Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Rodney on December 11, 2016, 02:12:04 PM

Title: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on December 11, 2016, 02:12:04 PM
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.


2016/2017 steelhead brood collection program

Information to come.


2016/2017 Wally Hall Junior Memorial Fishing Derby

http://www.fishingwithrod.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=40595.0


Additional readings



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)
  • Fred's Custom Tackle (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/advertiser/fredscustomtackle/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: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: TheLostSockeye on December 12, 2016, 04:57:56 PM
water is low and clear. Need a 4x4 with clearance to access any of the pull offs on Chwk LK Rd. Roads are slippery be careful out there.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: John Revolver on December 12, 2016, 05:41:25 PM
Gin clear and freezing temps from top to bottom today.  gear freezing up was an issue. Like thelostsockeye said, do not attempt anything above tamahi without a 4x4.  Same with the hopedale and gravel pit parking lots.

no reports of fish anywhere.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: SilverChaser on December 22, 2016, 01:19:51 PM
Spent every day this week getting to know the river once again. Whitefish everywhere but no Bulls or Steel. River is on the low side and pretty clear. Haven't heard of anything caught either.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Steelhawk on December 22, 2016, 05:12:36 PM
How much snow pack on the dyke trail or well known parking locations (like the Crossing, Peach, Lickman, etc.)? It would be nice to park away from these spots but probably too much snow for non 4x4 to get in.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on December 22, 2016, 05:36:06 PM
How much snow pack on the dyke trail or well known parking locations (like the Crossing, Peach, Lickman, etc.)? It would be nice to park away from these spots but probably too much snow for non 4x4 to get in.
Have not checked the spots you mention but a lot of snow has melted last few days. Actually I was at Lickman a few days ago and it was fine.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Nicolas The Fisherman on December 22, 2016, 06:56:52 PM
How much snow pack on the dyke trail or well known parking locations (like the Crossing, Peach, Lickman, etc.)? It would be nice to park away from these spots but probably too much snow for non 4x4 to get in.
Parking locations at Lickman and Peach are fine as of today . Was out this morning scouting . Crossing should be ok too . Most of the snow has melted around the lower river .
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: SilverChaser on December 23, 2016, 07:15:42 PM
How was the river this afternoon?
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: TheLostSockeye on December 24, 2016, 03:59:18 PM
How was the river this afternoon?

Coloured as heck
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: SilverChaser on December 27, 2016, 05:41:03 PM
Maybe it's just me, but walking the river the last few days, i've noticed a lot less garbage than usual. Just wanted to thank everyone for pack it in/pack it out and if you help clean up the river every outing  ;D
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on December 29, 2016, 06:03:27 PM
Conditions were OK today even with the heavy rain all day but was cool, almost too cold for me to make my first steelhead outing for this season. Had some color but was hanging on when I left near dark I may write a more detailed report later, on Fishing Reports.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on December 30, 2016, 01:48:38 PM
Nearly 300 views since I posted yesterday so better put up another for today. :P Water was good this AM and the river was crawling with anglers today, maybe they heard I caught a fish yesterday. ;D ;D ;D

 Of course it was a lot nicer than yesterday, no rain. I never saw fish caught in the couple of hours I was on the flow. With colder weather on the horizon I think I will go out again in a few minutes and enjoy the lovely weather.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on December 31, 2016, 07:48:25 PM
We have been getting heavy snow for the last while here in Chilliwack, watch the roads if you come this way tomorrow.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: nosey on January 01, 2017, 06:41:02 AM
Does anyone happen to know the delay between high tide in Vancouver and high tide at the highway bridge on the canal?
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Walleye76 on January 01, 2017, 12:36:16 PM
Ive always heard 3hrs from high tide in New West not sure about Vancouver
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Fish or cut bait. on January 01, 2017, 02:26:38 PM
4 hours approx from PT Atkinson is what I generally go by.
So about the same...
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Twitchy on January 01, 2017, 03:04:20 PM
Just a reminder about etiquette, I know it's a busy river, but if you see another angler working down a run, don't jump in below them. I know it can be tempting sometimes if you see some nice water, but there is lots of river to fish and can always come back to a spot if it is occupied. For the most part people have been fishing and moving and being respectful and polite. I generally don't mind guys fishing below me if you ask, but I was working down a run right about to get to the prime holding spot and 3 guys came up river and started casting below me. You don't budge in line infront of people at the grocery store do you?
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cdjk123 on January 01, 2017, 04:27:02 PM
Went out for about 4ish hours today. Wasn't too busy, but there were people in the usual spots. Didn't take much to find solitude.

Started in Yarrow, and worked my way downstream for about 1km of the river, fishing all the fishy looking spots. One solid bump on float. Tried to get it to bite again, but no luck. Visibility was about 4 feet. Used pink worms, and some jigs.


Decided to head to the upper section, upstream of Allison. Very clear conditions, and will probably get clearer with the cold coming this week. Fished all sorts of runs-made sure to move around a lot.

Switched over to beads and caught a very ambitious whitefish lol, but that's it. Attempted one run on the fly-no luck. Headed home when the guides iced up.

If you're fishing this week, you might want to consider lightening up your presentation to match the water clarity.

Have fun out there.

-CK




 
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Noahs Arc on January 01, 2017, 05:28:22 PM
Just a reminder about etiquette, I know it's a busy river, but if you see another angler working down a run, don't jump in below them. I know it can be tempting sometimes if you see some nice water, but there is lots of river to fish and can always come back to a spot if it is occupied. For the most part people have been fishing and moving and being respectful and polite. I generally don't mind guys fishing below me if you ask, but I was working down a run right about to get to the prime holding spot and 3 guys came up river and started casting below me. You don't budge in line infront of people at the grocery store do you?

Sad, but these days on specifically the vedder, if I come to a vacant run, I'll fish the meat and potatoes first then go to the top and work my way through again. Maybe give that a try. Saves you from any hurt feelings knowing you've had your way with the run first.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Noahs Arc on January 01, 2017, 05:29:32 PM
And no I'm not a low holer and I'm not justifying it by any means. I'm just saying its a lost cause in some areas.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: HOOK on January 01, 2017, 06:14:45 PM
Sad, but these days on specifically the vedder, if I come to a vacant run, I'll fish the meat and potatoes first then go to the top and work my way through again. Maybe give that a try. Saves you from any hurt feelings knowing you've had your way with the run first.

I do the same thing when I show up to an empty run. Fish the money water first then hit the less likely stuff
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 02, 2017, 08:06:21 AM
-4 and howling winds this AM, the fish are safe from me anyway.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on January 02, 2017, 08:12:47 AM
Had an amazing day out there yesterday. Fished from first light and was rewarded with fresh snow, sunshine, and entire runs all to myself for hours. When I DID come across others, everyone was respectful and polite. Even saw a couple frisky steelhead dart and jump just after first light (enough to keep me going all day). No fish for me but had a couple float downs that I'm sure we're missed bites. Gear never froze up, toes and fingers were warm all day and I found a mint balsa float (which I've really been enjoying using lately-I like the way they float and their sensitivity-and they're so affordable when they're FREE😜). Glad to have gotten out on such a perfect day before this cold snap sets its grip.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Nicolas The Fisherman on January 02, 2017, 11:12:23 AM
Was freezing this morning. The guides were freezing up every couple casts and after accidentally dipping my reel in the water while getting ice off the guides, my reel froze solid. Headed home shortly after that. The winds we're getting now makes it very hard to get a good drift anyway. Water is low and clear on the lower river for those wondering.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: SilverChaser on January 02, 2017, 05:48:41 PM
Truck temp. gauge read -7C this afternoon in the upper. Got rewarded with a few wild fish. Water is very clear.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 03, 2017, 12:29:13 PM
Still windy on the Vedder today but I think I will brave the elements this afternoon. ::)
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 03, 2017, 06:52:17 PM
An enjoyable 3 hour outing this afternoon. I had the river to myself and was able to even cross the river to fish some great runs. However the fish, if there would not co operate. Was like the old days having so much river to fish without the usual crowds.

