Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Rodney on September 14, 2018, 12:27:31 AM

Title: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 14, 2018, 12:27:31 AM
(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/150831-2_zps0bdtg25v.jpg)

This fall salmon fishery takes place between late August and early December on the Chilliwack River. Like past seasons, I usually like to get this information up and provide ongoing updates so those who are new to the fishery can have a chance to enjoy what this river has to offer by learning proper techniques, staying informed on regulations and etiquettes.


Fish species

There are three salmon species that anglers can target and retain.



Fishing regulations

The salmon regulations of Chilliwack River, including the daily quota of each species, can be found in Region 2 of the Freshwater salmon supplement (http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/fresh-douce/region2-eng.html).


Cultus Lake sockeye salmon alert

Cultus Lake sockeye salmon are endangered and usually enter the Chilliwack River in late summer so their run time overlaps with other fall salmon species. All sockeye salmon caught in the Chilliwack River are required to be released carefully. Please be aware of the difference between a coho and a sockeye salmon. Some Cultus Lake sockeye salmon are also missing their adipose fin so please don't confuse them with hatchery-marked coho salmon. Read about it some more... (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/fishy_news/files/2012-08-24-adipose-clipped-sockeye-alert.pdf)


How to float fish more effectively for coho salmon?

To effectively catch salmon on the Vedder by float fishing, you want to keep your offerings in the strike zone. New anglers have a tendency to mistaken the strike zone as the depth where the fish are sitting. It is not. Salmonids look up and strike at the offerings above them. The fish position themselves near the bottom, so the strike zone is usually 1 or 2 feet above the river bed. This technique does not only apply to the Chilliwack River, but also other Lower Fraser River tributaries.

Gear setup

Rod:9' to 10'6" baitcasting or centerpin rod, rated between 8 and 20lb
Reel:Small baitcasting reels or centerpin reels
Main line:12 to 15lb test
Leader:6 to 10lb test
Hook:Size 4 to 2/0

The diagrams below illustrate the correct and not-so-correct ways of float depth adjustment.

Excessive length of leader

(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/albums/album34/050918_2.gif)

For some reason, many people believe a longer leader would produce more fish, quite the opposite! Your hook will always travel faster than your weight in a river. By using a long leader, your hook and bait are lifted up higher from the river bed, away from the strike zone.

Excessive float depth

(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/albums/album34/050918_3.gif)

Some choose to adjust their float depth so the weight is "tapping" or sitting on the bottom. The weight will usually anchor itself to the river bed, while the float drifts slowly or becomes stationary. Two things will result from this setup:


My way of float adjustment, but not necessarily the ONLY way

(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/albums/album34/050918_1.gif)

So far this has worked very well by producing about a dozen or more coho each season on the Vedder River without losing any hook, weight or line. I usually like to keep my leader length (the line between the hook and weight) around 1.5 feet in length. Judging the depth by looking at the gradient of the river bank and the water, I adjust my float depth (the length from the float to the hook) so that it is about 1 to 2 feet shorter than the actual depth. When this is drifted, the bait will lift a few inches higher, remaining in the strike zone. When the float dips under the water, there is no hesitation as I don't need to question whether it is a snag or a fish. The hook is usually set hard and most of the time the fight is on.

(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/2012/120928-1.jpg)

Some other small adjustments

I find these adjustments would connect me into more fish in the past.

Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 14, 2018, 12:28:35 AM
Salmon identification

Because there are both species that you can keep and cannot keep returning to the Chilliwack River, it is important to know how to identify all five species of salmon.

Chinook salmon
Chinook salmon have small spots across their back and small spots across their entire tail. Their gum is black and the edge of their jaw is white. Adult chinook salmon are defined as over 62cm and are required to be recorded on your licence when you choose to keep one.

(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/th_chinook01.jpg) (http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/chinook01.jpg)(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/th_chinook02.jpg) (http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/chinook02.jpg)(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/th_chinook03.jpg) (http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/chinook03.jpg)(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/th_chinook04.jpg) (http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/chinook04.jpg)(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/th_chinook05.jpg) (http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/chinook05.jpg)(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/th_chinook06.jpg) (http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/chinook06.jpg)
Adult chinook (over 62cm)Adult chinook (over 62cm)Jack chinook (under 62cm)Jack chinook (under 62cm)Black gum with white
jaw edge
Small spots across both
upper and lower parts of tail

Coho salmon
Coho salmon have small spots across their back and spots on the top portion of their tail. Their gum is white. Two groups of coho salmon are found in the Chilliwack River - Wild and hatchery fish. Hatchery fish, which anglers are allowed to keep, do not have an adipose fin and a healed scar can be found at where the adipose fin is missing. This fin is clipped at the hatchery when they are at their juvenile stage prior to being released. If an adipose fin is present, then it is a wild fish, which is required to be released with care.

(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/th_coho01.jpg) (http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/coho01.jpg)(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/th_coho02.jpg) (http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/coho02.jpg)(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/th_coho03.jpg) (http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/coho03.jpg)(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/th_coho04.jpg) (http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/coho04.jpg)(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/th_coho05.jpg) (http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/coho05.jpg)(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/th_coho06.jpg) (http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/coho06.jpg)
Wild adult coho
(with adipose fin)
Hatchery adult coho
(without adipose fin)
Hatchery jack coho
(without adipose fin)
Absence of adipose fin
with healed scar on
hatchery coho
White gumSmall spots on top portion
of tail

Chum salmon
Chum salmon have two distinct characteristics, which are colourful stripes across their body and large teeth found on males.

(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/th_chum01.jpg) (http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/chum01.jpg)(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/th_chum02.jpg) (http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/chum02.jpg)(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/th_chum03.jpg) (http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/chum03.jpg)
Female chum salmonMale chum salmon with
teeth
Striped back

Sockeye salmon
Althought sockeye salmon cannot be retained on the Chilliwack River, it is important to know what they look like so you do not kill one by accident. Sockeye salmon that are returning to Cultus Lake are endangered and their recovery depends on your assistance. Sockeye salmon are typically spotless and silver until they are near the spawning ground. At spawning stage, their body colouration is red.

(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/th_sockeye01.jpg) (http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/sockeye01.jpg)(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/th_sockeye02.jpg) (http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/sockeye02.jpg)
adult sockeye in
spawning colour
adult sockeye prior to
spawning stage


Some thoughts on fishing locations

The Chilliwack Vedder River is long. Some say it gets crowded, but only at certain spots. To have a good experience, it's best to avoid the busy spots. The busy spots are usually the visible ones that have easy access. These include Keith Wilson Bridge, railway bridge, Lickman Road, Peach Road, Vedder Crossing, Tamahi, Alison Pool, Limit Hole. By going to a spot where less people are fishing, the likelihood of you hooking into some quality fish is bigger since the fish are not spooked. Surprisingly, you can usually find a nice quiet spot by taking a very short walk from one of these busy spots.


Additional readings



Water condition updates

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 ask for updates. All requests will be deleted.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on September 14, 2018, 08:40:09 AM
Quote
Fish species

There are four three salmon species that anglers can target and retain.

    Chinook salmon (mid September - mid October)
    Coho salmon (early September - early November)
    Chum salmon (early October - late November)

... maybe 4 next year
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 14, 2018, 09:03:19 AM
Corrected.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: fic on September 14, 2018, 11:31:36 AM
You guys don't think pink salmon will recover enough next  year to support a fishery on the Vedder?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wildmanyeah on September 14, 2018, 02:27:34 PM
You guys don't think pink salmon will recover enough next  year to support a fishery on the Vedder?

I am expected decent numbers of pinks next year as ocean conditions are better
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: minnie-me on September 14, 2018, 06:17:53 PM
Any reports on the rivers condition?, sure has been a ton of rain falling around the Langley area...
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BBarley on September 14, 2018, 06:26:24 PM
Something else to add for newbies starting out, when you approach a run, make sure you storm out until your at least crotch deep, this accomplishes two things. First it establishes dominance amongst other anglers as a passive claim to a spot, also it makes distance a lot shorter because casting across the C/V all day gets tiresome and sore on the arms/shoulders.

All seriousness, anyone else have a chuckle/shake their head/grimace when some guy proceeds to grizzly bear it out to the middle of the river? Extenuating circumstances aside, I just don't understand the mentality there, just because you can wade out to your berries doesn't mean you have to.

River was low and clear as of 4:30, a little rain fell but not enough to do anything to the levels.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Wiseguy on September 14, 2018, 06:59:16 PM
I like my weight tapping bottom on occasion through a drift with a short leader and I rarely snag the bottom or snag any fish in the belly. Been fishing the Vedd longer then many on this board have been alive.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: VAGAbond on September 14, 2018, 08:13:51 PM
Quote
Something else to add for newbies starting out, when you approach a run, make sure you storm out until your at least crotch deep, this accomplishes two things. First it establishes dominance amongst other anglers as a passive claim to a spot, also it makes distance a lot shorter because casting across the C/V all day gets tiresome and sore on the arms/shoulders.

It also makes sure that any coho hanging around in the shallow water are spooked and leave.

However, this trait is not restricted to newbies.  I have seen a veteran angler hold position way out in a run such that others could hardly fish for 5 hours.   Wondered if he ever had to pee.  During all this time he talked loudly and critically about the other anglers around him.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: redtide on September 14, 2018, 08:27:55 PM
the canal was looking good today. rain bumped levels a bit but not much. was lined with anglers not shoulder to shoulder but reasonable. This weekend should be a zoo at the keith wilson bridge meat hole.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: zap brannigan on September 14, 2018, 09:32:13 PM
Something else to add for newbies starting out, when you approach a run, make sure you storm out until your at least crotch deep, this accomplishes two things. First it establishes dominance amongst other anglers as a passive claim to a spot, also it makes distance a lot shorter because casting across the C/V all day gets tiresome and sore on the arms/shoulders.

All seriousness, anyone else have a chuckle/shake their head/grimace when some guy proceeds to grizzly bear it out to the middle of the river? Extenuating circumstances aside, I just don't understand the mentality there, just because you can wade out to your berries doesn't mean you have to.

River was low and clear as of 4:30, a little rain fell but not enough to do anything to the levels.

was that you just down and across from me weds? watched a guy wade well over halfway across the river right into the traveling lane then casted to the other shore and hung up.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BBarley on September 14, 2018, 10:01:09 PM
was that you just down and across from me weds? watched a guy wade well over halfway across the river right into the traveling lane then casted to the other shore and hung up.

It might of been, I’ve had the Skagit rod out mostly lately and hate dealing with the shooting line, sitting mid river justifies my waders and means I only gotta deal with the shooting head/tip :P
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: MetalAndFeathers on September 15, 2018, 04:00:37 PM
Lots fish landed and bonked in my area today. Brought home 1 jack spring and 2 smaller coho. Few nice adults and coho bonked by others as well. Mid river
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Chehalis_Steel on September 16, 2018, 01:06:16 AM
Lower and mid river has been very inconsistent. I saw a few Coho and Spring landed but the fish seem to be pushing through very fast, despite the low water. Best bet is to cover lots of water if you want to find pods of Coho, but that's the opposite of what most people are doing lol

Speaking of people wading out too far...I saw two guys fishing a run in the Canal a few days ago. The one guy had a spey rod and was standing about mid river and pounding the water every cast. After about an hour he finally gave up. Within 5 minutes after he left, the other guy starting hooking into coho. I don't think that was a coincidence...
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dave c on September 16, 2018, 09:49:55 AM
Lower and mid river has been very inconsistent. I saw a few Coho and Spring landed but the fish seem to be pushing through very fast, despite the low water. Best bet is to cover lots of water if you want to find pods of Coho, but that's the opposite of what most people are doing lol

Speaking of people wading out too far...I saw two guys fishing a run in the Canal a few days ago. The one guy had a spey rod and was standing about mid river and pounding the water every cast. After about an hour he finally gave up. Within 5 minutes after he left, the other guy starting hooking into coho. I don't think that was a coincidence...
I dont think so either. Last year i caught a steelhead behind a spey guy who was waist deep. He almost fell in when it jumped. Lol
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dobrolub on September 16, 2018, 03:30:45 PM
Praying for some rain :)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BBarley on September 16, 2018, 05:39:49 PM
Has been a fairly rainy day with some major downpours at times. I’d wager to bet the levels will reflect that in the next 24hrs.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on September 16, 2018, 06:23:54 PM
Fished a few spots today ... lower to mid river. Managed a Jack spring and lost another. Saw a couple of Coho landed but otherwise seemed slow... fish wise that is ... lots of people out.

... Btw..i t was mentioned in another thread that Kev got the boot from the hotdog stand at On the Way store ...for the record that ain’t true ... he is still there and the hotdog stand is now called “Kev’s”

Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarki on September 16, 2018, 10:05:29 PM
The earlier Chwk River thread was discussing the new no-parking signs at Wilson Road in Yarrow.

This vehicle was parked there tonight. I found it a little humorous
(https://i.imgur.com/K0NeAQt.jpg)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Drewhill on September 17, 2018, 09:27:27 AM
When getting ticketed just tell the officer "The sign says no parking to the left or right but doesn't say anything about parking right in front of it" lol
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: John Revolver on September 19, 2018, 08:57:41 PM
Cycled through my Canal/Pillings/Hopedale circuit again today with the double hander .  Water is Gin Clear and low.  With a downsized sparse fly and 8lb flouro tippet I managed to Kill a hatchery dime-bright coho.  1st Hatchery of the season.

Beautiful day today but it will be great to have a nice big dump of rain to open things up abit. *awesome news to hear that Kev is staying put at his spot. Thats great for all!
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on September 20, 2018, 09:14:23 AM
Cycled through my Canal/Pillings/Hopedale circuit again today with the double hander .  Water is Gin Clear and low.  With a downsized sparse fly and 8lb flouro tippet I managed to Kill a hatchery dime-bright coho.  1st Hatchery of the season.

Beautiful day today but it will be great to have a nice big dump of rain to open things up abit. *awesome news to hear that Kev is staying put at his spot. Thats great for all!

Which fly do you use?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on September 20, 2018, 10:26:02 AM
I also managed to get 2 hatchery Coho on the single hander :) Lost 2 as well....

One on a green California Neil and one on an olive Muddler with gold bead head.


Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on September 20, 2018, 10:48:08 AM
I also managed to get 2 hatchery Coho on the single hander :) Lost 2 as well....

One on a green California Neil and one on an olive Muddler with gold bead head.

Nice. I fished Sunday, but it was too busy and fish ignored the roe ball.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on September 20, 2018, 10:51:56 AM
Yeah, Sunday was busy considering how miserable the weather was...
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cammer on September 20, 2018, 03:04:12 PM
Very very very spooky fish, managed 4 bites on fresh stamp roe, from first light on! Water is as low as I ever seen it, traditional hot spots not holding fish at all!””” Public service announcement time”””when u are fishing over spooky fish and people rip at the end of their cast trying to foul hook let them know that is screwing up everyone’s ability to hook these fish via a bite and shame them ! Hard enough to get bites now let alone scaring the Fak out of the fish
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 20, 2018, 03:10:12 PM
Spooked, not spooky....

Spooky fish -  Fish that are scary...

Spooked fish - Fish that are scared easily...
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mikeyman on September 20, 2018, 03:21:15 PM
Was the coho wearing its chum halloween mask?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: typhoon on September 20, 2018, 04:17:33 PM
I would say spooked fish are fish that have been spooked. Spookable?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on September 20, 2018, 05:00:18 PM
Spooked, not spooky....

Spooky fish -  Fish that are scary...

Spooked fish - Fish that are scared easily...

"They are spooky" as is in they have the quality of being easily spooked. It's all a matter of context

from dictionary.com

Quote
spooky
[spoo-kee]
See more synonyms for spooky on Thesaurus.com
adjective, spook·i·er, spook·i·est. Informal.

   1 like or befitting a spook or ghost; suggestive of spooks.
   2 eerie; scary.
   3 (especially of horses) nervous; skittish.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BBarley on September 20, 2018, 05:11:32 PM
They were booking it through the lower this afternoon and hammering twitched jigs on the way. Thinking this storm is going to load up the river with the fresh fish. Lots of aggressive fish if you look hard enough for em. Key for me today was reapplying scent every 10 casts or so.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dave c on September 20, 2018, 05:54:36 PM
They were booking it through the lower this afternoon and hammering twitched jigs on the way. Thinking this storm is going to load up the river with the fresh fish. Lots of aggressive fish if you look hard enough for em. Key for me today was reapplying scent every 10 casts or so.
try tying up very small prawn bags to tip hook with. Works excellent.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BBarley on September 20, 2018, 07:08:15 PM
try tying up very small prawn bags to tip hook with. Works excellent.

I’m always skeptical putting anything on a twitched jig that isn’t solid only because it always seems to fall off when it’s bouncing around the rocks. Just been costing my curly tail’s with that oily scent.

Would definitely be up for trying it with a floated jig though. Are you just using a raw prawn or cured? Have tipped things with prawns but never made bags before.....
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dave c on September 20, 2018, 08:14:47 PM
I’m always skeptical putting anything on a twitched jig that isn’t solid only because it always seems to fall off when it’s bouncing around the rocks. Just been costing my curly tail’s with that oily scent.

Would definitely be up for trying it with a floated jig though. Are you just using a raw prawn or cured? Have tipped things with prawns but never made bags before.....
Short floated jigs tipped with small raw prawn bag is my go to for steelhead.   Initially just used raw prawn but it fell off easily and gummed up marabou. The bags definitely stay on much longer and dont gum up marabou.  I will take a normal size mesh and cut it in quarters to tie bags. 1 prawn is good for several bags
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: obie1fish on September 21, 2018, 11:08:06 AM
Dave, I believe I was talking with you last night. We were walking to our trucks at dark. It was a pleasure talking with you.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 21, 2018, 11:31:36 AM
Water was gradually colouring up this morning but level remained low. Good conditions in my opinion. Visibility was around 2 to 3 feet when I left the river at 9:30am.

A pleasant short session with Buck this morning. A couple of hatchery coho for him, one for me while a few fish were lost.

Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cammer on September 21, 2018, 05:07:22 PM
casting spoons in native land lakes>>>>  lol    I found a good back eddy this year and will actually try getting a few ho from there
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on September 21, 2018, 06:09:33 PM
I found a good back eddy this year and will actually try getting a few ho from there

Beware the STDs.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: minnie-me on September 22, 2018, 10:21:51 AM
any reports on what the river is looking like today?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on September 22, 2018, 01:29:03 PM
any reports on what the river is looking like today?
Great color as of 11:30, but there seem to be far fewer fish around than last weekend.  Maybe we just quit too soon and they are showing up now.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on September 22, 2018, 01:57:54 PM
any reports on what the river is looking like today?
Hey Roy, Tad and I are having a lunch break at the Tractor grease. The morning was tough, but he managed one nice hatchery coho and a spring jack. I landed a monster size chum and lost a coho.
We are fishing mid river because the canal is a gong show. Upper river is also decent. In spite of the mostly incessant and pounding rain, the river is holding up, with a cloudy 2.5 feet of visibility.
I have to admit I expected much more fish to be in the system.
Cheers, Milo
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: minnie-me on September 22, 2018, 09:10:17 PM
I went out early afternoon, water was good, fishing was really really slow. Fished the bottom end, then moved to mid river and found some.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigsnag on September 22, 2018, 09:20:17 PM
casting spoons in native land lakes>>>>  lol    I found a good back eddy this year and will actually try getting a few ho from there
The native land lake is almost gone......5 casts covers it.
Now all the fish are up at Cammer's STD back eddy LOL.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on September 23, 2018, 04:01:37 AM
River level looks good 1.77m at the crossing at dropping.  Hopefully the color held up overnight.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Kever on September 23, 2018, 12:02:42 PM
Pretty slow morning yesterday in the lower but some fish were moving through so I got a hatchery ho and lost a spring. Fishing roe was much more effective than the float rippers around me. 
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: obie1fish on September 23, 2018, 06:28:49 PM
Saw something pretty good yesterday. Usually, the canal and its fishers gets some choice words tossed their way and, for some, deservedly so. So Saturday, after fishing near (but not too near) some pretty nice anglers, I returned to my truck only to be stopped partway by an ambulance parked with lights flashing. By the time I got there, a number of anglers were assisting the paramedics in hoisting a man up from the bushes partway down the bank. I got there in time to help the last few feet. It turns out the man was going from his truck to the trail down to the canal, had a diabetic episode, and fell down the side into the blackberry bushes.
It was gratifying to see good people not hesitating to help someone in distress, and that it was a good thing for this man that he was fishing in a crowded canal, and not in an area where he was on his own.

