Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Rodney on December 03, 2012, 03:39:36 PM

Title: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on December 03, 2012, 03:39:36 PM
(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/2012/121203-1.jpg)

Between early December and late April, the Chilliwack River offers a productive winter steelhead fishery for both local and visiting anglers around the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland. While other nearby systems also provide such a fishery, the Chilliwack River yields more success due to the amount of fish being produced by the Chilliwack River Hatchery. This thread has several objectives:


Throughout the season, members will post up water condition updates so everyone can be alerted if condition is not ideal. Please feel free to post updates in this thread after your trips. We can all benefit from each other's updates and save gasoline and cost of our season. Please do not request for updates. All posts that request for updates will be removed.


Fishing regulations

Regulations for the steelhead fishery differ slightly to the fall salmon fisheries in BC, so please familiarize by going through the BC Freshwater Fishing Regulation Synopsis (http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish/regulations) from time to time if unsure. For the Chilliwack River, anglers should be aware of these regulations. Please report violators by phoning 1-877-952-RAPP (7277).



Fish species and identifications

While the primary target species is steelhead in this fishery, several other species may also be encountered. It is important to know the morphological differences between these species so you do not accidentally retain a fish that is not opened for retention.

(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/081211-1.jpg)

Steelhead (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/fish_profile/steelhead.html)'s life history is similar to Pacific salmon's. It is a variation of rainbow trout, which has an ocean phase. Unlike Pacific salmon, steelhead may not die after spawning. Size range of steelhead from the Chilliwack River ranges between 6lb and 15lb, while bigger fish have often been recorded every season.

Several identification keys can be used to recognize a steelhead. Its white gum and tongue, lack of teeth behind the tongue. Once arrived from the ocean, its body is silver with heavily spotted back. Its tail is spotted from top to bottom and it is not forked. During spawning phase, pink and red colourations become apparent on the gill plates and across the body. Below are additional photos that may assist you.

Resident rainbow trout (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/fish_profile/rainbow_trout.html) can also be caught while targeting steelhead. Unlike steelhead, they are typically under 18 inches in length or 2lb in weight. All wild rainbow trout must be released.

(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/081211-4.jpg)

Bull trout (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/fish_profile/bull_trout.html) are often encountered while targeting steelhead and they are required to be released. Their size ranges between 1lb and 10lb. Bull trout can easily be identified by its white and pink spots across the body. Their mouth is large and extends way behind the eyes. The end of their pelvic fins is often white. All bull trout must be released.

(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/081211-5.jpg)

Coastal cutthroat trout (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/fish_profile/coastal_cutthroat_trout.html) travel in schools. Several identification keys can be used to differentiate them from rainbow trout. Their body and tail are heavily spotted from top to bottom. An orange slack can be found on the bottom side of the gill plate. Their size typically ranges between 8 and 20 inches. Only hatchery cutthroat trout can be kept. All wild cutthroat trout must be released.

(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/081211-6.jpg)

Mountain whitefish (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/fish_profile/mountain_whitefish.html) belong in the salmonid family. While their body is similar to a minnow, one can easily identify them by locating the adipose fin. Their mouth is small and protudes slightly. Their size typically ranges between 8 and 20 inches.


General etiquettes

When fishing for steelhead in a stream, it is considered rude to start just downstream from another angler who is already fishing. When approaching a run, always start from the head of it and work your way down so other anglers can have a chance to try it too. If other anglers are already fishing at a spot where you want to fish, then you should either move to a different spot or talk to them first. More likely than not, other anglers do not mind having you joining them.


2012/2013 steelhead brood collection program

Information to come.


Additional readings



Additional video clips

The following steelhead instructional series are available for our subscribers (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/tour/index.html).

Steelhead Basics (21 minutes 55 seconds) (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/subscriber/steelheading-basics-01.html)
In this instructional series, seasoned Chilliwack angler Nick Basok from Chilliwack Dart and Tackle explains what type of gear you need when targeting Vedder winter steelhead.

Hunting for Late Season Steels (11 minutes 47 seconds) (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/tour/2010-05.html)
Episode five of 2010's video diary features a late season steelhead fishing trip on a very warm April day. Nick Basok and Chris Gadsden, two experienced Chilliwack River anglers, search for the most prized freshwater gamefish in British Columbia, Canada.

Float Fishing for Steelhead (20 minutes 43 seconds) (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/tour/2012-01.html)
Episode one of 2012's video diary features local Fraser Valley anglers Chris Gadsden and Nick Basok float fishing for steelhead.


Additional help

Your local tackle stores in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley provide excellent additional resource.

  • Berry's Bait and Tackle (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/advertiser/berrysbait/index.html)
  • Chilliwack Dart & Tackle (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/advertiser/chwkdart/index.html)
  • Fred's Custom Tackle (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/advertiser/fredscustomtackle/index.html)
  • Hatch Match'r Fly and Tackle (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/advertiser/hatchmatchr/index.html)
  • Nikka Fishing & Marine (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/advertiser/nikka/index.html)
  • Pacific Angler (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/advertiser/pacificangler/index.html)
  • Sea-Run Fly & Tackle (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/advertiser/sea-run/index.html)
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on December 03, 2012, 04:04:57 PM
Water condition good today, time to get out and check for some good runs that I have been told are few and far between in the Lower anyway because of the high water. :-\
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Brian the fisherman on December 04, 2012, 12:31:53 PM
The water today was a bit higher than yesterday but very fishable. had no success today but a lot of good water was covered.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on December 08, 2012, 02:23:05 PM
Water lovely, some brief snow showers today making it more like steelhead season.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: brad7 on December 09, 2012, 05:53:56 PM
Water was premium, a little high with a nice dark green colour. A ton of people on the lower river considering its early December.....
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: alwaysfishn on December 09, 2012, 07:46:51 PM
A cupcakes ton of people .....

Excellent! Never heard that expression before.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Johnny Canuck on December 09, 2012, 08:48:07 PM
mmmmm cupcakes....




(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6436838069_eabecfbc66_b_d.jpg)
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dereke on December 09, 2012, 09:12:09 PM
mmmmm cupcakes....




(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6436838069_eabecfbc66_b_d.jpg)

I will be making these!
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: adriaticum on December 09, 2012, 10:39:45 PM

Johhny those muffins look terrible.
You ought to open a breakfast shop on the vedder  ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on December 12, 2012, 04:04:00 PM
As it was a year to the date that I caught my first steelhead for last season I made my first foray to the flow today.

Found the conditions excellent with very few anglers out and I guess there was few fish too as no takers.

Weather was lovely, most likely the last nice day for 2012 on 12/12/12. I thought I would have landed a 12 pound hatchery making it a 4 12 day. ::)
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Johnny Canuck on December 12, 2012, 04:37:49 PM
As it was a year to the date that I caught my first steelhead for last season I made my first foray to the flow today.

Found the conditions excellent with very few anglers out and I guess there was few fish too as no takers.

Weather was lovely, most likely the last nice day for 2012 on 12/12/12. I thought I would have landed a 12 pound hatchery making it a 4 12 day. ::)

Were you fishing at 12:12 pm as well?
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on December 12, 2012, 05:00:51 PM
Using 12ft rod and 12lb test leader with a 12g Drennan float and size 12 hook?
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: salmonlover on December 12, 2012, 05:29:14 PM
mmmmm cupcakes....




(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6436838069_eabecfbc66_b_d.jpg)

what the front door? is that an egg in prosciutto?
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Johnny Canuck on December 12, 2012, 05:54:11 PM
what the front door? is that an egg in prosciutto?

bacon & egg cupcakes mmmmmmmmmmmmm sooooooo good!
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on December 12, 2012, 06:20:12 PM
bacon & egg cupcakes mmmmmmmmmmmmm sooooooo good!