The wind was not to bad but cold on the hands, especially when the sun went down.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: TheChumWhisperer on January 04, 2017, 08:01:53 AM
Pics or it didn't happen..

Truck temp. gauge read -7C this afternoon in the upper. Got rewarded with a few wild fish. Water is very clear.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on January 04, 2017, 09:01:37 AM
current water temp is about 1.25 C (34F). Fish must be approaching a state of catatonia. Temperature of the Fraser at Hope is just a tad above freezing.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 04, 2017, 01:14:27 PM
Seems a bit warmer or maybe we are getting used to it.
Saying that I will venture out for a couple of hours this afternoon, feel confident as i should be due after a fish on my first trip last week and nothing the next 4.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wildmanyeah on January 04, 2017, 08:22:19 PM
Over the years I have learned not to even bother for steelhead for like 2-4 weeks after the derby. There such territorial fish it seems like every year takes awhile for them to move in or around again. Key seems to be to get out a few days before but if people are catching you won't find any reports.

Glade some people are having some luck after the derby hope this bodes well for the stock.

Happy Hunting
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 05, 2017, 01:47:19 PM
Wind has now died down but still cool. The calm before the next snow hits tomorrow.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: greyghost on January 05, 2017, 09:43:20 PM
Over the years I have learned not to even bother for steelhead for like 2-4 weeks after the derby. There such territorial fish it seems like every year takes awhile for them to move in or around again. Key seems to be to get out a few days before but if people are catching you won't find any reports.

Glade some people are having some luck after the derby hope this bodes well for the stock.

Happy Hunting
Glad you didn't post this on the 27th of December! I would have stayed home on the 28th and not caught a Steelhead or 3!
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: b8floater on January 06, 2017, 07:48:02 PM
New river report as of 3:30 today - https://youtu.be/AwabBC2JEG4 (https://youtu.be/AwabBC2JEG4)
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 07, 2017, 12:54:11 PM
Wind picked up again today, lots of anglers out when i took a drive around including a number bar fishing in and below the Canal, they were keeping warm huddled around a fire.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mikeyman on January 07, 2017, 03:36:56 PM
Fished yesterday. Started at the crossing. Wont do that again with the construction going on. Fished down a ways no fish. Then fished train bridge area. The river is lower then I can remember making for very tuff fishing.  I assume fishing will be slow until we get a warming trend to bump the levels up. So many tail outs are so low cant see fish moving much until low light conditions. What fish are in are probably hiding out and not up to biting with the cold. Good luck! Still nice to get out.


Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Taboo on January 08, 2017, 09:28:03 PM
Fished for 4 hours or so today.  The wind made it tough on the lower river, and despite being above zero she was brisk!  Saw a boot black wild coho landed up river but nothing else.  I was experimenting with jigs and spent more time messing around with my gear than casts in the water.  Always nice to be out though!
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on January 08, 2017, 10:33:02 PM
Fished today too.

Stopped for a bit in the lower but had enough of the wind and head up river. Nothing for me.. Water looked super clear. Saw a few old very dark and zombified Coho up near the slab.

Saw a big ole' bobcat across from me while I was up river. Saw a few of them last year too, but not as big as this one....
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 09, 2017, 08:16:54 AM
About 4 inches of snow this AM, school are closed so I guess the fishing is too.  :-\ :-\
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on January 09, 2017, 11:33:06 AM
Was like a blizzard when I left yesterday
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 10, 2017, 08:07:03 AM
Yesterday was a lovely afternoon on the river and many other anglers thought the same as there were people everywhere.  I talked to a number of them and no one reported a fish.

I had a nice bite from a snag that took all but my float so went home disgusted.

The NE wind has started again today so I will leave the river to the younger crowd.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Silex-user on January 10, 2017, 05:48:14 PM
Yesterday was a lovely afternoon on the river and many other anglers thought the same as there were people everywhere.  I talked to a number of them and no one reported a fish.

I had a nice bite from a snag that took all but my float so went home disgusted.

The NE wind has started again today so I will leave the river to the younger crowd.

Chris maybe you caught rockfish. Tough to bring it  in. :D



Silex user
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 11, 2017, 02:14:13 PM
Still windy and cold today but the wind has died down some.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 12, 2017, 08:10:50 AM
No wind to speak of this morning but still cold.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mikeyman on January 12, 2017, 04:09:25 PM
-12 up top this morning...-8 when we left...cold! Low! No fish.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: ankey on January 12, 2017, 06:14:11 PM
-9 at Alision Pool. All my toes were numb.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: 1750carl on January 12, 2017, 07:27:30 PM
Super cold and there was ice/slush floating down the river, and a couple of times my bait would sit on the ice/slush on top of the water. Fished from top to bottom (various holes) not even a sniff. . . Didn't hear of any fish being caught either.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on January 12, 2017, 08:43:30 PM
I too braved the cold .... no fish.
 Except for an old black and tan (moldy) coho that slowly followed my colorado blade right up to the bank.... looked like it was in a trance....was weird:P 
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: NothingToSnagAbout on January 13, 2017, 06:42:45 AM
How active could you possibly expect the fish to be in these conditions?
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on January 13, 2017, 08:24:15 AM
Ya...No kidding ....lol

There is always hope...besides,was still good to be out exploring. I have caught before in the -3 to -5 range.....

Next week should shake things up, with the lower temps and rain, the river should come up some and hopefully we'll see some fish enter the system
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: John Revolver on January 14, 2017, 11:18:55 PM
Stay home.

Its stupid cold.

Its supid low.

Its stupid windy.
 
Dont be stupid. Stay home and wait for late January temps When it warms and water levels bump up. This is getting fcking redic. These fish are stuck, stale and NOT moving.


...
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dave c on January 15, 2017, 11:45:54 AM
Hit mid-river Saturday with a buddy.  Fished several runs saw one coho boot taken.  Near end of the day went back to first run we fished.  Sun was low, my buddy put on a  Colorado and first drift was into a Wild Buck around 14 -15lb.  Quickly released.  I put on a blade and about 4 drifts later landed a 10lb hatch buck.  Great day.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: stsfisher on January 15, 2017, 12:43:43 PM
Hit mid-river Saturday with a buddy.  Fished several runs saw one coho boot taken.  Near end of the day went back to first run we fished.  Sun was low, my buddy put on a  Colorado and first drift was into a Wild Buck around 14 -15lb.  Quickly released.  I put on a blade and about 4 drifts later landed a 10lb hatch buck.  Great day.

David/Andy?
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dave c on January 15, 2017, 01:00:40 PM
David/Andy?
Yup who's this?
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: stsfisher on January 15, 2017, 07:00:24 PM
Yup who's this?
Check your pm's
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Apennock on January 16, 2017, 09:43:56 AM
Nah, it'll be the slowest week yet.  Stay home everybody ;)
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Silex-user on January 16, 2017, 12:46:41 PM
Anyone else pondering the forecast for tons of rain this week? Coupled with some warmer weather, and it doesn't take a far stretch of the imagination to to maybe see some fresh fish spill in the systems


Ssshhhhh..... ::)


Silex user
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 16, 2017, 06:00:33 PM
Was a lovely afternoon to be out, maybe I am turning into a fair weather angler now, I think I am one of the oldest anglers out there but happy still able to do so.