Hats off to these canal anglers.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cammer on September 23, 2018, 10:18:21 PM
Everyone. Make sure u shame those float rippers otherwise u will never get a biting fish, that completely freaks fish out and makes them very very wary from anything looking like bait or weights ,,, tell them enough is enough.  I’m here to fish not snag!
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigsnag on September 23, 2018, 10:22:49 PM
Everyone. Make sure u shame those float rippers otherwise u will never get a biting fish, that completely freaks fish out and makes them very very wary from anything looking like bait or weights ,,, tell them enough is enough.  I’m here to fish not snag!
X 2
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: John Revolver on September 23, 2018, 11:46:15 PM
Everyone. Make sure u shame those float rippers otherwise u will never get a biting fish, that completely freaks fish out and makes them very very wary from anything looking like bait or weights ,,, tell them enough is enough.  I’m here to fish not snag!


This is the worst possible thing to do.This is right up there with those goofball pocket flossers up at tamahi lol . oh well.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 23, 2018, 11:54:40 PM
Water cleared up nicely today. River level is still a bit on the low side, which is ok. That'll slow the fish down a bit. There are a few hundred nice coho salmon sitting at the hatchery now.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on September 24, 2018, 11:47:12 AM

This is the worst possible thing to do.This is right up there with those goofball pocket flossers up at tamahi lol . oh well.

I feel that I see more and more people doing that every year. That river is the worst it's ever been in my opinion. The only time I fish from the bank these days is for Steelhead. I tend to stick to the boat at the mouth these days.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: halcyonguitars on September 24, 2018, 12:57:12 PM
What is float ripping?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Fish Assassin on September 24, 2018, 01:03:37 PM
What is float ripping?

"Setting the hook" at the end of every drift.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: halcyonguitars on September 24, 2018, 02:27:51 PM
Ah yes, see that plenty...
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cammer on September 24, 2018, 03:48:55 PM
Just say to the “angler ??“excuse me but I’m trying to fish here,that’s spooking fish-every time u whip your gear,....... then mumble the words “ bloody river barista “”
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 24, 2018, 05:09:21 PM
Just fish where no one else is fishing. Problem solved. ;D
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cammer on September 24, 2018, 05:42:25 PM
Rod. If you find a spot and are doing well , why should u leave?  I’ve had it happen many times where your doing well and “fall fisherman”  show up after they see the splashing and Next thing you know whish whish whish and biting fish “f” off! When u prefer drift fishing vs casting in pools for salmon your going to see this behaviour and it’s not ethical and it will ruin the bite! Just running away from this doesn’t cure the problem. Shame these baristas
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on September 24, 2018, 05:59:28 PM
Quote
What is float ripping?

"Setting the hook" at the end of every drift.

Nothing new - been common for years and years.

Yeah it is stupid.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Aki on September 24, 2018, 06:02:54 PM
First light was active and then quieted down; lower river. River is dropping and very clear.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Spoonman on September 24, 2018, 06:19:42 PM
.......at least a half dozen river weasels scurrying along the shore around Allison's sight flossing for fish along the edge yesterday...
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on September 24, 2018, 06:31:25 PM
First light was active and then quieted down; lower river. River is dropping and very clear.
Glad to hear there is a first light bite again.  Yesterday there didn't appear to be one at all - I didn't hook a fish until 11am yesterday.  And where did all the springs go?  Here one week - gone the next.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on September 24, 2018, 06:36:28 PM
.......at least a half dozen river weasels scurrying along the shore around Allison's sight flossing for fish along the edge yesterday...
Nothing new - they've been doing it as long as I've been fishing this river - at least 25 years.  At first I thought you were referring to the actual weasels that appear to be common on the lower river this year.  There are a couple at Vedder Crossing and I saw one at Hopedale as well.  They look link minks to me.  Cute little buggers, but I bed they'd try to steal your fish if your back was turned.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dennisK on September 24, 2018, 07:47:48 PM
Nothing new - they've been doing it as long as I've been fishing this river - at least 25 years.  At first I thought you were referring to the actual weasels that appear to be common on the lower river this year.  There are a couple at Vedder Crossing and I saw one at Hopedale as well.  They look link minks to me.  Cute little buggers, but I bed they'd try to steal your fish if your back was turned.

Jake. Shoot me an email we can connect sometime.  Cheers.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BBarley on September 24, 2018, 07:58:08 PM
Not to derail this thread but wondering if anyone has been having any issues with running braid (in this case #30lb Powerpro) off their spinning reels? I’ve been popping the line at my reel arbor on several hookups/snags while twitching jigs........ Back in the day this stuff would saw through your finger five years after you spooled it up, can’t for the life of me figure out why it would snap where it makes the 90 coming off the arbor. Brand new line and not buried in the spool as far as I can tell.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 24, 2018, 07:59:12 PM
Rod. If you find a spot and are doing well , why should u leave?  I’ve had it happen many times where your doing well and “fall fisherman”  show up after they see the splashing and Next thing you know whish whish whish and biting fish “f” off! When u prefer drift fishing vs casting in pools for salmon your going to see this behaviour and it’s not ethical and it will ruin the bite! Just running away from this doesn’t cure the problem. Shame these baristas

It hasn't been an issue for me actually. I've basically stopped fishing at places where this might occur, or maybe the types of water where I focus on coho are just not interesting to rippers.

Reserve lake front!! ;D
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: rjs on September 24, 2018, 08:42:30 PM
BBarley

maybe u bought some counterfeit line !
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cammer on September 24, 2018, 09:46:03 PM
Rod. I know how your fishing and that’s why I stayed it isn’t “ your “ immediate concern until you get a blatant snagger in a back eddy etc!!  But this IS ALL OUR ISSUE! It’s pure disrespect when people do this for other fisherman and obviously the fish ! Maybe when u start steelheading and u see it happening you may take a more serious view of this activity which I’m sure both Gadsden and basok would strongly agree with me
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BBarley on September 24, 2018, 10:39:45 PM
BBarley

maybe u bought some counterfeit line !

I hope the bulk spool at Fred’s isn’t counterfeit...... It’s a complete mystery to me. It makes absolutely no sense why it would simply unfray/disintegrate at the arbor with 30lb when it should come apart at the braid to mono knot or the jig knot :o
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: rjs on September 24, 2018, 10:45:15 PM
I hope the bulk spool at Fred’s isn’t counterfeit...... It’s a complete mystery to me. It makes absolutely no sense why it would simply unfray/disintegrate at the arbor with 30lb when it should come apart at the braid to mono knot or the jig knot :o

I'd go back to freds
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cammer on September 24, 2018, 11:17:35 PM
https://youtu.be/lwvT2-T9NR8 SEE you did care before Rod. Why not now? This can happen to you in your spots as well , same and float snaggingand same affect to scare fish out of biting
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 24, 2018, 11:52:17 PM
I still care Cam. ;) I just don't put myself in those situations anymore these days, too tiring. Between kids at home and my filming work, I only get a bit of time to fish on my own so I do everything I can to avoid busy spots. I rather use the energy on advocating proper angling through social media etc.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BBarley on September 25, 2018, 12:39:38 AM
I'd go back to freds

Might do, not enjoying this leaving a fish with a jig in it's mouth with 20 yards of line trailing behind. Anyway, where are the springers? Haven't seen many around aside from a few jacks. Did the SRKW finally acquire a palette for those things now that the native run is on life support?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cammer on September 25, 2018, 01:13:32 AM
That’s fine rod. I know it’s tiring but you can’t say on this forum “ just leave” or go to other places,  you didn’t do that before right?( video above),  so I am advocating shaming these people so we all have “ non tiring fishing days” where we enjoy our day ! I’d rather say the fish beat me vs the “river baristas”did.  Peace
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on September 25, 2018, 07:18:48 AM
Not to derail this thread but wondering if anyone has been having any issues with running braid (in this case #30lb Powerpro) off their spinning reels? I’ve been popping the line at my reel arbor on several hookups/snags while twitching jigs........ Back in the day this stuff would saw through your finger five years after you spooled it up, can’t for the life of me figure out why it would snap where it makes the 90 coming off the arbor. Brand new line and not buried in the spool as far as I can tell.
Have you noticed any nicks or fraying in the line?  I wonder if there is a bur on the arbor or it is somehow malfunctioning.  Also check that your guides are intact - if they are the kind with ceramic rings, one chip in the ring can cause lots of break-offs and shredded line.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on September 25, 2018, 08:39:29 AM
That’s fine rod. I know it’s tiring but you can’t say on this forum “ just leave” or go to other places,  you didn’t do that before right?( video above),  so I am advocating shaming these people so we all have “ non tiring fishing days” where we enjoy our day ! I’d rather say the fish beat me vs the “river baristas”did.  Peace

It is his forum and he can say and do what he pleases.
Leave him alone to tender to his family and fish in a way he finds enjoyment.

"Just leave and go to other places" is the smartest advice Rod can give these days. The population in the Valley has almost doubled since Rod started his forum, and this has put much more pressure and created additional challenges on the river. Why do you think most of us old-timers rarely show up on the Vedder anymore? For many of us it is because we have indeed found other, better places to fish and maybe other hobbies to enjoy.
Life is too short to let our downtime be spoiled by idiots on the river.

Peace to you too and I hope you find what you are looking for.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Kever on September 25, 2018, 09:09:46 AM
Float rippers used to bother me a lot, so I used to try to educate people when I saw unethical fishing practices. I haven't fished much lately so I was just happy to be out on the river on a beautiful day. That being said, I probably would have hooked into a few more fish if they weren't so spooked. Comments in this thread have "lit a fire under my butt" to resume educating fisherman on the river, especially because the offending parties told me they were new to fishing.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wildmanyeah on September 25, 2018, 09:10:44 AM
The vedder is pretty much the only productive place to fish for salmon left in the lower-mainland. Coho is looking like it will be closed this year till oct 24 on the Fraser by then the majority of the run has passed.

The other small systems in the lower mainland u can fish everyday they are open and be lucky to land a hand full of fish the 1 day they decide to push though after a large rain event.

All tho I don’t think rod was saying to fish a different system just to walk 20-40 mins down the flow and you may find some reserve frog water to fish in by yourself lol





Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 25, 2018, 09:32:24 AM
That’s fine rod. I know it’s tiring but you can’t say on this forum “ just leave” or go to other places,  you didn’t do that before right?( video above),  so I am advocating shaming these people so we all have “ non tiring fishing days” where we enjoy our day ! I’d rather say the fish beat me vs the “river baristas”did.  Peace

That was tongue and cheek Cam, that's why there was a ;D at the end. Don't take what I say too serious. ;)

If people see unethical activities happening, say something of course. I personally don't take the shaming approach, for obvious reasons.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BBarley on September 25, 2018, 09:48:26 AM
Have you noticed any nicks or fraying in the line?  I wonder if there is a bur on the arbor or it is somehow malfunctioning.  Also check that your guides are intact - if they are the kind with ceramic rings, one chip in the ring can cause lots of break-offs and shredded line.

Thanks, going to do a very thorough inspection of the reel/bail and my guides today and try and find out what's causing the issue. May put that rod out of commission and just switch to floating jigs if I can't rectify the problem.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: ali2pali on September 25, 2018, 09:51:49 AM
Rod can do whatever he pleases. People are entitled to change their minds about things. Can we just stick to the reports?  If u wanna second guess people's decision making I suggest u start a new thread.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mikeyman on September 25, 2018, 11:25:15 AM
My opinion I have expressed here before. Lots disagreed. But it is ignorant to run a fishing website and respond in that way. Acknowledge the issue and promote change in response as has been done before.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 25, 2018, 11:32:21 AM
Respond in what way? lol... I fish however I want during my free time, which means avoid confrontations and minimize the preaching. Some here can't seem to distinguish between that and the work I do in the community.

Ranting and attacking others on a online discussion forum is not how you're going to change people's ways, sorry to be the bearer of this bad news.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Steelhawk on September 25, 2018, 02:28:18 PM
I think it is a highly personal choice to confront, to shame, or to approach politely but inform others about the rule, or to just walk away and fish in peace away from the crowd. It is not the business of this fishing forum to encourage conflicts such as confrontations between fishermen. Leave that to the CO to police the rivers. Call DFO if we don't like it. I say it is a personal choice and perhaps even a situational choice because if you weigh less than 150 lbs and the guy is over 200 lbs, or when you are approaching a group of them, you need to calculate the risk of doing so. Think of your family first (lol). Bear in mind that some of those folks used to serve in armies from their native countries and they know how to treat an 'enemy' approaching them with threats.  Let's just respect Rod's choice and each others' choices on how they want to deal with these situations.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: iblly on September 25, 2018, 02:47:55 PM
My opinion I have expressed here before. Lots disagreed. But it is ignorant to run a fishing website and respond in that way. Acknowledge the issue and promote change in response as has been done before.
Start your own fishing site and run it how ever you please.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 25, 2018, 02:52:35 PM
Also, just to add to my previous comment lol....

Never once did I say walk away. I said fish places where no one else is fishing. ;) If my short legs can get to those places, so can you. ;D

Steelhawk summed it up nicely. It's a personal and situational choice.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cammer on September 25, 2018, 03:46:03 PM
Rod, I get your circumstance very clearly and I agree keep civil and below a boiling point !  However that video ANd others go contrary to what u used to portray!  If you keep putting out videos of “how to do fish this way and that “ you can’t pick your soap box and avoid the issue . Letting someone know that’s inappropriate is easy and doesn’t have to be life threatening but it “has to be said” period
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 25, 2018, 03:54:15 PM
Again... I must be speaking Chinese or something lol... I've never said don't approach someone. I said, fish somewhere where no one else fishes, like what I've been doing... lol...

And that video? It's 8 year old, people do grow in 8 years. ;)

The video content I put out now, the message I broadcast, the approach I take, is very different to pre-2010.

I'm not avoiding the issue, I do a lot more than I need to. I just don't have the desire to shame people or confront people in a confrontational manner.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Tangles on September 25, 2018, 04:00:06 PM
So hows fishing been lately guys? Let's get this thread back on track
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 25, 2018, 04:15:32 PM
Obviously terrible judging by the discussion. ;D
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cammer on September 25, 2018, 04:25:06 PM
Killed 3 coho and a spring ,,, how? Biting fish on roe bags 16 “ leader! Not easy to find
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 25, 2018, 04:53:02 PM
So there better be no complaints then, I can't fish until next week. ;)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cammer on September 25, 2018, 05:00:28 PM
Last day of fishing till thanksgiving for me. Hopefully all the “ river bAristas” are all frothed up by then after the excellent shaming job u all will do shaming them
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on September 25, 2018, 07:40:41 PM
best way is to look for somewhere less fisherman if you don't like all kinds of odds.
The river is good. A friend send me a photo of their catch today. I'd rather not post in case disappointed people get heart attack.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cammer on September 26, 2018, 12:00:55 AM
^^^^^^ translate please^^^^^^
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on September 26, 2018, 01:42:47 AM
Why should he translate for you?

It may be broken English but I get what he means ... figure it out
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Shinny on September 26, 2018, 06:11:41 AM
^^^^^^ translate please^^^^^^


What a d1ck. Should I translate that ?

This is a thread about the river conditions, If you want to bitch about what other people are doing start up a new thread instead of polluting this one.

I used to care about the staggers and I would go say something but times have changed. You really get the valleys finest people out there snagging. Pillars of the community  :P keep shaming people until you go up to the wrong group of snaggers and thing get unglued pretty quickly and a knife is pulled or your surrounded by a few idiots that aren’t catching fish but will make the rest of your day miserable.

Cammer , I don’t know where your at in life but getting married and having a couple kids really puts into perspective what’s important and what isn’t. Getting into conflict with other anglers while I am out there enjoying life just isn’t important anymore. So many things can go wrong. Am I going to risk my life or risk getting an assault charge .. getting stabbed or who knows what by the wrong guy... getting hep C over a guy snagging fish  8) not F’n likely.. not anymore ... not at this stage of my life. Maybe when I was young dumb and full of cum I might have gotten involved, actually I did get involved and a couple times it didn’t turn out that great. Leave that crap for the DFO to enforce. Call RAPP if you want to sleep better at night.  Nuff said.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: montegobay man on September 26, 2018, 08:14:05 AM
  ::) well said Fishing report's page
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: DanL on September 26, 2018, 09:13:16 AM
I was out on Sunday AM and the lower end was somewhat low clarity from the overnight rain. Maybe 1.5-2 ft vis, though I think it cleared a little by the time I left around noon. The turbidity probably helped though as fishing seemed to stay somewhat productive well after first light.

Is it safe to assume that it's now back to super-clear conditions?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BBarley on September 26, 2018, 09:15:46 AM
River is very clear and on the drop. Managed to find a beautiful little slot that was full of fish but they were tight lipped. Perhaps first light or chucking goo would of changed that scenario. It's funny with all this talk of snaggers and how much of a cancer they are, in all my travels along the river recently, I don't think I've seen one float flosser........

Haven't seen many fish hooked, and not seeing alot of springs aside from a few jacks kicking around. When do the chum typically start to show up?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: DanL on September 26, 2018, 09:38:43 AM
From my notes, I think 'peak chum' is around the 3rd week of October, though your chances are pretty good any time after the calendar turns to October.

That being said, my friend C&R'd a pretty nice chum on Sunday, though that was the only one from the 12-15 fish we saw landed throughout the day.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: JL on September 26, 2018, 10:08:33 AM
Chum are already in the river. Caught one last weekend
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on September 26, 2018, 12:11:17 PM
I've caught 6 chum already ... 1st one was 2 weeks ago

Am I wrong in thinking that the timing of all the runs, Springs, Coho and Chum...seems a bit off this year?

Coho seem early
Springs were on for a bit then off
Chum seem really early .... although not huge numbers..
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: 243Pete on September 26, 2018, 04:07:58 PM
River is dropping and the water is gin-clear making fish a bit more tight lipped now from previous when the rain came down and put levels up and clarity at that beautiful teal green which I find makes the fish more willing to bite when the sun comes up.

Always some early chum that come in with the springs and coho, still waiting for the majority of the run to appear around October which is when they usually show up. Already got a nice doe from the lower yesterday floating some spring roe on a slow run.

Lots of jack springs this year, hit quite a few on everything from spoons, twitched jigs and roe.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on September 26, 2018, 04:24:06 PM
Yup, I have also hit quite a few Jack Springs  ...

Gonna try my luck tomorrow early .... time to try out my freshly cured Spring roe.

Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on September 26, 2018, 04:25:40 PM
I've caught 6 chum already ... 1st one was 2 weeks ago

Am I wrong in thinking that the timing of all the runs, Springs, Coho and Chum...seems a bit off this year?

Coho seem early
Springs were on for a bit then off
Chum seem really early .... although not huge numbers..
Seems right on time to me.  I normally get my first spring by the second weekend of September, and this year it was the 16th, so right on time there.  I remember 20 years ago there being plenty of coho in the river early September, so that seems right on time as well.  September 12, 2001, I was camping in Allison Pool with my wife (right after 9/11, so I remember vividly) and the river was full of coho.  I hope this is the beginning of another great season.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on September 26, 2018, 04:45:25 PM
Yes I hope so too
Cool.. thanks
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cammer on September 26, 2018, 06:33:13 PM
geez  I must have missed all the murders- stabbings- assaults and "rapes" happening on the vedder and elsewhere, im sorry to all the people who are scared fishing and don't want to stand up for the fish and fishermans ethics,  ill take one of those phantom knifers on I guess in my lonely stance against bad ethics, god be with me
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on September 26, 2018, 07:42:56 PM
Reminder to everyone - beware the bears.  I saw one sniffing around the cars parked at Allison Pool along the road on my way home yesterday evening, and I noticed a chewed on wild coho carcass on the north side of the upper river on Sunday.  Watch your back, watch your fish, and make noise when you're hiking.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on September 26, 2018, 09:35:04 PM
BTW - curious to hear other's experiences, but we just at the first of my coho from the vedder tonight for dinner, and the consensus was it tasted better than the Fraser sockeye we have been eating.  Relatively firm texture (for a coho), great flavor, good fat content, even the crispy skin was delicious.  What are others finding?  The past few years I have found the quality to be really hit or miss.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on September 26, 2018, 09:43:59 PM
We had one for dinner last night. I think it is right up there with Sockeye... but I still enjoyed the Sockeye just a tad more. .

