Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Rodney on September 03, 2019, 12:18:36 AM

Title: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 03, 2019, 12:18:36 AM
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 four 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.

(https://scontent.fyvr4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/22859846_10155135336857712_679554549141169335_o.jpg?_nc_cat=105&_nc_oc=AQnQRjbNWKsLeWkuIWBJnF2PQ1wBTPpiU08EClty87Ka5s6L1_KawtZ6_krGpkfmVeVzwqQhIBZWk40x0P9pyn7u&_nc_ht=scontent.fyvr4-1.fna&oh=a0168652f5bfac26f1a88b4b190ce86a&oe=5E0F9A9D)

Some other small adjustments

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



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: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 03, 2019, 12:19:34 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

Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: fic on September 03, 2019, 04:43:40 PM
Water was low and clear yesterday.  No fish seen and barely anybody fishing.  Creel Survey lady did not survey anybody that actually got into fish, except many people moving up and down the river to try different spots.  My buddy hooked and lost 1 fish. Still a bit early for consistent fishing I suppose.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarki on September 03, 2019, 08:35:13 PM
After the missuz and I enjoyed brunch at Field House Brewing ( I must say, their eggs benny coupled with the Dutch Pale Ale was delish), I dropped her off at a baby shower and I continued onto the C/V for a pre-season scouting trip of my favourite coho hidey holes). It’s a little early, but I twitched a jig through anyways cuz you never know. No sign of coho or pinks in the lower stretch I was in.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Old Blue on September 03, 2019, 10:12:34 PM
Hey Rod don't forget your colour chart of fish retention....no tomatoes ;)
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 04, 2019, 12:10:38 AM
;D

We walked the river for a couple of hours this afternoon. Low and clear, saw a school of suckers, a few pink salmon, and possibly one chinook salmon. ;)
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: juno on September 07, 2019, 06:59:37 PM
at the vedder this afternoon not much happening. 1 guy caught a pink  after 4 hours of fishing,  so in another week will it Rock?
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Gil_Tea on September 07, 2019, 07:26:01 PM
Fish are still lower down, I hooked into 3 today and landed a nice jack spring fishing from the shore (you don't need a boat but it is a treck to get to the lower river). They will start moving upriver soon but until then you will need to fish lower for better results.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 08, 2019, 11:51:27 AM
Fair amount of fish yesterday could be seen moving into runs compared to several days ago. The overnight rain probably helped with speeding things up a bit.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on September 08, 2019, 12:58:49 PM
Fair amount of fish yesterday could be seen moving into runs compared to several days ago. The overnight rain probably helped with speeding things up a bit.

Yesterdays report lured 1000 anglers in the river. 999 did not touch a fish
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on September 08, 2019, 01:23:17 PM
We're seeing the first springs and cohos poking up into the smaller lower mainland systems the last couple days with the rain...Vedder ho's should be trickling in now too
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on September 08, 2019, 08:38:06 PM
The rain really muddied up the river, but it slowly cleared up from top to bottom this afternoon.  I saw far fewer fish caught (and showing themselves) today compared to yesterday.  It's almost like the lightning scared them all back downstream!  I'm a little freaked out by all the rain in the forecast - just because I don't remember ever starting a Chilliwack salmon season with a river that isn't low and clear!  Lots of rain currently in the forecast for next Friday and Saturday - hopefully next weekend is fishable.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 08, 2019, 09:20:18 PM
The river was very fishable this evening. Visibility was 3 feet, greenish silty colour, perfect conditions. I saw a lot more fish showing themselves today compared to yesterday. Most were still pretty tight lipped, a mix of pink and chinook salmon.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: fic on September 09, 2019, 11:25:01 AM
Wow, heavy rain lined up for this weekend.  It may become unfishable at some point!  Normally I am cursing the low and clear conditions this time of year  ::)
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on September 13, 2019, 08:00:40 AM
How is the color holding up in the lower river?  The forecast this weekend looks scary.  I can't remember ever starting a fall salmon season with such high levels in the C/V.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on September 13, 2019, 12:40:57 PM
Reports of some Chim in the Stave today from a friend of mine. FYI
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: juno on September 13, 2019, 07:10:38 PM
Wow, heavy rain lined up for this weekend.  It may become unfishable at some point!  Normally I am cursing the low and clear conditions this time of year  ::)
fishing the fraser and the fish can see 2-3 feet and they still bite (Pinks) so why  not if it is cloudy in the Vedder? I wanted to go tomorrow,  not sure yet, not the river, but the weather. Also is the river so bad that it is unfishable?
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 13, 2019, 10:52:24 PM
Water visibility was about 2 feet when we left this evening, actually the colour was very good. No shortage of pink salmon in the river now, but I couldn't hook one so had to settle with this instead.

(https://i.imgur.com/gdXhXfp.jpg)
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Wiseguy on September 14, 2019, 06:41:23 AM
Nice catch! Interesting colour of the spoon used.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Gil_Tea on September 14, 2019, 08:05:40 AM
fishing the fraser and the fish can see 2-3 feet and they still bite (Pinks) so why  not if it is cloudy in the Vedder? I wanted to go tomorrow,  not sure yet, not the river, but the weather. Also is the river so bad that it is unfishable?

I hooked 5 fish and landed three yesterday in the lower river where the visibility is probably the worst. I have been using glow hoochies and jigs and they seem to still be able to see and nail them without a problem. You shouldn't have any issue with visibility if you go out today. Good luck!
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Flybob on September 14, 2019, 11:14:03 AM
Water visibility was about 2 feet when we left this evening, actually the colour was very good. No shortage of pink salmon in the river now, but I couldn't hook one so had to settle with this instead.

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


nice Rod
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: yoda on September 14, 2019, 11:55:00 AM
Nice fish Rod. Did not know those would work for you at Tamahi rapids. ;)
I got two of the other species down river yesterday. One still had sea lice on her. very bright.
Still looking for my first hoe. Yes, I am jealous.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: fic on September 14, 2019, 05:19:20 PM
Water conditions were excellent today.  Lots of people out. Everyone I met was courteous. Not exactly combat fishing.  :D
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Jk47 on September 15, 2019, 12:04:38 PM
Blown. In case you were wondering
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on September 15, 2019, 01:36:35 PM
Blown. In case you were wondering