Have yet to figure out how this fits under river conditions. :-\
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Johnny Canuck on December 12, 2012, 06:28:45 PM
Have yet to figure out how this fits under river conditions. :-\

Read reply #5

Fred's had another steelhead weighed in today. This season is going to be a steller year for fish and probably a terrible one for crowds  :-[

Chris on your tube for brood stock I've noticed you have a laminated piece of paper attached to it. I was wondering what is written on it.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on December 13, 2012, 08:06:37 PM
this site does not help with keeping the crowds away..... neither does say another steelhead weighed in at freds

Two fish at Freds on Dec 13 with the quality of local anglers fishing daily ... poor returns of early run fish to date, imo
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Brian the fisherman on December 14, 2012, 10:09:22 PM
I can't say the quallity of the run this year, but every good rod I talk to has yet to land a hatch or wild....
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on December 15, 2012, 02:17:23 PM
Conditions looking good today, fishing very slow by the reports I am getting, snow falling now.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Floater on December 15, 2012, 02:55:21 PM
Hopping the river stays in good shape for tomorrow. These cured prawns arent gona catch any steel sitting on my kitchen table.  :P
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoMan on December 15, 2012, 04:33:02 PM
(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k95/steelieman/IMAG0678_zpse4918999.jpg)

Fished a few different spots but nothing to show except for cold fingers!!!!!!
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: joska on December 15, 2012, 05:19:11 PM
was snowing hard when we left at 4. water was a steel green.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Sterling C on December 15, 2012, 05:23:24 PM
I can't say the quallity of the run this year, but every good rod I talk to has yet to land a hatch or wild....

Only two fish weighed in at Fred's so far. They're still waiting for the first derby entry.

Pretty slow out there.....
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: firstlight on December 15, 2012, 08:17:28 PM
Has been too warm .
This colder weather will get them to come in.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Toprod on December 16, 2012, 08:35:18 AM
Basically sounds like an average Dec for the Chedder.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on December 17, 2012, 09:00:46 AM
Miserable wet, windy and wet snow today, a good day to hibernate or a trip to Cookies for breakfast with "The Master' for a fishing update.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Drewhill on December 17, 2012, 06:55:14 PM
Very cold, very wet and very low vis from the top alway the down to the crossing. Must have been a slide somewhere. Didn't hear of any fish caught and didn't bother fishing below the crossing because conditions didn't seem to be improving as we went lower. Pretty typical December steelhead day.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BigFisher on December 18, 2012, 07:18:55 AM
Yeah water clarity was horrible, cant see it improving for today. Waste of time in my opinion, fish just cant see when its that bad.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on December 18, 2012, 12:43:38 PM
Conditions are OK at noon.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on December 20, 2012, 11:28:31 AM
This post is directed at the last few posts I've removed in this thread in case anyone's confused.

Unlike what some seem to believe, Chris does not have the ability to foresee the future, not that I am aware of anyway. Please stop asking him how the water condition will be on the following day. He does not need to have the pressure to determine whether someone should go fishing or not based on his prediction. If you are free, I'd suggest you go and report back to us what the water condition is.

As we have started doing this fall, all posts on water condition request will be removed. It frustrates people to check the thread for new posts only to find out they are just more requests of people asking for an update.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Floater on December 20, 2012, 11:30:46 AM
Either i missed the post where this rule was brought to attention or it never was.  :-[
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Charts on December 20, 2012, 11:43:48 AM
Rod I agree but disagree at the same time. My questions weren't directed at Chris specifically but to anyone who can update conditions. Some people are privileged enough to live near the river or work near it and are able to look out the car window and comment. Like I said in my earlier post that was deleted and Rod you know first hand now, I have a four month old baby at home and work all week so when my wife, bless her soul, says she's totally ok with me fishing tomorrow, it would be a tough pill to swollow to drive an hour to see chocolate milk as water. If Chris or anyone wants to let us know how the conditions are then great. Might save a drive out, waste a hard to come by day, and if blown get to hang out with my baby boy. Just my two cents. Chris shouldn't ever feel like he has to check the water I agree but info from a single person can help a lot of people.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on December 20, 2012, 11:49:38 AM
Yep, you and I and everyone else would hate to get to the river and find it unfishable. This is what this thread is set up every year to make the experience more enjoyable for all.

There are two reasons behind the new rule.

To improve the quality of the thread. There have been too many posts of people asking for water condition, sometimes probably more than the water condition reports. It frustrates many when they click on the thread only to find out it is yet another request.

Chris posts condition reports whenever he is back to his computer from the river. Very rarely he does not so people don't need to request for it. Sometimes he phones me up and asks me to post it sooner. He can provide reports on the current condition, but he shouldn't be asked to predict what the condition will be like in the future.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: leapin' tyee on December 20, 2012, 11:56:16 AM
UP to now , the river is in mint condition, but i cannot predict for tomorrow.  Good luck
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Johnny Canuck on December 20, 2012, 11:57:18 AM
If anglers only want to fish clear water then you're drastically limiting your skills as an angler. Whats the old saying a crappy day fishing is better than a good day at work? Im sure work can be replaced with chores or numerous other activities.

Just a question although now forbidden  :-[ is the water in the river still wet?  ;D
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on December 20, 2012, 12:34:55 PM
Visibility was around 1.5 feet at noon at the Crossing when Lew and I looked at it just before noon, raining now. Saw that a total of 5 fish have been weighted in so far this year at Fred's when Lew and I signed up for the Wally Hall Memorial Derby.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chronic_topdawg on December 20, 2012, 12:38:49 PM
Hows next lookin ;D
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigblockfox on December 20, 2012, 12:52:43 PM
i think the best thing to do if you need to know water conditions is to call freds or visist their face book page.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Floater on December 20, 2012, 01:54:21 PM
 :D
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: azafai on December 20, 2012, 02:47:20 PM
Geez what did people do before the internet? They actually had to get off their a.ss and go find out for themselves. Fair weather fisherman , pfff.



that is past.  now we have internet.  so, why not taking a use of it?

I don't understand!  Asking for or posting the current water condition is not asking for tomorrow's weather or water conditions.




Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigblockfox on December 20, 2012, 03:43:02 PM
maybe if some of these lurkers would contribute. so far 1 post for every 100 views.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: joshhowat on December 20, 2012, 05:26:47 PM
This is a joke Chris should go on strike IMO. You lazy fishermen should pay pal him a buck each time you view his information.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Brian the fisherman on December 20, 2012, 05:41:24 PM
Lol. I was fishing all day today. only encountered 2 other anglers the entire day...

Why complain if there is an obscene amount of room to play out there.
I also had a decent chat with  fisheries officers.

The water was very fishable  all day long and a good day was had for me.

Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on December 20, 2012, 09:25:43 PM
Lol. I was fishing all day today. only encountered 2 other anglers the entire day...

Why complain if there is an obscene amount of room to play out there.
I also had a decent chat with  fisheries officers.

The water was very fishable  all day long and a good day was had for me.


Because you won Keno? ;D
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: rhino on December 20, 2012, 09:40:50 PM
This is a joke Chris should go on strike IMO. You lazy fishermen should pay pal him a buck each time you view his information.

Chris does many great things other then report water conditions that help many people people,in particular anglers. He should get more credit, I aggree! When I first joined FWR Chris was always helpful and even took me out fishing to show me the right way to do things. I was greatfulf for his help and the work that he does so my wife and I took him to see our beloved Maple Leafs together!

He is a very nice man and the requests may make him feel obligated to do things that were not on his schedule to do.

Merry Christmas Mr.Gadsden! How about another Leaf game with the family hen this ridiculous lock out ends? ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Brian the fisherman on December 20, 2012, 11:34:59 PM
well that win was a cherry on the cake for a good day on the river for me.
Now to just get a hatch. grrrr
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Joey on December 21, 2012, 11:09:32 AM
Yep, you and I and everyone else would hate to get to the river and find it unfishable. This is what this thread is set up every year to make the experience more enjoyable for

There are two reasons behind the new rule.

To improve the quality of the thread. There have been too many posts of people asking for water condition, sometimes probably more than the water condition reports. It frustrates many when they click on the thread only to find out it is yet another request.

Chris posts condition reports whenever he is back to his computer from the river. Very rarely he does not so people don't need to request for it. Sometimes he phones me up and asks me to post it sooner. He can provide reports on the current condition, but he shouldn't be asked to predict what the condition will be like in the future.



