at a big fish.
Who it suits
Friends, families, corporate groups, stags and stagettes. No casting skill required — this is the trip that works when the group's experience is all over the place.
Gear
Rods, reels and lines are on the boat. Bring layers, sun protection and your BC freshwater licence.
Season
Available year-round, with the peak from April to the end of November. Water levels move things around, so ask what's happening this week.
Conservation
The tagging program.
Fraser white sturgeon are monitored through a volunteer tagging program, and juvenile trips can take part in it directly. Fish are measured, scanned or tagged, and released — the data goes into the record that tracks how the population is doing over time.
It's the part of the day guests tend to bring up afterwards, and it's why one of the Google reviews is about the fish rather than the fishing.
"The preservation of sturgeon are so important to this company. Entire new level of respect. Thank you for the fun and education!" Jessica Ion · Google review
Next step
Get a date on the water.
Send the dates and Dayton comes back with availability and a rate. You're talking to the guide, not an office.