Thanks for the update. Sadly, the snaggers will be out there doing their thing, trying to convince themselves and others that fish are biting. ::)
Those who know better are not fishing the Vedder today. Nor most other LML rivers for that matter.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Wiseguy on September 15, 2019, 03:47:23 PM
Thanks for the update. Sadly, the snaggers will be out there doing their thing, trying to convince themselves and others that fish are biting. ::)
Those who know better are not fishing the Vedder today. Nor most other LML rivers for that matter.
Agree. Lots of people fishing above the crossing this afternoon in the muddy brown water. :o
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 16, 2019, 03:00:17 PM
River level is dropping pretty fast and colour is coming back nicely. A small window of chances to fish before another heavy rain storm rolls in tomorrow morning.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on September 16, 2019, 03:17:13 PM
Was oit at the mouth again today. Caught a Jack spring and a few Pinks. The run is slowing down. I didnt see too many caught. It was very slow. The low viz didnt help either. It was very high in the canal. Two feet more than normal at a high tide
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: mikeyman on September 16, 2019, 03:24:48 PM
Springs are in at mouth. Should see good push shortly. Pink seine fishery going to slow it right down on any pink
remaining run. Not many coho out there yet. Only caught two in last 2 weeks.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 17, 2019, 10:28:08 AM
River is holding this morning, for now. :)
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 17, 2019, 10:34:05 PM
Water was still lovely this evening and should continue to be as dry weather is in the forecast. Fished for 30 minutes before dark, float fished with roe and released this one.

https://www.facebook.com/fishingwithrod/videos/2478852232399334
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on September 17, 2019, 11:29:10 PM
Water was still lovely this evening and should continue to be as dry weather is in the forecast. Fished for 30 minutes before dark, float fished with roe and released this one.

https://www.facebook.com/fishingwithrod/videos/2478852232399334

released a fin clipped chinook. :o
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: fic on September 18, 2019, 08:31:58 AM
Water was still lovely this evening and should continue to be as dry weather is in the forecast. Fished for 30 minutes before dark, float fished with roe and released this one.

https://www.facebook.com/fishingwithrod/videos/2478852232399334
Nice fish. Too dark to use your favorite spoon  ;D
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: tmac on September 18, 2019, 10:34:16 AM
Got a nice wild coho yesterday morning on a spoon in the lower river.  I was all by myself at my favourite run too.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 18, 2019, 11:22:30 PM
Water continued to clear today, river was not dropping as fast and it's now at a very good level. Fishable everywhere with more than enough water for fish to move through throughout the day. Good abundance of fresh chinook salmon in the lower river at various spots. Good amount of crowd too for a Wednesday but the atmosphere is very positive.

My float never dipped today. Tomorrow!
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on September 19, 2019, 01:12:04 PM
Had bad luck today. I hooked into 3 Coho and 1 spring. Lost all 4. Managed 1 Pink to the cooler. That's it.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BladeKid on September 19, 2019, 01:52:16 PM
Are the pinks still around, and biting?

I'm planning to change things up by taking a few family members out on Saturday who are fairly green to fishing. The springs can be pretty bitey, I know, but I don't think they compare to when pinks are in thick.

I'll be going regardless, but was hoping for some intel to adjust their expectations (as well as mine)

Cheers!
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: fic on September 20, 2019, 09:39:09 AM
Are the pinks still around, and biting?

I'm planning to change things up by taking a few family members out on Saturday who are fairly green to fishing. The springs can be pretty bitey, I know, but I don't think they compare to when pinks are in thick.

I'll be going regardless, but was hoping for some intel to adjust their expectations (as well as mine)

Cheers!
I am finding the pinks are not as bitey compared to the last few cycles when they were open to fishing.  It could be there are fewer of them around so they are not as aggressive.  Under-promise, and hopefully over deliver is what I would suggest ;)
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Paulo on September 20, 2019, 06:05:34 PM
Heading out tomorrow with the kids. Would like to put my North River seahawk in at Barrowtown and head towards the railway bridge. Don't it plenty of times in the past but first time with this boat. Should be okay for water depth? Outboard engine not jet.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: carpman on September 20, 2019, 07:05:43 PM
Trolling works
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on September 20, 2019, 09:51:51 PM
Heading out tomorrow with the kids. Would like to put my North River seahawk in at Barrowtown and head towards the railway bridge. Don't it plenty of times in the past but first time with this boat. Should be okay for water depth? Outboard engine not jet.

It's been high. The Sumas at the mouth has been 6 feet average at low tide for weeks now. I saw a guy trolling with a downrigger on Tuesday. Nobody trolling seems to get anything from what I can see. It's been slow for Coho so far but is picking up. Best part of fishing that area are the fresh fish. The worst part is maybe having 2 to 3 hookups in 4 hours. It can be slow. Theres a lot of water and the fish move up fast. Every 20 min someone is rocketing up the Sumas scaring the Coho.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: NothingToSnagAbout on September 21, 2019, 09:41:31 AM
Haven't fished the vedder in ages but I used start at lower wilson and work up or down from there. I'm told that you can't park there anymore. Where's do you guys park then? At the rail and walk down, or below at the community centre?
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: coldfinger on September 21, 2019, 11:43:35 AM
 Hike and Fish,  re Trolling, It  does work !  My son and I landed a beauty 15 lb. Spring,  trolling a little pink spoon, no weight / no down riggers , just the spoon,  in the middle of the down pour  last week. We picked it up between the rock and the train bridge. In about 5 ft of water.
Bit of a battle on a light spin caster and 10lbs test!. Just lucky I guess.
CF
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: coldfinger on September 21, 2019, 12:18:11 PM
OK, I stand corrected.....my son just informed me it was only a 12lb. spring. I'll admit, I always add a pound or two to make for a good tale.
I'd post a pick if I could figure out how.
CF

Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: coldfinger on September 21, 2019, 10:08:56 PM
(https://images2.imgbox.com/a7/25/Vf94vBn3_o.jpg)
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on September 22, 2019, 05:25:11 AM
Haven't fished the vedder in ages but I used start at lower wilson and work up or down from there. I'm told that you can't park there anymore. Where's do you guys park then? At the rail and walk down, or below at the community centre?
We, the Fraser Valley Salmon Society met with the City of Chilliwack and Mayor ken Popove, last week and Nick brought up your and others concerns re this and other parking issue. We hope these talks will deal with this.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Wiseguy on September 22, 2019, 05:58:00 AM
We, the Fraser Valley Salmon Society met with the City of Chilliwack and Mayor ken Popove, last week and Nick brought up your and others concerns re this and other parking issue. We hope these talks will deal with this.
I give this a post a Like.  :)
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigsnag on September 22, 2019, 09:51:52 AM
I give this a post a Like.  :)
X2
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Steelhawk on September 22, 2019, 08:21:49 PM
X3. No excuse to stop parking on the dyke there in a prime lower river fishing location. Even jogger can use that river trail towards train bridge.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 23, 2019, 08:40:03 AM
River level hasn't changed since the rain yesterday and water clarity remains excellent.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Vancouver_2010 on September 24, 2019, 08:03:10 AM
Question: how much roe is enough for a day's fishing? I've pro-cured two decently-sized coho skeins, so will that be enough for 1-2 guys? We almost always either fly fish or toss metal, so this is going to be a new experience.
Thanks in advance!