Lots of anglers out but saw nothing landed but did hear of some caught. Every run seems to have someone fishing it and of course runs was pounded before we afternoon chaps get out.

Will try my luck at badminton tonight.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dave c on January 16, 2017, 06:29:15 PM
Was a lovely afternoon to be out, maybe I am turning into a fair weather angler now, I think I am one of the oldest anglers out there but happy still able to do so.

Lots of anglers out but saw nothing landed but did hear of some caught. Every run seems to have someone fishing it and of course runs was pounded before we afternoon chaps get out.

Will try my luck at badminton tonight.
and we get to watch our beloved leafs tomorrow
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Noahs Arc on January 17, 2017, 10:20:17 AM
Mid River very chalky maybe 16" vis at best and degrading below the crossing.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 17, 2017, 02:35:54 PM
Mid River very chalky maybe 16" vis at best and degrading below the crossing.
It did not look too good at Lickman when I stopped by around 11. It will only get worse as raining hard right now.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on January 17, 2017, 06:08:32 PM
The river is toast.  Stay home.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Fish Assassin on January 17, 2017, 06:16:24 PM
Should be productive when the water recedes.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on January 17, 2017, 06:38:19 PM
Should be productive when the water recedes.

Yeah, should be interesting. I hope to hear of lots of wild fish caught (and carefully released, of course) as these early fish are what buck and I see in the upper river in April and May.   So far, anecdotal catches of both wild and hatchery fish are very poor, but the weather and fishing conditions have been brutal. 
 
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 18, 2017, 12:08:22 PM
As must of you are aware. the river is in an unfishable condition.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 19, 2017, 12:51:15 PM
Conditions are improving some as visibility around a foot I think, of course it could change at any time with the thaw on. Rain has been on and off all day so far.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 20, 2017, 02:00:35 PM
River was in great shape this morning saw the first one caught other than mine a few weeks ago. Heard of two others in the 2 hours I was out, maybe will slip out again and hopefully the many others out there today will have gone home. ;D
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: TheLostSockeye on January 20, 2017, 02:45:03 PM
Chwk lake road this morning was a sheet of black ice. You couldn't go over 50km without sliding all over the place. Just a warning to all of you first light fishers it might be like this tomorrow in the AM.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on January 20, 2017, 04:23:17 PM
Good advice! Vedder Mountain Road was the same ... a few cars off the road.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on January 20, 2017, 04:29:30 PM
River was in great shape this morning saw the first one caught other than mine a few weeks ago. Heard of two others in the 2 hours I was out, maybe will slip out again and hopefully the many others out there today will have gone home. ;D
Well after that it will be a zoo tomorrow  ;D
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 20, 2017, 05:55:40 PM
Well after that it will be a zoo tomorrow  ;D
It always is a zoo these days on the Chilliwaqk Vedder River Dave, week days or weekends it does not matter what is posted. I will post this and make it a double zoo tomorrow. ;D

Went out for an hour this afternoon and fished a run that I suppose had been pounded all day but on my fourth cast, second steelhead of the year landed.  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RainbowMan on January 20, 2017, 06:00:55 PM
It always is a zoo these days on the Chilliwaqk Vedder River Dave, week days or weekends it does not matter what is posted. I will post this and make it a double zoo tomorrow. ;D

Went out for an hour this afternoon and fished a run that I suppose had been pounded all day but on my fourth cast, second steelhead of the year landed.  ;D ;D ;D

Triple zoo in process! ;D
Congrats for the fish though.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 20, 2017, 06:07:39 PM
Triple zoo in process! ;D
Congrats for the fish though.
Yes it makes it more of a challenge to catch one with all the anglers out there. ;D

Of course we have to keep FWR the most popular fishing web site in the world as these reports gets more clicks for Rodney. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: yoda on January 20, 2017, 08:39:24 PM
Way to go Chris, was it a hatch?
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 20, 2017, 08:46:38 PM
Way to go Chris, was it a hatch?
No a wild one but I never mind these days, as just being able to get one with all the fishing pressure the river gets now is enough of a reward. ;D
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 21, 2017, 01:43:41 PM
Out again for a couple of hours this AM, at first light too for the first time this year but nothing for me but saw one caught and heard of others. Good to see Joey as well. River was fairly crowded as Dave predicted but a very friendly group enjoying the morning fishery.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: redtide on January 21, 2017, 03:07:45 PM
water clarity improved from yesterdays to a nice deep blue and water level also dropped.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: yoda on January 21, 2017, 07:13:40 PM
I agree with you Chris, the people I ran into today were very friendly. Bit of a gong show but if you walked away from the big groups
I pretty well fished unimpeded  for most of the afternoon. Managed to find a really juicy spot today (first time out), and got my
worm ripped under for a short tug of war, but it only had the bottom of my worm on. Hook just about got him. Did manage one more pull down to no avail. All in all a beauty of a day and nice to at least feel one.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Apennock on January 25, 2017, 02:30:24 PM
Such great weather and nobody here has been on the water in 4 days?  Weird. 
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Tangles on January 25, 2017, 03:08:04 PM
It's not weird, it's logical :D It means everybody is on the flow, not wasting their time glued on screens :)
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Fish Assassin on January 25, 2017, 04:18:43 PM
Keeping their catches secret.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 25, 2017, 04:54:58 PM
I checked at Lickman this morning and not an angler in sight, I guess they are catching them elsewhere or everyone has gone home with a fish. ;D
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Apennock on January 25, 2017, 05:10:42 PM
It's not weird, it's logical :D It means everybody is on the flow, not wasting their time glued on screens :)

Maybe disappointing is a better word.  I suspect everyone "on the flow" has benefitted from a report from the rest of us at one time or another. 

Sometimes I feel the "community" aspect of this group gets lost sometimes.  At any rate, I'm heading out tomorrow afternoon.  I'll let you guys know how it is :)
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on January 25, 2017, 05:40:46 PM
I checked at Lickman this morning and not an angler in sight, I guess they are catching them elsewhere or everyone has gone home with a fish. ;D

Really?  What time was that?  I was at Peach around 10 am and saw about 20 anglers, fishing 4 runs.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarkii on January 25, 2017, 06:25:31 PM
I checked at Lickman this morning and not an angler in sight, I guess they are catching them elsewhere or everyone has gone home with a fish. ;D

Yeah um checking at 2 am doesn't count you know.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on January 25, 2017, 08:00:18 PM
Really?  What time was that?  I was at Peach around 10 am and saw about 20 anglers, fishing 4 runs.