I really appreciate Chris's weather/river condition reports and the journals and other members as well.Thanks. But should do so on their OWN time.Those request up to date report can email NASA......www.nasa.gov/centers/hq/about/contact_us.html.
I am a weekend warrior so what ever latest report posted really helps
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on December 21, 2012, 05:27:05 PM
Condition very good today. May put a further report under fishing reports. :'(
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on December 22, 2012, 11:21:26 AM
Conditions good today except windy in spots. Lots of people out today but heard of only one fish. Did not fish the hot spot, may slip out  agan when everyone has gone home. ;D
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: blaydRnr on December 22, 2012, 01:39:00 PM
Amongst my friends, we refer to Chris Gadsen as Mr. Chilliwack and his good deeds, i'm sure have not gone unnoticed... there will come a time when a run will be named after him...hopefully not too soon in the foreseen future!  ;)  ;D
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Drewhill on December 22, 2012, 02:52:55 PM
River was looking good today but very busy as Chris mentioned. Vis was easily a few feet. Didn't hear of or see any steelhead caught but saw a fairly nice coho bonked.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: flyrabbit on December 22, 2012, 07:48:30 PM
River was looking good today but very busy as Chris mentioned. Vis was easily a few feet. Didn't hear of or see any steelhead caught but saw a fairly nice coho bonked.

was coho caught at uppper river?
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: kid fisherman on December 23, 2012, 02:47:37 PM
The river was looking great this morning. I was able to hook a nice resident rainbow on a pink worm.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Spoonman on December 23, 2012, 04:52:38 PM
Fished from Fort Apache down to the Slesse slide....lots of vis /bit of colour above the slide...milky below.....Tolmie probably milking in too....level good in most runs....  didn't touch (xcept for a whitefish)  or see any fish....
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chronic_topdawg on December 23, 2012, 05:25:58 PM
Hiked Wilson to crossing.  Water was cloudy greenish, perfect. a lil low for my liking.  Saw a big wild buck (12ish) caught.  Beauty day.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on December 24, 2012, 01:18:09 PM
Conditions good this AM but the fishing wasn't, for me anyway.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on December 25, 2012, 02:59:00 PM
Snowing along the banks of the river now.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on December 25, 2012, 05:15:42 PM
Cleared off now will freeze tonight will be slippery for those heading to the derby tomorrrow.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on December 25, 2012, 09:10:28 PM
Clear out wirh some wind at the present time.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on December 25, 2012, 09:16:25 PM
Are you camping under the train bridge and using the remote wifi service from your iPhone to provide hourly updates for everyone until the derby starts tomorrow? ;D
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: SteelheadAdict on December 25, 2012, 10:59:26 PM
lol just finished going for a walk the water looks good and should stay good till tomorw
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on December 26, 2012, 09:02:57 AM
Are you camping under the train bridge and using the remote wifi service from your iPhone to provide hourly updates for everyone until the derby starts tomorrow? ;D
;D ;D Good news, decided not to fish and let someone else win. Hope to provide some results later today.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: farky on December 26, 2012, 03:48:35 PM
Hey Chris i went and landed a nice 10lb hatch doe, right where we watched that guy lose his fish today. ;D Anyways water is great.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on December 26, 2012, 06:01:30 PM
Hey Chris i went and landed a nice 10lb hatch doe, right where we watched that guy lose his fish today. ;D Anyways water is great.
Well done
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on December 27, 2012, 01:16:13 PM
I thought the water was a bit murky in the Lower this morning but still fishable when I checked at noon, river crowded.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Steely on December 29, 2012, 04:30:40 PM
Water was about 2-3 feet in the upper today, 1-2 in the lower, coloured up a little bit throughout the day. River needs a bit of rain too.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chronic_topdawg on December 29, 2012, 06:17:24 PM
Fished train bridge dowm, good flow little murky.  Saw a riser threw everythimg I had in the area but nobody wanted lunch.
24 hours fishing this week a good week but nothing to show, great weather and alot of eagles.  Beauty
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on December 29, 2012, 07:49:07 PM
Yes was a bit colored up but I thought got better near the end of the day, should improve by tomorrow if it remains cool over night.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Brian the fisherman on December 29, 2012, 10:00:33 PM
I lost a large steelhead today, water flow was perfect but clarity dropped a bit.
Still very fishable though
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: farky on December 29, 2012, 10:51:09 PM
Everything frozen out there tonight, slick roads drive safe on your way out tomorrow.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Noahs Arc on December 31, 2012, 03:59:42 PM
Slooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwww.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 03, 2013, 08:25:45 PM
Lovely conditions, fished from 3:30 until dusk with no success. Talked to 4 others who were in the same boat as I was. Tomorrow will change things as finally changed my mainline as do not want to break one off like a few days ago. :-[
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 04, 2013, 03:00:15 PM
Was miserable out there today with freezing rain to start the day. Talked to some top rods who had no success or seen any fish. The Master also said things have been slow the last bit and he talked to 14 people today who also had found none. Hope this is not a signal for the season.

Water condition remain good but fairly low. Hope things improve by January 15 when we start the 2013 brood capture program.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Geff_t on January 04, 2013, 03:06:52 PM
Thanks Chris, Ed and I will be out there tomorrow. I hope to try a couple of those runs that you told him about. Thank you for that as well. I am excited about to get out again.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 07, 2013, 03:29:37 PM
Water looked murky today, in the lower, around noon.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Burkie on January 07, 2013, 07:06:18 PM
Blown out or does it look fishable ?
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 07, 2013, 08:07:55 PM
Blown out or does it look fishable ?
I did not like it but only looked at it while driving, mild here tonight around 8c but rain has stopped. Maybe someone else looked at it at the end of the day?
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: blaydRnr on January 07, 2013, 09:07:48 PM
Blown out or does it look fishable ?

put it this way, i drove out from Richmond and fished for about 2 hours before the water turned to a greyish clay colour...i would give it a day or two depending on how persistent the rain is.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 08, 2013, 01:15:45 PM
Water was fishable when I looked at noon time but the rain has started again. ::)
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Johnny Canuck on January 08, 2013, 03:11:23 PM
It was snow & rain when I left today. Looked at the crossing when leaving and there was about 3 1/2 feet of visibility which is perfect I think.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: vancook on January 08, 2013, 03:22:38 PM
thanks for the reports. Trying to decide which flow to fish tomorrow. Going to keep an eye on the river levels over night and decide in the morning probably
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: yoda on January 08, 2013, 04:44:55 PM
was out yesterday too. Had at least 3 hrs of working runs and was in bliss, when water turned that grey claylook.
Water also looked on the rise. Hoping to get out again tomorrow if conditions are right.
Thanks for the input guys, guess i'll have to watch b.c.water levels page.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mvelasco on January 08, 2013, 05:28:27 PM
Judging by the pour it might be colored and low vis at mid/lower....above tamahi it is tomorrow! Will chime in afterwards with updates
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: vancook on January 08, 2013, 05:34:11 PM
According to the news there is a weather warning for the south coast. Apparently 50mm of rain for the Fraser valley over night.
Will have to make the call in the am
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: patagonia on January 08, 2013, 05:42:53 PM
Just starting to rain hard when I left at 3, water was coloring up about a foot when I left mid river... Save the gas and dont bother tomorrow itll be chocolate milk
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 08, 2013, 08:29:58 PM
River was fine in the Lower when I fished from 3:30 to 5 but the fishing was not. Sure was miserable as it was pouring the whole time, will be nice to sleep in tomorrow. ;D
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Britguy on January 08, 2013, 08:49:21 PM
It is always fishable unless blown out right ???
i am heading out there in the morning if anyone is interested in hooking up :)
not been out this year yet and need to get the line wet
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Burkie on January 09, 2013, 02:39:40 PM
2.308 on the graph pretty high water.  With the forcast for colder and drier weather hopefully it will be fishable in a couple days
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mvelasco on January 09, 2013, 04:22:00 PM
Water about 2-3km from boundary was alright. Even then the bank was only fishable. Heard of one caught, a good screw around and calorie burning day   ;D
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Burkie on January 10, 2013, 02:01:44 PM
Mid and lower river less then a foot visability and high.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Britguy on January 10, 2013, 03:54:01 PM
should be good for friday right ???
i had hoped to go out Wed but could not make it
so now my option is friday :)
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Burkie on January 10, 2013, 04:17:39 PM
You can always fish upper river above the slide its clear up there
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: farky on January 10, 2013, 08:27:59 PM
You can always fish upper river above the slide its clear up there
Not always, it depends which of the 3 main slides is coloring up the water.If it's selesse then the whole thing is dirty.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Britguy on January 10, 2013, 08:37:55 PM
I will start mid river and work my way up if its too mirky :-\
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Noahs Arc on January 10, 2013, 08:39:00 PM
Everything was good above the pipes today. Came down and fished the lower at 330 just to have a look. Maybe a foot at sundown. If I was a gambling man I'd bet the lower comes into shape for tomorrow.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Britguy on January 10, 2013, 08:49:53 PM
I like a gamble now and then
Thanks for the update :)
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Brian the fisherman on January 10, 2013, 11:59:24 PM
the river today was fishable, a quick clearing imo. i watched 3 fish caught today all were chrome slabs.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: hue-nut on January 11, 2013, 05:14:41 PM
Not sure how the morning was but I was annoyed to find that despite the steady drop in temp as well as the Hydrograph, the water was still pretty sh*tty this afternoon. The pipes were just puking.  Two to three cars at every pullout above the slides ::) Not that I don't mind fishing in 12"-18" of vis but early season like this its nice to have a little more vis for covering water. Really hope that this year we are not dealing with poor stability on some of these slides. I guess imo the water should be in much better shape for the temp. Good luck out there for the weekend.