Had a Capilano COHO  ;) a few days ago too.... DELICIOUS!!  I noticed the meat was extremely red, much redder in colour than both the Fraser Sockeye and Vedder Coho...

Ive heard told...that their diet is different than others and that contributes to the extra red colour.... is that true or....myth?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Fish Assassin on September 26, 2018, 09:48:10 PM
Capilano sockeye ??
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: John Revolver on September 26, 2018, 09:52:22 PM
BTW - curious to hear other's experiences, but we just at the first of my coho from the vedder tonight for dinner, and the consensus was it tasted better than the Fraser sockeye we have been eating.  Relatively firm texture (for a coho), great flavor, good fat content, even the crispy skin was delicious.  What are others finding?  The past few years I have found the quality to be really hit or miss.

yes totally agree with this!

The vedder coho are absolutley un-fking-beleivable this year! :)    After filleting/processing the hatch I took down last week ,I froze the fillets then thawed in the fridge. I cut up some portions and they were the best tasting I've ever had. The flesh was the reddest I've ever seen.  The quality was so good I sliced up pieces for sashimi and it was spectacular. 
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wildmanyeah on September 26, 2018, 09:56:24 PM
The coho got super fat on crab larvae in the straight of Georgia this year. All ones I caught were nice and fat.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on September 26, 2018, 10:01:32 PM
Capilano sockeye ??

OOPS....  ;D.  (fixed it )

Capilano Coho.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cammer on September 27, 2018, 12:42:37 AM
A friend said today that coho from yesterday was unbelievable and this guy eats more salmon than the the southern killer whales,  so may be something to this
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wav789 on September 27, 2018, 10:02:32 AM
I agree - they taste even better than normal this year. Very firm, very red.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Aki on September 27, 2018, 11:06:28 AM
Yesterday we ate part of a coho caught earlier this week...delicious...very slow in the lower Vedder this morning...water is low and gin clear...
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BBarley on September 27, 2018, 01:45:15 PM
They were throwing chrome bars into the ice filled totes up at the hatchery this morning. Tried asking if they would throw a couple freshies into a cooler for me but no dice. To the Purina plant for them I guess....... lucky dogs >:(
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: 243Pete on September 27, 2018, 02:24:39 PM
Been catching a lot and I mean a LOT of does(All me and a few friends got this week have been hens with the exception of one buck) when targetting coho this year, some of them well over 4-5 pounds, meat is super nice this year as it's pretty fatty and lots of flavour over two years ago with all the smaller fish.

Quiet today, seen some fish rolling around but after the fog let off the bite turned off as well, we need a good rain and some color to the river as this gin clear water is making for tough conditions.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cammer on September 27, 2018, 02:53:52 PM
Is it just me or does anyone else think those coho should be shipped down to canal and reintroduced?  Dfo sure doesn’t seem to get it like our southern friends In wash and Oregon
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: sumasriver on September 27, 2018, 03:01:33 PM
Well, if you win the Vancouver Marathon..... are you rewarded with being driven back to the starting line to run it again.....
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Tangles on September 27, 2018, 03:24:07 PM
Slow morning for me too. Got a jack spring and a big one broke me off when it eventually bolted downstream. No coho love for me but the old fella next to me schooled us all with 3 big ones and a spring by 8am.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on September 27, 2018, 03:59:30 PM
No coho love for me but the old fella next to me schooled us all with 3 big ones and a spring by 8am.
Must have been buck, he's an old guy ;D
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cammer on September 27, 2018, 04:25:31 PM
Hatchery fish are meant for consumption and I think anglers and the river need them more than some industry,  sure a good “reward “for the marathon to be put into totes if you use your logic Sumas??  No?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on September 27, 2018, 04:54:23 PM
no budget $ for the gasoline.

They have done that with steelhead in the past haven't they?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on September 27, 2018, 04:58:00 PM
They have done that with steelhead in the past haven't they?
Yeah, happened for a short while.   I agree Ralph, the cost would be prohibitive to truck hatchery coho back downstream.  If anglers want less hatchery fish at the hatchery, they should not be hoping for rain. Any jump in water height gets these hatchery clones on the move immediately.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cammer on September 27, 2018, 05:03:55 PM
Dave Ralph gas  money ?? No way that can be the reason ?seriously? I think that could’ve easily covered by numerous clubs etc. Bright chrome fish should go back in system for consumption or nutrification
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on September 27, 2018, 05:24:18 PM
Someone has to drive the truck though if they are on staff and there is additional salary it's what we bean counters call an irrelevant cost. Glad you suggested NPO funding Cam as I didn't want to.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on September 27, 2018, 06:32:44 PM
Considering the majority of these moved coho would be dead (or zombies) in 2 weeks, it's hardly worth it.   Vedder coho have always been unpredictable biters ... some days they are impossible, other days, suicidal.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BBarley on September 27, 2018, 06:33:24 PM
Judging by the rave reviews of this years inbred coho taste, and the plight of just about every other fish in the Fraser, maybe more ecomical to buy yourself a few tins of salmon wet dog food than splurging for the MSC endorsed canned sockeye/pink in the supermarket.......
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: adriaticum on September 27, 2018, 06:44:26 PM
Hatchery fish are meant for consumption and I think anglers and the river need them more than some industry,  sure a good “reward “for the marathon to be put into totes if you use your logic Sumas??  No?


No, hatchery fish that are meant for consumption are sold in grocery stores.
Hatchery fish in the river are there to provide a fishery so that people wouldn't kill wild fish and prevent destruction of the species.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cammer on September 27, 2018, 08:02:58 PM
Dave I’d disagree with u on the 2 week time frame and I think it would be much better to see the fish in the river providing increased opportunity vs in a tote on their way to some plant for use somewhere else ! Even if they all died in the water throughout the river the nutrients in the ecosystem are much better value to the ecology for a bit of “gas money”
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on September 27, 2018, 09:10:21 PM
I agree on the nutrients ...hey, try doing some lobbying or better yet, get social media on it.  We have wasted money on other things, why not this.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on September 27, 2018, 09:16:52 PM
And put a hole punch in the dorsal fin of these recycled fish so they aren't counted twice by the hatchery and so the anglers know this fish has been around.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cammer on September 27, 2018, 09:19:01 PM
Money can be raised easily when it comes to increasing opportunities,  fishing with rod can donate some of his advertising income back into resource. Have a fishing derby , talk to clubs , donation boxes at Fred’s   Dart n tackle etc
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cammer on September 27, 2018, 09:20:23 PM
Just like a surrey girl jake “”. Lol”. But yep. Great idea
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 27, 2018, 09:35:43 PM
Umm... I’ll like to keep my money and spend it on dim sum thank you very much.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Fish Assassin on September 27, 2018, 09:44:24 PM
Umm... I’ll like to keep my money and spend it on dim sum thank you very much.

They have dim sum in Chilliwack ? Must be a bigger town than I thought ;D
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 27, 2018, 09:56:27 PM
No, I’ve gotten rich from the internet so I can afford to drive to Richmond to get my dim sum fix regularly. :-*
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: santefe on September 28, 2018, 08:18:22 AM
Enough is enough, lets get back to what this thread is about, fishing and water conditions.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: sbc hris on September 28, 2018, 12:21:18 PM
Enough is enough, lets get back to what this thread is about, fishing and water conditions.

Dim sum one offend you?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on September 28, 2018, 12:27:48 PM
Enough is enough, lets get back to what this thread is about, fishing and water conditions.

Because you are being so bossy, I'm going to derail the thread again just to annoy you! ;D
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: montegobay man on September 28, 2018, 12:53:24 PM
  re Dim Sum     chicken feet     
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: NothingToSnagAbout on September 28, 2018, 03:20:46 PM
I really need to know now if you can find dim sum in Chilliwack
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarki on September 28, 2018, 04:27:06 PM
I really need to know now if you can find dim sum in Chilliwack

I have seen Sum Dim Guy in Chilliwack.   
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: spoiler on September 28, 2018, 04:56:22 PM
where?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarki on September 28, 2018, 05:26:20 PM
where?
Dude, don’t make me answer that! :)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: montegobay man on September 28, 2018, 05:36:26 PM
   The Dragon King Restaurant in  Yarrow only place in in the  Wack !!!!   Fishing report low low  low  gin  clear  first lite   only   chance's   Then it's sleepy time now  breakfast    Dim sum  : ) 
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: lapa on September 28, 2018, 06:10:13 PM
    Was fishing canal area first light. No single fish between 15+ fishermen (all float fishing roe). Didn't see single fish jumping or moving.
 Very slow but nice to be outside.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BMo86 on September 29, 2018, 12:31:20 PM
I get the whole first light bite theory but for guys to say that’s the only time to catch fish baffles me I got 2 nice hos back to back at 3pm yesterday
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: spoiler on September 29, 2018, 02:08:55 PM
not the only time but usually the best time when we have these conditions. Once the river comes up and gets a bit of color you can catch fish all day long.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mikeyman on September 29, 2018, 09:10:09 PM
Reports? Hitting cheddar first light. Gong!
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Marsman on September 29, 2018, 09:45:31 PM
Fished today above the crossing.  Water was low and clear.  Seen fish rising but could get them to bite.  Roe, blades, jigs.. Nothing worked.  Oh Well.  Next time.

Rob
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BBarley on September 29, 2018, 11:15:22 PM
Am I missing something in the canal??? Every time I pass over the KWB/1 I see what looks like pilings stacked close together. Couldn't believe it today when I passed over, looked like sockeye season out there :P
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: DanL on September 30, 2018, 09:44:18 AM
Was out yesterday and there was a short first light bite, then extremely tough after that. Low and clear, as others have said. With some upcoming rain it should be a different story over the next few days. Going to take a break then work it hard after next weekend.

Am I missing something in the canal??? Every time I pass over the KWB/1 I see what looks like pilings stacked close together. Couldn't believe it today when I passed over, looked like sockeye season out there :P

Just for interests sake you should head down one day there just observe, you'll see why. The anglers are clustered around the choke points where the fish gather and hang out.

Considering how long it is, most of the canal is actually not very fishable, but where it turns into something fish will hold in, you'll see the anglers jam in there tighter than the fish. Mostly when the water runs against one bank or the other, and has a deeper slot or run. Between one 'holding pool' and the next, there are often long shallow stretches where the fish probably aren't keen to navigate during the day, so once it's bright out, they are more or less stuck.

It would actually be a really good place to fish if it wasnt for all the people. I havent seen very many arguments on the Vedder, but when I do it's almost always in the canal, particularly directly under KWB. No fish is worth that stress when there are many other productive spots.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 30, 2018, 07:35:33 PM
River conditions didn't change at all despite of the showers we had since yesterday. Spent a few hours this afternoon fishing without anyone around so it was lovely, a jack and a couple of missed bites, while seeing a few nice fish rolling were the bonuses.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on September 30, 2018, 08:07:36 PM
And it was COOOLD upriver.  I was surprised to see my breath while fishing on a September afternoon.  I wonder if the cold front kept the fish from moving because there seemed to be far fewer coho making their way upriver compared to yesterday.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: armytruck on September 30, 2018, 08:10:35 PM
Got  a late start today but decided to give it a go. Drove up to the slab to see a couple springs in tow . I walked up to limits hole to look at fish staging before the hatchery. I found 4 people fishing in the closed area . 2 of them were fighting fish and I yelled at them to stop and showed them the signage along side of the banks . They had a hard time understanding me but got the message and moved down below  the triangle . Went down the backside of tamahi with no takers . Nice water flowing and had it all to myself so it didn’t matter if I was catching anything . Went down to the gravel pit in the lower , again it was quiet. Seen a couple brought in way up from me .
Wasn’t so bad a day or half day
Tight lines mates  8)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: redtide on September 30, 2018, 10:00:44 PM
saw the first chum of the season caught today. fully equipped with teeth and battle stripes. in my books thats an early chum for the vedder.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on September 30, 2018, 10:14:15 PM
saw the first chum of the season caught today. fully equipped with teeth and battle stripes. in my books thats an early chum for the vedder.
I saw half a dozen up at the slab today, including a couple landed, the rest just cruising by.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on September 30, 2018, 11:15:30 PM
I saw half a dozen up at the slab today, including a couple landed, the rest just cruising by.
I caught a chum ten days ago. Huge, toothy and wearing their signature stripes. Friend of mine caught one a few days before me. The chum recon squad enters the Vedder early to mid September.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BBarley on September 30, 2018, 11:26:20 PM
Just for interests sake you should head down one day there just observe, you'll see why. The anglers are clustered around the choke points where the fish gather and hang out.

It would actually be a really good place to fish if it wasnt for all the people. I havent seen very many arguments on the Vedder, but when I do it's almost always in the canal, particularly directly under KWB. No fish is worth that stress when there are many other productive spots.

I feel like you have given me enough to go off that not being around that particular area is in my best interest. Guys standing side by side flossing out the salmon in the ugly ol canal probably won't lead to any revolutionary discoveries that will enhance my fishing experience/knowledge moving forward.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Tangles on October 01, 2018, 12:13:02 AM
Why do you assume everyone fishing the canal is a flosser/snagger? Last time I fished along with 10 other guys - all friendly and respectful, shortfloating roe and having a good time. Not a single snagged fish to see that day and everyone had a good time.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: lapa on October 01, 2018, 08:34:50 AM
Why do you assume everyone fishing the canal is a flosser/snagger? Last time I fished along with 10 other guys - all friendly and respectful, shortfloating roe and having a good time. Not a single snagged fish to see that day and everyone had a good time.
X2
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: fic on October 01, 2018, 09:27:26 AM
I drove over the canal in the afternoon yesterday. There were a dozen people on the bridge spectating the action immediately below the bridge.  As for the fishing, I saw them move through where I was fishing, but they weren't interested in biting any of my offerings.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 01, 2018, 10:33:01 AM
No shortage of fish this morning, stubborn fish that is. ;D Three quick bites in a row at first light only yielded one wild 4lber, then spent a couple of hours watching nice coho rolling all over the place. Couldn't see any so-called rippers around, lots of room, so good morning after all. ;)

Re: Canal. It indeed gets busy especially with conditions like what we have right now, but plenty of people fish effectively and respectfully. Of course there'll be a percentage of people who don't know what they are doing and are learning, eventually they'll figure it out with some guidance by more experienced anglers. The ones who intentionally practice illegal methods or don't respect others only make up a small minority.

One of our favourite days in recent years was being able to hook into a couple dozen coho at a tailout in the canal with everyone else fishing above but their float depths were all not shallow enough to get some proper bites. I rarely fish the canal now, mostly because I just don't have the time.

http://www.fishingwithrod.com/blog/2011/10/08/the-perfect-day/
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BBarley on October 01, 2018, 10:33:32 AM
Why do you assume everyone fishing the canal is a flosser/snagger? Last time I fished along with 10 other guys - all friendly and respectful, shortfloating roe and having a good time. Not a single snagged fish to see that day and everyone had a good time.

Sorry to have offended you and others who ethically fish the canal, my intent wasn't to paint everyone with the same brush that fishes there. I like others on this board enjoy solitude when fishing and avoid crowds if at all possible but thats my personal choice as you are entitled to your own.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: DanL on October 01, 2018, 12:54:27 PM
I feel like you have given me enough to go off that not being around that particular area is in my best interest. Guys standing side by side flossing out the salmon in the ugly ol canal probably won't lead to any revolutionary discoveries that will enhance my fishing experience/knowledge moving forward.

Honestly dont let that stop you from exploring and fishing the canal. There really are some very nice drifts to be had. As others have said, it's not really a snag-fest, or anything like that. But being so accessible, it's going to draw some good crowds, it is what it is.  It's not always a gong show, either. Some days you'll get a nice run to yourself and the next day it will be a zoo. The canal is not my first choice of destination either but I venture down there a few times a year and and it's always a good time for one reason or another.

If you value solitude above all else, then sure, maybe the canal isn't your thing. Or hit it in the evening/last light when many people have already left.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarki on October 01, 2018, 01:39:30 PM
I prefer not to fish the canal above KWB. It's relatively feature-less, there are high banks on either side, and honestly, I find it a little boring. 

I much prefer the beauty and complexity of the river valley environs further upstream.         
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on October 01, 2018, 01:56:07 PM
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
 I have a pic of my wife holding a big spring, caught in the canal. Green grass on the banks behind her, rolling clouds over the mountains in the background...and a great smile on her face.  Take each moment as they come...

tight lines...
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: blueback on October 01, 2018, 10:08:19 PM
Hey Guys,
How're the water conditions? Any recent reports? Afraid it may blow out if too much rain.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on October 01, 2018, 10:19:12 PM
Well the graph shows a steady sharp rise.... don't think it will blow out but will prob be a day or two before it clears up...  We sure needed the rain though. Should be a good amount of fish coming in... lets hope so anyways..

https://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/report/real_time_e.html?stn=08MH001
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 01, 2018, 11:45:13 PM
River above crossing was fishable this afternoon while Sweltzer was puking mud so it was brown downstream from the crossing. The entire river got dirty just before dark so most likely tomorrow morning is a no go.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on October 02, 2018, 06:46:04 PM
Can anybody give an update on visibility below the crossing this evening?  Still muddy?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BBarley on October 02, 2018, 06:51:18 PM
River was dropping into beautiful shape this afternoon with a ton of fish on the move. Sweltzer has a bit of cloud from the quarries and the mainstem upstream was ideal albeit higher........ fish were sitting right on shore in a couple feet of water. No need to get your wading boots wet in these conditions.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: obie1fish on October 02, 2018, 08:11:28 PM
2-3 feet visibility in the mid-section later this afternoon. Fish rising, but couldn't find any takers in the 2 hours I was out. Chilly wind came up, and I noticed it came from the direction of some snow covered peaks. I have to spend a few more moments looking around at the views and not wired to my float. ::)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on October 02, 2018, 08:28:03 PM
I see it isn't done rising yet - apparently it must be raining quite a bit upriver, the graph is still climbing.  Guess I won't sneak out for a couple hours in the morning.  Should be great conditions for this weekend though.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dennisK on October 02, 2018, 08:40:55 PM
That is strange. Chilliwack is not showing any rain but river rising at the crossing.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on October 02, 2018, 09:39:23 PM
That is strange. Chilliwack is not showing any rain but river rising at the crossing.
Hopefully it is raining up in the Chilliwack Lake watershed - giving the lake a good recharge that will cause the river to drop more slowly.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: ali2pali on October 02, 2018, 10:49:25 PM
Hopefully it is raining up in the Chilliwack Lake watershed - giving the lake a good recharge that will cause the river to drop more slowly.

Between Chilliwack and Hope it was raining for most of the afternoon, it even hailed a bit. So yeah, there was quite a bit of rain up river from the crossing and in the watershed.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 03, 2018, 09:08:45 AM
Conditions are excellent this morning, it is dropping nicely...
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BBarley on October 03, 2018, 04:12:27 PM
Hooked a couple dogs while out taking the dog this afternoon. Had some fun with them on my twitching rod short floating a jig. Water has come down and cleared since yesterday, still a ton of fish on the move in front of me.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Noahs Arc on October 03, 2018, 05:09:14 PM
Conditions are excellent this morning, it is dropping nicely...

Got your limit by 9 eh?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 03, 2018, 09:27:39 PM
No, dropped the kid at school off by 9, worked the rest of the day and listened to reports all day. ;D :'(
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigsnag on October 03, 2018, 10:25:55 PM
That is strange. Chilliwack is not showing any rain but river rising at the crossing.
It will be strange if you drink and pee at the same time.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 04, 2018, 11:15:50 AM
Water is dropping and clearing up fast again. Plenty of fish on the move this morning.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: lapa on October 04, 2018, 12:16:35 PM
Water is dropping and clearing up fast again. Plenty of fish on the move this morning.
Not in area  where I was fishing:'(. Didn't see single fish rolling. Was very slow. Still managed to get one hatchery on roe.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: waterbearer on October 04, 2018, 09:09:20 PM
Not in area  where I was fishing:'(. Didn't see single fish rolling. Was very slow. Still managed to get one hatchery on roe.

