Customer Service - (778) 910-4405

Packages

Getting Started

Introduction to Black Swan Adventures

  • Experience: Over 3 years in business, serving hundreds of happy anglers.
  • Season: Operates from May to early October, depending on weather and fishing conditions.
  • Specialization: Expert in catching monster white sturgeon and creating memorable fishing experiences.
  • Fishing Conditions: Trips proceed rain or shine; sturgeon are particularly active during rain.
  • Founder: Levi Swaenepoel, an active member of the Fraser Valley Angling Guides Association (FVAGA) with over 10 years of experience in sturgeon tagging and conservation efforts.
  • Levi also holds his Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) certification as well as his Swift Water Rescue certification.

Types of Charters

Black Swan Adventures offers 4 types of charters listed below.

  • Single-Day Charters: Ideal for a full day of sturgeon fishing. $1200 for two people and each additional person costs $350 up to a maximum of 5 total for a cost of $2250
  • Multi-Day Charters: Extended fishing adventures over several days. $2000 per day for up to 5 people
  • Corporate Packages: Team-building events tailored for businesses. Custom pricing available upon request. For more information please contact us at [email protected] and we can help you design the perfect package for your needs.
  • Evening Tours: Explore the beautiful scenery of the Fraser River during the evening hours. $500 for the evening. From 5:30pm until sunset.

How to Book a Charter

  • Booking Methods:
  • Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required upon booking, credited toward the total cost.
  • Payment Methods:
    • Cash
    • Credit Cards
    • Apple Pay
    • Authorize.net
    • PayPal
    • E-Transfer

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Should I Bring?

  • Clothing:
    • Chest waders and boots (spares available if you don’t have them).
    • Shorts or long pants.
    • Sandals or shoes that can get wet.
    • Rain jacket.
  • Accessories:
    • Sunglasses.
    • Sunscreen.
  • Recommendation: Bring a bag with clothes for various weather conditions and spares in case you get wet.

Do I Need Fishing Experience?

  • No Experience Necessary: We welcome anglers of all levels, from complete beginners to seasoned pros.

What Happens If It Rains?

  • Fishing Continues: We fish rain or shine.
  • Sturgeon Activity: Sturgeon love the rain, which may increase your chances of landing a big one.

Do We Take Breaks?

  • Yes:
    • Lunch Breaks: We stop for lunch, often grilling on a private beach.
    • Exploration: Opportunities to explore beaches along the river.
    • Rock Hounding: The river is known for beautiful agates and even gold.
    • Gold Panning: The Fraser River is known for gold. We have pans for panning if you would like to try your luck during a break.

What Kind of Boat?

  • Boat Specifications:
    • Type: 22-foot North River fully covered jet boat.
    • Safety: Equipped with all necessary safety gear and compliant with Transport Canada regulations.
  • Amenities:
    • Shade umbrella covering the entire boat.
    • Portable BBQ for onboard meals.
    • Misting fan for hot days.
    • Bluetooth stereo for entertainment.
    • Coolers with ice and water to keep hydrated.
  • Additional Equipment:
    • Trout fishing rods and tackle for those interested in smaller fish.

Accommodation Options

Recommended Townhouse with Mountain Views & Hot Tub

  • Features:
    • Hot tub.
    • Secure parking.
    • Central location within walking distance of local attractions.
  • Booking: Available on Airbnb; Book Here

Mountain Valley View Home

  • Features:
    • Stunning mountain and valley views.
  • Booking: Also available on Airbnb. Book Here

Hotels

  1. Reynolds Hotel Link to book => https://reynoldshotel.com
  2. Retasket Lodge
  3. 4 Pines Motel
  4. Hotel Deoro

Campgrounds

  1. Cayoosh Creek Campground:
    • Convenience: Located where we launch, making it very convenient.
  2. Fraser Cove Campground

Seasons & Conditions

Our fishing season lasts from May to October with the exact dates being dependent on weather conditions.

Best Fishing Times

  • June – Freshet Season:
    • Conditions: High water levels due to spring runoff.
    • Fishing: Prime time for large fish as sturgeon feed heavily.
  • July to September – Peak Season:
    • Weather: Warm and comfortable.
    • Water Temperature: Ranges from 13–18°C, ideal for sturgeon activity.
    • Activities: Great time for a refreshing plunge after catching a giant fish.
  • Spring and Fall Fishing:
    • Months: Early May and late September to October.
    • Experience: Excellent fishing with fewer boats and peaceful surroundings.