Will report on water conditions after tomorrow as well.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on September 24, 2019, 09:29:00 AM
Question: how much roe is enough for a day's fishing? I've pro-cured two decently-sized coho skeins, so will that be enough for 1-2 guys? We almost always either fly fish or toss metal, so this is going to be a new experience.
Thanks in advance!

Will report on water conditions after tomorrow as well.

If it holds up pretty well (is fairly firm), that should be enough for half a day if you are careful with it.  Adding some wool to your bait loop can help stretch it out (and add contrast).  I've caught plenty of fish when there was just an egg or 3 left in the skein on my hook.

I've also had mornings (in previous seasons) where the coho are constantly stealing the roe off my hook and proving very difficult to keep hooked - those times I burn through more roe.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wildmanyeah on September 24, 2019, 09:48:21 AM
Seems like the Coho are in already seeing guys post limits of coho on social media.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: tmac on September 24, 2019, 10:41:46 AM
Water was excellent today.  Caught a wild coho on a spoon and lost my second.  Quite a few people out but only about half hooked into fish. 
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 24, 2019, 10:52:59 AM
Great water condition indeed, a little bump overnight and dropped nicely again. That's two first lights in a row with no float downs for me, while three hatchery coho were caught in the run but the results don't reflect the amount of effort, so not a high abundance of fish yet. Still lots of springs splashing about and pinks finning in the shallows.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Fish Assassin on September 24, 2019, 12:50:53 PM
Hope the river remains the same. Will be making my first trip to the Vedder on Friday. Fish beware !
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on September 24, 2019, 01:57:51 PM
Not a lot of action at the mouth today. I hooked one and saw two boats with fish on all morning. Extremely slow. The tides didnt really work in favor of the folks fishing out there this morning either.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on September 24, 2019, 05:10:36 PM
Maple Leaf DNE refuses to go down on 4 trips but short trips as was spoiled fishing the T. for jacks, so many there. May have to change and fish with a spoon like Rod does.

At least got a nice DNE float this AM  that Buck chased down for me. Also found a $20 bill while piking up plucks, anyone lose it? :D lots of pinks finished their spwaning cycle now. The Master always says the CO fishing picks up when the pinks are spawning.


I will try the log dump tonight only 5 minutes away.lol
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Fish Assassin on September 24, 2019, 06:59:29 PM
Maple Leaf DNE refuses to go down on 4 trips but short trips as was spoiled fishing the T. for jacks, so many there. May have to change and fish with a spoon like Rod does.

At least got a nice DNE float this AM  that Buck chased down for me. Also found a $20 bill while piking up plucks, anyone lose it? :D lots of pinks finished their spwaning cycle now. The Master always says the CO fishing picks up when the pinks are spawning.


I will try the log dump tonight only 5 minutes away.lol

Been using the Auston Matthews float that I won. Like Auston Matthews it produces during the regular season but disappears in the playoffs. 0 for 4 so far. ;D
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: NothingToSnagAbout on September 24, 2019, 08:38:33 PM
Anybody dab their wool in nectar? Any success or is it just gimmicky? Seems like you get roe scent with way less mess
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: obie1fish on September 25, 2019, 10:17:35 AM
Once in a while, I will use scents, but I'm too reliant on bait to use it alone. I always wanted to try a roe-sized chunk of coloured sponge with scent, but haven't.

By the way, I was driving down Whatcom Road on the way to work this morning, looking at the sunrise, and feeling really jealous of all you who got to fish today- the morning seemed perfect! I hope you guys were rewarded!
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on September 25, 2019, 10:44:22 AM
Anybody dab their wool in nectar? Any success or is it just gimmicky? Seems like you get roe scent with way less mess
I've been using the hot pink Mike's Glo Scent in Shrimp flavor pretty generously, either on wool by itself or even on my roe (especially when I want to add some color to my roe).  I can't say whether it really makes a difference, but it gives me confidence, and isn't that what matters?  :D
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 25, 2019, 10:01:46 PM
Conditions stayed the same today. Serious amount of rain has been forecasted for tonight. A good abundance of chinook salmon throughout the river, where are the coho? ;D
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 26, 2019, 10:02:31 AM
The river is brown now. It was fishable for an hour at first light and I managed to pop three coho off in a span of five minutes.  ::) it should drop and clear up pretty fast.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on September 26, 2019, 10:41:10 AM
The river is brown now. It was fishable for an hour at first light and I managed to pop three coho off in a span of five minutes.  ::) it should drop and clear up pretty fast.
I hope so, but the graph on the upper river had reached 1.6 meters and is still rising as of the last update (3 hours ago).  The peak from our storm 10 days ago was only 1.4 meters.  I hope it drops faster than last time.  Vedder Crossing should hit at least 2.3 meters today - blown out for at least a little while.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 26, 2019, 10:47:18 AM
That peak 10 days ago was 2.1m actually. It's at 2.2m now. Dry weather ahead, it should recover fast.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on September 26, 2019, 10:52:15 AM
That peak 10 days ago was 2.1m actually. It's at 2.2m now. Dry weather ahead, it should recover fast.
I was referring to the upper station not Vedder Crossing, but yes let's hope we don't get much rain tomorrow and it drops fast.  I know there is snow forecast at higher elevations so that should help limit the rising.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 26, 2019, 10:54:08 AM
Ah got it. I was surprised by how fast it rose this morning while I was fishing. I think, well hope anyway, we will be fishing it again by tomorrow afternoon. ;D
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on September 26, 2019, 11:35:05 AM
I can finally see a crest on the upper river station - just over 1.6 meters at 8:15 this morning, and dropping just as fast as it rose (so far).  I'm curious to see how much later the lower river crests.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on September 26, 2019, 01:19:27 PM
Fished in the canal on the boat again today. I drove up in the dark and fished till 10am. In that time I saw the water color up in a few hours. Managed 1 spring and one Coho. Lost three.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: coldfinger on September 26, 2019, 01:58:50 PM
(https://images2.imgbox.com/0a/1f/P0HdxbkE_o.jpg)

As mentioned, the level came up fast and dirty on us too, on the lower river, but not before we landed this beauty. Drifting roe, third cast.
 As an added bonus, a barely opened container of Barry's Bait Borax Cured Roe balls came floating down passed us. Scooped it up thinking it was garbage....Surprise !!   Not often you leave with more cured roe than you started with.
 ;D
 
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: cdjk123 on September 26, 2019, 02:26:12 PM
The river is a nice...chocolately colour.....might be a while till it comes back  ::)
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 26, 2019, 02:26:48 PM
As an added bonus, a barely opened container of Barry's Bait Borax Cured Roe balls came floating down passed us. Scooped it up thinking it was garbage....Surprise !!   Not often you leave with more cured roe than you started with.
 ;D
 

I will post it up in the lost and found if you wish. ;D
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on September 26, 2019, 04:10:53 PM
I can finally see a crest on the upper river station - just over 1.6 meters at 8:15 this morning, and dropping just as fast as it rose (so far).  I'm curious to see how much later the lower river crests.

