Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => Fly Fishing Cafe => Topic started by: KLX on March 02, 2012, 05:25:06 PM
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My favorite thing to do is float down a river with my raft and stop at nice secluded water to fish. I am familiar with WA state rivers and Island rivers but have never floated anything close to Vancouver. Can anyone recommend a good day float right now for steel on the fly - preferably with hatchery fish but not essential? Anything up to class 2.
think of it as keeping another guy out of your walkin spot...
thanks
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I know a few guys that will float the Vedder but they only do it when the water is alot higher. I also know a couple guys that float the Chehalis but you need two seperate vehicles for sure and good experience of fast flows, I say this because alot of the Washington state rivers are like large sloughs for the most part from what i have seen, not a narrow fast flowing canyon river like the Chehalis.
Im sure there are other rivers to float but you asked about ones with hatchery steelhead and those are your two best bets. You could float the Squamish and from what i hear its a very nice float which i want to do myself.
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I would try the Stave. I know it is not much of a float but you wont be dissapointed with the fishing in and around the Islands that you can only get to with a boat.
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I didnt suggest the Stave because if you explore even a little you can figure out how to wade to most of the islands and its not much of a drifting river when you can row back up to your vehicle ;) lol
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I have seen a lot of people floating the lower parts of the cheakamus and the squamish.
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I know a few guys that will float the Vedder but they only do it when the water is alot higher. I also know a couple guys that float the Chehalis but you need two seperate vehicles for sure and good experience of fast flows, I say this because alot of the Washington state rivers are like large sloughs for the most part from what i have seen, not a narrow fast flowing canyon river like the Chehalis.
Im sure there are other rivers to float but you asked about ones with hatchery steelhead and those are your two best bets. You could float the Squamish and from what i hear its a very nice float which i want to do myself.
X2 on the squamish and I have done the chekamus as well. Both great for wild steelhead opportunities only. Buls and bows to be had as well. All catch and release. Your timing is about right for that system as it gets good by mid to late march great scenery and not busy when you float it.enjoy!
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it's possible to float the Harrison. Lots of people do it in canoes, kayaks and 'toons. The best access is from Harrison Hot Springs so you will need a motor to cross the lake and the top end of the river is slow. Access is also possible from Morris Slough though the slough is rather shallow. Some people I know have done the Chehalis to Harrison and take out either at Kilby or by the #7 bridge. Another option is the Skagit as long as there's enough water in it. However you'll need to scout ahead to avoid log jams and other hazards.
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X2 on the Cheakamus... beautiful river to float down and the steelhead fishing has been pretty good recently
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i will mostly likely drift the upper squamish this weekend. hopefully it has a few fish. looking to get my first fly tricked steel ;D
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Last 2 times I've tried to get into the Upper Squamish I've been stymied by snow. Hope you have better luck!
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Last 2 times I've tried to get into the Upper Squamish I've been stymied by snow. Hope you have better luck!
When was the last time. I'm hoping the road will Improve by Saturday
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Last was a few weeks ago and a few weeks before that. After the powerhouse they hadn't plowed anything and since I don't have a high clearance or chains I did not risk going further.
I find this hwy 99 webcam page to be very useful. http://images.drivebc.ca/bchighwaycam/pub/html/www/4.html (http://images.drivebc.ca/bchighwaycam/pub/html/www/4.html) If there is snow between Alice Lake and Garibaldi then most likely the same for the Valley Road.
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Hey Rhino if you make it up that way please post a report on road conditions!
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Sorry. I didn't go as the water levels were too low for a good upper drift.