River and Water Conditions

  • High Water Levels:
    • Timeframe: June and early July.
    • Effects: Class 3–4 rapids; challenging yet exciting conditions.
    • Safety: Trips may be adjusted or rescheduled if necessary.
  • Water Temperature and Flow:
    • Impact on Sturgeon: Warmer temperatures increase sturgeon activity.
  • Monitoring Conditions:
    • Resource: Daily Discharge Graph for Texas Creek to track water conditions.

Weather Conditions

  • Fishing Rain or Shine:
    • Sturgeon Behavior: More active during rainy or overcast weather.
    • Preparation: Dress appropriately; always bring rain gear.
  • Extreme Weather:
    • Conditions: Lightning storms, heavy winds, dangerous water conditions.
    • Policy: Trips may be canceled or rescheduled; a rain check will be issued.
  • Summer Heat:
    • Months: July through September.
    • Amenities: Shaded areas, coolers with ice and water, misting fans.
    • Tip: Feel free to take a dip in the river to cool off.

Rescheduling Due to Conditions

  • Flexible Rescheduling:
    • Policy: If conditions are unsafe, trips can be rescheduled at no extra cost.
    • Monitoring: We constantly check river data and weather forecasts.

The Day of the Charter – What to Expect

Check-In Process

  • Arrival Time and Location:
    • Time: Meet at 9:00 AM.
    • Location: Cayoosh Creek Campground boat launch.
    • Duration: Full 8-hour trip until 5:00 PM.
  • Important Note: Cell service is limited; plan your route and needs ahead of time.
  • Safety Briefing:
    • Overview of the boat’s features.
    • Safety equipment instructions.
    • Day’s itinerary.

What to Bring

  • Clothing:
    • Mandatory: Shorts for getting in and out of the water for photos.
    • Footwear: Sandals or shoes that can get wet.
    • Extras: Rain jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses.
  • Essentials:
    • Fishing License: Valid BC Freshwater fishing license (obtain here).
    • Snacks and Drinks: Bring any snacks and drinks you’d like, except water (provided).
  • Provided:
    • Coolers stocked with ice and water.

Onboard Experience

  • Boat Amenities:
    • Shade umbrella.
    • Misting fan.
    • Portable BBQ.
    • Bluetooth stereo.
    • Coolers with ice and water.
  • Activities:
    • Trout Fishing: Equipment available for smaller fish.
    • Lunch on the Beach: Grill on a private beach while continuing to fish.

Photography and Post-Trip Package

  • Photos:
    • Capturing your catches and memorable moments.
  • Post-Trip Package:
    • Email with a link to a shared Google Drive folder containing all photos.
    • Trip report.
    • Additional goodies like coupons or merchandise giveaways.
  • Reviews and Referrals:
    • QR code stickers on the boat link directly to our Google review page.
    • We appreciate referrals to help spread the word.

Fishing and Handling Sturgeon

  • Fishing Techniques:
    • Guidance provided; no prior experience needed.
  • Catch and Release:
    • All white sturgeon are catch-and-release only.
    • Proper handling techniques demonstrated to ensure fish safety.
    • More information available in the White Sturgeon Species Information section.

Wrap-Up and Departure

  • End of the Day:
    • Return to Cayoosh Creek Campground boat launch at 5:00 PM.
  • Final Information:

White Sturgeon Species Information

An Ancient Species

  • Heritage: Existed for over 200 million years, often called “living dinosaurs.”
  • Size: Largest freshwater fish in North America.
    • Can exceed 6 meters (20 feet) in length.
    • Weigh over 680 kilograms (1,500 pounds).

Life Cycle and Longevity

  • Lifespan: Can live over 100 years.
  • Maturity:
    • Females: Reach sexual maturity at 15–25 years.
    • Males: Mature slightly earlier.
  • Spawning:
    • Occurs every 2–6 years for females.
    • Requires specific river conditions: gravel bottoms, fast-flowing water, temperatures around 10–14°C.

Habitat

  • Environment:
    • Prefer deep, slow-moving freshwater.
    • Found in rivers like the Fraser River and its tributaries.
  • Migration: Anadromous species that migrate between saltwater and freshwater.

Feeding Behavior

  • Diet:
    • Bottom-dwellers feeding on fish, crustaceans, and other organisms.
    • Use sensitive barbels to detect prey.
  • Feeding Strategy:
    • Toothless mouths suck up prey like clams, shrimp, and small fish.
    • Often feed on salmon carcasses in British Columbia rivers.