The answer is:  It takes 3 hours from the crest to pass from the upper station (above Slesse creek) to the lower station (Vedder Crossing) (at least at these levels).  9:05 was the upriver crest, 12:15 at the crossing. 
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: fisherforever on September 26, 2019, 04:37:15 PM
Just talked to a friend here in Chilliwack who also with search and rescue. Three rescues today on the Chilliwack/Vedder due to anglers stranded when the river came up. Be safe out there!
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: coldfinger on September 26, 2019, 06:03:06 PM
I will post it up in the lost and found if you wish. ;D

Thanks Rod, but no need, We 'll chalk it up to river karma. Ended up giving half the roe from the spring we caught to very appreciative angler next to us. So I think we're good.


Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 26, 2019, 09:23:31 PM
That's good coho karma. ;)

Water level at Crossing is down to 2m now (2.05 at 4pm).
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Every Day on September 26, 2019, 09:32:57 PM
The river tonight (7 pm) was actually very, very (surprisingly) good in upper. Around 3 feet of visibility with a (obviously) brown tint. 3 fish in 3 casts - broke the third one off and called it a short evening. All short floating roe less than 2 feet deep float to weights along the edges. Tonnes of fish rolling. Should be great on the drop!
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dubs604 on September 27, 2019, 08:04:53 AM
If I head out this weekend, should I focus on the lower, or are there fish around near mid-river? 
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on September 27, 2019, 08:20:41 AM
There are fish throughout the whole system.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Fish Assassin on September 27, 2019, 05:22:34 PM
Lots of fish moving through
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: juno on September 27, 2019, 06:59:22 PM
I thought  the pinks were done? or not? do I bring my  pink gear,  or a heavier rod for chum and springs? 
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Fish Assassin on September 27, 2019, 07:09:39 PM
Still lots of pinks around.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 27, 2019, 09:39:07 PM
Primo water conditions today, the fishing was a little crazy today. ;D
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigsnag on September 27, 2019, 09:57:09 PM
Still lots of pinks around.
Yeah, going downstream.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 28, 2019, 11:09:29 AM
Water is greenish with visibility around 3 feet now. Level drop has slowed down. Fishing was not as hot this morning. A few adult coho and jacks. Lots of people out but not super busy, and everyone seems to be enjoying the day!
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on September 28, 2019, 02:35:19 PM
That wind though . . . wow.  Got blown off the river with many other people around noon.  Got a nice spring this morning with sea lice attached (okay, one sea louse).  What's the rule of thumb?  48 hours from the salt if they still have sea lice?  Or is it longer?
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dubs604 on September 28, 2019, 03:14:33 PM
Interesting morning. I arrived to a spot mid-river before first light and spent the first hour or two there with no success. I was short floating pink, purple and chartreuse jigs. A few guys were fishing roe and landed/lost several big springs, but overall it was slow.

I picked up and moved down to Lickman Road. There were a few folks there but it also appeared to be slow. I found a short seam of walking pace water where I caught two tiny jack coho. Both “wild”, with a partial adipose fin (like a very small portion remained, which is annoying), so both were gently released. To be honest, it was likely the same tiny jack coho twice in a row, in the same spot, 30 minutes apart. Both times I was drifting the same pink maribou jig.

I headed home by around 10:30 when the winds really started to pick up.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: canso on September 28, 2019, 04:34:55 PM
That wind though . . . wow.  Got blown off the river with many other people around noon.  Got a nice spring this morning with sea lice attached (okay, one sea louse).  What's the rule of thumb?  48 hours from the salt if they still have sea lice?  Or is it longer?
For sea lice I was told their tails start to erode in fresh water, then disappear within 48hrs (dependant on water temps., type of salmon, etc) the lice can stay attached for up to 10 days.

If your sea lice still have tails, I would call it ocean fresh. Lol
 
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 28, 2019, 07:22:31 PM
A small hatchery coho salmon from this morning.

(https://i.imgur.com/utxKMVI.jpg)
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigsnag on September 28, 2019, 10:00:25 PM
A small hatchery coho salmon from this morning.
I haven't seen one over 5 lbs this season.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on September 28, 2019, 10:33:22 PM
I haven't seen one over 5 lbs this season.

Caught 6 coho so far, all wild fish. My buddys caught 4 last week, all wild. odd
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bunnta on September 29, 2019, 03:38:18 AM
I haven't seen one over 5 lbs this season.

I've already witness a 7lb bonked and landed a 4lber myself. Big ones are there!
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on September 29, 2019, 05:18:50 AM
Same for me. My first was 8 pounds. Anything after that was 5 to 6. Not like last year.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dubs604 on September 29, 2019, 08:44:37 PM
I have a question after going out this weekend. Where does one find the kind of pools where you would cast spoons and twitch jigs?  All of the water I found was moving and/or too shallow for a spinning setup.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 29, 2019, 09:48:11 PM
I have a question after going out this weekend. Where does one find the kind of pools where you would cast spoons and twitch jigs?  All of the water I found was moving and/or too shallow for a spinning setup.

The river is constantly evolving so pools and runs appear and get displaced all the time. You basically have to walk and walk and walk and walk until you find them. So far I personally feel that there are less spoon spots/pools than previous seasons, so have been float fishing with bait mostly.

Popped out briefly this afternoon but mostly to do this instead of actually fishing.

(https://i.imgur.com/0pM2Lhj.jpg)

Lovely conditions and didn't seem too busy out there either, with plenty of chinook salmon splashing around.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: stsfisher on September 29, 2019, 10:14:46 PM
 :)
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarki on September 30, 2019, 09:12:27 AM
I took my kids fishing yest afternoon too, although they have about 18 years on yours, Rod! :) My new daughter-in-law is interested in learning how to fish and so we had a great afternoon on the water, capped off with some flights at Old Yale Brewing and the Sasquatch Stout paired with a hearty moose stew for supper.

One spot we were at I saw a guy hook a chinook on a jig. He played it in a pool for 10-15 minutes on a slow action rod, and as I guessed, it was snagged, right in the dorsal. He was fishing with 2 friends and then not one, not two , but all three of them posed for a pic with the fish. :o I was waiting for gentle reviving release, but no, it was dumped back in the water after buddy #3 got his photo op.  I was on the verge of administering a verbal admonishment, but the fish was released and I didn't see the point in an encounter.   