That makes two of us, fished mid-river from 10 to 5 saw a few big springs and got a follow from a jack spring on an olive green jig other than that didn't see anything moving. think some colour in the water is needed.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on October 04, 2018, 09:13:33 PM
That makes two of us, fished mid-river from 10 to 5 saw a few big springs and got a follow from a jack spring on an olive green jig other than that didn't see anything moving. think some colour in the water is needed.
Yep, it cleared up VERY quickly after this last rain - I think because it is so cold up in the hills.  Surprisingly slow on the lower river this morning as well. 
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: ali2pali on October 04, 2018, 09:17:46 PM
Yes, snow on the hills likely locked up some of that moisture. Slow for me too today. 2 fish in a couple hours...and lots of people out. River was busy!
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BBarley on October 04, 2018, 09:55:27 PM
Took the hound for a walk/scouting mission today, watched a good school of fish mill around in a pool until a few folks walked down towards where they were, then they scurried to the tail, presuming coho. These folks never even touched the water with their waders and yet the fish could pick up on their presence (my shadow wasn’t anywhere near the water). How far do you have to stay back to not trigger their lateral line detection? 
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 05, 2018, 11:13:00 AM
Conditions are pretty much the same as yesterday as expected, maybe a bit lower. Fish are not moving as much, but still plenty around. A quick morning session yielded three wild coho, a couple of chinook jacks, one chum salmon and lost another coho before returning home for breakfast.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BBarley on October 05, 2018, 06:49:46 PM
If the ziplipped coho are frustrating you, throw a stinky purple grub tail on and hang on. The early dogs are smoking them.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Aki on October 05, 2018, 07:27:05 PM
Went out with my son and buddy...canal, slow....lower river some action with row, otherwise quiet...upper river fish moving through and hooked a few...
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 07, 2018, 03:22:08 PM
Conditions are pretty much the same as yesterday as expected, maybe a bit lower. Fish are not moving as much, but still plenty around. A quick morning session yielded three wild coho, a couple of chinook jacks, one chum salmon and lost another coho before returning home for breakfast.
Hope you left me a few as was away on the Wild Salmon Caravan for a week and then hunting for a week. I donot need many more fish as caught a good numbe,r you know where.lol Run was very strong again this year and adults too.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 07, 2018, 09:59:16 PM
Plenty of fish for you this year. ;D

Water continues to drop and clear. Fish are still moving fast IMO. One day here, next day gone. We snuck out for a couple of hours tonight while everyone else was having Thxgiving dinner, two hatchery coho around 4lb each.

(https://scontent.fyvr1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/43573230_10155970694037712_8614232278555426816_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&oh=d5a90d0840fe647d036d7734826d26fa&oe=5C613B6A)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Fish Assassin on October 07, 2018, 10:10:27 PM
4 lbs. each Rodney ? Think I'll get you a scale for Christmas this year ;)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 07, 2018, 10:11:58 PM
Hey inflated four pounders are better than zero pounders. :-*
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: pbish on October 08, 2018, 10:26:38 AM
Rod I think you need to up tour fishing fashion game. Your wife is crushing you with the scarf.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 08, 2018, 01:32:42 PM
Plenty of fish for you this year. ;D

Water continues to drop and clear. Fish are still moving fast IMO. One day here, next day gone. We snuck out for a couple of hours tonight while everyone else was having Thxgiving dinner, two hatchery coho around 4lb each.

(https://scontent.fyvr1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/43573230_10155970694037712_8614232278555426816_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&oh=d5a90d0840fe647d036d7734826d26fa&oe=5C613B6A)
The last 2 grouse I bagged last week were bigger. Went out to wet a line for the first time this AM but too many anglers, not what I was used to this year. Instead I did a small river cleanup which on the bars whas not too bad, all I caught besides the garbage was one Maple Leaf DNE and a few beer tins all empty except sand filled. ;D

Saw a few chum salmon caught and one CO. One chap landed two chum and dragged them up onto the sand before guiding them back into the water with his feet, when will they learn!!! Ended up talking to Marvin for 45 minutes trying to solve all the wrongs of the world. May go out tonight and write the Journal but so many pictures and videos to deal with from The Wild Salmon Caravan.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: b8floater on October 08, 2018, 02:32:56 PM
Filmed a short river conditions report video for those wondering what a holiday Monday brings to this urban fishery.
https://youtu.be/kd3p3AwJes0 (https://youtu.be/kd3p3AwJes0)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on October 08, 2018, 03:03:23 PM
Filmed a short river conditions report video for those wondering what a holiday Monday brings to this urban fishery.
https://youtu.be/kd3p3AwJes0 (https://youtu.be/kd3p3AwJes0)
Wow, that was today?  Seemed like far fewer people than Saturday and Sunday.  I'm surprised.  The last couple Thanksgiving Monday's I have bothered to fish I regretted as soon as I got to the river because there wasn't a rock to stand on.  Maybe the weather is keeping the crowds away?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Fish Assassin on October 08, 2018, 03:59:07 PM
 I agree. Seems fairly light for a Sunday. Might have to do with Thanksgiving.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: halcyonguitars on October 08, 2018, 04:05:21 PM
Where were the fish, lol?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: NothingToSnagAbout on October 08, 2018, 04:15:43 PM
Saw a few chum salmon caught and one CO. One chap landed two chum and dragged them up onto the sand before guiding them back into the water with his feet, when will they learn!!!
Chum is the red-headed step child of the fishing world. So sad :'(
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: ByteMe on October 08, 2018, 05:07:54 PM
Chum is the red-headed step child of the fishing world. So sad :'(

lmao............or the middle child
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BBarley on October 08, 2018, 06:52:35 PM
Not to derail the thread too much but does anyone else using scents seem to have the wasps come out of the woodworks? I got a little bit on my handwarmer pouch on my waders and now I basically have to find a log to put a dab on otherwise they stick to me like glue...... Haven’t been bit....... yet :o  I can’t be the only one out there so just wondering how others deal with it?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dubs604 on October 09, 2018, 01:46:19 PM
Fished the canal (my first time) on Monday morning from 6:30am to 10am (downstream from the KWB).  Was the only person chucking spoons and spinners, and trying to twitch jigs in slower/still waters.  Tried everything in my bag of tricks, but didn't get a single bite.  Watched some folks drifting roe shoulder-to-shoulder get into some fish, and helped a young guy net a really nice spring.

It was my first time there, so naturally I was attracted to the calls of "fish on" from just below the bridge.  I watched a few guys pull up some nice chums, but quickly realized that they were flossing.  I tossed spoons and spinners all around them, as obviously there were fish stacking in that area, but no luck. 

Might go back next weekend and try an area further upriver.  Should I keep deploying spoons and spinners, or switch to drifting roe, jigs and blades?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 09, 2018, 02:12:58 PM
Fished the canal (my first time) on Monday morning from 6:30am to 10am (downstream from the KWB).  Was the only person chucking spoons and spinners, and trying to twitch jigs in slower/still waters.  Tried everything in my bag of tricks, but didn't get a single bite.  Watched some folks drifting roe shoulder-to-shoulder get into some fish, and helped a young guy net a really nice spring.

It was my first time there, so naturally I was attracted to the calls of "fish on" from just below the bridge.  I watched a few guys pull up some nice chums, but quickly realized that they were flossing.  I tossed spoons and spinners all around them, as obviously there were fish stacking in that area, but no luck. 

Might go back next weekend and try an area further upriver.  Should I keep deploying spoons and spinners, or switch to drifting roe, jigs and blades?
Don't give up, I was out this AM and fished some new water, good water too, on the flood tde and nothing. Saw fish being landed next run up, maybe flossing too. Saw 4 jump in the run I was fishing but were not holding I guess and did not have a pull down. Rodney is guiding me tonight so success is a sure thing. ;D

Nothing wrong with changing your gear but a lot of seasoned anglers stick with roe at this time of years but Jigs are deadly on chum salmon if you want to tussle with them and they are not bad table fair when they are a fresh run fish. I saw a chap get two on a jig yesterday. Good luck and glad you recognize flossing when you see it.
Will check out the flossing run tomorrow. :-\ :o
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cdjk123 on October 09, 2018, 02:46:30 PM
I was out on Saturday and Friday, and honestly, it was wayyyyyyy quieter than I would have expected. It was really nice to have some spots to myself. I usually avoid the vedder on Thanksgiving weekend, but it was great this year. For me anyways...
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dubs604 on October 09, 2018, 04:23:14 PM
Don't give up, I was out this AM and fished some new water, good water too, on the flood tde and nothing. Saw fish being landed next run up, maybe flossing too. Saw 4 jump in the run I was fishing but were not holding I guess and did not have a pull down. Rodney is guiding me tonight so success is a sure thing. ;D

Nothing wrong with changing your gear but a lot of seasoned anglers stick with roe at this time of years but Jigs are deadly on chum salmon if you want to tussle with them and they are not bad table fair when they are a fresh run fish. I saw a chap get two on a jig yesterday. Good luck and glad you recognize flossing when you see it.
Will check out the flossing run tomorrow. :-\ :o

Thanks Chris!  I appreciate the words of encouragement.  Hope you and Rod have a blast tonight and fill your coolers!
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dave c on October 09, 2018, 08:09:33 PM
Fished above crossing near indian reserve. Didnt see any coho landed but managed to bring 3 chum to hand and send on their way. On my way back to my vehicle saw a guy with 3 coho on a stringer. He was fishing with several others of the same ethnicity in extremely fast water about 3 ft deep. From float to weight was about 4ft with an 8ft leader. They would plunk in front of themselves and kept entire rig in water for no more than 5 seconds. I was appalled. Upon closer examination one of his fish one of them had the adipose cut off. When i called him out on it he said SPEAK NO ENGLISH. He quickly packed up and left. Would have reported him if he had hung around.  Pretty depressing.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BBarley on October 09, 2018, 09:25:53 PM
When i called him out on it he said SPEAK NO ENGLISH.

Isn't that the phrase everyone uses on the C/V when they get called out on just about anything? ;D ;D ;D I know I've used it a few times getting called out for snagging while twitching jigs and I'm whiter than snow. :P

All seriousness, sounds like a modified form of the Kenai/Russian river flip, I've tried it for sockeye on the lower Babine and it works quite well if the fish are pushing past you in numbers and are close to shore. Saw a guy on the weekend hooking coho on a similar setup in the upper river and was being videotaped doing it, should make for some good Youtubing, how to flip for hatchery coho.

Still amazes me that people get so torqued on this system about snagging and the ensuing witch hunt that happens every fall. Remove the hatchery, see how many salmon survive to be flossed without that conveyor belt of returning spawners every fall.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigblockfox on October 09, 2018, 09:31:01 PM
What bothers me is new anglers watch these pocket flossers and assume that's how fish are caught. Than the problem just gets larger. I was camping at the Rapids and it was really depressing to watch. The amount of fish they dont land is staggering.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 10, 2018, 10:11:16 AM
Someone jinxed our trip yesterday before we even went by expecting to fill the cooler... ;D

Time to take a brief break before the fishing picks up again.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on October 10, 2018, 11:46:49 AM
Someone jinxed our trip yesterday before we even went by expecting to fill the cooler... ;D

Time to take a brief break before the fishing picks up again.
Yep, nothing jinxes a trip like putting ice in the cooler.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: coyote spooner on October 10, 2018, 12:57:43 PM
 I headed  out very early yesterday morning,  with the hope of catching a first light coho.   I arrived at my  spot, All be it sometimes a busy one, at 5:30.  I walked down to the spot and was hanging out waiting for first light.   Another guy shows up with a giant bright headlamp sets up his gear and starts casting just after 6 AM .   His first cast he snags the bottom in the fast water .   He proceeded to play the snag for 45 minutes until first light .  In my 25 years on the Vedder ,one of the stupidest and funniest things I’ve seen yet.  Luckily he was in the tail out and I was at the head of the pool so I started fishing and doing my thing and then four guys  showed up, Set up their gear and waited for him to clear the pool.  Finally they ran out of patience and told him it was a snag..😄

I stayed for another 15 minutes, until he re rigged and came up beside me.  8-10’ leader under a bouncing Betty below a  sliding float.  Told him what I thought of him...packed up and hiked....

Only one takedown at first light....pretty slow...not many fish on the move....saw one riser in 5 runs...river color and level was perfect
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: 96XJ on October 10, 2018, 03:26:52 PM
Man that sounds hilarious, in all fairness some snags fight better than others  ::)

Good story
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Aki on October 10, 2018, 06:47:19 PM
This morning at first light the lower river was more productive for coho than on some of my other outings...lost three and two on the beach (one was a clipped jack, released gently) also a few springs and chums hooked (by others)...died down before 9am and I left...tide was good today and looks pretty good for tomorrow...
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Steelhawk on October 10, 2018, 07:22:29 PM
The better fishing was probably due to the bump in the river level. But with no rain, where did the water come from?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Aki on October 10, 2018, 07:28:45 PM
Snow melt?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigblockfox on October 10, 2018, 09:36:12 PM
Yep, nothing jinxes a trip like putting ice in the cooler.

Sums it up nicely.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on October 11, 2018, 04:49:49 PM
There is no rain in the next 14-day forecast. Are you kidding
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on October 11, 2018, 05:43:06 PM
two for me in the canal today. Fish seemed to come up on the high tide. Nice fish 6.5lb doe and a 5.75 buck. Both hatchery. Both weighed. Only other fish I have seen in 2 trips were less than 4lbs.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: 243Pete on October 11, 2018, 06:18:05 PM
Wednesday was alright, first light in the canal wasn't to bad as I hooked a nice coho and two chum, buddy got a nice hatchery and a chum as well. Saw a nice push of chum move through the canal at around 9-ish which was cool to watch as they made a nice wake through the shallow area. Hooked a nice spring on the jig on the mid canal but I couldn't for the life of me land anything to hand on Wednesday but oh well that is how things go... and having a fish run into a friends leg and bend the hook out doesn't help either.  :o
But conditions were better on Wednesday for sure as the water mid river was a nice teal-ish green and kept fish a little more bitey.
Today was sssuuuuuupppperrr slow, buddy managed two nice hatch cohos and a jack spring and all I got was a wild stick so I gently released it back into the river to spawn. ;D
Water was gin clear so I'm thinking with all the low water and clear conditions fish are just moving as fast as possible to spawning ground/ hatchery.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on October 11, 2018, 06:34:44 PM
Last week and today one thing that struck me is that compared to other years, chum are all but absent. DFO has already noted that returns are lower than expected. Any word if they will close retention?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on October 11, 2018, 06:37:32 PM
Hits few spots in the lower yesterday.. nothin'.
 Then Mid river in the afternoon. I fished my freshly cured Spring roe and caught  2 big Spring and a Jack ... One was clean, the other and the Jack were a bit coloured but not too bad... I let 'em all go as my quarry was Coho..
At around 4pm Caught 3 Wild Coho...then finally, just as I was about to call it a day, got 2 hatchery Coho... a 4lb doe and a 6.5lb buck. Made my day  ;D

Guys on either side of me were getting nothing but Chum after Chum ... I think they were giving me the stink eye when I was landing my Coho's

River sure dropping fast .. No rain in the forecast at all...   
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: 243Pete on October 11, 2018, 07:14:25 PM
Last week and today one thing that struck me is that compared to other years, chum are all but absent. DFO has already noted that returns are lower than expected. Any word if they will close retention?

Seen a fair number of them move through the canal but they seem to be heading straight to the spawning areas and not holding, probably because of the low water levels. When the water is clear the are tight lipped at times cause you will see fish surfacing but not always biting.
I think the blow outs the rivers had has something to do with this, I made some bad predictions for the pinks last year cause of how the river blew out on the Squamish and Vedder in the years previous and the returns were realllly bad. So you can kinda say the same thing for the chum as well cause any spawned eggs probably got washed away or covered.
If the numbers coming back are low enough they might close retention but that is a maybe I would guess, have to wait and see what happens cause there might be some fish still returning.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dobrolub on October 11, 2018, 08:31:51 PM
pray for the rain :)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on October 11, 2018, 08:35:08 PM
Hits few spots in the lower yesterday.. nothin'.
 Then Mid river in the afternoon. I fished my freshly cured Spring roe and caught  2 big Spring and a Jack ... One was clean, the other and the Jack were a bit coloured but not too bad... I let 'em all go as my quarry was Coho..
At around 4pm Caught 3 Wild Coho...then finally, just as I was about to call it a day, got 2 hatchery Coho... a 4lb doe and a 6.5lb buck. Made my day  ;D

Guys on either side of me were getting nothing but Chum after Chum ... I think they were giving me the stink eye when I was landing my Coho's

River sure dropping fast .. No rain in the forecast at all...

Looks like you had magic roe. Chinook taste much better than Coho IMO
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on October 11, 2018, 09:03:43 PM
Chinook taste much better than Coho IMO

The fish or the roe... ;D  I prefer to eat Coho .... maybe the fish prefer to eat Chinook eggs..

Had coho for dinner tonight ... crispy skin pan fried filet with roast potatoes and fire grilled Fennel and Tomatoes it was yum..  :)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on October 11, 2018, 09:22:33 PM
The fish or the roe... ;D  I prefer to eat Coho .... maybe the fish prefer to eat Chinook eggs..

Had coho for dinner tonight ... crispy skin pan fried filet with roast potatoes and fire grilled Fennel and Tomatoes it was yum..  :)

I would like to keep chinook than coho. Coho has a kind of fish smell. Especially after curing so many coho eggs, whenever I bite a coho flash, I feel a full mouth of bait.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on October 11, 2018, 09:40:12 PM
I would like to keep chinook than coho. Coho has a kind of fish smell. Especially after curing so many coho eggs, whenever I bite a coho flash, I feel a full mouth of bait.
If you haven't kept a Chilliwack coho this year I encourage you to give it a try.  They are better tasting this year than I have had in a long time.  Of course, the springs have been very tasty this year as well, with a high ratio of very red marble flesh.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on October 11, 2018, 10:02:57 PM
If you haven't kept a Chilliwack coho this year I encourage you to give it a try.  They are better tasting this year than I have had in a long time.  Of course, the springs have been very tasty this year as well, with a high ratio of very red marble flesh.

I bonked one coho. It smells like the bait I use. I was wondering if it was contaminated by the roe.

https://youtu.be/R4cLcg0xqLs (https://youtu.be/R4cLcg0xqLs)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 12, 2018, 10:33:18 AM
With no rain in the forecast, this is gonna primarily be a first light fishery for awhile. This morning the bite was short lived, everything shut off at 7:30am. Five float downs, one hatchery coho around 6lb on the beach, released another hatchery coho jack, and lost a rather big coho on the spoon just before I went home at 8:00am. Not many people out, it was a rather pleasant experience as always! :D
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on October 16, 2018, 08:46:52 AM
With no rain in the forecast, this is gonna primarily be a first light fishery for awhile.

Nice to see how the experienced ones are keeping mum about how good the fishing has been lately throughout the day and not just first light. ::)
It seems that the uber popular spots that attract the masses like flies to dung keep the pressure off the more secluded locations where top rods are nailing coho day in and day out. ;D

Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: ByteMe on October 16, 2018, 08:55:38 AM
Nice to see how the experienced ones are keeping mum about how good the fishing has been lately throughout the day and not just first light. ::)
It seems that the uber popular spots that attract the masses like flies to dung keep the pressure off the more secluded locations where top rods are nailing coho day in and day out. ;D

You are learning, GRASSHOPPER ;)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 16, 2018, 11:52:54 AM
Last week and today one thing that struck me is that compared to other years, chum are all but absent. DFO has already noted that returns are lower than expected. Any word if they will close retention?
While doing a cleanup in the Canal today where I picked up a fair amount of line and a bucket of garbage. ::) A chap said there wasa lot of chum caught yesterday, saw a few either caught when I or already on the beach.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Fish Assassin on October 16, 2018, 01:58:30 PM
Nice to see how the experienced ones are keeping mum about how good the fishing has been lately throughout the day and not just first light. ::)
It seems that the uber popular spots that attract the masses like flies to dung keep the pressure off the more secluded locations where top rods are nailing coho day in and day out. ;D

No longer a secret now. ;)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on October 16, 2018, 05:36:33 PM
Saw more chum today but that may be do to the low clear water and checking out some deep holding water from a high bank. There were some coho mixed in with them. A few guys twitching jigs were catching chums and coho at high noon. I got a small coho earlier in the morning and that was it pour moi.

