All-Inclusive Fraser River Sturgeon Fishing Charters|Kumsheen Rafting Resort|Since 1973

The smiles tell it all - Bernie & Curtis

Bernie's first sturgeon

Curtis' new boat

Even big fish get air time

Last September, Fraser River Sturgeon outfitter Curtis Besse invited Kumsheen's Founder Bernie Fandrich along on a Fraser River sturgeon fishing excursion. Bernie accepted immediately.

Although Bernie had lived in Lytton, BC, where the Fraser River runs just minutes away from his front door, and despite the fact he had been operating river rafting excursions on the Fraser and Thompson Rivers for over 30 years, he had never fished for sturgeon.

On the first day out, Bernie caught ten beautiful fish. They ranged from twenty-four inches to seven feet ten inches in length, and got increasingly larger as the day progressed. Bernie, like the sturgeon, was hooked.

After the men had experienced this great day of fishing where the weather was hot and sunny, the fishing was consistent and fantastic, the Fraser Canyon was spectacular, and the camaraderie enjoyable, there was only one thing on their minds. They decided to package sturgeon fishing charters.

When sturgeon fishing on the Fraser River in British Columbia, one can expect excitement and heart pounding wrestling matches with this pre-historic giant. Great White Sturgeon are the largest freshwater fish in the world, and the Fraser River located just minutes away from the Kumsheen Rafting Resort has one of the largest population of Sturgeon in the world today.

We are fishing an area known as the "Middle Fraser". Few people fish this river section.

While the average catch is 50 to 200 pounds, the largest ones can weigh up to 1500 pounds and measure up to 14 ft. in length.

The largest white sturgeon that Fraser River Sturgeon Outfitter Curtis Besse landed was an amazing 1300 pounds. Last year his guests from the UK landed an 1150 pound pre-historic monster. It measured eleven feet one inch from the nose to the fork of the tail. To the tip of the tail it would be twelve and a half feet. The girth around the pectoral fin was 56 inches, and it was even bigger around the belly.

When hooked, these fish have the pulling force of a submarine and will run for a quarter of a mile. Then, like a missile they launch themselves into the air. It's an incredible adrenaline rush hooking one of these monsters.

Sturgeon are a protected species and all fishing is strictly on a catch and release basis. Once landed and photographed, the fish are gently released.

Curtis Besse's boat is a 2006 Custom Weld. Built to his specifications for sturgeon fishing on the Fraser, it's a luxurious 24 foot boat with a 9 foot beam. Comfort and convenience is what it's all about.

And because he has to tackle a few rapids to and from some of the fishing holes, Curtis equipped the boat with a 425 horse power inboard motor that is able to push through the whitewater with ease.

Most sturgeon fishing in BC takes place in the lower Fraser Valley one or two hours out of Vancouver. Lytton is only three hours away, but is a world apart from the hustle and bustle of the big lower mainland cities, and the wet, rainy weather of the coast.

Situated in a hot, dry, desert interior region, Lytton is known as "Canada's Hot Spot" (Current Weather Conditions) and enjoys over 325 blue-sky days a year. The air is fresh and clean, the canyons are spectacular, and the Fraser is teeming with sturgeon that have never been caught.

As a guest of the Kumsheen Rafting Resort, you are entitled to use all of the amenities we offer. Accommodation is shared occupancy in one of our deluxe cabin tents. Furnished with antiques and historical memorabilia, they are extremely popular with all our guests.

Breakfast and dinner are served in the Cutting Board Restaurant. Lunch is packed and provided on the river.

Each day of fishing includes: eight hours of fishing; sturgeon fishing license; fishing tackle; overnight accommodation in a deluxe cabin tent (double occupancy); full resort breakfast and dinner each day; lunch on the river; rain gear (seldom required in Lytton); shuttle from the resort to the river and return.

Not included: taxes; alcoholic beverages; gratuities; shuttle to and from the airport (Vancouver or Kelowna are equal distance from our resort - three hours driving time).

A 20% deposit is required to confirm your booking. Balance is due 45 days before arrival. There are no cancellations or refunds after the 45 day deadline. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.

Rafting & Adventures

Fraser River Sturgeon Fishing Charters