That's it? They must have all dispersed after yesterday...  ;D
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 25, 2017, 09:35:45 PM
Really?  What time was that?  I was at Peach around 10 am and saw about 20 anglers, fishing 4 runs.
That must be where the fish are then. I imagine the fires will be burning soon.lol
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: TheLostSockeye on January 25, 2017, 10:10:40 PM
Lots of reports everyday if you know where and how to look  ::)
Tough out there as you have to be at a run before first light to have a good chance at a fish. I don't mind fishing behind others but when your the 12th guy to fish a run and its only 8am is pretty ridiculous
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: greyghost on January 25, 2017, 10:59:13 PM
Lots of reports everyday if you know where and how to look  ::)
Tough out there as you have to be at a run before first light to have a good chance at a fish. I don't mind fishing behind others but when your the 12th guy to fish a run and its only 8am is pretty ridiculous
The funny thing was that the 4th 7th and 10th guy all landed a Steelhead before you the 12th guy came through. You don't want to know about the 13fh guy "that's the guy behind you" he landed 4 Steelhead in the run.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 26, 2017, 01:11:16 PM
A lovely day out, fished first light for the second time this steelhead season but to not avail, missed a fish of some sort though. Went for coffee with Lew and back out but nothing, lots of people out but did not see a fish hooked, heard of a couple in other parts of the river. I was around Lickman.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on January 26, 2017, 01:17:20 PM
Everybody go to Lickman! ;D

Here is the fish you missed. ;)

(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/2016/170126-4_zps8kq4dw9d.jpg)

That is the smallest steelhead I've ever caught. Missed another one before I had to quit at 8:30am.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 26, 2017, 01:40:36 PM
Everybody go to Lickman! ;D

Here is the fish you missed. ;)

(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/2016/170126-4_zps8kq4dw9d.jpg)

That is the smallest steelhead I've ever caught. Missed another one before I had to quit at 8:30am.
Glad you got out to do some real fishing. :P
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on January 26, 2017, 02:39:10 PM
Going back to fake fishing in just over one week from now. ;D
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Noahs Arc on January 26, 2017, 04:45:57 PM
Rod you sure that's not one of your pictures of an Edith lake fish ;D
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 28, 2017, 01:01:45 PM
Slipped out this AM where I had one on briefly yesterday but no one home. I then left it to the weekenders who were out in large numbers today. Cleaned up some garbage around a party site and the tins as well close to $25 worth, must have been some party. ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Silex-user on January 28, 2017, 01:11:00 PM
Slipped out this AM where I had one on briefly yesterday but no one home. I then left it to the weekenders who were out in large numbers today. Cleaned up some garbage around a party site and the tins as well close to $25 worth, must have been some party. ;D ;D

A least the $25 dollars worth  of tins pay for gas money. ;D ;D ;D



Silex user
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on January 28, 2017, 05:01:09 PM
Low and clear... Lots of mouth breathers out today ;D but found several quiet spots albeit no fish had a lovely day to myself on several runs...need more rain
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 28, 2017, 07:17:43 PM
For those looking for the Wally Hall Junior Memorial Steelhead Derby, results are  here. Some people have been saying it was hard to find results.

https://www.fredscustomtackle.com/copy-of-wish-lists
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on January 30, 2017, 01:24:07 PM
A nice late morning trip with a good walk but that was the highlight for me. Heard of the odd one taken but did not see the action myself.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on January 30, 2017, 02:53:41 PM
Overnight rain didn't change the river conditions. It's still in very good shape.

The float got buried once this morning, hooked the right species again, but the wrong size came up. 14 inches long...
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on January 30, 2017, 04:35:58 PM
Curious Rod .. wild or a residual?
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on January 30, 2017, 04:37:22 PM
The one I got today popped off before I got to see it, but the one from last week was wild.

(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/2016/170124-2_zpsarwyfdh8.jpg)
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: TheLostSockeye on January 30, 2017, 05:08:54 PM
I missed my invite to that huge party at the old prison site. Garbage strewn everywhere cans everywhere absolute mess. Wound up getting 3 grocery bags full of empties. Now I know why there was 6 honda civics parked there this past saturday.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: yoda on January 30, 2017, 06:57:57 PM
Got out for the afternoon today. Water was perfect. Me and this really nice fly guy got low holed just when we were  getting to the meat part of a run. The low holer's first cast got him a wild one that he had to release. The fly guy got into a bull trout that he released.
I started working the water he just left and was rewarded with a 9lb hatch doe(yum,yum)!
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bj23 on January 30, 2017, 08:51:37 PM
Slipped out this AM where I had one on briefly yesterday but no one home. I then left it to the weekenders who were out in large numbers today. Cleaned up some garbage around a party site and the tins as well close to $25 worth, must have been some party. ;D ;D

Thanks Chris.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 01, 2017, 07:55:45 AM
Very strong out flow winds this AM, not for the faint of heart.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on February 01, 2017, 09:05:40 AM
Very strong out flow winds this AM, not for the faint of heart.

Yeah, I went home. 😁
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Fish Assassin on February 01, 2017, 10:31:44 AM
Yeah, I went home. 😁

Alternative fact: "I got skunked" :D
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on February 01, 2017, 11:27:11 AM
You can almost run for the White House FA. ;D
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Tex on February 01, 2017, 01:20:05 PM
Alternative fact: "I got skunked" :D

LOL!!!
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: yoda on February 01, 2017, 09:13:24 PM
You guys are such wussies. Went out for morning and afternoon. wind was howling in the lower end. Made for less crowdsl
Kept the fingers warm with hand warmer pack. Saw two fish landed, 12lb wild and a dolley around 4lb. Heard of two other wild in
the same run. None for me today.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Noahs Arc on February 01, 2017, 09:15:55 PM
You are such a wuss for using hand warmers :P
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Blood_Orange on February 01, 2017, 09:25:10 PM
You are such a wuss for using hand warmers :P
Real men don't use their hands at all when fishing. It makes things really tough.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: yoda on February 02, 2017, 11:02:47 AM
So, to clarify, I only had one warming pack in my left glove.Does that only make me a half-wuss? HaHa!
I see the wind is howling again out there.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cdjk123 on February 02, 2017, 07:14:07 PM
Fished the upper today on the pin. Used a variety of displays, no luck.
Water is starting to get to the super low and clear stage. Lost most of it's "steely green" colour now.

Starting to get colder...This upcoming cold snap might deaden the fishing for the next week. But hey, you never know!

Good luck to everyone this weekend!
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on February 03, 2017, 09:04:44 AM
Snow is coming down pretty good right now. I'd avoid coming out this way today.... String wind in the valley and snow is blowing sideway.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 03, 2017, 01:58:07 PM
Snow is coming down pretty good right now. I'd avoid coming out this way today.... String wind in the valley and snow is blowing sideway.
Yes pretty poor condition in the Valley now,just got in, snow will soon be drifting as well with these "String" winds. ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on February 03, 2017, 08:23:08 PM
Preparing for an early morning on the flow... Could be one of those magical snowy days if you are brave enough---Or absolutely horrendous! Guess we'll find out....
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: DRP79 on February 03, 2017, 11:06:26 PM
Im switching back to my habs hat and pulling out a slump buster slab tomorrow.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cdjk123 on February 04, 2017, 08:04:51 AM
Be careful coming out this way. Slippery everywhere. Tons of snow out this way.

Tight lines!
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 04, 2017, 08:26:34 AM
Be careful coming out this way. Slippery everywhere. Tons of snow out this way.

Tight lines!
Thats for sure, an hour to clean the driveway and is building up again. ::)
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: DRP79 on February 04, 2017, 08:27:48 AM
Quite heavy here in Langley as well. My slump buster may have to wait.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 04, 2017, 09:44:05 AM
This is how it looks in Chilliwack now. https://youtu.be/kOOs0rS_O5E
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 04, 2017, 03:50:32 PM
Winds still blowing with about 2 feet of snow where we live, a few brave souls out there, braving the roads and the wind.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Every Day on February 04, 2017, 04:14:57 PM
We tried briefly today before my buddy broke his rod.

We were using the one tonne deisel and could barely get off the road in the upper river above tamihi. Brand new tires and 4x4. It'll be totally inaccessible tomorrow with how hard it's snowing now unless the plowed clear some pull outs.

Tough walking too with snow well over the knees!
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on February 04, 2017, 06:02:53 PM
Totally true.  Conditions here in Chilliwack are brutal, snow is still falling and the wind is still blowing.  20" of snow on my truck that I can't get out of my driveway.  Side roads have not been plowed and probably won't be for several days.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Wiseguy on February 04, 2017, 07:52:39 PM
Side roads don't get plowed here in the Wack. We live on a school street and it dos not get plowed. Pretty sad. And as far as fishing pull outs getting plowed? LMAO!
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cdjk123 on February 04, 2017, 09:58:31 PM
We tried briefly today before my buddy broke his rod.