Overall chum #s still seem low to me. Pools that would have held easily  > 100 has dozens instead.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: firstlight on October 16, 2018, 08:00:37 PM
For the past 10 years or so give or take a year or three the Chum numbers have been overall terrible.
Never thought id see the day that Chum numbers were questionable.
I also never thought id see the day that Eulichons were endangered in the Fraser either.
Scary times we live in and even scarier are those that make the big decisions on the different fisheries.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on October 16, 2018, 08:36:38 PM
Quite a few chum at the run I was at this morning.  When I approached the bank with my headlamp on (still 15 minutes or so before it was light enough to fish) I saw a dozen or so chum milling around in the shallows with their backs out of the water.  Plenty of chum rolling along the far bank all morning as well.  Thankfully I only hooked one nasty old chum while I was seeking coho.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on October 17, 2018, 07:56:16 AM
For the past 10 years or so give or take a year or three the Chum numbers have been overall terrible.
Never thought id see the day that Chum numbers were questionable.
I also never thought id see the day that Eulichons were endangered in the Fraser either.
Scary times we live in and even scarier are those that make the big decisions on the different fisheries.

I remeber when Moutain Slough, Maria Slough and the Harrison were so thick with Chum it looked like the river was a giant snake. Even the Stave had a stink for miles. Now not so much. I feel that in the not so distant future we'll be talking about protective measures for the Fraser Chum.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Steelhawk on October 17, 2018, 10:44:20 AM
chum roe fishery has got to stop first. Herring and chum roe fisheries are bad for these species. DFO needs to realize they are the biggest culprits for allowing these fisheries to cater to FN and commies, and now the beach seine chum roe fishery and gill netting are endangering IFS steelhead. When will they realize they are the real problem themselves and change their course?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wildmanyeah on October 17, 2018, 11:00:09 AM
For those that like historical data

commercial catch statistics : http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/stats/comm/ann/index-eng.html

Escapement statistics:  https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/c48669a3-045b-400d-b730-48aafe8c5ee6
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Sage2106 on October 17, 2018, 11:23:04 AM
The biggest problem with the chum beach seine fishery is location. They should not be allowed to beach seine in the river where the fish are spawing. They do a set catch say 10 females that are already discharging single eggs they dont want her so thrown up onto the beach she goes so as not to be caught again. So she doesnt get to spawn her eggs taken out of the equation.Then they drag the nets through the fresh reds and disturb all those eggs. Thats why the returns each year are getting progressively worse. Thousands of eggs destroyed every day. 
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 17, 2018, 11:51:07 AM
Plenty of fish this morning, in the water that is... The float dipped three times before time was up. ::)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on October 17, 2018, 12:45:33 PM
The biggest problem with the chum beach seine fishery is location. They should not be allowed to beach seine in the river where the fish are spawing. They do a set catch say 10 females that are already discharging single eggs they dont want her so thrown up onto the beach she goes so as not to be caught again. So she doesnt get to spawn her eggs taken out of the equation.Then they drag the nets through the fresh reds and disturb all those eggs. Thats why the returns each year are getting progressively worse. Thousands of eggs destroyed every day.

Your'e preaching to the converted.  What we need to figure out is how to stop it, or at least minimize the damage and waste.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Sage2106 on October 17, 2018, 01:12:34 PM
To minimize the waste should only be beach seining below the canal where the beaches are more sand then anything and unsuitable for spawning. How the destruction of the reds is allowed to continue baffles me.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BBarley on October 17, 2018, 01:53:19 PM
The unfortunate part of this fishery is that nobody seems to focus on maybe changing the perception to the market that consumes the target query, in this case keta roe. Without dragging race into the equation and completely derailing a thread on the C/V fishing conditions, that could be something we focus on when we send our product overseas. The cost of this fishery to the last remaining wild steelhead returns as well as the wasted biomass so desperately needed every fall in some very crucial spawning and rearing habitat.

The original photos were of wasted chum during a economic sockeye beach seine opening, and now there are communal openings for chum beach seines.
Might I ask why would there be openings allowed weeks later for a species that was disregarded to the point they couldn't even be released back into the water. The closure window ;D ;D ;D? Window dressing fishery management at it's finest.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on October 17, 2018, 04:34:48 PM
Following Firstlight's comments. Chum fisheries declined in most rivers up and down the coast. It started up north a year or 2 before it hit the Fraser Valley. While there was some increase in numbers in the last 5 years based on my observations there are certainly no where near what they where 10 to 15 years ago. The Chilliwack, Stave didn't suffer to the extent of some other rivers. The Harrison really seemed to be heavily hit. It once had a huge return of chum around Remembrance Day and that has close to disappeared. All these rivers have considerable enhancement. I  pretty strongly thinkthere is not one single cause of this that can be removed to fix the issuesand you have to consider it in context of the decline of many runs across 6 species of salmon (including steelhead). The roe fishery is nothing new and has been around for many years. If it is a major cause perhaps we need to end the use of roe as bait? One problem with all our salmon is it makes little to no sense to maintain high levels of exploitation by all user groups when it seems clear that whatever is happening in their freshwater and marine environments, these fish are facing serious trouble.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on October 17, 2018, 07:45:59 PM
Following Firstlight's comments. Chum fisheries declined in most rivers up and down the coast. It started up north a year or 2 before it hit the Fraser Valley. While there was some increase in numbers in the last 5 years based on my observations there are certainly no where near what they where 10 to 15 years ago. The Chilliwack, Stave didn't suffer to the extent of some other rivers. The Harrison really seemed to be heavily hit. It once had a huge return of chum around Remembrance Day and that has close to disappeared. All these rivers have considerable enhancement. I  pretty strongly thinkthere is not one single cause of this that can be removed to fix the issuesand you have to consider it in context of the decline of many runs across 6 species of salmon (including steelhead). The roe fishery is nothing new and has been around for many years. If it is a major cause perhaps we need to end the use of roe as bait? One problem with all our salmon is it makes little to no sense to maintain high levels of exploitation by all user groups when it seems clear that whatever is happening in their freshwater and marine environments, these fish are facing serious trouble.
This is starting to stray pretty far from the thread topic, but are all of our memories of huge chum returns in the Vedder and the Harrison related to the previous hatchery production in the Chilliwack and Chehalis hatcheries?  There were plenty of chum in the lower river pool I was fishing on the Vedder this morning - probably twice as many as yesterday.  They are almost too thick for my liking - more than this and it gets hard to fish for coho without constantly hooking chum.  Does anyone know where to find hatchery production from these systems in the 1990s?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Sage2106 on October 17, 2018, 07:50:15 PM
http://www.chehalis-hatchery.shawbiz.ca/stats.htm
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: obie1fish on October 17, 2018, 10:20:52 PM
Low and clear this evening, but managed to find some nice fishing all by myself. Yeah, feeling pretty smug about it. I'm enjoying it while I can. It doesn't happen every day, especially for me! ;D
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 17, 2018, 10:29:55 PM
Popped out again this evening for a quickie. No love for me despite of standing in front of a few hundred coho salmon, but Nina was able to connect with several fish with a spoon and kept a nice hatchery coho. ;D
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 17, 2018, 11:19:36 PM
Saw a number of coho on the beach when I arrived around 6 tonight. Was told the bite had just ended. ::) Had several bites but were pike minnows coming in on the rising tide, I did land a beauty, 6 inches long. :D
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on October 18, 2018, 08:50:56 AM
Popped out again this evening for a quickie. No love for me despite of standing in front of a few hundred coho salmon, but Nina was able to connect with several fish with a spoon and kept a nice hatchery coho. ;D

Hundred coho? Were you fishing in the hatchery channel?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: avid angler on October 18, 2018, 09:14:31 AM
Following Firstlight's comments. Chum fisheries declined in most rivers up and down the coast. It started up north a year or 2 before it hit the Fraser Valley. While there was some increase in numbers in the last 5 years based on my observations there are certainly no where near what they where 10 to 15 years ago. The Chilliwack, Stave didn't suffer to the extent of some other rivers. The Harrison really seemed to be heavily hit. It once had a huge return of chum around Remembrance Day and that has close to disappeared. All these rivers have considerable enhancement. I  pretty strongly thinkthere is not one single cause of this that can be removed to fix the issuesand you have to consider it in context of the decline of many runs across 6 species of salmon (including steelhead). The roe fishery is nothing new and has been around for many years. If it is a major cause perhaps we need to end the use of roe as bait? One problem with all our salmon is it makes little to no sense to maintain high levels of exploitation by all user groups when it seems clear that whatever is happening in their freshwater and marine environments, these fish are facing serious trouble.

You are so dumb. The Harrison chum and chinook are collapsing because their the biggest victim of the beach seine fishery. Not from people using roe as bait. The roe harvested in that fishery are going overseas.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 18, 2018, 09:32:53 AM
Hundred coho? Were you fishing in the hatchery channel?

Not where you're fishing obviously.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on October 18, 2018, 03:21:33 PM
You are so dumb. The Harrison chum and chinook are collapsing because their the biggest victim of the beach seine fishery. Not from people using roe as bait. The roe harvested in that fishery are going overseas.

LOL! Can't explain why they are collapsing everywhere else on the coast can you, but you gotta blame the FNs for everything! Thank god you are not a racist!. Just a few months ago you and everybody else was blaming the seals. Yeah I know where the roe goes to (me not so stupid as you think I is) but just more hypocrisy... stop the roe sales but let us fish with roe. What a hoot. So many sport anglers think the sun above shines out from their port below.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: avid angler on October 18, 2018, 06:16:38 PM
Their are obviously many factors at play. However there’s commercial scale chum netting up and down the entire coast. If you really think that ending roe use as bait will save the chum then yes you are just as stupid as I think you are. Yes I still believe the harbour seal and sea lion population explosion is a large factor harming salmon stocks. Yes I still think the Fraser River FN genocide of nets is a large factor in declining Fraser stocks. Yes I still think you have the same opinion as every idiot who doesn’t spend any time on the Fraser. Yes I still think your a moron.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on October 18, 2018, 06:21:40 PM
I really think the  'Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates' thread deserves a higher level of conservation than some have been giving it. I am both ignoring and will no longer respond to people who can't do better than engage in direct ad hominem attacks.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Robert_G on October 18, 2018, 07:13:04 PM
Yes I still think your a intelligent and respectable human being.

You need to read more of his posts.

Discrimination isn't always a bad thing and sometimes it's downright justified.

Anyone who spews trash like this and believes it is not a respectable or intelligent person.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 18, 2018, 08:57:07 PM
Water is still dropping, fish are still coming in, I think there are more fish than water now.

Another quick evening outing today, yielded one beautiful hatchery fish around 7~8lb, first one of the season for Dad after 5 or 6 outings.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: avid angler on October 18, 2018, 09:22:44 PM
You need to read more of his posts.

Anyone who spews trash like this and believes it is not a respectable or intelligent person.

I didn’t write that. Either moderators edited my post or you can’t say you think someone is a
m o r o n which is what I wrote
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Drewhill on October 19, 2018, 09:30:27 AM
Water is still dropping, fish are still coming in, I think there are more fish than water now.

Another quick evening outing today, yielded one beautiful hatchery fish around 7~8lb, first one of the season for Dad after 5 or 6 outings.

Definitely some bigger fish compared to previous years. Nice to see.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 19, 2018, 11:38:25 AM
Another morning, another gorgeous looking hatchery coho salmon at the end of the line. The bite was short lived at first light. That float was buried a total of four times. First one resulted in a fish that flipped off the hook as it made halfway into the net, meanwhile the entire rig went flying up into the tree. The following cast was a complete miss. Once the hook was rebaited, sent out, the float was once again buried at the same spot, which turned out to be this hatchery doe around 6lb. A few casts later, another miss wrapped up a rather fast morning session. This is pretty typical while the river remains low and clear, but that will soon change, as rain is in the forecast next week. The Chilliwack/Vedder River is seeing a very good return of coho salmon this year. All indications suggest it is a much larger run with much bigger fish too. The reduction of gill net fisheries downstream from the Lower Fraser River may just be a contributing factor this year.

(https://scontent.fyvr2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/44339444_10155996037207712_2336915044605886464_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&oh=565eb2fddf44ff8adb9027dcce1b79a9&oe=5C59B7BA)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on October 19, 2018, 02:32:02 PM
The Chilliwack/Vedder River is seeing a very good return of coho salmon this year. All indications suggest it is a much larger run with much bigger fish too. The reduction of gill net fisheries downstream from the Lower Fraser River may just be a contributing factor this year.
 

Undoubtedly the less net the more fish to the spawning ground. How could someone deny the damage caused by netting anywhere.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Blood_Orange on October 19, 2018, 03:47:13 PM
I didn’t write that. Either moderators edited my post or you can’t say you think someone is blah blah blah
That's too bad that you didn't write that. That last line made me think more highly of you because it showed you could disagree with somebody but still appreciate their humanity. Oh well  ::)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on October 19, 2018, 04:05:41 PM
6lbs is big? Overall fish I have encountered run 3 to 4lbs though I did take 2 nice ones last week of 5.75 and 6.5lbs. Yesterday I caught one wild fish that must have been 3 and a chum in fairly good shape of 8 or 9lbs. Lots of more fish visible this week
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Robert_G on October 19, 2018, 04:14:07 PM
I didn’t write that. Either moderators edited my post or you can’t say you think someone is a
m o r o n which is what I wrote


If you look closely, it was Ralph I quoted on the 2nd comment, not you.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BBarley on October 19, 2018, 07:07:24 PM
Went out for the evening, as others have stated the water is very low and clear. Found a nice little slot that was holding coho. Went through my progression of lures with abolsutely nothing working, finally went to my Stellako rig only under a Cleardrift instead of on the fly rod (mottled steelhead bead) and had 3 coho as the daylight faded. Plenty of dogs milling about below the coho which was nice to see. Really interesting to see how close the fish will come in to shore even under the bright sun in ultra low water when there’s nobody standing knee deep justifying their waders ;D
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: DanL on October 19, 2018, 07:37:18 PM
In the lower below the crossing today, the water went quite turbid around noon. Vis went from gin clear down to ~3-ish ft but started to clear up a bit a couple hours later. Must have been a slide or something upstream?

Oddly the first light bite did not really happen where I was at last couple days, but was decently spotty from ~8-1pm. We'd get several float downs and hit a couple in the space of 10-15 mins then nothing for an hour (or more), then a new pod moves in and you get some furious action before it goes dead again. It kind of payed off to fence-post as you'd never know when the next batch would cruise on by. Decent size to them this year. The smallest was 4.7lb and the largest was 7.2 according to the digital scale.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on October 19, 2018, 07:37:34 PM
Went out for the evening, as others have stated the water is very low and clear. Found a nice little slot that was holding coho. Went through my progression of lures with abolsutely nothing working, finally went to my Stellako rig only under a Cleardrift instead of on the fly rod (mottled steelhead bead) and had 3 coho as the daylight faded. Plenty of dogs milling about below the coho which was nice to see. Really interesting to see how close the fish will come in to shore even under the bright sun in ultra low water when there’s nobody standing knee deep justifying their waders ;D

Very nice:)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on October 19, 2018, 07:46:08 PM
In the lower below the crossing today, the water went quite turbid around noon. Vis went from gin clear down to ~3-ish ft but started to clear up a bit a couple hours later. Must have been a slide or something upstream?

Oddly the first light bite did not really happen where I was at last couple days, but was decently spotty from ~8-1pm. We'd get several float downs and hit a couple in the space of 10-15 mins then nothing for an hour (or more), then a new pod moves in and you get some furious action before it goes dead again. It kind of payed off to fence-post as you'd never know when the next batch would cruise on by. Decent size to them this year. The smallest was 4.7lb and the largest was 7.2 according to the digital scale.
I wonder  - were you below Hopedale rd?  Could it have come from the heavy equipment working streamside?  Was this late action on roe?   :)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 20, 2018, 06:10:59 AM
 :o :P :-X Forget about getting a spot today as we  drove by the Canal 2 hours ago, going for a coffee and the headlights were already glowing at some of the favorite spots.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dennisK on October 20, 2018, 08:35:09 PM
Went up top and the water was great. Man I love this river in the fall...

(https://image.ibb.co/ghfQ5f/Image00012.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/iPUwBL/Image00011.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/m9q3rL/Image00014.jpg)



Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on October 20, 2018, 08:36:28 PM
:o :P :-X Forget about getting a spot today as we  drove by the Canal 2 hours ago, going for a coffee and the headlights were already glowing at some of the favorite spots.

Yeah... no kidding... the canal was crowded!
 
Found a nice peaceful run up river a bit ... only saw 3 others come in the whole day!
While ‘practice casting’ my new switch rod I managed to land 2 Coho ... both wild, and lost one too..also got 1 Chum on the fly too!!
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 21, 2018, 06:15:37 AM
Went out for 45 minutes in the Canal near dark, saw 3  caught, 2 jacks coho salmon and one chum salmon.

 A couple of disturbing things anglers should know better not to do. These fellows were dressed with all the great gear with good rods too. One, after having a smoke he throws the butt into the river. ::) :'(

Another lands a chum and another chap picks it up holding it by the head in the gill area and shows it to another person, I guess to show what species it was, after about 30 seconds of holding it this way, out of the water too he tosses it back in the water. ???

On the way out I picked up 3 plastic bags, 2 beer cans and a coffee cup to prevent them from being washed down river in the rising tide, one bag was filled with Borax.

No wonder our environment and fish are in trouble,I left shaking my head. Some would say I should speak to them about this but what good would that do as one would think they should know better. I guess posting it here may help some. :-\
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on October 21, 2018, 08:14:13 AM
enough bad behavior visible on the V-C for some to say sport angling for salmon there should be shut down.
 
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: avid angler on October 21, 2018, 12:07:31 PM
Typical Ralph solution. We should probably open up a ceremonial fishery on the vedder as well.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on October 21, 2018, 12:14:15 PM
Typical Ralph solution. We should probably open up a ceremonial fishery on the vedder as well.

Why not. Most government run hatcheries end up being food banks for some FN bands one way or another. Us too.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: avid angler on October 21, 2018, 12:52:55 PM
Why not. Most government run hatcheries end up being food banks for some FN bands one way or another. Us too.

They can have them when they get to the hatchery. We don’t need the vedder turning into mountain bar
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: DanL on October 21, 2018, 01:04:34 PM
Was this late action on roe?   :)

I was mostly using roe, but saw coho hooked on spoons, spinners, blades, etc intermittently throughout the whole day, even in the bright sun. Every technique I saw had success at some point, except on the fly.

I think we just happened to be in the right spot at the right time, and the actively moving fish were willing to bite. I'd been to that spot several times the last couple weeks and it was usually pretty slow previously.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: DanL on October 21, 2018, 01:06:17 PM
enough bad behavior visible on the V-C for some to say sport angling for salmon there should be shut down.
There's enough bad actors in every sector, for every fishery to be shut down, based on this logic.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on October 21, 2018, 06:08:56 PM
I agree! ::)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 22, 2018, 02:20:46 PM
Quite a few people fishing on a Monday, but that's ok, lots of room. ;D Pretty good one hour session at first light, managed to hook four, released two wild fish that were both quite big, kept a hatchery fish around 8, and lost one just before the net. Lots of very fresh fish still showing up. Few more days of this low and clear conditions which I can't really complain about.

Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 22, 2018, 10:12:50 PM
Just as many bites this afternoon. Once again the bites were better while sun was still hitting the water, it actually stopped once it got shaded. 0 for 3 for me. 1 for 3 for Nina... a 5lb hatchery doe.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: fic on October 24, 2018, 08:43:29 AM
Lots of rain on Tap. River will be mocha by Sunday ???
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 24, 2018, 11:31:19 AM
A little slower this morning, these fish are finally smartening up. ;D Popped one off on the spoon, then popped another one off on bait, before the reel exploded and ended up with a massive birdnest, then went back to the spoon and caught a hatchery buck around 6 or 7lb to end the morning outing.

Water had a bit more colour this morning after last night's rain, but height remained unchanged.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dobrolub on October 25, 2018, 03:51:26 PM
Graphs are seeing sharp and dramatic growth dynamics in water levels as I type.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarki on October 25, 2018, 04:31:02 PM
Fished the river this morning from first light. My normal haunts in the mainstem weren't producing so I went exploring and came across a pod of coho tucked behind a log jam. Sight fishing them, bang, bang, I hit 2 hatchery fish on jigs and then they closed up: a combination of me pulling out the two most aggressive fish, the thrashing of those two, and the commotion of a foul hooked chum that stampeded around that little pocket like a p!ssed off bull. I rested the pocket and came back about an hour later, but the remaining coho were not having it.           
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarki on October 25, 2018, 04:37:08 PM
Graphs are seeing sharp and dramatic growth dynamics in water levels as I type.

