The itch to go out became unbearable (I haven't fished since last year), so today I decided to hit the river. I knew what I was getting myself into - no fish, high water level, poor visibility, yadda yadda yadda.
So I invited a new romantic interest to join me for a hike and I would just "casually" bring a fishing rod set up with my favourite artificial with me. And a backpack full of terminal tackle, of course.
I drove all the way to the top to show her the hatchery and I was shocked not to see a single fish in the side channel. Not one!
Dave et alles: Is access to the hatchery now closed to the fish? How come there is no fish at all in the side channel? Forgive my ignorance if this is normal in early March.
After visiting the hatchery we did a couple of short circuits where we could walk by the river (we wore no waders). Then we did a long-ish hike from above Upper Wilson to behind "On the way" store and back. I was surprised to see how high the river was!
Also, quite a bit of bank erosion happened recently and there were some huge trees in the water that hadn't been there before (fresh falls). In quite a few spots the soil by the river is quite soft and unstable, so please BE CAREFUL when you walk or fish there.
Here's a pic I snapped with my old phone to give you an idea:
So yeah, the river was indeed high and fast. In fact, it is so high that the "barrel" at the Gun Barrel run is almost completely submerged. The visibility is so-so - maybe a foot in the mid river. And yes, there is no fish. No one I talked to saw or caught anything. Some old timers who fish the river regularly told me this is by far the worst steelhead season in memory.
It was still a nice day with very cooperative weather (as in no rain at all). I enjoyed being out and getting the jigs wet. But most importantly...she loved it!
Fishing-wise...doesn't look promising.
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Topic: 2015/16 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates (Read 299160 times)