(http://i1355.photobucket.com/albums/q703/aaronteer/41CD4841-3A1D-41A2-BC04-C8C41BB53FF0-8312-000007F575C5AB71.jpg)

(http://i1355.photobucket.com/albums/q703/aaronteer/DF43D971-CA7F-41AB-B644-2D4A8B99C5F0-8312-000007F55DF3BBD2.jpg)

(http://i1355.photobucket.com/albums/q703/aaronteer/67E46579-6517-4B7D-AAA5-B892F15E385F-8312-000007F54449CAC9.jpg)
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 11, 2013, 05:29:47 PM
Conditions in the lower were OK I thought, I guess the clay filters out some as you get further away from the slides.

 After not hooking a fish for over 3 weeks I finally found one but after 4 minutes of playing the steelhead the fish shook the hook out as I was getting it into a landing position, I thought, but not sure it was sans an adipose. Oh well, better to hook one than not as one starts to doubt ones self after going fishless for a few trips.

At least got a taste of fish today as Lew, Nick and I went our for lunch, fish and chips for me. ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Burkie on January 11, 2013, 05:39:10 PM
Wow can't believe it's still spewing like that..look like its gonna be one o those years where every little bit of precipitation is gonna color up the water
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: banx on January 11, 2013, 07:07:51 PM
was fairly high up the chilliwack today and worked my way down... early morning.... i had a few nice bites and my buddy lost 2. the water was nice, a little high but visibility was decent.  probably head out again tomorrow morning.

Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 12, 2013, 08:59:35 AM
-6 today, be prepared for frozen guides and cold fingers.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Burkie on January 12, 2013, 11:44:44 AM
As long as it gets the river back in shape faster.. Little warmer forcast for next week though
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoMan on January 12, 2013, 12:11:20 PM
It was freaking freezing and lines will not come out.

I hooked into a beauty way out in the deep( lower end ) and after about 5 minutes of battle, she came unbuttoned!!!!

Sigh :o :o :o :o :o :o

Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: rhino on January 14, 2013, 10:49:30 AM
there was almost 3.5-4 feet vis in the middle section yesterday. fished for 4 hours till my toes would not respond to the messages my brain was sending. beautiful day out and water level was perfect!
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Charts on January 14, 2013, 03:34:56 PM
Only minus 1 today on the river and ideal conditions!! Got rewarded with a beauty wild doe!
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: liketofish on January 14, 2013, 04:34:09 PM
Only minus 1 today on the river and ideal conditions!! Got rewarded with a beauty wild doe!

Looks like water condition is ideal after high water. Yet there is no report of successful trip in the Fishing Report section. Is fishing really that bad this year? Will start my fishing trip this weekend. Hope there are more fish in the river.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 14, 2013, 05:20:42 PM
Looks like water condition is ideal after high water. Yet there is no report of successful trip in the Fishing Report section. Is fishing really that bad this year? Will start my fishing trip this weekend. Hope there are more fish in the river.
Fished hard today but could not find a fish, others did.  :( ???
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: roseph on January 14, 2013, 05:22:39 PM
I fished twice this weekend and while conditions were as perfect as it gets I didn't see any signs of fish either by getting hooked or rolling.  Others might disagree but to answer your question yes it is extremely slow so far this year (5 trips for me now).
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Fish Assassin on January 14, 2013, 05:52:43 PM
I fished twice this weekend and while conditions were as perfect as it gets I didn't see any signs of fish either by getting hooked or rolling.  Others might disagree but to answer your question yes it is extremely slow so far this year (5 trips for me now).

That seems to be reflected in Fred's steelhead derby tally
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: DRP79 on January 14, 2013, 08:06:44 PM
Indeed. Only a third of the amount weighed in compared to this time last year.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: joshhowat on January 14, 2013, 08:14:25 PM
Well it's slow but not that bad. My wife and I were out Sunday and both found a few to play with. I will say they must have been cold because they where all vedder slugs. One was pretty big too 14 plus and I reeled it to the bank like a old coho. They sure are chrome bars right now and the weather was awesome just damn cold!!!!!!
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Burkie on January 14, 2013, 08:37:55 PM
Cold temp sure doesn't help..supposed to warm up by the end of the week..fishing should improve with warmer temp
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 19, 2013, 12:54:01 PM
River crawling with anglers this AM, like ants on an ant hill, they kept coming in waves. Water nice of course and I was able only to barb one.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: DRP79 on January 20, 2013, 08:35:08 AM
I saw that the lower river was crawling with people yesterday so i headed up. I was surprised at how much time and space my brother and i had. We hooked 3 fish between us with me landing a nice 12-14lb wild doe. The river was damn near gin clear to start the morning but got some nice color too it by about noon.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: leapin' tyee on January 23, 2013, 06:11:37 PM
About 12" of visibility at the crossing when i left this afternoon. Tight line
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mvelasco on January 23, 2013, 11:35:32 PM
Was out earlier today and hooked two tiny steelies.water wqs getting a tint but due to time constraint I had to bail :(. Hopefully the river will hold up this weekend
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: penguinabc123 on January 24, 2013, 04:28:41 PM
was out today, fished the upper in the morning it was gin clear mostly.  No luck for me or anyone else I spoke with.
I made my way down to the mid for lunch time and there was a bit of color, maybe 1.5ft visibility
still a nice day out on the river, I love hiking around and finding new (at least to me) water to fish
water level seemed fine, maybe a little low. I'm sure the rain will fix that
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: drh on January 26, 2013, 05:35:14 PM
Water was in prime shape when I left an hour ago,but it was raining pretty hard though,best to check the river gauge in the a.m and roll the dice then!
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: naka21 on January 26, 2013, 06:07:42 PM
yeah visibility started to get worse at light light, and raining heavy now. probably a toss up for the morning
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 27, 2013, 01:11:13 PM
Nice to meet 2 members of this forum over coffee this morning, said it was slow in the areas they fished, they said the conditions were still OK, so far.

Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 28, 2013, 12:17:11 PM
Lower looked satisfactory a couple of hours ago, still raining.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: poper on January 28, 2013, 05:38:41 PM
Was out today,mid river, water was ok.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: steely02 on January 28, 2013, 08:56:15 PM
Fished the lower this afternoon. Conditions were great. If we don't get to much rain tonight it should hold up.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 28, 2013, 09:47:16 PM
Fished the lower this afternoon. Conditions were great. If we don't get to much rain tonight it should hold up.
Still rain but cool.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 29, 2013, 12:30:33 PM
Water conditions fine at noon in the Lower.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: naka21 on January 29, 2013, 11:19:31 PM
heavy rain right now, wouldn't be surprised if its blown in the morning...... bummer
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 30, 2013, 03:01:21 PM
heavy rain right now, wouldn't be surprised if its blown in the morning...... bummer

Was turning milky when I checked the Lower around noon.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mvelasco on January 31, 2013, 01:27:48 PM
Fished the upper and it was clear. Now  at the. And its maybe about 10- a foot of visibility.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoMan on January 31, 2013, 08:52:27 PM
I was talking to a friend and as of 3:00pm, the water was perfect at the lower end.