Fishing for White Sturgeon

  • Experience:
    • Known for power and stamina.
    • Battles can last hours and may include acrobatic leaps.
  • Catch and Release:
    • Mandatory to protect the species.
    • Proper handling techniques are crucial for their survival.

Conservation Status and Efforts

How You Can Help

  • Responsible Angling:
    • Use heavy-duty tackle to minimize exhaustion.
    • Keep the fish in the water during handling.
    • Limit handling time to reduce stress.
    • Avoid touching the gills.

White Sturgeon Tagging and Research

  • Tagging Programs:
    • Some sturgeon are tagged to track movements and growth.
    • Data helps inform conservation strategies.
  • Your Role:
    • If you catch a tagged fish, we’ll record the data for research.

Why White Sturgeon Matter

  • Ecosystem Role:
    • Keystone species that help maintain river health.
  • Cultural Significance:
    • Part of British Columbia’s natural heritage.

Charter Policies

Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy

    • Customer Cancellations:
      • All deposits are non-refundable.
      • Charters can be rescheduled based on availability.
    • Weather-Related Cancellations:
      • Unsafe conditions may lead to cancellation.
      • A rain check will be provided to reschedule at no extra cost.
    • Late Arrivals:
      • Trips depart promptly.
      • Late arrivals may result in reduced trip duration.
  • Mechanical Failure
    • FULL refund + 10% discount of future raincheck

Deposit Policy

  • Amount: $500 non-refundable deposit required at booking.
  • Application: Credited toward your total balance.

Gratuity Guidelines

  • Not Included: Gratuities are not part of the charter price.
  • Industry Standard: Typically 18–35%, per day.
  • Appreciation: Guides work hard to ensure an unforgettable experience.

Alcohol and Smoking Policies

  • Alcohol:
    • Permitted but not provided.
    • Please drink responsibly.
  • Smoking:
    • Allowed; ashtrays provided.
    • Includes cannabis products.
    • Be considerate of others on board.

Health and Safety Regulations

  • Safety First:
  • Medical Conditions:
    • Inform us in advance to accommodate your needs.

Equipment Use

  • Provided Gear:
    • All fishing equipment is included.
  • Responsibility:
    • Handle gear with care.
    • Damages due to negligence may incur fees.

Catch Policy

  • White Sturgeon:
    • Catch-and-release only.
    • Proper handling is essential.
  • Trout Fishing:
    • Equipment provided.
    • Subject to local regulations; trout may be kept.

General Conduct

  • Behavior:
    • Safety and enjoyment are priorities.
    • Disruptive behavior may result in early termination without refund.

Customer Support and Contact Information

How to Contact Us

  • Phone: Call us at 1 (778) 910-4405 for immediate assistance during business hours.
  • Email: Send inquiries to [email protected]; we respond within 24 hours.
  • Online Chat: Use the live chat feature on our website for instant support.
  • Address: Visit or mail us at 1645 Horby Avenue, Kamloops BC, Canada V2B7R1

Booking and Payment Inquiries

  • Support:
    • Contact us via phone, email, or customer support chat widget.
    • Assistance with rescheduling, payments, and trip details.

Gift Certificates and Special Offers

  • Gift Certificates:
    • Available for purchase on our store page.
    • Great gift for fishing enthusiasts.
  • Special Promotions:
    • Newsletter subscribers receive exclusive discounts.
    • Follow us on social media for additional offers.

Media Policy

Photos and Videos

  • During the Trip:
    • We take complimentary photos and videos.
  • Sharing and Privacy:
    • Inform us if you prefer not to have your images shared publicly.
  • Post-Trip Access:
    • Receive a link to an online gallery to view and download your media.

Trip Reports

  • Content:
    • Recent catches, fishing conditions, customer experiences.
  • Inclusion:
    • Let us know if you prefer not to be featured.

Social Media Sharing

  • Our Platforms:
    • Instagram, Facebook, and more.
  • Tagging:
    • Provide your handles if you’d like to be tagged.
    • Share your own photos and tag us for a chance to be featured.

Promotional Use

  • Materials:
    • Website, brochures, advertisements.
  • Opt-Out:
    • Inform us if you do not want your images used in promotions.

Customer Consent

  • Default Agreement:
    • By booking, you consent to media use unless stated otherwise.
  • Communication:
    • Contact us with any concerns or specific requests.

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