Looking forward to more days with my DIL on the water!           
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on September 30, 2019, 09:43:06 AM
Just a little cold this morning.... ::) So cold that my arms were frozen and couldn't set the hook when that 8lb wild coho took the float down. It miraculously stayed on until it got into the Moby net. A quick release and back home for a cup of hot tea.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 03, 2019, 09:49:35 AM
Overnight rain hasn't changed anything, plenty of good fishing throughout the whole system right now.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on October 03, 2019, 03:07:49 PM
When I got back to the Dewdney launch this afternoon two folks doing a survey told me DFO is planning on shutting down retention of Chim again. Just a heads up.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: 4x4 on October 03, 2019, 03:19:15 PM
When I got back to the Dewdney launch this afternoon two folks doing a survey told me DFO is planning on shutting down retention of Chim again. Just a heads up.

Anybody fishing the mouth at the Nic?
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on October 03, 2019, 04:12:46 PM
Anybody fishing the mouth at the Nic?

No and for good reason. Theres nothing. The survey guys said 1 all day. I saw a few Chum but that was it.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: 4x4 on October 03, 2019, 04:34:44 PM

I was asking because last year there were many people fishing the mouth when it was closed and taking over their limit of 2 Coho each.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: 4x4 on October 03, 2019, 05:29:21 PM

To clarify my above comment.

The Nic/Dewdney is 4 Coho daily which only 2 can be taken over 35cm the other 2 would be Jacks unlike the Vedder which is 4 Ho's.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on October 03, 2019, 07:30:30 PM
I was asking because last year there were many people fishing the mouth when it was closed and taking over their limit of 2 Coho each.

I'm shocked you have a problem with this considering 3 weeks ago you had no problem defending those that were fishing illegally at the Sumas/Fraser  ???

Second, fishing the mouth of the Nic is perfectly legal since the boundry marker is literally at the mouth unlike the Sumas where it's over 100 meters in from the Fraser.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: 4x4 on October 03, 2019, 08:39:21 PM
I'm shocked you have a problem with this considering 3 weeks ago you had no problem defending those that were fishing illegally at the Sumas/Fraser  ???

Second, fishing the mouth of the Nic is perfectly legal since the boundry marker is literally at the mouth unlike the Sumas where it's over 100 meters in from the Fraser.

Wasn't defending people fishing illegally. Was commenting on you posting a pic of one person and not the many you were talking about. Don't put words in my mouth.

Second, get your facts straight.
The boundary is not at the mouth. It is close but definitely if you're fishing the mouth you are fishing the Fraser and fishing illegally until 1st week of Nov. Many people will let you know if your casting into the Fraser at the mouth of the Nic.

 2 coho over 35 cm and 2 under. Not 4 over. Seen way to many people kill over there limit on that system not realizing (I'm sure some know they're bending the rules) 4 means Coho/Jacks.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on October 04, 2019, 04:57:42 AM
Wasn't defending people fishing illegally. Was commenting on you posting a pic of one person and not the many you were talking about. Don't put words in my mouth.

Second, get your facts straight.
The boundary is not at the mouth. It is close but definitely if you're fishing the mouth you are fishing the Fraser and fishing illegally until 1st week of Nov. Many people will let you know if your casting into the Fraser at the mouth of the Nic.

 2 coho over 35 cm and 2 under. Not 4 over. Seen way to many people kill over there limit on that system not realizing (I'm sure some know they're bending the rules) 4 means Coho/Jacks.

Draw a Perpendicular line from the tip of Strawberry island across the Nic. That's the boundry. It's right there. To be fair, I stand corrected on the other issue. I got you mixed up with someone else. That's my fault.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wildmanyeah on October 04, 2019, 10:02:45 AM
When I got back to the Dewdney launch this afternoon two folks doing a survey told me DFO is planning on shutting down retention of Chim again. Just a heads up.

Chum has totally collapsed this year BC coast wide. Just like sockeye.

I suspect will see closures announced soon.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on October 04, 2019, 10:18:40 AM
so far I am encountering good numbers of coho and in at least one stream they are about 20% larger by weight...so at least I estimate since all but one have been wild.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: 243Pete on October 04, 2019, 12:45:38 PM
Speaking of poor chum returns, I don't know how many of you guys remember but shortly after 2015 again there was that huge amount of rain fall that came down at the same time a lot of the chum had just started to spawn in the Vedder (The major blow outs on the river where videos showed literally entire log jams being pushed along the river), I spoke with one survey person and she said that is could effect the numbers of fish returning this year and that has me wondering right now.

I'm having a good year so far with coho, not bad with the numbers a the sizes vary but some of the hatchery fish I've gotten are fairly chunky, nothing over 6 pounds but I am bad with weight unless I got a scale on hand. :P
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on October 04, 2019, 01:10:02 PM
Speaking of poor chum returns, I don't know how many of you guys remember but shortly after 2015 again there was that huge amount of rain fall that came down at the same time a lot of the chum had just started to spawn in the Vedder (The major blow outs on the river where videos showed literally entire log jams being pushed along the river), I spoke with one survey person and she said that is could effect the numbers of fish returning this year and that has me wondering right now.

I'm having a good year so far with coho, not bad with the numbers a the sizes vary but some of the hatchery fish I've gotten are fairly chunky, nothing over 6 pounds but I am bad with weight unless I got a scale on hand. :P

I dont think the Harrison would have been effected but other systems for sure. This seems to be problem that involves the entire province
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: sockeyed on October 04, 2019, 01:31:33 PM
Preseason outlook for chum looked good

https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/species-especes/salmon-saumon/outlook-perspective/2019-summ-somm-eng.html
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarki on October 04, 2019, 01:37:17 PM
A couple of cars had the driver's side window smashed on the dyke at Wilson Road in Yarrow this morning. They were parked right beneath a No Parking sign so I wondered if it was a vigilante resident, but the glove boxes also appeared to be rifled through. However it seems unusual that a smash and grab artist would smash the window furthest from the glovebox.

Also I met a YouTube fishing celebrity. Nice to meet you jessetmars.     
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wookie on October 04, 2019, 01:48:11 PM
A couple of cars had the driver's side window smashed on the dyke at Wilson Road in Yarrow this morning. They were parked right beneath a No Parking sign so I wondered if it was a vigilante resident, but the glove boxes also appeared to be rifled through. However it seems unusual that a smash and grab artist would smash the window furthest from the glovebox.

Also I met a YouTube fishing celebrity. Nice to meet you jessetmars.     

Meth often defies logic....
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Drewhill on October 04, 2019, 02:25:22 PM
Heard a few cars had windows smashed on the other side of Osborne
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on October 05, 2019, 07:32:25 PM
Rodney's coho slam photo brought 3000 people to Vedder. I haven't seen that much people for a while. The Dyke is almost full of parking. Some run I found all by myself last weekend was crowded of 15-50 anglers.

Landed one 24 lber, no coho. slow day
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wildmanyeah on October 05, 2019, 07:41:11 PM
Rods posted his photo after others on other websites and facebook were posting limits of fish. Facebook the last few days has been loaded with guys posting their limits of fish.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 05, 2019, 07:47:40 PM
It's the first weekend of October, you were expecting otherwise?