In fact he walked into a run and got a 10lber hatch. Go figure!!!!
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BigFisher on January 31, 2013, 08:52:59 PM
River was still ugly and chalky from the clay when I left the river at 530 tonight.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoMan on January 31, 2013, 08:54:37 PM
I guess something happened between 3 and 5.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: fishbuster on January 31, 2013, 09:09:56 PM
Waters on the rise.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: slick vic on January 31, 2013, 10:41:36 PM
milky milky coco puffs
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 01, 2013, 11:22:08 AM
I would say visibility was around 18 inches at Lickman at 9:30, hopefully it will improve as the day goes on, no rain at the present time.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Drewhill on February 01, 2013, 05:50:16 PM
Vis wasn't great and getting worse in the mid and upper when I left. Perhaps a slide, it was looking muddy. Lower wasn't terrible.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BigFisher on February 01, 2013, 08:30:21 PM
Is that what happened? Vis seemed to be getting worse this evening and I left early as the vis became next to nothing.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 01, 2013, 08:44:41 PM
Is that what happened? Vis seemed to be getting worse this evening and I left early as the vis became next to nothing.
River will be empty of people tomorrow. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: liketofish on February 02, 2013, 08:11:10 PM
Water clarity was excellent today, greenish tint and not gin clear. At least 3 to 4 ft visibility. Heard of quite a few fish hooked early and I got into 2 late morning.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: younggun on February 02, 2013, 10:23:27 PM
I heard the exact opposite from multiple people. Great water conditions, with a major lack of fish. Apparently it was a waste land from above the crossing all the way down to Browne rd.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BigFisher on February 02, 2013, 10:31:13 PM
River was dead, with the exception of one last stronghold
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on February 02, 2013, 10:48:16 PM
River was dead, with the exception of one last stronghold

Yeah, with about 30 people on a 300-foot stretch of water... ::)

Thank you, but not thank you.
I'd rather get skunked in solitude than get tangled with a beak.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: SteelheadAdict on February 02, 2013, 11:02:27 PM
my budy got a nice wild buck about 14 pounds in the canal and i hooked a small hen about 7 pounds but lost it in the canal very nice water out there today
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Drewhill on February 02, 2013, 11:31:01 PM
Upper was beyond dead. Nothing hooked by anyone, not even a whitefish. Mid was clay and dead. Didn't even bother with the lower as every spot looked packed well before sunrise.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Silex-user on February 03, 2013, 10:31:20 AM
Yeah, with about 30 people on a 300-foot stretch of water... ::)

Thank you, but not thank you.
I'd rather get skunked in solitude than get tangled with a beak.
[/quote


Totally agree ;D I  like to stay away from  the hot spot = big crowds. I rather get tangled with rock......fish or stick .......fish than other fisherman lines. ;D ;D


Silex-user
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: DRP79 on February 03, 2013, 02:24:40 PM
Mid was crawling with people this morning. Water was a bit higher than last weekend and more colored but still looked good, i would say about 1-2 feet of vis. Water seemed to be rising and getting more colored around lunch time. Fishing was very slow and too many people, nice day for a hike with the fishing rod, lol.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Floater on February 03, 2013, 04:50:28 PM
Mid was crawling with people this morning. Water was a bit higher than last weekend and more colored but still looked good, i would say about 1-2 feet of vis. Water seemed to be rising and getting more colored around lunch time. Fishing was very slow and too many people, nice day for a hike with the fishing rod, lol.
Didnt you know thats all steelhead fishing is hiking with a rod :P
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 04, 2013, 10:30:11 AM
Water OK this AM on the Lower but raining hard at this time, cool out snow level down a bit, of course could change as the days wears on. A good number of people out.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 05, 2013, 11:47:06 AM
Lower top notch this AM
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 05, 2013, 05:50:17 PM
As the river was top notch today as I noted above Lew talked me into going out today for a couple of hours this afternoon. Had not fished for 2 weeks due to the Leaf Mobile on the side lines. Was pleased to land a wild buck after missing it on the first chance. Was past tubing time of 3 PM so that was a bit of a disappointment that I could not provide my second to the hatchery for the year.

Water seemed to color some when we left as I guess a bit of clay fell in up river.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Johnny Canuck on February 05, 2013, 05:53:28 PM
As the river was top notch today as I noted above Lew talked me into going out today for a couple of hours this afternoon. Had not fished for 2 weeks due to the Leaf Mobile on the side lines. Was pleased to land a wild buck after missing it on the first chance. Was past tubing time so that was a bit of a disappointment that I could not provide my second ro the hatchery for the year.

Water seemed to color some when we left as I guess a bit of clay fell in up river.

Was the rain still holding off? I left the river around noon and it was such a beautiful day considering it was supposed to be pouring all day lol
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 05, 2013, 06:33:06 PM
No rain in the afternoon, was Spring like. ;D
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Johnny Canuck on February 05, 2013, 07:06:17 PM
No rain in the afternoon, was Spring like. ;D

I know I wished I didn't wear my hoody during the hike a t shirt would have been fine lol
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 05, 2013, 08:16:00 PM
Was the rain still holding off? I left the river around noon and it was such a beautiful day considering it was supposed to be pouring all day lol
Heavy rain now.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chronic_topdawg on February 06, 2013, 11:54:22 AM
river was higher not much vis was good 2 feet in the lower, was done bye 8 with 12 lb doe.  Windy
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: liketofish on February 08, 2013, 08:08:02 PM
River in perfect shape. Just not many fish around today.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: the_tall_man on February 08, 2013, 10:22:50 PM
Sure would love to land one of them steelhead everybody's talkin' about!  six trips, one hooked and lost.  Probably user error :P
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: DRP79 on February 09, 2013, 07:39:47 AM
Beautiful day out there yesterday as far as conditions go. As for fish, thats another story. Didnt see or touch a fish at all. Talked to people through the upper, mid and lower river all with the same story, slow day/slow season.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Chehalis_Steel on February 09, 2013, 03:52:17 PM
The guys that ARE getting in to fish seem to be covering lots of water. I'm pretty sure this season is normal and last year's early season was a bit of an exception; usually the run doesn't pick up until mid February, at least from what I've seen.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: liketofish on February 09, 2013, 08:21:30 PM
Water was in prime condition. Yes, fishing was not prime at all, lol, actually quite dead around Lickman this morning, but quite crowded.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: vancook on February 09, 2013, 09:13:23 PM
The guys that ARE getting in to fish seem to be covering lots of water. I'm pretty sure this season is normal and last year's early season was a bit of an exception; usually the run doesn't pick up until mid February, at least from what I've seen.
Covering lots of water is the name of the game. The fish won't come to you.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: coho killer on February 09, 2013, 09:20:50 PM
Seen 4 landed in about 20 mins at 730 this am. All wild including the 12 doe I got.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: typhoon on February 12, 2013, 09:50:08 AM
Still low and clear yesterday, though around 3pm the upper river (below the slides) clouded up a little.
Lots of cars at every pullout, as expected.
I was fooled by a couple of Bull Trout in the lower river later in the day including one around 4lbs that was extremely chrome.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 12, 2013, 12:02:11 PM
Lower very fishable today, so far.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 13, 2013, 05:23:41 PM
What a lovely afternoon to be on the river with very few anglers in the area I fished. I guess they had all gone home with a fish or there was none around. I believe the latter as I did not have one take. :o

Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: penguinabc123 on February 14, 2013, 02:18:16 PM
out for around 5 hours this morning at the mid. No luck for me, one person said he got into two wild at first light. Upper had great visibility, about 1.5-2 feet visibility in the mid-lower section. Water has dropped since my last time out last week, but not significantly.
Still zero for the season, one of these days will be my lucky break!!

-Andrew
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mvelasco on February 14, 2013, 02:57:01 PM
out for around 5 hours this morning at the mid. No luck for me, one person said he got into two wild at first light. Upper had great visibility, about 1.5-2 feet visibility in the mid-lower section. Water has dropped since my last time out last week, but not significantly.
Still zero for the season, one of these days will be my lucky break!!

-Andrew
With you there man, putting up goose eggs right now. The spot I fished had the branch structure hauled out. Vis is exactly where I want it to be.just a matter of hunting
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: jpar247 on February 14, 2013, 07:50:08 PM
Im will both of you guys. First year fishing for these slabs. Thinking about putting the Pin away and loading up the good old spey and give her a try...
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: HOOK on February 14, 2013, 09:20:50 PM
at least with the spey rod you will be having more fun throwing up those goose eggs LoL  ;)

so far two on briefly on the starvation stick, maybe saturday will be my day or sometime next week while i work evenings for the week


Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Drewhill on February 15, 2013, 02:54:17 PM
Upper was low and slow today with a surprising amount of people out. Water was very clear. After no action, for me or anyone, went mid river and still nothing and heard of nothing. Finally went lower and saw a wild one landed and one lost but again lots of people around.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: liketofish on February 15, 2013, 03:41:11 PM
Thanks for the report. Is the lower river super clear too? What is with these people? No fish and yet so many show up. I guess no body cares about the gas $$$ in the name of fishing.  ;D
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 15, 2013, 06:32:07 PM
Thanks for the report. Is the lower river super clear too? What is with these people? No fish and yet so many show up. I guess no body cares about the gas $$$ in the name of fishing.  ;D
Yes and I drew another blank, only heard of one fish, maybe time to cut the lawn instead as fishing seems as slow as watching grass grow. :o
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: jpar247 on February 15, 2013, 07:20:06 PM
at least with the spey rod you will be having more fun throwing up those goose eggs LoL  ;)


This is true! What areas would you guys recommend best for tossing the Spey? I've always thought above the rapids looks decent...
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Carich980 on February 15, 2013, 08:34:44 PM
This is true! What areas would you guys recommend best for tossing the Spey? I've always thought above the rapids looks decent...