It seems that way until you check the scale on the y axis and you'll see that it's only increased by .025 m or 2.5 cm.

You get a better perspective of the relative increase if you adjust the date parameters to span a period of time greater than the past 7 days.   
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dobrolub on October 25, 2018, 06:11:15 PM
It seems that way until you check the scale on the y axis and you'll see that it's only increased by .025 m or 2.5 cm.

You get a better perspective of the relative increase if you adjust the date parameters to span a period of time greater than the past 7 days.   
That's why I am saying "dynamics" :). I want to believe!
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BBarley on October 25, 2018, 06:17:24 PM
Not enough rain fell today to do anything substantial to the levels/clarity. A few heavy showers here and there but I wouldn’t expect the levels to bump more than a few inches.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Stratocaster on October 25, 2018, 07:15:17 PM
DanL, nice to meet you and fish with you and your friend Doug today.  Not much fish to hand (at least for us anyways) but the fishing experience was quite enjoyable.  It was like a mini fish in.  Hope to see you guys on the flow again. 
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: DanL on October 25, 2018, 09:04:01 PM
mini fish in. ha great description.

Not gangbusters, but enough action to keep it interesting for everyone and incomparable company. 10/10 would fish with again.

Intermittent rain throughout the day, but the lower remained low and clear. Pretty decent first light bite, spotty until mid-day then quite slow in the early afternoon. Floated roe, casted flies, and twitched jigs all were seen to produce today.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 25, 2018, 09:05:12 PM
mini fish in. ha great description.

Not gangbusters, but enough action to keep it interesting for everyone and incomparable company. 10/10 would fish with again.

Intermittent rain throughout the day, but the lower remained low and clear. Pretty decent first light bite, spotty until mid-day then quite slow in the early afternoon. Floated roe, casted flies, and twitched jigs all were seen to produce today.

Hey... Where was I? :(
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: FlyFishin Magician on October 25, 2018, 09:18:29 PM
Thanks DanL, Stratocaster and others for the most excellent day!  The company was first class!  The fishing, well - it was a bit slow for most of us but at least we all got into coho.  It was fun watching DanL school the rest of us on his jigs (too bad I didn't bring a spinning rod).  The camp fire was great and so were the hot dogs!  Thanks again DanL for bringing and sharing the food.  This was what fishing should be all about!  Meeting great people and enjoying the day.  Hey Rodney - I think you must have slept in!   :)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 25, 2018, 09:20:15 PM
Actually I was grounded today, fished too many mornings lately apparently. ::)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: DanL on October 25, 2018, 09:20:30 PM
Hey... Where was I? :(

Probably slaying and packing the freezer to overflowing at one of your secret spots :P
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigsnag on October 25, 2018, 10:31:46 PM
  It was like a mini fish in.  Hope to see you guys on the flow again.
Wish I was there Doug.  Leave FFM at home next time and pick me up instead.  I'll show you my secret "Lake" hole.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Stratocaster on October 25, 2018, 11:01:30 PM
Wish I was there Doug.  Leave FFM at home next time and pick me up instead.  I'll show you my secret "Lake" hole.

Yep I thought about that.  More fish for you and I if FFM is not there.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: FlyFishin Magician on October 26, 2018, 07:38:46 AM
LOL - would have been great if you were there too BigSnag!   :)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 26, 2018, 08:30:02 AM
It's pouring here now. River was still ok in the lower at first light but starting to colour up. Fished for 15 minutes and netted a nice fish for someone before got summoned back home to take the kid to school because it's raining too much to walk. ::)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Robert_G on October 26, 2018, 04:09:12 PM
got summoned back home to take the kid to school because it's raining too much to walk. ::)

How old is your kid? To the best of my knowledge, kids don't melt in the rain....My mom would of laughed and kicked my butt out the door if I asked for a ride to school because of rain.....how times have changed....
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mikeyman on October 26, 2018, 04:44:52 PM
Rain jacket and gum boots? We always walked to school regardless of weather.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: greyghost on October 26, 2018, 04:54:26 PM
How old is your kid? To the best of my knowledge, kids don't melt in the rain....My mom would of laughed and kicked my butt out the door if I asked for a ride to school because of rain.....how times have changed....
Maybe it’s the wife! 😯
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: NothingToSnagAbout on October 26, 2018, 05:39:12 PM
I walked to school and back, uphill both ways!
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Aki on October 26, 2018, 06:27:13 PM
Fished in the afternoon...mid river was quiet and colouring up...lower river, more springs seemed to be in the river...caught a very fresh 20lb doe marbled/red...
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Steelhead Fever on October 26, 2018, 08:56:30 PM
Lots of fresh fish in the river today.
Chum, Springs, hatchery and wild coho.
The rain really helped, clarity wasn’t great though.
Good luck everyone!
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on October 27, 2018, 07:57:45 PM
5 Coho for me today... all on the fly and all wild!!
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on October 27, 2018, 08:22:39 PM
5 Coho for me today... all on the fly and all wild!!

You are really good. I fished vedder crossing, nothing. Fished loooooog way upper river, nothing either.
Fished canal later afternoon, caught one wild coho and a hatchery jack coho. I did not see many fish today. All the fish must go to the hatchery already.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Shinny on October 27, 2018, 08:40:35 PM
You are really good. I fished vedder crossing, nothing. Fished loooooog way upper river, nothing either.
Fished canal later afternoon, caught one wild coho and a hatchery jack coho. I did not see many fish today. All the fish must go to the hatchery already.

Yep.. Bobby B got the last 5 coho of the year. The rest have made it up to the hatchery already. Pack Er up boys... Seasons over. Was fun while she lasted.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on October 27, 2018, 08:47:44 PM
You are really good. I fished vedder crossing, nothing. Fished loooooog way upper river, nothing either.
Fished canal later afternoon, caught one wild coho and a hatchery jack coho. I did not see many fish today. All the fish must go to the hatchery already.

Haha ... thanks ...
Nah ... right place right time. My casting still sucks though... I prob need a lesson or 2 with this Switch/Skagit setup... my river left casts are good but river right is still hard for me.

Lots still in the lower ... I got there today at 11am .. no bites at all until noon. All of a sudden the bite was on! Got 2 fish 2 casts in a row with an olive muddler.  Slowed down for a bit then I swapped flies (chartreuse muddler) and got into quite a few ... I also lost four other fish!!

I tried roe for a bit and tried jigs too... nothing. Fly ruled today!


 
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Old Blue on October 27, 2018, 08:48:15 PM
You are really good. I fished vedder crossing, nothing. Fished loooooog way upper river, nothing either.
Fished canal later afternoon, caught one wild coho and a hatchery jack coho. I did not see many fish today. All the fish must go to the hatchery already.

Still early Steve, most fish have been below the Crossing except for the earlier coho that shot right up.  This week should be great if everything doesn't blow out
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on October 27, 2018, 09:44:48 PM
Haha ... thanks ...
Nah ... right place right time. My casting still sucks though... I prob need a lesson or 2 with this Switch/Skagit setup... my river left casts are good but river right is still hard for me.

Lots still in the lower ... I got there today at 11am .. no bites at all until noon. All of a sudden the bite was on! Got 2 fish 2 casts in a row with an olive muddler.  Slowed down for a bit then I swapped flies (chartreuse muddler) and got into quite a few ... I also lost four other fish!!

I tried roe for a bit and tried jigs too... nothing. Fly ruled today!

I guess you use snap T on river left. Actually, river right is easier if you use double spey or snake roll. very efficient .
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on October 27, 2018, 10:12:46 PM
Yes ... I use snap t on river left, I am definitely getting better at that. I still need more practice with double Spey for river right. Have not even attempted a snake roll yet.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dave c on October 28, 2018, 08:03:45 AM
Curious.  How is clarity today??? Thanks.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: redtide on October 28, 2018, 09:06:06 AM
Not good. Still raining hard...https://www.chilliwack.com/main/page.cfm?id=1528
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mikeyman on October 28, 2018, 09:40:22 AM
Go to a diff river. Vedder blown. I shoulda known. Oh well.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on October 28, 2018, 11:25:31 AM
Was there any clarity at all? 6 inches to a foot?
My friend just called me to tell me it's chocolate brown. He's heading to one of the northern tribs.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: spoiler on October 28, 2018, 03:03:49 PM
so I figured the Vedder would be blown but I needed to get out of the house so I go for a drive and a look.
I drive over the crossing bridge and there's 3 "new Canadians" fishing ( and I use that term loosely) fishing in total mud just above the bridge on the inside of the bend. It was pretty obvious what they were up to, casting or should I say dipping in the really fast water trying to either snag or floss the fish.
Is just me or do any of you other guys think this is a big issue? As I have mentioned before on this forum, I have fished this system since 1966 and seen a lot of things but this and what goes on up at the boulder run makes my blood boil!!!
I guess these people probably equate their fishing to cost per LB of retained fish. It costs them money for gas to drive out from Richmond or Vancouver so they not willing to turn around and go home because the river is unfishable so they use whatever means possible to catch fish regardless of ethics.   
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: montegobay man on October 28, 2018, 03:10:13 PM
  What new Canadain's are we  talking about from Richmond  B.C ??  I agree  with you Snagger's Flosser's  are very bad   but  Googgan's know better  lol
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: spoiler on October 28, 2018, 03:17:30 PM
if you want to know what I'm talking about, just drive out and have a look!
Oh and by the way, for all you real fishermen the river is high and chocolate brown with vis at about 2"!
So save your gas money and stay home or try the streams on the North shore of the Fraser
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: blaydRnr on October 28, 2018, 04:55:47 PM
k.
I drive over the crossing bridge and there's 3 "new Canadians" fishing ( and I use that term loosely) fishing in total mud just above the bridge.

.... It costs them money for gas to drive out from Richmond or Vancouver so they not willing to turn around and go home because the river is unfishable so they use whatever means possible to catch fish regardless of ethics.

I too despise snaggers, flossers, and rippers... but why do you feel it necessary to emphasize that they were Asian when there's as many flossers of European descent doing the same thing? If memory serves me right, it was a group of Whites back in the late 80's that introduced bottom bouncing on the Vedder.  So if you want to racially profile, let's take some of the accountability for this debacle and not create animosity like they're experiencing below the 49th. You could also blame the sockeye fishery for the ethical carry over sanctioned by the Federal Government.

Flossers are flossers....despicable regardless of race.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BBarley on October 28, 2018, 05:54:16 PM
It’s funny how on fishing forums with so called “seasoned anglers” who know right and wrong, (as far as our bible of angling ethics is concerned) we condemn these people with such shame as if they blatantly know where they’re doing is wrong and flat out don’t care. I floss sockeye, have been doing it all my life, but if I went out today and floated some yarn with a 4 foot leader under a float I’d be branded all kinds of deragatory fishing terms, basically the scum of the sport. Yet we keep coming back to the well and complain about them as if public shaming will somehow turn them all to the light.

If it really bothers you that badly, have a friendly chat with them. If they turn you away because their English is poor then so be it. Otherwise educate them, they may not change their behaviour but at least they understand what they’re doing is viewed as wrong and unethical. Or if your like me, turn a blind eye to it, hike into some semi secluded water and chalk it up as the price of doing business on a hatchery enhanced river.

As others have said, river is high and brown but the peak has come (according to the graph) and the rain has mostly stopped. Fresh snow in the high alpine should help the flow a little lower then it otherwise would of been.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mikeyman on October 28, 2018, 06:11:52 PM
Ya i was above the banks fishing below 3 Asians that were all short floating roe today. Then 6 eastern Europeans showed up using 5 ft leaders and tried to take my spot. I left after I asked for some room as they came up almost within shoulder distance. Wasnt worth it given conditions and old boots splashing around with no chrome seen.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mikeyman on October 28, 2018, 06:32:36 PM
Not with this rain. Go to chehalis or the slough or stave or bar fish fraser.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dave c on October 28, 2018, 07:42:28 PM
Went to chehalis around noon. Found some nice water.  Second drift float buries hatchery buck. 2 more hatcheries in next 20 mins. Then lockjaw/ Float never went down again
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 28, 2018, 08:18:57 PM
Any chance the river will have a few more inches od vis by the morning? I dont know the system well.
Checked it out at dark on my way back from Vancouver after the weekend badminton tournament and it is still very muddy.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 29, 2018, 10:00:00 AM
Water visibility is between 1 and 2 feet now. Still a bit high.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: fishmonk on October 29, 2018, 04:11:27 PM
Caught 1 wild coho, 1 chum, and 1 bull trout all released. Nothing but a bunch of pocket flossers on the river today. Hooking fish in the belly and everything... :(   The river is still too high right now.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Fishawn on October 29, 2018, 04:39:00 PM
Caught 1 wild coho, 1 chum, and 1 bull trout all released. Nothing but a bunch of pocket flossers on the river today. Hooking fish in the belly and everything... :(   The river is still too high right now.
Asians, no doubt. Because we all know only "new Canadians" engage in unethical behavior
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mikeyman on October 29, 2018, 05:08:51 PM
Asians, no doubt. Because we all know only "new Canadians" engage in unethical behavior

Obviously.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarki on October 29, 2018, 05:49:31 PM
Asians, no doubt. Because we all know only "new Canadians" engage in unethical behavior

And because all “new Canadians” come from Asia
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Stratocaster on October 29, 2018, 05:53:44 PM
Yep Asians for sure.  Hey wait, I’m Asian!😁
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on October 29, 2018, 06:44:47 PM
How was visibility looking this evening?  Hopefully the rain holds off for a couple days so I can fish before it blows out with the next big storm.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 29, 2018, 06:48:05 PM
Yep Asians for sure.  Hey wait, I’m Asian!😁

Hey so it was you! ;D
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 29, 2018, 06:50:11 PM
Beauty afternoon with the occasional light shower. Water visibility was up to 2 feet by early afternoon so I popped down to the river with Big Steel for a few hours. It was a nice outing with no other anglers within sight, and managed to find some fish after some searching. :D I ended up hooking four coho salmon, almost four casts in a row actually. Lost the first fish, then landed 2 hatchery and 1 wild fish. Big Steel managed two, one hatchery and one wild. All fish were caught on spoons.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cammer on October 30, 2018, 12:24:48 AM
Where were you rod?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 30, 2018, 12:40:43 AM
:D
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Fish Assassin on October 30, 2018, 11:29:53 AM
Where were you rod?

I imagine it's somewhere between the Keith Wilson Bridge and the Limit hole.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Bingbamboom on October 30, 2018, 02:39:44 PM
Plannings a trip tomorrow from Vancouver before the heavy rains . It looks like the heavier rain comes in the afternoon. Any information on water conditions would be much appreciated.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: colin6101 on October 30, 2018, 03:54:47 PM
Water looked great today when I stopped by the canal at 2:00. I was coming home from fishing elsewhere but picked up a few jack coho in the half hour or so I spent there. Looked to be about 3-4 feet of visibility and a great water level.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: fishfinder on October 30, 2018, 04:28:54 PM
Water level and visibility was perfect today.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 30, 2018, 08:31:28 PM
I imagine it's somewhere between the Keith Wilson Bridge and the Limit hole.

You think too highly of me, maybe it's above the limit hole! ;D

Great conditions today, didn't fish very long and only found thick schools of chum salmon, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on October 31, 2018, 10:40:05 AM
Pretty good conditions this morning - still a bit higher than I like but good clarity.  No coho to be seen, but I had one float down on roe.  Get out there before it blows out again!
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 31, 2018, 10:48:56 AM
Yep, conditions were very nice this morning. River level is slightly on the high side but there are many fishable spots. Two hatchery coho in the first hour, went home after that.

(https://scontent.fcxh1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/45281087_10156020605157712_6543171951475556352_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_ht=scontent.fcxh1-1.fna&oh=b459ec241c1cf0af31663953e9f6e3d3&oe=5C848E58)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 31, 2018, 02:07:16 PM
I found the river in good shape too but only tangled with 3 chum and retained a fresh run doe which we will have for supper tonight. Others were finding them too and one coho,  a wild landed.

I stopped fishing after an hour of fishing as really donot need any more fish but good to get out. The bad part I lost a Maple Leaf Drennan float.
Another bad part. I took a drive up river, checking out a abandoned homeless camp and also stopped at the dipping runs and of course they were getting a good number of coho and of course chum. I did not bother to film them this time as some posters get upset when i do,but what a blight on our rec fishery, so sad a person has to take a fish that way, a couple of them had bare hooks too. :-X ??? :'(

Cleaned up some garbage and scored a few tins but did not find my expensive but previously found Drennan. :'(

Steady rain and Sweltzer Creek was coloring up, not sure if the main river will hold.

Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 31, 2018, 02:36:50 PM
I found the river in good shape too but only tangled with 3 chum and retained a fresh run doe which we will have for supper tonight. Others were finding them too and one coho,  a wild landed.

Season's over! ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 31, 2018, 05:29:25 PM
Season's over! ;D ;D ;D
Yes you are right, I forgot to get that out there too. :D
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 01, 2018, 05:46:03 AM
River up nearly a foot overnight, maybe muddy but will check it out for you.

Heavy rain now too, that will not help matters, head to Tamihi rapids. :'( :-X :-[ ::) ??? :o :(
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarki on November 01, 2018, 07:20:53 AM
I got up at  0 dark 30 and with the river graph showing a slow rise and with light rain, I thought a morning on the river might be doable.

After stopping for a breakfast sandwich and coffee the rain had increased, the river graph showing a near vertical increase and reading about the rainfall warning, I decided to save my 1/2 vacation day for a different time.

Tell me what I missed!
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wav789 on November 01, 2018, 08:29:03 AM
River is not fishable this morning...but as Chris says it is probably still flossable.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 01, 2018, 02:21:35 PM
River is not fishable this morning...but as Chris says it is probably still flossable.
LOL, Visibility was around 1 foot 2 hours ago, I would guess less now with the rain, time to go after web feet.

Anyone give a report how the flossing went so we know how the runs are doing or is it over like Rod said yesterday.? :-X

Talked to FOC staff  this am and in the hatchery they have around 16,000 Coho Salmon and a good run of Chinook salmon too which is good news.

Also I was glad to hear the Chum salmon run is now looking good too so I feel better now Dave and others that knocked me for taking a chum yesterday, was nice eating too .
Go wild and not those so called fish from net pens. ;D :-X ;D
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on November 01, 2018, 03:21:24 PM
Also I was glad to hear the Chum salmon run is now looking good too so I feel better now Dave and others that knocked me for taking a chum yesterday

Good for you Chris.

With the Squamish closed for chum retention (excellent decision although it was my favourite chum fishery, bar none), I'm counting on the Vedder to yield a couple of nice chum for my smoker this year. Watch out for my purple&fuchsia jigs this weekend chumlies!
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dobrolub on November 02, 2018, 07:12:54 AM
at 3 meters now.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: fic on November 02, 2018, 08:17:17 AM
Are the eggs in danger of being swept away at 3.2 Meters?  Wasn't it in 2006 the flood washed away a lot of eggs and they had to close the chum retention when that generation came back to spawn?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on November 02, 2018, 09:06:54 AM
Are the eggs in danger of being swept away at 3.2 Meters?  Wasn't it in 2006 the flood washed away a lot of eggs and they had to close the chum retention when that generation came back to spawn?
There hasn't been a lot of spawning yet so that won't be an issue, but if this was Dec 2 there might have been a problem.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 02, 2018, 09:21:28 AM
Very high I will have a video soon and pictures on the Fraser Valley Salmon Society FB page too for you all.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 02, 2018, 09:49:29 AM
Here you go.https://youtu.be/DYCn87NEIC4
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: stsfisher on November 02, 2018, 10:21:22 AM
Here you go.https://youtu.be/DYCn87NEIC4
Did you manage to retrieve that float Chris?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: spoiler on November 02, 2018, 11:58:57 AM
go for a drive up to the slab today and see what's going on!
you guys can tell me if you think that's ethical fishing?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on November 02, 2018, 01:06:50 PM
go for a drive up to the slab today and see what's going on!
you guys can tell me if you think that's ethical fishing?

Did you find parking spot LOL
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarki on November 02, 2018, 01:18:02 PM
So something I'm not getting....