Crowd is only an issue if you let it to be.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Gil_Tea on October 06, 2019, 09:25:29 AM
Took my dads' girlfriends son out for first light yesterday, he had never landed a spring before. He ended up landing one about 15 pounds 30 minutes into the morning.

I would like to extend a special thank you to the four 30+-year-old jerkoffs that showed up about an hour after us and consistently floated their lines 80 meters down and left them there so that the little guy didn't have any choice but to either not fish or cast over your lines. You then preceded to sandwich us on both sides obviously trying to muscle us out of our spot. The way that you snagged fish with your jigs in a hole that is stacked with fish was amazing, where did you learn those techniques? And the way that you kicked the snagged fish back into the river, such class!

No class, etiquette, or respect for anyone or the river. If you can afford a custom center pin, you can afford a couple of manners. Really too bad that a kid can't have an enjoyable day fishing without some grown men ruining it. Just sad.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Animal Chin on October 06, 2019, 09:51:56 AM

I would like to extend a special thank you to the four 30+-year-old jerkoffs that showed up about an hour after us and consistently floated their lines 80 meters down and left them there so that the little guy didn't have any choice but to either not fish or cast over your lines. You then preceded to sandwich us on both sides obviously trying to muscle us out of our spot. The way that you snagged fish with your jigs in a hole that is stacked with fish was amazing, where did you learn those techniques? And the way that you kicked the snagged fish back into the river, such class!

No class, etiquette, or respect for anyone or the river. If you can afford a custom center pin, you can afford a couple of manners. Really too bad that a kid can't have an enjoyable day fishing without some grown men ruining it. Just sad.

Yeah, sad part is, it's completely unnecessary. With a little co-operation and timing of casts... it would've been fine. Feel your pain though, it is ridiculous. Why would you want to snag springs, especially with a centerpin.. that couldn't be fun?
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on October 06, 2019, 10:11:50 AM
Took my dads' girlfriends son out for first light yesterday, he had never landed a spring before. He ended up landing one about 15 pounds 30 minutes into the morning.

I would like to extend a special thank you to the four 30+-year-old jerkoffs that showed up about an hour after us and consistently floated their lines 80 meters down and left them there so that the little guy didn't have any choice but to either not fish or cast over your lines. You then preceded to sandwich us on both sides obviously trying to muscle us out of our spot. The way that you snagged fish with your jigs in a hole that is stacked with fish was amazing, where did you learn those techniques? And the way that you kicked the snagged fish back into the river, such class!

No class, etiquette, or respect for anyone or the river. If you can afford a custom center pin, you can afford a couple of manners. Really too bad that a kid can't have an enjoyable day fishing without some grown men ruining it. Just sad.

That's awful.

The last time I walked the Chilliwack during fall salmon was 8 years ago. I had a knife pulled on me. I've never been back since. I got myself a boat and fish the canal instead. I'll never go back during fall Salmon.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigfish70 on October 06, 2019, 11:33:25 AM
I've been fishing this river system for many years now and it's unfortunate how brutal it is out there now. Crowds have become ridiculous - doesn't help that people feel that they need to gloat and fuel their egos posting their limit catches. That brings extra pressure on the river. Forums make fishing seem so easy that more people storm the river. It's not always a good thin unfortunately. I see a lot of ignorance on the river with people casting over your line repeatedly and guys fishing with just plain hooks. Not to mention the garbage being left behind. I was fishing lower river and could hear guys laughing and hollering followed by beer cans and a plastic bag floating by. Just pathetic.

The bottom line is people need to be more considerate out there and not be so ignorant and selfish. Don't get in other peoples way out there. Keep it safe for everyone to enjoy and pick up your freakin garbage!

Rod - seems like you limit out every day out there - are you on an all salmon diet? Save some fish for us! 😉
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on October 06, 2019, 12:02:23 PM
I've been fishing this river system for many years now and it's unfortunate how brutal it is out there now. Crowds have become ridiculous - doesn't help that people feel that they need to gloat and fuel their egos posting their limit catches. That brings extra pressure on the river. Forums make fishing seem so easy that more people storm the river. It's not always a good thin unfortunately. I see a lot of ignorance on the river with people casting over your line repeatedly and guys fishing with just plain hooks. Not to mention the garbage being left behind. I was fishing lower river and could hear guys laughing and hollering followed by beer cans and a plastic bag floating by. Just pathetic.

The bottom line is people need to be more considerate out there and not be so ignorant and selfish. Don't get in other peoples way out there. Keep it safe for everyone to enjoy and pick up your freakin garbage!

Rod - seems like you limit out every day out there - are you on an all salmon diet? Save some fish for us! 😉

It's the way things are now. I am shocked that in today's day and age of global warming awareness, people aren't picking up their trash. If anything it's getting WORSE. I see more Timny cups and beer cans everyday at my local spot.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 06, 2019, 08:04:04 PM
Glad i was away hunting and fishing the last couple of weeks in the peace of Gold Country. Reading these reports I am scared to go out there, well at least I can go and cleanup some garbage that is being reported being dumped by careless people.

I wonder who is fishing out there is cleaning up some garbage on their outings? Every caring people who after they catch their limit or a fish or two should be.

Of course we had the Worlds Rivers Days cleanup on the Chilliwack Vedder River put on by the Chilliwack Vedder Cleanup Society on September 22.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bbwong on October 06, 2019, 08:43:08 PM
Before: "Fish on!" = Lines reeling back
Now: "Fish On!" = Lines from every directions casting to you
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigfish70 on October 06, 2019, 11:34:18 PM
It baffles me the amount of garbage left by people who claim to enjoy the outdoors. Not just on the river but everywhere - in the woods etc. Ruins it for everyone. If you can carry heavier items in it's easy enough to carry the way lighter items back out. But to blatantly leave trash behind and throw your empties into the river - just idiots.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 07, 2019, 10:12:03 AM
Yikes, suddenly the Chilliwack/Vedder River is a poop show after one incident is being reported, a couple of days of limiting out and some garbage is found. ;D Best to avoid it! ;)

For the most part, I'd have to say that I have seen a significant improvement on the quality of the fishery and behaviours of anglers in the past two decades. Saturday I popped down to the canal briefly and accessed a run that had at least 40 people along it. I "squeezed in between a couple of people who I knew, and someone else then came in ten feet above me. I wasn't going to get offended, but realizing that it is what it is, most of the people do not have the luxury to fish all the time so they are just trying to enjoy the day and catch some fish. Everyone in that run was fishing properly and just about everyone was hauling in coho salmon. Unmarked fish were released right away in the water, the atmosphere was great!