Definatley the Train bridge.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: HOOK on February 15, 2013, 08:58:23 PM
train bridge run is overrated. I could list almost every run along the river that will fish ok, decent, good to great with a spey rod. Some runs are a little more technically difficult on how to mend and what not, where as some are just toss, mend and let it fish. I fish everything with spey rod in hand if there is room to flip out my fly and of course if there isnt a horde of people jamming up the place. You may even see me out there at times fishing my fly like its under a float by using just tossing the sink tip and high sticking it through a piece of water LoL  ;)

the tug is the drug !!!

after the tug its basically like fighting a fish on a gear rod that is once you get the fish under control and providing you have allowed the fish to turn with the fly before trying to set the hook. setting the hook early alot of the time results in a missed fish, im horrible at waiting !!!

Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: oscar on February 16, 2013, 09:57:20 AM
A long walk with no luck on the upper yesterday.Sat down and watched a novice feather-flicker hook his first steelhead on the fly.Was a short battle, but he was pretty stoked to just get into one.Sometimes witnessing hookups is ALMOST as cool as hooking into one yourself.Time for a rain-dance, levels are crazy low.Only two brief hookups seen were the fly-guys.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Funeral Of Hearts on February 16, 2013, 12:03:15 PM
Im hoping to be one of those guys on the fly experiencing a first time hook up tomorrow... first time for everything I guess.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Carich980 on February 16, 2013, 04:36:00 PM
train bridge run is overrated. I could list almost every run along the river that will fish ok, decent, good to great with a spey rod. Some runs are a little more technically difficult on how to mend and what not, where as some are just toss, mend and let it fish. I fish everything with spey rod in hand if there is room to flip out my fly and of course if there isnt a horde of people jamming up the place. You may even see me out there at times fishing my fly like its under a float by using just tossing the sink tip and high sticking it through a piece of water LoL  ;)

the tug is the drug !!!

after the tug its basically like fighting a fish on a gear rod that is once you get the fish under control and providing you have allowed the fish to turn with the fly before trying to set the hook. setting the hook early alot of the time results in a missed fish, im horrible at waiting !!!



I used to think that way but thankfully I went to rehab & now I know..

The pin is the win !!!
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: stryker 07 on February 16, 2013, 06:17:30 PM
noticed the water around lickman started to get milky looking around 1-2pm maybe a slide from claybank?
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: blaydRnr on February 16, 2013, 08:06:10 PM
water did get silty around 11ish, but cleared up around 3:30...fishing was relatively slow.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mikeyman on February 16, 2013, 08:38:50 PM
lots of water to fish to find those biters this year. Not bad today, 2 wilds, 2 dollies, one resident, and a miss. Not as easy to get fish compared to the past 3-4 years.

Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Ezio on February 17, 2013, 04:11:35 PM
i was out for the first time on friday morning, the water was beautiful, i had to leave by 8 so i only got about an hour of decent fishing, but i hooked into one for a short period but i didnt get a very good hookset and she unbuttoned herself.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: liketofish on February 18, 2013, 10:57:32 AM
"she unbuttoned herself"

LOL.   ;D  I thought we are on a fishing site. I didn't have the luck to 'unbutton' any on Saturday fishing from first light.  ;D

Nothing for me or anyone I met in the lower section.  Water was great in the morning but turned milky mid-day. This is a steelhead year most people would like to forget.  My local old timer friend who is retired and fishing everyday used to fill his card but still without one hatchery this year and very few hookups too. This is definitely a 'ssssllllllooooowwww' year.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: jpar247 on February 18, 2013, 11:22:27 AM
"she unbuttoned herself"

LOL.   ;D  I thought we are on a fishing site. I didn't have the luck to 'unbutton' any on Saturday fishing from first light.  ;D

Nothing for me or anyone I met in the lower section.  Water was great in the morning but turned milky mid-day. This is a steelhead year most people would like to forget.  My local old timer friend who is retired and fishing everyday used to fill his card but still without one hatchery this year and very few hookups too. This is definitely a 'ssssllllllooooowwww' year.

Whew! Thought it was just me!
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: liketofish on February 20, 2013, 05:36:39 PM
Any report for river clarity for today?
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mvelasco on February 20, 2013, 05:40:52 PM
Any report for river clarity for today?
Pretty clear top to bottom, 1.5-2ft visibilty. Threw everything from col. Blades to wool and not a sniff.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mvelasco on February 21, 2013, 05:54:29 PM
Planning heading out at first light for a short shift (yes like a part time job  :D) how did the hold up today?
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 23, 2013, 03:47:26 PM
Lower was OK this afternoon, on my walk along the trail heard of a few fish taken.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 25, 2013, 11:19:51 AM
Water was not looking too good a few minutes ago, heavy rain and very windy.

Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Silex-user on February 25, 2013, 08:09:49 PM
Water was not looking too good a few minutes ago, heavy rain and very windy.


That is okay, I just  used my Sage 7116 with my ABU 7000C filled with 30lbs test and 25lbs leader and 8"  Hot Pink Jake the Snake with 5/0 Owner hook will be slaying them. ;D


Silex-user
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 26, 2013, 01:31:16 PM
Water was nice around noon.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dennis.t on February 26, 2013, 05:28:56 PM
Nice water conditions but no fish around.  Very slow,surprising with the rain we got yesterday...
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: patagonia on February 27, 2013, 07:38:01 PM
Water was in good shape today, got a bit cloudy during different parts of the day but was between 2ft to clear depending on where you fish, tomorrow may hold out if the rain starts later but I think it will be clay after that if this rain comes.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 28, 2013, 01:25:33 PM
Was OK this morning but rain has started now.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dennis.t on February 28, 2013, 04:02:56 PM
Good water conditions this afternoon, albit on the low side. No fish once again today, did not see one, did not hear of one. Sloooow...
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on March 01, 2013, 12:19:15 PM
Judging by the charts, the river is totally blown.  :(
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on March 01, 2013, 01:29:31 PM
Judging by the charts, the river is totally blown.  :(

Yup
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: farky on March 01, 2013, 04:50:02 PM
Drove over the crossing on the way home from work ,River is up and has that coffee extra cream colour.  :'(
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BigFisher on March 01, 2013, 05:33:23 PM
HOLY CRAP! The Vedder is looking as big as the Fraser right now, might be awhile before we can sting any fish.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Brian the fisherman on March 01, 2013, 05:34:25 PM
Totally blown out today :(
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: leapin' tyee on March 01, 2013, 07:07:49 PM
Yes, hopefully is going to be good for next week.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bravo252 on March 02, 2013, 01:55:40 PM
Any improvement today??? ;D
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 02, 2013, 02:24:37 PM
Was around a foot late AM, in the Lower. Very windy right now.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: leapin' tyee on March 02, 2013, 02:35:28 PM
Was around a foot late AM, in the Lower. Very windy right now.

Hey Chris, thanks for all the river condition report from you. Did you go fishing cause heard nothing from you lately ?..Hope you have a good steelhead season.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Noahs Arc on March 02, 2013, 03:06:07 PM
Only one pour soul fishing as far as I could see both ways at peach when I went down for a look. I'd say vis around 8-10" and raining very hard in town.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 02, 2013, 06:46:07 PM
Have had heavy rain all this afternoon.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: HOOK on March 02, 2013, 07:47:51 PM
I was out today. below the Allison clay slide the visibility was very bad. above it we had around 2 1/2-3 feet visibility. Only saw one fish lost at the beach by someone across the river. First time fishing above Tamihi this year  ;D

it didnt rain all day until about 230pm when it started to sprinkle, at 3pm it started getting harder and the we started noticing the wind. We headed for the truck at about 330, 5 mins after we starting to drive the rain started to downpour and we saw it was very windy

if its still pouring the river will be worse tomorrow than it was today
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dennis.t on March 03, 2013, 09:49:52 AM
Poured here yesterday,flow is high and murky...
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Johnny Canuck on March 03, 2013, 06:46:13 PM
Sure looked super nice today with about 3 1/2 feet of vis in the lower
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: steely02 on March 03, 2013, 07:37:55 PM
Sure looked super nice today with about 3 1/2 feet of vis in the lower

Is that a joke!?
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Johnny Canuck on March 03, 2013, 08:05:36 PM
Is that a joke!?