We were using the one tonne deisel and could barely get off the road in the upper river above tamihi. Brand new tires and 4x4. It'll be totally inaccessible tomorrow with how hard it's snowing now unless the plowed clear some pull outs.

Tough walking too with snow well over the knees!

@Every Day

Hey Dan, It's Cam K.

Joe asked me to tag along with you guys today...I'm glad I stayed home based his report when he got home lol :P . Sounded like it a brutal day.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 05, 2017, 08:05:05 AM
 4 to 5 inches of more snow overnight and now -4 no wind, yet.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on February 05, 2017, 10:05:18 AM
4 to 5 inches of more snow overnight and now -4 no wind, yet.

Drive up here and dig us out...
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Noahs Arc on February 06, 2017, 10:57:46 AM
Had to haul a load out to vedder road last night. My first time coming out there since Friday.
It's like a whole other world out there. Cars completely burried under snow drifts on Evans road and south sumas. Just antennas poking out.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 06, 2017, 11:26:38 AM
Not much snow overnight but drifting snow on the north south roads. Wind died down some from last night. Just got back from a trip to town, driving conditions were good but will leave the river fishing to the young and brave.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 07, 2017, 11:26:23 AM
Nice sunny day but drifting snow because of the high winds in spots but I found driving good however some drivers still donot learn to drive for the conditions.

In a hurry to find a snow bank I guess.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: farky on February 08, 2017, 02:02:11 PM
Also the gates for peach, lickman and hopedale, have not been open since the weekend .
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on February 09, 2017, 10:04:32 AM
Looks like there's been a pretty good spike in the graph. Wonder if there'll be trees floating down the river by the weekend😜
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 09, 2017, 11:00:45 AM
Lots of limbs breaking off the tress now because of the freezing rain. Donot think many people will be out but watch out if walking below trees. It is just at the freezing mark now.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 09, 2017, 12:18:57 PM
Report coming in, visibility is under a foot at this time.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 09, 2017, 04:04:25 PM
Updated from some sources river out and rising.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on February 10, 2017, 09:35:53 AM
Graph shows river dropping - if the rain and wind holds off it should be a pretty good weekend. Fingers crossed
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: NothingToSnagAbout on February 10, 2017, 10:10:19 AM
The graph looks a little wonky, I guess the snow disrupts the readings?
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on February 10, 2017, 12:31:06 PM
Can anyone tell me if the gravel road at Tamihi is drivable? Was going to rent a cabin at the end of the road down there this weekend but I haven't even been down there this winter, and with the conditions right now, I'm guessing it's 3 ft of frozen slush.... If anyone has actually physically been down there in the last 24 hours and could give me the goods I would appreciate, thanks
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: swimmingwiththefishes on February 10, 2017, 01:03:56 PM
Can anyone tell me if the gravel road at Tamihi is drivable? Was going to rent a cabin at the end of the road down there this weekend but I haven't even been down there this winter, and with the conditions right now, I'm guessing it's 3 ft of frozen slush.... If anyone has actually physically been down there in the last 24 hours and could give me the goods I would appreciate, thanks

As they also operate the RV site at Tamahi, you could give Thurston Meadows campground a ring.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on February 10, 2017, 02:55:28 PM
Good idea , thanks Fishes
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: stsfisher on February 10, 2017, 05:16:01 PM
As they also operate the RV site at Tamahi, you could give Thurston Meadows campground a ring.
I might suggest you call the guy running the B&B cabin. Simple solution to your problem.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on February 10, 2017, 05:39:11 PM
Cabin's been taken off the site, I assume because the road is impassable
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 11, 2017, 12:19:56 PM
Condition were so good this AM, I could not believe I did not get one or see one caught. Lickman Road parking lot closed and I imagine Peach too. Trees and limbs down everywhere.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on February 11, 2017, 05:42:11 PM
I managed a beautiful hatchery doe about 12 lbs and heard of others, beautiful day-River's in great shape!
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on February 11, 2017, 06:22:50 PM
I managed a beautiful hatchery doe about 12 lbs and heard of others, beautiful day-River's in great shape!

Show me the picture
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: ribolovac02 on February 11, 2017, 07:26:49 PM
Show me the picture

Maybe go out there fishing, catch a fish , take a picture and post it your self, couse at five posts on this forum , you are sure asking a lot ...
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on February 11, 2017, 09:14:17 PM
Maybe go out there fishing, catch a fish , take a picture and post it your self, couse at five posts on this forum , you are sure asking a lot ...

What I asked is a photo buddy.
Went to vedder 5 times, only one hook up but finnaly lost. A new photo could cheer me up.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dave c on February 11, 2017, 11:03:17 PM
What I asked is a photo buddy.
Went to vedder 5 times, only one hook up but finnaly lost. A new photo could cheer me up.
you could always check out Fish Porn.  Some very nice shots.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: ribolovac02 on February 11, 2017, 11:08:15 PM
What I asked is a photo buddy.
Went to vedder 5 times, only one hook up but finnaly lost. A new photo could cheer me up.

I'm glad to hear of your hook up "buddy" to bad you lost it , we could of had a new picture of a stealhead in this thread.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 12, 2017, 09:54:49 AM
Good conditions once again this AM, saw no fish taken on the 2 hour trip.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on February 13, 2017, 05:21:43 AM
I haven't figured out how to post pics on here or I'd be glad to post a pic. Btw buddy, if you've had one steelhead hook up in 5 trips I envy you and you should be thrilled. This fish came to me after literally probably almost hundreds of hours of casting, hiking, stalking, obsessing, learning, yearning, frozen fingers and toes.... That's steelheading.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: NothingToSnagAbout on February 13, 2017, 06:03:42 AM
Jk47, did you get it on your new found shrimp recipe?
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on February 13, 2017, 07:34:07 AM
Nope, pink worm-small one
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on February 13, 2017, 08:04:10 AM
Lost one yesterday .... my buddy landed a 12 lb wild doe.

So far have lost 3 this season ... none to hand .... many trips ...
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 14, 2017, 12:14:23 PM
Water up a little but still good color, before the monsoon that they say is on the way. Missed a fish of some sort at Gwyn's run, took the bait off but must not have liked the taste of it and would not come back. :P Was good to meet John Revolver on the river as well today. I did not see any action while out for a 2 hour trip.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: John Revolver on February 14, 2017, 09:46:32 PM
Was good to meet John Revolver on the river as well today. I did not see any action while out for a 2 hour trip.

Great to meet you as well!

Started the day up Top ,great vis, sunny skies and steely green water. Then went down and did the lower river circuit peach/lickman/hopedale and then finished back up just above Tamahi to end the day.

Clouds were rolling in fast and water was rising and colouring up As I was leaving.  A good amount of anglers on the water for a weekday. Everyone was working through water very quickly which was good. I did not see or hear of any fish taken today.

River will most likely blow out over the evening
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on February 15, 2017, 10:57:23 AM
River is brown as of this morning.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on February 15, 2017, 10:54:16 PM
Who can tell me how many steelhead were caught on fly this season?
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: sbc hris on February 15, 2017, 10:56:07 PM
17
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on February 16, 2017, 08:19:11 AM
 Yup .....  17

 ::)
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: TheLostSockeye on February 16, 2017, 08:19:32 AM
Would love to see the data on the graph but unfortunately it is down at the moment. Water is way higher than yesterday and full mud from top to bottom. Lots of debris heading down river. Was quite a few creeks going across chwk lk road this am.