Certainly it isn't for everyone, the ideal scenario would be to fish in solitude when enjoying the outdoors but this is one of the few put and take fisheries left next to Metro Vancouver where over 2 million people call home. It is going to get busy during the peak of the season. This also does not condone what Gil_Tea experienced on the weekend. The point is that not all crowds are bad, majority of the anglers are out there doing the right thing but a few bad apples can ruin the day for sure. While I was having a great time fishing last week, I saw more experienced anglers helping out people who obviously had no idea what they were doing and they ended up catching coho because of that. I saw female anglers fishing and catching fishing in the crowd with their space being respected. I think the Vedder River is how you want it to be. If you come out here to fish and focus on the negatives, you undoubtedly will find it. If you approach it with a positive mindset and intend to also help others, then you'll have a great day.

Regarding garbage, I think the Chilliwack/Vedder River Cleanup Society has done an amazing job. Imagine if this organization was not started back in 2001 by anglers, how much more garbage would have accumulated in this watershed. We need to keep having these cleanups, keep educating the young minds so their behaviours are correct from the start, keep being vigilant and report all violations to weed out those who are ruining it for the rest of us.

Back to river conditions, it's slowly on the rise now after last night's rain, but it should hold... hopefully! The weather forecast for the rest of the week looks great, which should lead up to a good Thanksgiving weekend of fishing for everyone.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: essyoo on October 07, 2019, 11:00:01 AM
Took my son and nephew out yesterday afternoon to try out some areas we hadn't fished yet. Completely skunked...again. I'm pretty sure this is the last time I'll be able to get my son out there. We've spent so much time and effort trying to fish this river with nothing to show for it and I fear his patience has run its course.

This is an incredibly frustrating fishery only made more so when the crew next to us is constantly yelling "fish on!" with their 10' leaders in 6' of water. I haven't given up hope yet but I fear I have lost my fishing buddy for this river.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on October 07, 2019, 11:23:08 AM
Took my son and nephew out yesterday afternoon to try out some areas we hadn't fished yet. Completely skunked...again. I'm pretty sure this is the last time I'll be able to get my son out there. We've spent so much time and effort trying to fish this river with nothing to show for it and I fear his patience has run its course.

This is an incredibly frustrating fishery only made more so when the crew next to us is constantly yelling "fish on!" with their 10' leaders in 6' of water. I haven't given up hope yet but I fear I have lost my fishing buddy for this river.

I understand your frustration but totally disagree with your comment on how to catch fish.

I guess something wrong with what you use. There are many people have success with jigs, spoons, wool, fly whatever, but if you want catch fish, just use roe only.

Fish can be very resistant to anything consider how many people has threw all kinds on them. But eventually they are more likely to bite a piece of roe.

I have explored many method in my limited fishing experience. In highly competitive river, if you want catch fish in limited time, use bait.

If it is the crowd discourage you, then you'd stay away the meat hole, fish the tailout.

Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigfish70 on October 07, 2019, 12:30:49 PM
Rodney - the clean up that is being done has been truly amazing - my friend and I thanked all the volunteers for doing an amazing job cleaning up. But you are ignorant to think that I'm the only one complaining and that this is just " one incident". Perhaps I'm the only one being vocal about it.

I had many guys surround me in my spot and have the guy on the right cast over the 3 of us to the left. Not cool. The garbage is a problem as there is lots of cups, beer cans and bags left behind. Again - people are too polite to complain. I'm just saying people need to take out what they bring in - plain and simple.

And as much as social media is helping people out with their fishing, it's also loaded the river system with more than usual anglers - it's a simple fact. The Vedder has never been as loaded as I've seen it this year. I'm sure the tackle shops love the business and that's great but fishing has definitely become higher pressure than normal.

These are my opinions and my observations. I like the fact people are enjoying themselves and we are all just trying to catch a salmon but some people need to read up on fishing ethics before they go out. Self education is a must.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: essyoo on October 07, 2019, 01:23:27 PM
I understand your frustration but totally disagree with your comment on how to catch fish.

Not sure I understand. I didn't mention how we were fishing. In fact we've used roe plenty of times.

...or were you referring to my disdain for the people fishing/flossing with long leaders? Are you suggesting that's how I should be fishing?
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Stratocaster on October 07, 2019, 02:53:04 PM
I am impressed this year with the amount of people I've seen fishing the proper way in getting fish to bite rather than resorting to flossing methods.  This is making it difficult for me because now when I fish a run, I have way more competition as everyone is shortfloating roe and catching them before I do.

Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Stratocaster on October 07, 2019, 02:58:57 PM
As for the crowds and the number of people on the Vedder, even though I am dismayed at the number of people fishing where I am, I don't really have a right to  because I am part of the problem myself and I am not any more deserving to be there than anyone else.

Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Animal Chin on October 07, 2019, 05:59:59 PM

For the most part, I'd have to say that I have seen a significant improvement on the quality of the fishery and behaviours of anglers in the past two decades. Saturday I popped down to the canal briefly and accessed a run that had at least 40 people along it. I "squeezed in between a couple of people who I knew, and someone else then came in ten feet above me. I wasn't going to get offended, but realizing that it is what it is, most of the people do not have the luxury to fish all the time so they are just trying to enjoy the day and catch some fish. Everyone in that run was fishing properly and just about everyone was hauling in coho salmon. Unmarked fish were released right away in the water, the atmosphere was great!

10' is considerate at a busy spot...haha.. but yeah can get crazy. You're right, it's generally pretty good, except for the "meat holes" for the lack of a better term. Then I leave or just mentally prepare myself if i stick around. I don't know who i dislike more, the sneaky ones that start walking from way over to try and take your spot as you're landing a fish.. or the "top rods".. who cast over your shoulder and try to squeeze you out cause they think their grandfathers carved out the river with a shovel or something..

I've stopped having expectations at the Vedder.. it's salmon in fresh water, on a river with constantly changing conditions .. so provided you can "read" the river right, you're competing with the lower mainland to get to it first. At least this is how I rationalize getting skunked.

I never do good with roe unless everyone in the spot is catching fast and furious.. and I realized this year that I have to fish a lot deeper than i thought for springs, and I measured out a 2.5' leader and it looked a lot longer than I thought it was.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wildmanyeah on October 07, 2019, 06:08:26 PM
If it was not for the vedder all the tackle shops in the valley would be closed and out of business.

Ever since the river changed course on the chehalis all the fish swim right up to the hatchery.  Yeah some clipped coho do swim up but not as many as used to. The fishery has been completely ruined.  There is holes on the Chehalis that do provide decent catches but you have to risk breaking your neck to get to them only to have guys now come pontoon right though your hole your letting rest. 

The other streams on the north side of the fraser are not guaranteed fisheries like the vedder can be. So after people fish a season of them they tend not to fish as much.  One of my friends last year fished dudney slough and caught 1 coho after 20 outings.  Likewise went to the vedder and caught 3 his first time out. yes luck i know but still.

on the southside such as the little campbell they have very short migration windows.  That if you don't no the timing and fish them after a monsoon they will be void.