NOPE fished it just before sunset and it was in PRIME shape. When I'm standing waist deep in the water and can barely see my feet that is roughly 3 1/2 feet of vis...
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: skymaster on March 03, 2013, 09:30:15 PM
I just hop in my car and do the 90 min drive and look for myself ;)
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mvelasco on March 03, 2013, 09:38:59 PM
I just hop in my car and do the 90 min drive and look for myself ;)
yeeeep, even low vis I still try!
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: joshhowat on March 03, 2013, 09:40:04 PM
Fished the vedder tonight around peach water was prime at least 2' of vis. Would be awesome tomorrow.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: leapin' tyee on March 03, 2013, 09:54:00 PM
Upper and lower was in prime shape when i was there today.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Burkie on March 03, 2013, 10:16:35 PM
Today's river report from freds website

 A ton of rain over the last few days has kept the river dirty with lots of volume. It has dropped over night and its realistic to say we have 3"-6" visibility which should improve over the coming days if rain hold off.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: liketofish on March 04, 2013, 10:31:56 AM
So is it 3" visibility or 3' visibility?  ;D
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on March 04, 2013, 11:26:09 AM
So is it 3" visibility or 3' visibility?  ;D
Depends on whose eyes are looking :D    Mine say 18" max at the Vedder bridge right now.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: the_tall_man on March 04, 2013, 02:23:44 PM
Anyone know if the river is back in shape?
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 04, 2013, 03:03:49 PM
Anyone know if the river is back in shape?
Nice shape in my mind when I was out this morning. Saw a nice wild buck taken and was sorry I did not get to it in time to tube it for the brood stock program. I had no sucess but heard of a few others taken including another lost in the area I was in.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: the_tall_man on March 04, 2013, 03:57:03 PM
Nice shape in my mind when I was out this morning. Saw a nice wild buck taken and was sorry I did not get to it in time to tube it for the brood stock program. I had no sucess but heard of a few others taken including another lost in the area I was in.

Roughly speaking, upper or lower river?
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on March 04, 2013, 04:36:24 PM
River conditions improved all afternoon - will be prime and packed tomorrow ..
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mr.pink on March 04, 2013, 05:06:47 PM
 i was there today,upper is about 6' below the clay is about 3',little high yet,but great shape. i hit 2 one mid and one upper.great day,frosty in am though,the first half hour was brutal on the fingers.cheers.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 04, 2013, 10:14:40 PM
Roughly speaking, upper or lower river?
Lower
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mvelasco on March 05, 2013, 02:41:01 PM
lower near hopedale is around 2.5 feet and near borden around 3ft. good day out, watched two hooked and one landed. just a little windy.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Drewhill on March 05, 2013, 04:29:56 PM
Good vis throughout the river. Surprising amount of people out for a weekday. Even with all the rain and boost in levels it didn't seem like there were more fish caught compared to any other day this year. Guy told me he landed a wild but he was also using 10+ feet from float to weight in water that wasn't more than 5 feet deep  :-\
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mikeyman on March 05, 2013, 05:13:21 PM
I have noticed lately an increase in long float/leader, bounce ripping, anyone else?

Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mvelasco on March 05, 2013, 05:49:24 PM
I have noticed lately an increase in long float/leader, bounce ripping, anyone else?
x2
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dennis.t on March 05, 2013, 08:54:55 PM
I have noticed lately an increase in long float/leader, bounce ripping, anyone else?
Absoutley not. Been out 5 times in the last 7 days and have noticed more fly fisherman swinging the spey rod. Where are you fishing?
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Drewhill on March 05, 2013, 09:03:03 PM
Mid and upper have a lot more guys doing it. It's actually guys that should know how to fish that are doing it too. Last year they could slay fish and this year they are going multiple trips getting skunked. They get desperate, lengthen the line, give it a good rip and hope their luck changes. Should really realize is all that ripping does is spook any fish that might be around.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigblue on March 05, 2013, 10:14:21 PM
Mid and upper have a lot more guys doing it. It's actually guys that should know how to fish that are doing it too. Last year they could slay fish and this year they are going multiple trips getting skunked. They get desperate, lengthen the line, give it a good rip and hope their luck changes. Should really realize is all that ripping does is spook any fish that might be around.

Seriously, there are guys trying to floss a steelhead?
I have seen guys dead floating at Borden area before, but trying to floss one like in salmon fishing by ripping the water? I doubt that is going to work. ::)
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dennis.t on March 05, 2013, 10:20:28 PM
Again. I have not seen anyone fishing a long leader. Ive covered alot of water in the last few days and come across many anglers,and have not seen anyone trying to floss a steelhead. Sounds like you fellas are just trying to stir up the pot. Im getting tired of this issue rearing its ugly head ad nauseam. Get out and there and catch a fish.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Johnny Canuck on March 05, 2013, 10:22:32 PM
Again. I have not seen anyone fishing a long leader. Ive covered alot of water in the last few days and come across many anglers,and have not seen anyone trying to floss a steelhead. Sounds like you fellas are just trying to stir up the pot. Im getting tired of this issue rearing its ugly head ad nauseam. Get out and there and catch a fish.

Maybe your standards of a long leader are different than others...
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dennis.t on March 05, 2013, 10:34:01 PM
Maybe your standards of a long leader are different than others...
Have not seen any one using a long leader ( over 3 ft ) trying to "rip" or floss a steelhead.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: DRP79 on March 06, 2013, 06:25:40 AM
I have not seen the excessively long leaders ripping away but I have seen more than a couple guys with about 8-9 feet from float to bait in about 3-5 feet of water, ripping away. The float just lays flat on top of the water the whole time as they rip 3-4 times per drift cause of snagging bottom.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Silex-user on March 06, 2013, 08:14:35 AM
I have not seen the excessively long leaders ripping away but I have seen more than a couple guys with about 8-9 feet from float to bait in about 3-5 feet of water, ripping away. The float just lays flat on top of the water the whole time as they rip 3-4 times per drift cause of snagging bottom.


Maybe the guys are trying to catch some Rockfish. ;D LOL


Silex-user
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Johnny Canuck on March 06, 2013, 09:34:25 AM
Have not seen any one using a long leader ( over 3 ft ) trying to "rip" or floss a steelhead.

I myself think anything over 18-20" is excessively long maybe mikeyman, mvelasco and Drewhill think the same and have grouped you in the long liner group where as you think it's perfectly fine.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Drewhill on March 06, 2013, 12:15:43 PM
Never mentioned anything about long leaders and flossing ??? I was talking about the same thing as DRP79, excessive line from float to weight.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mvelasco on March 06, 2013, 12:30:53 PM
anything over 2 ft is long to me. excessive float length is also puzzling
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dennis.t on March 06, 2013, 02:19:39 PM
 Water conditions are good again today. A sucesssful day for me once again... ;D
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Steely on March 06, 2013, 02:25:58 PM
Water conditions are good again today. A sucesssful day for me once again... ;D
I echo that statement exactly ;D
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Noahs Arc on March 06, 2013, 04:21:49 PM
Flossed.  ;)
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 07, 2013, 03:57:10 PM
Nice conditions today but no fish for me, heard of only one caught.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Drewhill on March 08, 2013, 03:25:27 PM
Conditions looked good top to bottom. Sounded quite slow out there, only heard of one wild landed. Lots of people out as well.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 08, 2013, 08:50:09 PM
Conditions looked good top to bottom. Sounded quite slow out there, only heard of one wild landed. Lots of people out as well.
Yes it was, saw one wild taken on a corkie when walking the Roraty Trail this AM.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: jpar247 on March 11, 2013, 05:06:53 PM
Conditions looked pretty good today, a lot of good fishing spots wide open with no one in site. Saw one hatchery taken just after noon while walking the dog...
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 12, 2013, 12:23:37 PM
Lower visibility an hour ago around a foot.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mvelasco on March 12, 2013, 07:46:05 PM
save the gas money. left at 1 today and allison was blowing out. cement was decen but get colored as well. as of now its coming down hard in langley so the ved will get hit soon enough
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: HOOK on March 12, 2013, 10:52:27 PM
just because its raining in the city doesnt mean it will hit as hard in the valley. There has been tons of times when its raining hard in Surrey/Langley and been sunny or at least not raining in Chilliwack.