Some new runs in the making
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: santefe on February 16, 2017, 08:54:57 AM
Just check out the road cam at the Vedder Crossing bridge for height and clarity of the river.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: GENERAL-SHERMAN on February 16, 2017, 09:59:56 AM
3.15 at the crossing and logs floating down. Going to be blown for a while.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Walleye76 on February 16, 2017, 01:07:47 PM
Just check out the road cam at the Vedder Crossing bridge for height and clarity of the river.
Road cam at the crossing??? You have a link for that? Ive only seen (or heard of)the Chilliwack Lake Road cam which is in the Upper river
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: fisherforever on February 16, 2017, 01:24:18 PM
Road cam at the crossing??? You have a link for that? Ive only seen (or heard of)the Chilliwack Lake Road cam which is in the Upper river
. Type Chilliwack cams and it's 3rd or 4th down the list of cams
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Walleye76 on February 16, 2017, 02:48:09 PM
. Type Chilliwack cams and it's 3rd or 4th down the list of cams
Thanks!
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Apennock on February 16, 2017, 02:50:45 PM
Pretty rough (http://pho.to/AcNLm)
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cdjk123 on February 16, 2017, 04:11:51 PM
Don't bother on the C/V for a while...looks like chocolate milk.

Tie your flies/leaders instead!
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on February 18, 2017, 03:27:24 PM
Looking forward to hearing a river report for today as I was not able to make it out but would like a crack at it tomorrow if it's back to fishable yet/doesn't blow again tonight...
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on February 18, 2017, 03:34:05 PM
https://www.facebook.com/fredscustomtackle/photos/a.115033951919245.24337.113421562080484/1233698410052788/?type=3&theater
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on February 18, 2017, 06:22:10 PM
Thanks for the update Rod.... Tight lines tomorrow everyone
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on February 18, 2017, 10:06:04 PM
Chum my flies tomorrow.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 20, 2017, 01:05:56 PM
Water still high but great color however it did not help me break out of a slump of only 2 fish for the season.

Talked to a fellow fishing a run as I came down river who had lost one yesterday he said, left the run he was fishing to him of course. A little while later I see him coming out with a nice steelhead from the run.

Heard of one other taken but most anglers were in the same boat as me.

Maybe tomorrow.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on February 20, 2017, 05:33:08 PM
Same. Fished Sunday, water was actually nice and green up top but so high couldn't find any fish and saw no one/heard of no one catching. TONS of people out Sunday. Still found many runs to myself and stayed away from the masses. 2 fish slump for me as well :'(
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on February 21, 2017, 08:19:41 AM
Lost one on Sun aft.

There were quite a few people on the river early in the day ....but in the aft, I fished a few empty runs.

Water was high but fairly clear in the upper stretches... Must be shaping up nice right now though.



Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 21, 2017, 03:55:09 PM
Is very nice, saw 2 caught , one where I had just fished. :-X heard there was 2 tubed as well when speaking to a CO on the river.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: SilverChaser on February 21, 2017, 07:30:41 PM
Walking along Chwk Lake Road back to my vehicle, I noticed that there were about 20 garbage bags of random building supplies (I believe) just dumped off one of the side roads. I grabbed a picture just in case, maybe someone knows something? Kind of disturbing that people still do this.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cdjk123 on February 21, 2017, 08:02:34 PM
You can report to the FV Illegal Dumping Alliance

https://www.facebook.com/FVIDAcleanup/?fref=ts

Also, report it to the RAPP line, it'll get cleaned up properly. There's been a lot of issues with people dumping asbestos recently in the Chilliwack River Valley
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: SilverChaser on February 21, 2017, 08:20:41 PM
You can report to the FV Illegal Dumping Alliance

Just reported, thanks!
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 21, 2017, 08:50:09 PM
Just reported, thanks!
Thanks for this and you have an answer on our FB page.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Old Blue on February 22, 2017, 02:15:57 PM
Any sign of it dropping today?
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: SilverChaser on February 22, 2017, 05:01:47 PM
Waters el primo, lost one today
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on February 24, 2017, 12:47:09 PM
Must be pretty low again by now..I haven't been able to get out since last weekend when it was high..Looking forward to hittin it up tomorrow though
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on February 25, 2017, 06:56:39 PM
Rivers super clear.. Landed a nice bull today, thought it was steel at first, as it hammered my roe hard and then held like a stone in some fast water for a few seconds. Then (as they do) it came in pretty much on its side  ;D heard of a few caught. Lots of people out. ALL very respectful. Love steelhead season
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: obie1fish on February 26, 2017, 10:47:34 AM
Was out Saturday for a while. Water was very clear mid-section where I was fishing, but at the level I like. Beautiful colour in the lower section. And like you, Jk, I met lots of very amicable folk. Landed and released a pretty 13 lb. wild doe. Me very happy.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 26, 2017, 01:14:07 PM
We now have that NE wind to deal with again but is getting rid of the snow fall from last night.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on February 27, 2017, 03:34:07 PM
Snowing very hard now 4 inches and building.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cdjk123 on February 27, 2017, 04:05:21 PM
*sigh*.....Chilliwack getting more snow...here we go again!
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mkempe on March 01, 2017, 02:18:06 PM
Mark Madryga is telling me to expect 25-30 cm in the next 24 hrs. Could make navigating the river difficult for the weekend unless it gets washed away Friday
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 01, 2017, 02:59:06 PM
Mark Madryga is telling me to expect 25-30 cm in the next 24 hrs. Could make navigating the river difficult for the weekend unless it gets washed away Friday
Snow gone here in the Valley floor.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dave c on March 01, 2017, 03:11:10 PM
Fished the Lower yesterday afternoon.  Managed to hook into one which snapped me off. Water was beautiful.  Tight Lines All.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on March 01, 2017, 07:53:51 PM
River still looked good today. Bit breezy. It should be ok tomorrow still.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on March 02, 2017, 05:37:15 PM
Woke up this a.m. and looked at the forecast and figured today might be the only chance in the next few days to fish if the river blows out so I played hooky and drove out. Super clear up top still so I made my way down. Lost one in the afternoon and another angler just down from me bonked about a 6 lb hatch. Hopefully things heat up after some rain...tight lines
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 03, 2017, 04:00:48 PM
Very heavy rain this afternoon, things could be tought tomorrow.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on March 04, 2017, 11:17:41 AM
Judging by the graph the water is prime. Van is packed for camping and I'm leaving for Chilliwack to spend night on river. Yeha gonna be a cold night!
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 04, 2017, 03:33:47 PM
Visibility around 2 feet when I looked a while ago. Snow level down low on the hills. Fishing very slow in the Lower from reports I was given.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on March 05, 2017, 05:53:01 AM
^^Same story^^ River conditions perfect, where's all the fish? Didn't see or hear of anything caught yesterday. Re-fuelling at Starbucks, hopefully today sees some fish
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on March 05, 2017, 03:06:31 PM
Tough fishin. Another dolly today, about 5-6 lbs, that was it. Then I went float hunting for a bit as my stock was dwindling. A dne and a couple dinks and my day was complete.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on March 05, 2017, 07:40:18 PM
Went out for a few hours this aft. Water was pretty coloured in the lower and mid.... bit clearer higher up Hooked 2.... lost one and landed one....a 12-14lb wild doe!

Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dave c on March 08, 2017, 11:19:20 AM
Was out mid river yesterday not a sniff.  Water was getting pretty colored.  Didnt see one taken.  Speaking to several guys all are amazed at the lack of fish.  This should be prime time.  Been to several fishy looking runs the last few weeks and nothing.  Usually you see someone with a fish, not lately.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mkempe on March 08, 2017, 11:45:14 AM
I saw 1 landed and 3 lost Sunday. Additionally, a nice gentleman I fished next to at some point said he saw 5 hooked (including one for himself).
He showed me a pic of his wild buck. It was a beaut! Nothing for me, but my fishing buddy lost 2 out of the 3 I saw.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Birkenhead on March 10, 2017, 12:55:20 PM
Family friend will be in the Abbotsford area on Monday for week and he would like to fish the Vedder but is recovering from right knee surgery a couple of months back so his mobility is still a bit limited.

I don't fish the Vedder but was looking on Google Maps and see that either the Vedder Crossing or the Keith Wilson Bridge areas look fairly accessible for him? Or are there any areas that is any easy walk with no major river bank rock scrambling that he can fish?
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 10, 2017, 04:30:14 PM
Family friend will be in the Abbotsford area on Monday for week and he would like to fish the Vedder but is recovering from right knee surgery a couple of months back so his mobility is still a bit limited.

I don't fish the Vedder but was looking on Google Maps and see that either the Vedder Crossing or the Keith Wilson Bridge areas look fairly accessible for him? Or are there any areas that is any easy walk with no major river bank rock scrambling that he can fish?
Lickman Road parking lot area is easy to get to the river. The river I heard had poor visibility today.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Birkenhead on March 10, 2017, 07:15:32 PM
Lickman Road parking lot area is easy to get to the river. The river I heard had poor visibility today.

Thanks Chris, I'll pass onto my friend to also check out the Lickman Road area.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dobrolub on March 10, 2017, 07:55:18 PM
water levels are increasing rapidly
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigblockfox on March 13, 2017, 07:27:51 PM
water was around a foot vis today. super quite, hardly any anglers. no fish for me.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: t.wiebe on March 13, 2017, 07:42:37 PM
Very quiet on the lower this evening, got a healthy sized bull trout on the starvation stick.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: b8floater on March 13, 2017, 10:39:58 PM
Couldn't post this yesterday, so this is a day late. Here's a quick little river report as of 2:30pm yesterday!
https://youtu.be/OToHwt5VScU (https://youtu.be/OToHwt5VScU)
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Steelhawk on March 16, 2017, 01:48:55 PM
Any update on water visibility? Thanks.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: santefe on March 16, 2017, 04:40:54 PM
Just returned from the river.  Went up to the slab, high and coloured maybe a foot or less visibility.
Too high for my liking.  Walked the spawning channel at the hatchery and saw nary a fish.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 16, 2017, 08:28:08 PM
Fairly cool this evening so may come around by tomorrow, if the rain holds off.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Steelhawk on March 17, 2017, 02:24:24 PM
Just returned from the river.  Went up to the slab, high and coloured maybe a foot or less visibility.
Too high for my liking.  Walked the spawning channel at the hatchery and saw nary a fish.

It is either a slow year or that the steelheaders are getting very efficient at catching and landing every hatchery fish since December. LOL.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: armytruck on March 17, 2017, 03:07:57 PM
It is either a slow year or that the steelheaders are getting very efficient at catching and landing every hatchery fish since December. LOL.
                            Steelheader Sealions AR AR AR  :o
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on March 17, 2017, 03:28:22 PM
It is either a slow year or that the steelheaders are getting very efficient at catching and landing every hatchery fish since December. LOL.

Yes, a very slow year for hatchery steelhead, but was earlier predicted to be so.  The juveniles released for this years return were undersized and possibly had some disease issues.
Speaking to a few locals who fish the upper river (above Tamihi Creek) ... all wild fish, virtually no hatcheries.
In the next few weeks what hatchery steelhead made it through the gauntlet of anglers will be arriving at the hatchery overflow; I predict not many will show.

From what I hear the juvies now rearing are up to optimum size (for this time of year) so if ocean conditions are favorable expect better returns in 2-3 years.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: joshhowat on March 17, 2017, 06:07:20 PM
Did they struggle with brood stock at all?
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on March 17, 2017, 07:11:27 PM
I understand most brood stock was captured in the upper river, and many of those by hatchery staff in the closed area.

Buck and I are looking forward to monitoring the three areas we have counted for the past six years; stay tuned :D
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: joshhowat on March 17, 2017, 07:19:10 PM
Thanks
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 17, 2017, 07:30:25 PM
Visibility looked around 18 inches when I looked today and is raining again now.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: John Revolver on March 18, 2017, 07:54:56 PM
 any reports on conditions today?
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on March 18, 2017, 07:58:32 PM
Poor conditions.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 19, 2017, 08:37:16 AM
Poor conditions.
4 inches vis.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Drewhill on March 20, 2017, 09:31:52 AM
Didn't hear a lot about the Wall Hall Derby this year. I know the winning fish was on the smaller size. What were the numbers like in terms of amount of fish weighed in? Seems like it's been a slower year this year.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on March 20, 2017, 11:18:04 AM
Certainly less than other years; you can see the results on Fred's web page.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Blood_Orange on March 22, 2017, 08:54:05 AM
Started at Tamihi yesterday. Visibility 18-24" with water levels at ~2.4m and dropping on the hydro graph. Hooked a fish for a couple of minutes but it escaped in the rapids. Didn't get a good look at it.

Tried a couple other spots, ended by landing and releasing a 38" hatchery fish at Peach Rd. Heard from two other anglers that a couple of other fish were caught there yesterday too.

Seems like visibility dropped a bit over the course of the day (or maybe because we switched locations?). New to steelheading, so very happy to connect with a fish  ;D
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on March 22, 2017, 11:27:12 AM
Started at Tamihi yesterday. Visibility 18-24" with water levels at ~2.4m and dropping on the hydro graph. Hooked a fish for a couple of minutes but it escaped in the rapids. Didn't get a good look at it.

Tried a couple other spots, ended by landing and releasing a 38" hatchery fish at Peach Rd. Heard from two other anglers that a couple of other fish were caught there yesterday too.

Seems like visibility dropped a bit over the course of the day (or maybe because we switched locations?). New to steelheading, so very happy to connect with a fish  ;D

You released a 38 inches fish, damn ;D
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on March 22, 2017, 12:47:06 PM
That is fine..... hopefully I can catch it tomorrow!!!

Good to hear there are some Hatch around .... so far I've only connected with wilds
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Tenz85 on March 22, 2017, 11:59:16 PM
Fished the afternoon on the upper. Visibility was about 2.5ft higher up and 2 midway down. Seen a wild one hooked but no luck for me. Had my truck window smashed to top it off as did a few others. Stole a Motomaster Nautilus battery pack and oakley sunglasses. The crackheads were hard at work from 3-5.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on March 23, 2017, 08:33:38 AM
Fished the afternoon on the upper. Visibility was about 2.5ft higher up and 2 midway down. Seen a wild one hooked but no luck for me. Had my truck window smashed to top it off as did a few others. Stole a Motomaster Nautilus battery pack and oakley sunglasses. The crackheads were hard at work from 3-5.

Sorry about that. Where did you park?
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Walleye76 on March 23, 2017, 12:37:48 PM
 >:( no wonder the breakins are so high this season...

http://www.theprogress.com/news/416955394.html?mobile=true
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Tenz85 on March 23, 2017, 12:49:49 PM
Break-ins occurred from thurston meadows camp grounds to allison pool camp grounds. Looks like a pry bar was used against the window sill to shatter the window. The other guys had lost two kicker subs (black with yellow writing), amp attached to sub box, running shoes and sweats. Saw some fresh tracks on the sandy gravel that looks like a small truck with all season tire treads.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: TheLostSockeye on March 23, 2017, 01:46:08 PM
Break-ins occurred from thurston meadows camp grounds to allison pool camp grounds. Looks like a pry bar was used against the window sill to shatter the window. The other guys had lost two kicker subs (black with yellow writing), amp attached to sub box, running shoes and sweats. Saw some fresh tracks on the sandy gravel that looks like a small truck with all season tire treads.