When I look at the Chilliwack River hydrometric data graph with the default date setting of 8 days, it shows a current level of 3.1 m and a discharge of 260 m3/s

When I change the date range to be over 11 months, it shows a current level of 2.7 m and a discharge of 210.

Why the difference? 
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on November 02, 2018, 01:20:38 PM
So something I'm not getting....

When I look at the Chilliwack River hydrometric data graph with the default date setting of 8 days, it shows a current level of 3.1 m and a discharge of 260 m3/s

When I change the date range to be over 11 months, it shows a current level of 2.7 m and a discharge of 210.

Why the difference?

Government messing with your head.
What did you expect? Consistency?  :P
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: typhoon on November 02, 2018, 01:42:32 PM
So something I'm not getting....

When I look at the Chilliwack River hydrometric data graph with the default date setting of 8 days, it shows a current level of 3.1 m and a discharge of 260 m3/s

When I change the date range to be over 11 months, it shows a current level of 2.7 m and a discharge of 210.

Why the difference?
It could be that it switches to a weekly measure with the larger range...

<edit>
Nope. It still says "The most recent primary water level recorded is 3.095 metres at 2018-11-02 09:20:00 LST." when I change the range to 11 months.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 02, 2018, 07:00:37 PM
Did you manage to retrieve that float Chris?
50 of them plus a lot of garbage too.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: stsfisher on November 02, 2018, 11:58:49 PM
 
50 of them plus a lot of garbage too.

 :)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 03, 2018, 04:19:53 AM
River has dropped 2 feet but will still be unfishable except for the dippers.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on November 03, 2018, 07:33:21 AM
River has dropped 2 feet but will still be unfishable except for the dippers.

I really love those little Dipper Birds and they are a joy to watch. Some of then around Allison are almost tame. I wish you would stop saying terrible things about these sweet little creatures:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyFEbuy8RUg
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Morty on November 03, 2018, 11:14:00 AM
When I look at the Chilliwack River hydrometric data graph with the default date setting of 8 days, it shows a current level of 3.1 m and a discharge of 260 m3/s
When I change the date range to be over 11 months, it shows a current level of 2.7 m and a discharge of 210.
Why the difference?

Are you getting those number from reading the graph, or from the data descriptions down below the date settings?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarki on November 03, 2018, 12:20:43 PM
From the graph, but it seems they are more aligned today
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 03, 2018, 06:10:44 PM
I really love those little Dipper Birds and they are a joy to watch. Some of then around Allison are almost tame. I wish you would stop saying terrible things about these sweet little creatures:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyFEbuy8RUg
Right on, lets call them human dippers. :D
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 03, 2018, 06:13:17 PM
Did you manage to retrieve that float Chris?
Another 45 today and some garbage off the log jams before I went to the Gill Road Cleanup. Pictures of the cleanup on The FVSS FB page.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on November 03, 2018, 07:18:10 PM
You're clearly getting ready for the used fishing tackle sale... ;)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 04, 2018, 04:17:28 AM
You're clearly getting ready for the used fishing tackle sale... ;)
Yes I may need two tables as I have a few hundred now maybe over a thousand or more. I did not find the 2 Maple Leaf Drennan's I lost last week, heading out a first light to continue to look for them.lol

Finding floats is as much fun as fishing as I get garbage off the river too and a few tins, bottles and even the odd full beer. ;D Also found a styrofoam wrap with a bunch of lures on it and a nice spoon and 2 spinning glows one number zero? :o ;D
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: salmonrook on November 04, 2018, 11:00:11 AM
 TB flow , Friday,
Meant to post Yesterday ...
 https://youtu.be/FjVZb58Y9Vc

Went for a drive up the Hatchery,  chum and they looked like Jack chinook , not very big , but lots of them .
I don't think there was too many cohos …..
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 04, 2018, 06:15:00 PM
TB flow , Friday,
Meant to post Yesterday ...
 https://youtu.be/FjVZb58Y9Vc

Went for a drive up the Hatchery,  chum and they looked like Jack chinook , not very big , but lots of them .
I don't think there was too many cohos …..
FOC staff said they have had 16,000 plus coho so far.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 04, 2018, 06:20:17 PM
Season's over! ;D ;D ;D
Yes you are correct as the river will take a while to clear up now and the coho salmon will all be in the hatchery. It also looks like some clay slides have opened up which would be bad news.

Any word on how the human dippers did today as that is an indicator if there is still fish passing through? The only dipper i saw on the river this am was a bird dipper on a 90 minute walk. 38 more floats for Rodney's Used Tackle Sale. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on November 04, 2018, 06:30:33 PM
38 more floats for Rodney's Used Tackle Sale. ;D ;D ;D
How come people lose so many floats? 
What are leaders for? Among other things, to break THEM off and NOT the main line when you foul hook a big fish or hit a snag.
Good for you Chris. I hope you find the missing Maple Leaf Drennan.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on November 04, 2018, 06:54:52 PM
How come people lose so many floats? 
What are leaders for? Among other things, to break THEM off and NOT the main line when you foul hook a big fish or hit a snag.
Good for you Chris. I hope you find the missing Maple Leaf Drennan.

snagged the bottom
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: firstlight on November 04, 2018, 10:22:49 PM
snagged the bottom

If you snag the bottom, your line should break at the leader which should be weaker than your mainline and therefore you dont lose anything above your swivel.

Not saying ive never broken off and lost a float but......

I agree with Milo,s curiosity as to why so many floats.

Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on November 04, 2018, 10:29:58 PM
Someone's been chumming with floats further upstream to lure Chris out to the river so garbage could be picked up. ;)

River is slowly steadily dropping and should be back in shape in a couple of days. :D Season's over though like chris said, go somewhere else. ;D
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: salmonrook on November 05, 2018, 12:59:11 AM
FOC staff said they have had 16,000 plus coho so far.
I'm assuming these are already processed and that the majority of the run is done.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 05, 2018, 04:38:19 AM
How come people lose so many floats? 
What are leaders for? Among other things, to break THEM off and NOT the main line when you foul hook a big fish or hit a snag.
Good for you Chris. I hope you find the missing Maple Leaf Drennan.
I seldom break off and lose a float but did last week twice, as my main line was too old, was too lazy to change it. I usually use 10 pound nain and 8 pound test leader.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on November 05, 2018, 08:48:26 AM
I seldom break off and lose a float but did last week twice, as my main line was too old, was too lazy to change it. I usually use 10 pound nain and 8 pound test leader.

Many broke everything because the sinker set too deep. not only hook snagged the bottom. the weight also stucked between rocks or branches.

I use 40lb braid main, 12lb -15lb leader. Rarely lose anything.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: MetalAndFeathers on November 05, 2018, 10:03:03 AM
Many broke everything because the sinker set too deep. not only hook snagged the bottom. the weight also stucked between rocks or branches.

I use 40lb braid main, 12lb -15lb leader. Rarely lose anything.
But are you getting em?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: sugartooth on November 06, 2018, 04:05:43 PM
I know the river is still high but does anyone know what the visibility is like?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 06, 2018, 07:28:26 PM
I know the river is still high but does anyone know what the visibility is like?
Sorry I had hoped to check but was on the North side of the river today, fishing very slow only hooked one chum, conditions were very good but a lack of coho it seems. A reminder chum are closed over there.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Bingbamboom on November 07, 2018, 01:42:01 PM
Does anyone have any  idea of the current water conditions ? Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on November 07, 2018, 02:10:41 PM
Does anyone have any  idea of the current water conditions ? Thanks in advance.

Judging by the traffic camera on the crossing, the level is still quite high (>2.00m), but the colour looks good.
I'd say it's quite fishable if you know where to look.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Bingbamboom on November 07, 2018, 02:26:20 PM
Thanks Milo.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: sugartooth on November 07, 2018, 04:54:00 PM
Visibility was about a foot and a half when I looked at 8 this morning. Decided to head to a north side flow and was rewarded with a few fish.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 07, 2018, 09:42:58 PM
I estimate a foot in the Lower early one,I saw a few chum caught by the Mark/Recapture people, in a net I will get the video I filmed of that tomorrow.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 08, 2018, 06:12:23 AM
Hoping the river is in shape today as cool last night, will report back later.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarki on November 08, 2018, 08:24:11 AM
~ 18” vis in the lower
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 08, 2018, 12:54:31 PM
Plenty fishable when I was out but I did more walking around than fishing checking for news runs after the high water. Steelhead season is not far away.

Saw a few fish caught and even told Rod where the hot spot was.lol
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarki on November 08, 2018, 02:14:22 PM
Saw this hoar frost in the upper river valley today; almost hairy/feathery in appearance. Never seen anything like it before. Very cool, literally and figuratively  :)
(https://i.imgur.com/dy1w2Ri.jpg)

Morty and I came across aprox 25 chum that had become stranded in a side channel when the water receded. Using a net, and a times our bare hands, we captured them and released them into the main river. Does that mean we had a 25 fish day?     
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on November 08, 2018, 02:24:32 PM
Morty and I came across aprox 25 chum that had become stranded in a side channel when the water receded. Using a net, and a times our bare hands, we captured them and released them into the main river. Does that mean we had a 25 fish day?   

Don't know about the 25-fish day, but good on you for doing that.
In an abundant chum year, those 25 fish would probably mean very little, but with this dismal chum return, every fish counts. Thank you Clarki and Morty.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on November 08, 2018, 02:30:02 PM
Good stuff clarki!  What goes around, comes around ;)

Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on November 08, 2018, 03:51:54 PM
Super hot!!! :D
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Kingfisher86 on November 08, 2018, 05:55:48 PM
Hi Guys. How’s the water today?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 08, 2018, 11:16:41 PM
Why even tell us this? it did make me laugh at how unnecessary a comment  ;D.. I bet the river changed a lot. I told my friend where the hop spot is so  :P to everyone on the forums xD
I put that in especially for you as I felt you needed a laugh. :D Fishing is a hobby and so we must not to take things too serious. Also when when you get to my age it does not really matter.lol.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: fic on November 09, 2018, 07:31:57 AM
Yesterday, visibility in the lower started with about 1.6 feet in the morning. In the afternoon, trees and branches started coming down and it deteriorated to like 6 inches or less.  With the rain today, it is probably worse. Just in time for weekend fishing.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 09, 2018, 11:57:50 AM
Was OK this AM but did color once and a while as the bank is being eroded somewhere. We had some activity in another hot spot Aaron.lol
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: b8floater on November 09, 2018, 12:40:57 PM
Here's a short little river report I did for yesterday's conditions.
https://youtu.be/O-ppJV4YkgE (https://youtu.be/O-ppJV4YkgE)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: blaydRnr on November 09, 2018, 12:53:54 PM
Short video, but very helpful to fishers like me who have to travel 100kms to fish. Thank you for that...showed enough to know the conditions.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 09, 2018, 05:55:15 PM
i looked at the lower at dark and it did not look too good, Rod was going out so he may have a better report for you.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 09, 2018, 06:41:37 PM
Haha.. glad to hear it! I had an awesome day myself.. on another system :). Hopefully get another shot out there some time.. if not, well, steels not far away now is it :)
Can you tell us the "Hot Spot"? lol
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 10, 2018, 05:11:04 AM


No.. but I can say it was SUPER HOT, and I even told a bud on here where it was ;). Hahaha. Hows the Vedders Coho run doing? Are there typically many late Coho through November?
Many of us know these spots especially us old guys that have fished there before you were born.lol
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 10, 2018, 05:13:12 AM
Just looked at the river, yes in the dark with a light and it has improved since last night, should be OK but there may be some slide action from the clay slides so conditions can change. We say it yesterday as some banks caved it,in the Lowerereachs of the river, it was mud for a bit and then cleared
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Kever on November 10, 2018, 05:34:14 AM
Saw this hoar frost in the upper river valley today; almost hairy/feathery in appearance. Never seen anything like it before. Very cool, literally and figuratively  :)
(https://i.imgur.com/dy1w2Ri.jpg)

Morty and I came across aprox 25 chum that had become stranded in a side channel when the water receded. Using a net, and a times our bare hands, we captured them and released them into the main river. Does that mean we had a 25 fish day?   

If you assume 8 fish return for each spawning pair then you could say you had a 122 fish day! Hahaha
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Fish or cut bait. on November 10, 2018, 07:36:17 AM
It's called a "Frost Flower"
Dead wood soaks up the water but when it starts to freeze it forces the water out of the cracks as the wood starts to contract into freeze (below zero) type temps and builds on itself.
I've seen them a foot or more high.

I actually search them out in the upper if I'm up there early enough.

Depending on the temps they don't last long.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on November 10, 2018, 08:09:04 AM
It's called a "Frost Flower"
Dead wood soaks up the water but when it starts to freeze it forces the water out of the cracks as the wood starts to contract into freeze (below zero) type temps and builds on itself.
I've seen them a foot or more high.

I actually search them out in the upper if I'm up there early enough.

Depending on the temps they don't last long.
Fascinating...thank you for the explanation.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: yoda on November 10, 2018, 10:08:00 AM
Checked out the vedder yesterday. Water still up and raging. vis was 6-8" and clearing up. Hooked a yellow spring and 3 chums past their prime. Think the run is pretty much over. Went up to tamahi rapids to see how the crowd was doing. The whole group only had 4 killed boot chums and no cohoes. Also talked to the fisheries count guy and he said it is really slow and coming to an end.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 10, 2018, 12:29:41 PM
Saw a chap get 4 Coho salmon in the lower two days ago 3 on jigs and one on a blade. I went and bought a $4 jig but have not tried it yet.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on November 10, 2018, 01:37:40 PM
Saw a chap get 4 Coho salmon in the lower two days ago 3 on jigs and one on a blade. I went and bought a $4 jig but have not tried it yet.

I made the switch to the jog twitching train 3 years ago and haven't looked back. There's nothing wrong with spoons and roe but jig seem to get more bites for me personally.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on November 10, 2018, 02:05:07 PM
after watching jig twitchers catch coho at 1pm on a bright day I tied some similar looking stuff suitable for a  rod using a 1/4" brass bead as the jig head. If I had jig blanks I would have tied those on a spinning rod. Next trip out the bite which wasn't that great went off around noon. I rigged up the fly rod with a type 3 tip. put on a blue and white marabou fly jig. Tossed it at some sunken logs stripped it back fast then hooked and landed a wild coho of 8lbs or so. I soon took a wild smaller one around 3lbs and lost one later. A successive experiment I'd say.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Blood_Orange on November 10, 2018, 02:59:21 PM
Fished above the train bridge this AM and visibility was about a foot and a half. Short floated some jigs and landed a couple of fresh-ish chums. Felt something whack into my shin when I was looking downstream. Thought it was a branch but it was just an old chum giving me a headbutt :P Not many people out today despite the gorgeous weather!
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 11, 2018, 06:17:30 PM
Only had 15 minutes to fish but wanted to check out the hot spot no bites and visibility around 2 feet, maybe a bit less.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on November 11, 2018, 07:31:16 PM
Well, this is definitely the end of my season.  Brought home 2 nice female coho to cap off my best season in my 25 years fishing the C/V.  But after hiking back to my car and remarking at what a beautiful November day it was, I came back to see my windows smashed in - both the passenger and driver side.  The blue Honda Civic below is mine.  Seats covered in broken glass.  Garage door remote gone (the only time I have even had it with me all season).  I noticed 2 other cars were also hit, so I made the 15 minute hike back down to the river to find the other drivers.  What a day.  I don't know if I'll be back there next season.  I really don't like being limited to the spots where you are right next to your car.  This was bench rd - the far side of the cement slab.  Yes, I've seen all the previous suggestions, leave your car unlocked with nothing in it, etc.  Maybe I'll try that from now on, but these vandals aren't too bright.  I'm pretty sure they aren't going to cross the border and drive down to Bellingham to burgle a house. 

(http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb369/WAfishboy/honda.jpg) (http://s1202.photobucket.com/user/WAfishboy/media/honda.jpg.html)
(http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb369/WAfishboy/Dodge.jpg) (http://s1202.photobucket.com/user/WAfishboy/media/Dodge.jpg.html)
(http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb369/WAfishboy/vw.jpg) (http://s1202.photobucket.com/user/WAfishboy/media/vw.jpg.html)

Well, on the upside, my wife and daughter were eager to have fresh salmon for dinner even though we just had salmon for dinner on Friday.  I love my family.  Now I just have the garage door opener unplugged until I can replace it on the off chance that Chilliwack crackheads would come across the border to break in to my house.  Fun.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on November 11, 2018, 09:32:08 PM
We must do something to stop these crap. Could we raise fund to have some vigilante groups for help. I know the cops won't do anything in these cases.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dcajaxs on November 12, 2018, 05:43:46 AM
considering the amount of cars being broken into I'm surprised that ICBC isn't doing more about it.  There must be 100 cars per year broken into on the river.  Between ICBC's premiums and the safety of your car for the RCMP something should change.  Sad when your day on the river begins with where its safe to park your vehicle.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mikeyman on November 12, 2018, 09:43:54 AM
The deductible is just as much as a side window smashed. Whats the point of the claim? Leave no valuable items. Take out registration paper. Leave unlocked. Put a club onnwheel if parking in a high risk area. I have even heard people write signs stating go ahead waste your time. Door unlocked with no valuables inside. U leave even a nickle in sight smashy smashy especially on roads and hidden areas on the river. Cops dont care but reporting it to the non emergency line may draw some attention.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: ByteMe on November 12, 2018, 10:08:22 AM
The deductible is just as much as a side window smashed. Whats the point of the claim? Leave no valuable items. Take out registration paper. Leave unlocked. Put a club onnwheel if parking in a high risk area. I have even heard people write signs stating go ahead waste your time. Door unlocked with no valuables inside. U leave even a nickle in sight smashy smashy especially on roads and hidden areas on the river. Cops dont care but reporting it to the non emergency line may draw some attention.

Yep.......a cop friend told me that years ago and that's what I have been doing. I know that someone was in my vehicle a couple of times but it saved my windows and deductable
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on November 12, 2018, 10:11:33 AM
Too bad about the break-in to end the season CohoJake. That's one of the reasons I don't fish in the upper portion of the river.

Coho salmon seem to be done from what I've seen or heard, but lots of fresh chum salmon are pushing in.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on November 12, 2018, 11:01:14 AM
I noticed a big push of tiny coho jacks this weekend.  I landed 3 on Saturday, only 1 of which was close to legal size.  I've seen some others landed and seen a few swimming by as well.  One angler at the slab was landing them one after another yesterday.  I remember a few years in the past that had lots of coho jacks, but i don't remember such a late push of them.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 12, 2018, 11:38:43 AM
Sorry to hear this Jake, it has been going on for too many years and there really is no solution to it. Chilliwack has so many what some call homeless. Saying that I doubt it was one of them to get to where you were would take a vehicle to access it. Although there is camp everywhere in the Chilliwack River Valley.

I just park in heavy foot traffic areas or subdivisions and do a bit more walking. I have even thought of buying a bike and travel that way but that could see the bike stolen as they did to the Leaf Mobile when I was at church no less.

Since then I have an immobilizer in the truck and of course as everyone knows there is so much junk in the cab and back they would think I am homeless too and
am one of them with nothing worth stealing. ::) ;D

All we can do is watch out for each other as much as possible.

Once again don't give up the hobby you enjoy so much.

I was out for 30 minutes this AM at Gwyn's run but nothing heard of three taken elsewhere, water lovely.

I think I will try Aarons hotspot this afternoon but most likely too low but rain is on the way, maybe should try for cutt's.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: John Revolver on November 12, 2018, 12:49:06 PM
Just brutal to hear about the break-ins.  I mentioned this on another break-in thread but I'll also share it here for others to read. If it helps just 1 angler avoid a busted window thats a win.

I Typed up a couple of signs that read :    "NO VALUABLES IN VEHICLE"  which I cut to size and then Laminated to place in my windows/dash. At first this was to be used in summer times when I am running my topless Jeep but now I use them in my daily driver truck.

Knock on wood and say a prayer but I have never had any break-in issues at the rivers when the signs are up.  The 1 time I didn't use them sure enough I had a break in which occured in my neighborhood.

I used the laminator at my office but it costs pennies to do it at a fed/ex or staples. 

3 years ago during a Steelhead trip up north I was chatting with a local way up on the copper and he commented on the signs which I had in my camper van windows. He seemed offended that I had them up and said something along the lines of  "people up here wont mess with your vehicle like that"  I told him I was from the lower mainland and I'm used to fishing the C/V.  He chuckled with some sympathy as  it all became clear and made perfect sense to him.

Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: joska on November 12, 2018, 10:10:35 PM
Sorry to read about the window. the jacks still trickled through today...
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on November 13, 2018, 02:09:10 PM
Another beauty day on the Chilliwack/Vedder River. It started out a bit cold but things were good once the sun poked through. Lots of nice looking chum salmon were caught in the lower river once again, with the odd coho mixed in between. Water clarity was better than the weekend. This rain in the forecast for tomorrow may change things.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: essyoo on November 13, 2018, 05:34:28 PM
This is my first season fishing this river. Been there six or seven times now, not a single bite. Watched every video and read every bit of info I could find (thanks for the videos Rod!). Roe, yarn, spinners, flies, I've tried everything I've been told would work and have been skunked every time.

Is it common to struggle this much when first starting out here? It's incredibly frustrating, especially when I'm bringing my son and trying to keep him interested in fishing here.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 13, 2018, 06:25:56 PM
Another beauty day on the Chilliwack/Vedder River. It started out a bit cold but things were good once the sun poked through. Lots of nice looking chum salmon were caught in the lower river once again, with the odd coho mixed in between. Water clarity was better than the weekend. This rain in the forecast for tomorrow may change things.
That is a nice one after speaking to you I made my first duck/ goose hunting trip for this season. 3 shots and one mallard and a 12 pound goose. Back fishing tomorrow, no rain yet here in the Valley so will be good tomorrow AM. I think I will try your hot spot, may even try a jig. :-\

Maybe see you there.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: ribolovac02 on November 13, 2018, 06:32:38 PM
If you are just getting a hang off BC fishing , keep doing what you are doing , talk to seasoned anglers collect as much info you can , it will eventually all start to make sence ...
It’s not easy , even for experienced anglers these days to catch fish every time.
Seems to me you are on the right track and reward will come eventually ,  the feeling will be great then .
As far as taking kids with you and trying to entertain them , trout fishing local lakes or Pikeminnows in local sloughs are the best way to get them to catch a fish .
This time of the year ,is starting to get harder to do what you are trying , but spring comes around , should be very easy to catch a fish with a bober and a worm to keep the little once happy .

Also next year is a pink year , so catching a salmon should become much easier for you , let’s hope they show up in good numbers upcoming season ...

Cheers and good luck on your learning journey , keep it up and it will pay off I garantee you .
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: YESFISH on November 13, 2018, 10:58:52 PM
That spot is a way out place to have a breakin for CohoJake.  We might start using cameras to catch these people and post tgem on here so they are blacklisted    if they grabbef a garage opener for your specic home in Washington, its high liklihood it is surveid and protected with guns or other means.  Not a good choice unless they are suicidal.    >:(
 :P  Does everyone think there is still chum coming?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarki on November 13, 2018, 11:02:44 PM
Is it common to struggle this much when first starting out here? It's incredibly frustrating, especially when I'm bringing my son and trying to keep him interested in fishing here.

It absolutely is frustrating and, yes, it is common. You are in good company!

Consider that you serving an apprenticeship. It takes time to successfully put all the pieces together (salmon species, timing, preferred river structure, reading the water, water conditions, tackle, presentation...) Riblovac had a great suggestion of talking to seasoned anglers. Better yet, go fishing with some if you can. A fishing mentor like that can sharply reduce the learning curve.

Are you new to angling and rivers, or new to angling and rivers in BC?  Reason why I ask is that if you have fished much before, you already have a "fish sense" and it's a smoother transition to river salmon in BC. I had a buddy who was a successful fly angler in streams and lakes for trout. I introduced him to drift fishing for coho and it didn't take him long to make the adjustment. Having experience as an angler, particularly in rivers, can really help.

As far as kids, the salmon fishery can be a tough one with crowds, wet/cold weather, wading... How old is your son? Riblovac had another great suggestion of finding fishing opportunities in the spring more suited to kids. I have a lot of spots under my belt that I have taken my kids, and others, to over the years. PM me and we'll talk :)

Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 14, 2018, 04:20:19 AM
Very heavy rain overnight and now, water will be questionable.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on November 14, 2018, 09:21:52 AM
River level climbing sharply now unfortunately.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on November 14, 2018, 10:17:27 AM
Was out yesterday and fished mostly mid/upper.  Took a while but, in the late afternoon, I did come across a small school of Coho at a run that was void of people!
I've been fishing mostly with Centerpin and Fly rod, but I also brought along a spin rod that was setup with a twitching Jig ( Chartreuse/Pink ). I hate carrying too much gear with me, but I have heard so much about Coho/Jig fishing being a very successful technique, I decided to give it a go. My wife has a small telescopic spinning rod so I took it along as it easily fit in my pack.
 
When I got to this spot, I could see fish finning/rising/jumping in the soft water section near the end of the run, so I started out with the Jig. Lo and behold .....3 casts in and wham, got a chrome beauty 6lb Hatchery buck!  Within the next few casts I got another....I let it go as this one was a wild buck. Things slowed a little after that... I did get 2 more fish on, but lost 'em during their aerial acrobatics! After that ...nothin', did not see any more fish. I think I just lucked out and found a small pod at rest.

Was a great day to be out, I did not see very many people at all on the river. The wife was happy that I at least brought home 1 fish that I caught on her little rod! 

In the right water, twitching Jigs just plain work!
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on November 14, 2018, 11:22:43 AM
Was out yesterday and fished mostly mid/upper.  Took a while but, in the late afternoon, I did come across a small school of Coho at a run that was void of people!
I've been fishing mostly with Centerpin and Fly rod, but I also brought along a spin rod that was setup with a twitching Jig ( Chartreuse/Pink ). I hate carrying too much gear with me, but I have heard so much about Coho/Jig fishing being a very successful technique, I decided to give it a go. My wife has a small telescopic spinning rod so I took it along as it easily fit in my pack.
 
When I got to this spot, I could see fish finning/rising/jumping in the soft water section near the end of the run, so I started out with the Jig. Lo and behold .....3 casts in and wham, got a chrome beauty 6lb Hatchery buck!  Within the next few casts I got another....I let it go as this one was a wild buck. Things slowed a little after that... I did get 2 more fish on, but lost 'em during their aerial acrobatics! After that ...nothin', did not see any more fish. I think I just lucked out and found a small pod at rest.

Was a great day to be out, I did not see very many people at all on the river. The wife was happy that I at least brought home 1 fish that I caught on her little rod! 

In the right water, twitching Jigs just plain work!

Nice. What is the weight of the jigs? I tied some, but they don't sink well. after a few twitching, it is alway stay just below surface.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on November 14, 2018, 11:51:39 AM
I used a 3/8oz Jig. The water was not too deep.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: standalone on November 14, 2018, 12:01:14 PM
This is my first season fishing this river. Been there six or seven times now, not a single bite. Watched every video and read every bit of info I could find (thanks for the videos Rod!). Roe, yarn, spinners, flies, I've tried everything I've been told would work and have been skunked every time.

have you seen fishmen around you caught fish? if not you are not on Rod's hot spot. your method seemed all right.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on November 14, 2018, 12:17:21 PM
I haven't seen people around me catching fish.... Actually I haven't seen people around most of the season. ;D
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarki on November 14, 2018, 12:18:27 PM
Nice. What is the weight of the jigs? I tied some, but they don't sink well. after a few twitching, it is alway stay just below surface.

Unless you are fishing micro jigs like 1/8 or 1/16, or fishing real heavy water, I suspect what you described is caused by technique not jig weight.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on November 14, 2018, 01:01:38 PM

Unless you are fishing micro jigs like 1/8 or 1/16, or fishing real heavy water, I suspect what you described is caused by technique not jig weight.


The jig head is light weight jig head. I would like to try texas rig with a tube fly later. Most of the jigs I tied has ended up in the river bottom.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 14, 2018, 02:31:58 PM
The heavy rain took its toll as the water had little visibility. Unfortunately it has that clay look to it, meaning clay slides have open up after the last high water.

Filmed a video and shot some pictures of a crew sampling chum salmon morts. Lots of chum in the spawning channel at channel counted 50 from the bridge at the end of Webster and that was not far up and down from the Bridge that I could see. It looks like the chum salmon run is doing better than some people thought.I will get a video up of the sampling crew and pictures will be on the FVSS FB page tomorrow..

Could they be looking for the FF virus. ::)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: essyoo on November 14, 2018, 04:00:03 PM
@ ribolovac02, clarki, and standalone: thanks for the response!

Not new to fishing, grew up fishing the okanagan and interior lakes and streams for trout. Mainly fly fishing. This is my first real attempt at salmon fishing though. My son is nearly 12 and got the bug for fishing this summer and it got me back into it as well.

Most everyone I've met at the river have been really helpful and a tackle shop near work (First Light in Burnaby) have been really great with info also. One older guy was showing me this last weekend how he was catching fish and even gave me a chunk of the yarn he's been using and helped me set up my gear like his. I realized  after that I've probably not been fishing deep enough in the water, which is probably part of my problem. Nearly every time I've been out, I've been the only one in the area I'm fishing to have NOT caught a fish, which only adds to the frustration. So I guess if you want to catch fish, come fishing with me?
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: blaydRnr on November 14, 2018, 06:08:51 PM
@ ribolovac02, clarki, and standalone: thanks for the response!
 I realized  after that I've probably not been fishing deep enough in the water, which is probably part of my problem. Nearly every time I've been out, I've been the only one in the area I'm fishing to have NOT caught a fish, which only adds to the frustration. 

That doesn't sound right. First question I would ask is...are you fishing with a group of guys in fast water where their float to hook ratio is more than 3-4ft? If so, chances are those guys are flossing.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: FlyFishin Magician on November 15, 2018, 08:03:23 AM
@ ribolovac02, clarki, and standalone: thanks for the response!

Not new to fishing, grew up fishing the okanagan and interior lakes and streams for trout. Mainly fly fishing. This is my first real attempt at salmon fishing though. My son is nearly 12 and got the bug for fishing this summer and it got me back into it as well.

Most everyone I've met at the river have been really helpful and a tackle shop near work (First Light in Burnaby) have been really great with info also. One older guy was showing me this last weekend how he was catching fish and even gave me a chunk of the yarn he's been using and helped me set up my gear like his. I realized  after that I've probably not been fishing deep enough in the water, which is probably part of my problem. Nearly every time I've been out, I've been the only one in the area I'm fishing to have NOT caught a fish, which only adds to the frustration. So I guess if you want to catch fish, come fishing with me?

What kind of water are you fishing?  Fast flow or slow?  Deep or shallow?

What species of salmon are people catching around you?  How long is their leader?  What species are you targeting, if any (yes, this is important)?  What is your set-up?  Baitcaster or spinning reel?  Braid or mono mainline.  Leader (size/length)?  Hooks (type/size)?

blaydRnr may have a point.  If you are fishing water where the fish are not biting and people are flossing/snagging, then it's a good thing you are not hooking any.  Don't get me wrong.  There are times when wool ties work.  But if you are fishing pocket water like (AHEMM) "Tamihi", then it's likely the fish are being flossed/snagged.  That's a pretty obvious example.  But fish can be flossed almost anywhere.  Hopefully you are not observing people lifting their rod tip at the end of every drift.  However, I won't assume anything - just giving you a tip about what people may be doing around you and how to recognize it.

One thing I would suggest is consider using (wait for it...) roe.  There!  I said it!  The FFM recommended bait!  The best roe is cured by the fisherman (not the store bought stuff).   But roe can make a huge difference - especially at first light.  Roe bags are another good option if you find you re-baiting to often.

I have also had great success flyfishing for salmon.  However, you need to find the right water for flies which can be challenging to find on the Vedder.  This is a whole other topic so I'll let you ask the question before continuing on here.

Good to hear you got out with your son.  Enjoy it!  It's only your first year, and there is a steep learning curve - especially if you don't have someone to mentor you.  Good luck and have fun!
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on November 15, 2018, 11:12:12 AM
River level dropped faster than expected overnight and is totally fishable today.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 15, 2018, 07:17:00 PM
Went out this Am but nothing slipped out for 45 minutes this evening and landed a wild jack coho salmon and had several other bites so I guess the odd coho still around. A chap in the canal tossing a spoon said he saw 3 coho rise.

Water conditions perfect.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 16, 2018, 04:59:47 AM
Not much rain overnight, water should be good.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on November 16, 2018, 09:40:15 AM
Not much rain overnight, water should be good.

But where is the hot spot? ;D
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on November 16, 2018, 10:45:22 AM
@ ribolovac02, clarki, and standalone: thanks for the response!

Not new to fishing, grew up fishing the okanagan and interior lakes and streams for trout. Mainly fly fishing. This is my first real attempt at salmon fishing though. My son is nearly 12 and got the bug for fishing this summer and it got me back into it as well.

Most everyone I've met at the river have been really helpful and a tackle shop near work (First Light in Burnaby) have been really great with info also. One older guy was showing me this last weekend how he was catching fish and even gave me a chunk of the yarn he's been using and helped me set up my gear like his. I realized  after that I've probably not been fishing deep enough in the water, which is probably part of my problem. Nearly every time I've been out, I've been the only one in the area I'm fishing to have NOT caught a fish, which only adds to the frustration. So I guess if you want to catch fish, come fishing with me?

I think my advice going into next season, after having done this close to twenty years, is maybe spend a few hours and walk the river and don't focus so much on the fishing first. Take a look at each run, different types of water, where people are fishing, how people are fishing, who's catching what. If they're catching coho, what are they using, how are they using it. Too often I see new salmon anglers trying to catch fish, the focus shifts to getting as many casts as you can when you get to the river, casting to where the fish are jumping, going to spots where most people are fishing. You'd have more success in the long run by observing first.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: SilverChaser on November 16, 2018, 12:53:24 PM
Lost 3 coho this morning, but my consolation prize was a beautiful Bulltrout, about 3 pounds or so.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dobrolub on November 16, 2018, 01:42:53 PM
I think my advice going into next season...

(https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/72854215/theyre-not-out-yet.jpg)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 16, 2018, 07:13:32 PM
But where is the hot spot? ;D
Lips are sealed on this one but could guide yo4 on Monday, like 2001 but no upside down reels..lol
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BBarley on November 17, 2018, 03:45:06 PM
3 years ago during a Steelhead trip up north I was chatting with a local way up on the copper and he commented on the signs which I had in my camper van windows. He seemed offended that I had them up and said something along the lines of  "people up here wont mess with your vehicle like that"  I told him I was from the lower mainland and I'm used to fishing the C/V.  He chuckled with some sympathy as  it all became clear and made perfect sense to him.

Speaking as someone who grew up on all those rivers and continues to frequent them to this day, I'd be more weary of a black bear breaking into my vehicle scouring for scraps than some strung out tweaker looking for crack money. It really comes down to ease of access for these people, where else can you find hundreds of cars all parked along the side of a major road, half of which has no cell service, with their owners in some cases not even close to being within earshot. Not sure there is anything anyone can do but leave your vehicle completely gutted and carry a horse shoe around with them. Unfortunately it's one of those things like most things in life where only a few ruin it for the many by leaving valuables within sight and feed the beast that is this endemic problem.

My solution, fish up north more 8)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Drewhill on November 17, 2018, 07:22:22 PM
Bunch of guys had their windows smashed and stuff stolen at Browne this morning.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigsnag on November 17, 2018, 11:48:42 PM
From Friday:
(http://i.imgur.com/YB0090m.jpg) (https://imgur.com/YB0090m)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Stratocaster on November 18, 2018, 01:30:03 AM
From Friday:
(http://i.imgur.com/YB0090m.jpg) (https://imgur.com/YB0090m)

Nice late chrome bigsnag!
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: FlyFishin Magician on November 19, 2018, 07:56:10 AM
Nice work bigsnag!  Btw - Stratocaster and I saw you walking your dog Sat evening close to my place.  We waved at you but you didn't see us.  We didn't do as well as you.  Only dark coho and the odd clean chum.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigsnag on November 19, 2018, 10:26:00 PM
Thanks guys, sorry to miss the chance to chat....

For today, I got one for dinner, one for the smoker......

(https://i.imgur.com/NAzVvOq.jpg)

and two for this guy:

(https://i.imgur.com/VwPA2ct.jpg)
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 20, 2018, 05:33:26 AM
I think the best of the CO season is over, last 2 trips and not a bite, well maybe I fished for only 30 minutes each trip. ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigsnag on November 20, 2018, 01:18:06 PM
I think the best of the CO season is over.....
I am done for the year coho wise
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: ribolovac02 on November 20, 2018, 04:57:50 PM
Beautiful dog “bigsnag “, he will enjoy those for sure
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigsnag on November 20, 2018, 09:15:08 PM
Beautiful dog “bigsnag “, he will enjoy those for sure
thanks
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: FlyFishin Magician on November 21, 2018, 07:35:17 AM
That dog is my buddy!
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 21, 2018, 12:16:12 PM
Slipped out after a duck hunt this morning and found the water with a little color in it, but was surprised to have 2 coho jacks on and missed a few, darn circle hooks, off they go now.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Robert_G on November 21, 2018, 04:45:06 PM
Slipped out after a duck hunt this morning and found the water with a little color in it, but was surprised to have 2 coho jacks on and missed a few, darn circle hooks, off they go now.


I didn't realize there were fishermen out there that actually use circle hooks.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: ByteMe on November 21, 2018, 04:58:49 PM

I didn't realize there were fishermen out there that actually use circle hooks.

yep.....me, 6yrs and counting
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on November 22, 2018, 09:47:24 AM
The water level chart does not show significant rise after the rain.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 23, 2018, 06:37:49 PM
The water level chart does not show significant rise after the rain.
Was colored when out tonight+, vis about 1 foot in the Lower, maybe a little more than that but is cool so may come back in tomorrow, I had no bites.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 24, 2018, 01:40:41 PM
Conditions improved from last night but only one bite for me. Saw the odd chum taken. All I found was a ghost net in a log jam will contact FOC to remove or Dave and I can get it on our cleanup next week.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Wiseguy on November 24, 2018, 06:53:30 PM
I have noticed a abandoned homeless camp just above the Crossing bridge on a sandbar between Sweltzer creek and the main stem. Lots of garbage left behind and possibly drug use paraphernalia. This really makes me angry.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 25, 2018, 03:21:29 AM
I visited the site you speak of yesterday and spoke to the resident who was moving his stuff he wanted, he was even moving a welder out. Not sure why he would have a welder out there. Of course a lot of these camps are a location to take stolen stuff first and then sold later etc.. I saw him taking the welder across Sweltzer later. I told him we are planning to clean this up before the next highwater event that happened a few weeks ago and washed through the camp somewhat.

If the water does not get too high again with another round of rain which is forecast on Sunday night along with the Pineapple Express we have a cleanup crew ready to clean it up this week. Thanks to the Chilliwack Vedder Cleanup Society for putting this together..

Of course the CVRCS has been cleaning up this watershed since 2002.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on November 26, 2018, 08:35:17 AM
A lot of rain is being forecasted in the next 24 hours. Conditions most likely will not be favourable this week.
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cdjk123 on November 26, 2018, 09:02:32 AM
Oh yah, this is definitely the annual "big blowout".
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 27, 2018, 11:21:26 AM
Oh yah, this is definitely the annual "big blowout".
Dropping now but very high, not as much as a few weeks ago. This signals the official end of the coho salmon fishery, bring on the Iron heads. Don't forget to enter the Wally Hall Jr Memorial Steelhead Derby, tickets only $20 and funds raised go to an excellent cause. I think I will win it this year as I feel lucky.

Why do I say that? At badminton last night I returned the shuttlecock from the other side of my body, back hanses shot if you know what I mean a shot that is really only luck. Maybe I have done it 3 or 4 times in 70 years of playing and the first time we ended up getting the point. I should not boast. :o :D
Title: Re: 2018 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Wiseguy on November 27, 2018, 07:27:11 PM
Dropping now but very high, not as much as a few weeks ago. This signals the official end of the coho salmon fishery, bring on the Iron heads. Don't forget to enter the Wally Hall Jr Memorial Steelhead Derby, tickets only $20 and funds raised go to an excellent cause. I think I will win it this year as I feel lucky.

Why do I say that? At badminton last night I returned the shuttlecock from the other side of my body, back hanses shot if you know what I mean a shot that is really only luck. Maybe I have done it 3 or 4 times in 70 years of playing and the first time we ended up getting the point. I should not boast. :o :D
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