Last time i hit the flow it was supposed to rain a decent amount. We got sprinkled on for 5 mins around noon, as we were leaving though the sky opened up and let go. We seem to have excellent timing to just miss the onslaught the last few years  ;D

get the water graphs and put them into your favourites list. If it rises a good amount really quick then expect the water to be dirtier in colour. If the water is brown look for soft water and fish almost right against shore and out to where current is rougher, shallower is usually better as well in dirty water.

water graph - http://www.wateroffice.ec.gc.ca - click "my station list" on the left side and then go through the list adding the rivers you fish or want to keep an eye on
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dennis.t on March 14, 2013, 06:27:00 PM
Had a look this afternoon. Wow the river is the highest ive seen it this winter! Its ripping and has that murky greyish color.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 15, 2013, 12:17:44 PM
Visibility was approaching 2 feet a few minutes ago, in the Lower.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 16, 2013, 12:24:55 PM
 After losing one fish yesterday and 2 other chance as well and seeing some others landed during 3 hours of fishing time I went to the river at first light this morning with high hopes.

 I was disappointed to see the rain over night had made conditions poor. I went for coffee and came back later and saw water visibility better. Saw one landed and heard of 2 others along with a white fish taken. Fish were taken after 11 so things may still improve later today if the rain holds off.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dennis.t on March 17, 2013, 04:10:15 PM
Had a look at peach rd this afternoon. The river hasnt come down much since friday.Still very high and colored. Talked to some anglers and they told me hadnt seen a fish or heard of any. >:(
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Johnny Canuck on March 17, 2013, 04:59:42 PM
Had a look at peach rd this afternoon. The river hasnt come down much since friday.Still very high and colored. Talked to some anglers and they told me hadnt seen a fish or heard of any. >:(

So what was the vis? Level is perfect I think, but I'm no low water fisherman.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Spoonman on March 17, 2013, 05:57:52 PM
Went out today from 10-3.......Lower was too high and coloured for my liking with 6"-12" of vis........went lower upper above the slides and vis was better at about 24"-30"......saw one lost,one whacked and had a handshake myself  :o but was asleep at the wheel and forgot the hookset  :P
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 17, 2013, 08:26:19 PM
Fished the Lower for a couple of hours and I thought the conditions were OK. Go to the Fraser Valley Salmon Society FB oage and see what it looked like. Maybe a fish picture too. ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 18, 2013, 09:58:28 PM
Water was very good this afternoon, fished 5 hours without a bite, saw or heard of only 4 fish hooked with 3 retained. Do not feel bad as The Master was skunked too.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: yoda on March 19, 2013, 10:15:41 AM
Nice running into you yesterday, Chris.
Member how i missed that one takedown, and then you went upstream and the boys went across to fish?
I saw you fishing the shore for awhile and then you left.
Well, needless to say, John i believe, got into a line peeler. He had no where to go so it wasn't looking good.
Just when you think all is lost, his fish turns and slowly comes back. Very spirited fight was rewarded with a
12lb hatch, It was fun watching him play it. Probably the fish i missed which had moved up to the run where he was.
I tried a couple of other spots with no luck. Awesome day to be out!

Da's me
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 19, 2013, 11:57:28 AM
Yes, it was good to have a chat.

I had heard Jon got one shorly after I left, will give it another go this afternoon, time the tide tiurns for me, the worse year in a long time for me with only 7 on and 2 to the beach. :-[ ;D
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 19, 2013, 06:20:25 PM
Another day on the flow for 4 hours without a bite, saw or heard of none. Lovely water conditions and some sweet runs fished. The days of 6 fish days in March are now but a distant memory. Must be the fish farms. ::)
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Funeral Of Hearts on March 19, 2013, 07:26:35 PM
Another day on the flow for 4 hours without a bite, saw or heard of none. Lovely water conditions and some sweet runs fished. The days of 6 fish days in March are now but a distant memory. Must be the fish farms. ::)

Saw one hatchery caught mid river just before noon.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on March 19, 2013, 08:22:18 PM
Must be the fish farms. ::)
Lame ;D ;D ;D
I suspect the wild steelhead  population is about normal, about 1-3 thousand fish, but the hatchery component appears to be considerably less than normal this season.
More on that in another post ;)
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigblue on March 20, 2013, 01:46:27 PM
More on that in another post ;)

I think a lot of people who fished the Vedder this year is curious about what is happening with the hatchery component.
May I ask where this other post is?
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on March 20, 2013, 02:37:18 PM
I think a lot of people who fished the Vedder this year is curious about what is happening with the hatchery component.
May I ask where this other post is?
Just posted.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: liketofish on March 20, 2013, 08:31:46 PM
With the rain today and the river graph showing a shoot-up, is there any update on river clarity?
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: obie1fish on March 21, 2013, 01:21:30 AM
Pretty milky around 3 pm when I packed it in.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 21, 2013, 01:55:45 PM
Water was OK at 1, in the Lower.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 23, 2013, 10:18:55 AM
Great conditions this AM but cool. Lots of people out enjoying the crisp morning. Saw a nice hatchery taken and I lost another fish, at least I saw this one briefly not like yesterday when I had some other chances. :( Of course Jon and The Master both out fished me once again yesterday. :o
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Drewhill on March 23, 2013, 05:45:28 PM
Lots of people in the upper today. Really, really slow though. Water was a bit high but great clarity.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 29, 2013, 09:34:33 AM
Water is excellent, saw a fish lost while checking out the conditions a few minutes ago.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: obie1fish on March 29, 2013, 08:43:48 PM
Same here re: nice water. Beautiful day, beautiful water on upper and mid. Best day for me this year- Hooked and landed 2, partner hooked 3/landed 1 nice hatch doe, done by 11 am. Just a "good to be here" sorta day.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Toprod on March 29, 2013, 09:05:22 PM
One wild for me about 10 pounds, fought like hell. Took the usual roe bag, short floated.

Saw two other wilds carefully released by others as well, beauty day and nice water conditions.

We were on the lower river.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Steely on March 30, 2013, 04:06:43 PM
Today was a warm one, felt more like summer steelheading. Water was perfect, fished from daybreak till 1, landed 3. Two wilds and a hatch, that's the kind of late season action I've been waiting for. Biggest of the bunch was about 13-14 pounds, fought like a wet sock though. Other two fought great. All three were caught from top end to bottom end, one from each section of river, all on blades.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on April 02, 2013, 01:30:52 PM
Water up some from the recent hot spell, fishable. Few anglers around Lickman, one angler said he had landed one.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: firebird on April 03, 2013, 06:28:49 PM
Popped in at Hopedale area for a couple of hours this afternoon. The river was gorgeous and I saw two bright fish released. Have yet to feel a fish on my nice spey outfit but I foresee a hard smash coming soon  ;D
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on April 03, 2013, 08:41:19 PM
Popped in at Hopedale area for a couple of hours this afternoon. The river was gorgeous and I saw two bright fish released. Have yet to feel a fish on my nice spey outfit but I foresee a hard smash coming soon  ;D
Hope so or my rod building credibility is out the window ... right? :) :) :)
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: firebird on April 03, 2013, 09:15:11 PM
Hope so or my rod building credibility is out the window ... right? :) :) :)
The rod's a bute Dave. I just need to hit a fish or two to build the confidence. Then they'll come in droves ::). I'll be vacationing all next week, using it in a secret spot full of behemoths which will test your building skills to the max :o. Let's hope it's still in 4 solid pieces at the end of the trip ;D.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on April 09, 2013, 04:50:30 PM
Water was lovely today, very few anglers out and I even landed a steelhead, the river must be full of them. ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BigFisher on April 09, 2013, 08:57:13 PM
I did not get one are you sure?
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: yoda on April 09, 2013, 09:54:21 PM
Fished two other long runs after i saw you today Chris.
As you said, not many anglers out. No luck for me.
Nice to know why . And i thought that was bottom i was hitting with my lead all day.
Must  have been so many fish that it was hitting their backs. :D :D
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: big spring on April 15, 2013, 06:17:43 PM
Thinking of going to veddar tomorrow,can someone shed some info on water condition.thanks.cheers.
Title: Re: 2012/13 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RainbowMan on April 15, 2013, 07:07:25 PM
Water a bit high for my liking but gin clear on the upper...