Could be a vehicle not saying it isn't but the degenerates are pretty crafty. They ride their bikes with trailers all up and down chwk lake road. I once saw one get from the vedder crossing bridge to tamihi bridge in just over 20minutes. There is always lots of activity around tesky rock as they are constantly going into town to get their fix and or steal from people's homes.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: ddave91 on March 23, 2017, 03:59:41 PM
Went out with my buddy yesterday, saw two suspicious females in black Jeep Wrangler approaching our vehicle @ Allison Pool. They took off right away once they saw us walking back to our car. I suspect they are one of them, and glad we came back just in time... And saw them driving back and forth between Prison and Allison Pool a few times when we were up river. Look out for black jeep wrangler, and don't leave any valuables in the car.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Walleye76 on March 23, 2017, 04:46:01 PM
Did you call police with this info? It's great to alert members of it but really what's that gonna do to stop them for any significant amount of time.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Tenz85 on March 23, 2017, 05:04:48 PM
Police were called once back in cell service. I cheaped out on a low deductible for comprehensive, so forked up 450$ out of pocket for a new window and patching up the trim. Just throwing this info out there as a reminder and to keep vigilant.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Walleye76 on March 23, 2017, 08:13:02 PM
Was referring to the black Jeep Wrangler driving back and forth but glad you also contacted police.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigblockfox on March 23, 2017, 09:06:29 PM
maybe its time to set up a game or hunting camera in popular parking areas. will not take long to get some footage of said goofs.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Noahs Arc on March 23, 2017, 10:23:05 PM
Problem is, said goofs will get 3 squares and a hot shower and be back out in no time looking for their next fix. It's a real shame what has happened to the city of chilliwack. So much going for it outdoor recreation galore, old town charm, all amenities you could ever need, and all the crackheads that have been pushed east out of the lower mainland.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on March 23, 2017, 10:47:48 PM
Every sizable community in the FV has the same problems. In Chilliwack the only difference is it's worth their while to hit fishing locations.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on March 24, 2017, 10:20:10 PM
Heading out in the a.m. and looking forward to a couple good days on the river I hope. Haven't been out since the water was up. I'll be camped out in my van Saturday night after fishing elsewhere up at the little pullout around the corner upstream of Allison if anyone from here felt inclined to stop and say hi lol   tight lines --
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 25, 2017, 02:25:11 PM
River fishable today.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 26, 2017, 01:43:39 PM
Water looked great this AM.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on March 26, 2017, 07:11:35 PM
Saw a few hooked yesterday, among them this big wild buck, estimated about 14-15 lbs - I couldn't  fit my hand around it when I tailed it and with the other hand filming, we didn't get the money shot before it spat the hook and bolted back to its haunts but made for a good 2 minute video:
https://splice.gopro.com/v?id=qnLYe5
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 29, 2017, 01:08:37 PM
River conditions are not good today which most of you would have known with all the recent rain. Also time to renew your license.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on March 29, 2017, 05:55:39 PM
Yup, I imagine there'll be an officer or two out on Saturday checking out licenses.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Animal Chin on March 29, 2017, 10:54:42 PM
Saw a few hooked yesterday, among them this big wild buck, estimated about 14-15 lbs - I couldn't  fit my hand around it when I tailed it and with the other hand filming, we didn't get the money shot before it spat the hook and bolted back to its haunts but made for a good 2 minute video:
https://splice.gopro.com/v?id=qnLYe5

Great video, very good quality. Thanks. Nice choice of background song.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on March 30, 2017, 08:58:11 AM
Thanks A.C.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Blackrt03 on March 30, 2017, 11:08:56 AM

Chris, how's the water looking today.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on March 30, 2017, 11:46:26 AM
Judging by the graph the water is pretty high...quite a spike in height over the last 24-30 hours...I'd say prob pretty coloured up too....
https://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/report/real_time_e.html?stn=08MH001
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on March 30, 2017, 06:24:55 PM
Even if there's not another drop of rain it's highly unlikely to be fishable by Saturday. Stay home😜
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on March 30, 2017, 07:32:13 PM
Even if there's not another drop of rain it's highly unlikely to be fishable by Saturday. Stay home😜

^^^ agreed  :-X
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 30, 2017, 07:48:35 PM
Chris, how's the water looking today.
sorry did not get down for a look.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Blackrt03 on March 30, 2017, 10:22:02 PM
sorry did not get down for a look.

Thanks
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on March 31, 2017, 01:35:11 PM
Chris, how's the water looking today.
Prime conditions today.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on March 31, 2017, 05:37:57 PM
I imagine a lot of fish got pushed down into the lower river in the high water
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on March 31, 2017, 06:31:22 PM
I imagine a lot of fish got pushed down into the lower river in the high water
Say what? Very unlikely a steelhead at this time of year would be 'pushed' downstream.  Or perhaps you're looking for fewer anglers in the upper river  ;)

Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Taboo on March 31, 2017, 07:30:11 PM
Was pretty fishable today!   8)
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on March 31, 2017, 08:43:24 PM
You called my bluff Dave 😜
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on April 01, 2017, 11:32:17 AM
Water looked OK at first light but we have had some rain all morning.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on April 01, 2017, 12:10:52 PM
Water is nice, fished 3 spots this a.m...saw nothing heard of nothing caught. Soooooooper slowwwwww where's all the fish?!
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Noahs Arc on April 01, 2017, 12:15:32 PM
Probably all got pushed down into the lower. :o ;)
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on April 01, 2017, 02:14:09 PM
after leaving the upper i fished mid river for an hour or so and lost one, saw one roll, and saw another angler land one
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Blood_Orange on April 01, 2017, 07:41:02 PM
Tried upper this morning, then lower at a couple spots around midday. Nothing hooked, nothing seen, nothing doing. The weather was pleasant and warm though and we enjoyed the sun for a few minutes :D
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on April 01, 2017, 07:54:41 PM
Probably all got pushed down into the lower. :o ;)
15 minutes and 32 seconds late for your April 1 joke. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on April 05, 2017, 03:43:45 PM
How's the river handling this rain? Thinking of coming out tomorrow
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on April 06, 2017, 06:10:40 PM
Glad I went river, was primo. Great day with a buddy from out of town we fished a few spots upper then mid-river. Took home this nice little hatchery doe:
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o527/rubberdown1/Mobile%20Uploads/2017-04/B6F250A3-FE9E-4C4F-B867-B5A0BEC7CC8B_zpsafxoeofs.jpg) (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/rubberdown1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2017-04/B6F250A3-FE9E-4C4F-B867-B5A0BEC7CC8B_zpsafxoeofs.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigsnag on April 06, 2017, 10:09:24 PM
Took home this nice little hatchery doe:


May be the only hatchery left from mid river and below LOL, nice fish.
Fished mid river also for five hours, not a sniff. River is in great shape.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on April 08, 2017, 09:25:03 AM
Windy today with showers but river was fishable when I looked 5 minutes ago.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cdjk123 on April 09, 2017, 05:42:24 PM
In excellent shape today. Heading towards the tail end of the season now.
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on April 10, 2017, 01:15:40 PM
Water conditions great today and the sun is even shinning. ;D
Title: Re: 2016/17 Chilliwack River steelhead fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cdjk123 on April 14, 2017, 05:52:47 PM
Fantastic conditions on the river. Steely green....the only problem is that there seems to be no fish LOL.