What the Chilliwack hatchery has been able to produce year after year is nothing short of amazing IMO.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on October 07, 2019, 08:00:58 PM
If it was not for the vedder all the tackle shops in the valley would be closed and out of business.

Ever since the river changed course on the chehalis all the fish swim right up to the hatchery.  Yeah some clipped coho do swim up but not as many as used to. The fishery has been completely ruined.  There is holes on the Chehalis that do provide decent catches but you have to risk breaking your neck to get to them only to have guys now come pontoon right though your hole your letting rest. 

The other streams on the north side of the fraser are not guaranteed fisheries like the vedder can be. So after people fish a season of them they tend not to fish as much.  One of my friends last year fished dudney slough and caught 1 coho after 20 outings.  Likewise went to the vedder and caught 3 his first time out. yes luck i know but still.

on the southside such as the little campbell they have very short migration windows.  That if you don't no the timing and fish them after a monsoon they will be void.

What the Chilliwack hatchery has been able to produce year after year is nothing short of amazing IMO.

I agree.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: fishdreamer on October 07, 2019, 08:38:16 PM
Yikes, suddenly the Chilliwack/Vedder River is a poop show after one incident is being reported, a couple of days of limiting out and some garbage is found. ;D Best to avoid it! ;)

For the most part, I'd have to say that I have seen a significant improvement on the quality of the fishery and behaviours of anglers in the past two decades. Saturday I popped down to the canal briefly and accessed a run that had at least 40 people along it. I "squeezed in between a couple of people who I knew, and someone else then came in ten feet above me. I wasn't going to get offended, but realizing that it is what it is, most of the people do not have the luxury to fish all the time so they are just trying to enjoy the day and catch some fish. Everyone in that run was fishing properly and just about everyone was hauling in coho salmon. Unmarked fish were released right away in the water, the atmosphere was great!

Certainly it isn't for everyone, the ideal scenario would be to fish in solitude when enjoying the outdoors but this is one of the few put and take fisheries left next to Metro Vancouver where over 2 million people call home. It is going to get busy during the peak of the season. This also does not condone what Gil_Tea experienced on the weekend. The point is that not all crowds are bad, majority of the anglers are out there doing the right thing but a few bad apples can ruin the day for sure. While I was having a great time fishing last week, I saw more experienced anglers helping out people who obviously had no idea what they were doing and they ended up catching coho because of that. I saw female anglers fishing and catching fishing in the crowd with their space being respected. I think the Vedder River is how you want it to be. If you come out here to fish and focus on the negatives, you undoubtedly will find it. If you approach it with a positive mindset and intend to also help others, then you'll have a great day.

Regarding garbage, I think the Chilliwack/Vedder River Cleanup Society has done an amazing job. Imagine if this organization was not started back in 2001 by anglers, how much more garbage would have accumulated in this watershed. We need to keep having these cleanups, keep educating the young minds so their behaviours are correct from the start, keep being vigilant and report all violations to weed out those who are ruining it for the rest of us.

Back to river conditions, it's slowly on the rise now after last night's rain, but it should hold... hopefully! The weather forecast for the rest of the week looks great, which should lead up to a good Thanksgiving weekend of fishing for everyone.

Good post Rod. As in life we see what we choose to see in large part. Sure there are times when things go sideways but for the most part it is how you see the world that shapes your attitude. Some choose to dwell on the negative. Some need to vent a spleen. That’s fine. Whatever you choose.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on October 07, 2019, 08:50:20 PM
I am impressed this year with the amount of people I've seen fishing the proper way in getting fish to bite rather than resorting to flossing methods.  This is making it difficult for me because now when I fish a run, I have way more competition as everyone is shortfloating roe and catching them before I do.

Hey Strat, I've solved that problem 5 years ago when I stopped using naturals and switched to artificials only. Sure, nothing beats a good chunk of roe, but surprisingly, more often than not, when everybody is drifting roe in a run, and you are the only one offering something different, fish will respond positively to it. Countless times I've caught salmon shortfloating a tuff of yarn or a single egg, not to mention a jig or colorado blade under the float when roe simply wasn't producing.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Buster on October 07, 2019, 08:58:50 PM
Any river condition updates? The shows the level has shot up significantly.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 07, 2019, 09:02:25 PM
Here is a photo from the upper river around late afternoon today.

(https://i.imgur.com/ri8CSg0.jpg)

With the cold night and dry weather ahead of us, it should recover pretty fast.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigfish70 on October 07, 2019, 09:21:08 PM
It didn't take long for that water to rise. I love it when the river is higher and hovers at 2.0 meters. Should come into shape quickly.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 07, 2019, 11:17:57 PM
Yikes, suddenly the Chilliwack/Vedder River is a poop show after one incident is being reported, a couple of days of limiting out and some garbage is found. ;D Best to avoid it! ;)

For the most part, I'd have to say that I have seen a significant improvement on the quality of the fishery and behaviours of anglers in the past two decades. Saturday I popped down to the canal briefly and accessed a run that had at least 40 people along it. I "squeezed in between a couple of people who I knew, and someone else then came in ten feet above me. I wasn't going to get offended, but realizing that it is what it is, most of the people do not have the luxury to fish all the time so they are just trying to enjoy the day and catch some fish. Everyone in that run was fishing properly and just about everyone was hauling in coho salmon. Unmarked fish were released right away in the water, the atmosphere was great!

Certainly it isn't for everyone, the ideal scenario would be to fish in solitude when enjoying the outdoors but this is one of the few put and take fisheries left next to Metro Vancouver where over 2 million people call home. It is going to get busy during the peak of the season. This also does not condone what Gil_Tea experienced on the weekend. The point is that not all crowds are bad, majority of the anglers are out there doing the right thing but a few bad apples can ruin the day for sure. While I was having a great time fishing last week, I saw more experienced anglers helping out people who obviously had no idea what they were doing and they ended up catching coho because of that. I saw female anglers fishing and catching fishing in the crowd with their space being respected. I think the Vedder River is how you want it to be. If you come out here to fish and focus on the negatives, you undoubtedly will find it. If you approach it with a positive mindset and intend to also help others, then you'll have a great day.

Regarding garbage, I think the Chilliwack/Vedder River Cleanup Society has done an amazing job. Imagine if this organization was not started back in 2001 by anglers, how much more garbage would have accumulated in this watershed. We need to keep having these cleanups, keep educating the young minds so their behaviours are correct from the start, keep being vigilant and report all violations to weed out those who are ruining it for the rest of us.

Back to river conditions, it's slowly on the rise now after last night's rain, but it should hold... hopefully! The weather forecast for the rest of the week looks great, which should lead up to a good Thanksgiving weekend of fishing for everyone.
Went to this run this afternoon and cleaned up some garbage, was not to bad. When out on the sandbar only got one or two pieces of garbage, maybe it got washed away as the tidal effect covers the bar at high tide. A fellow there was catching a few jack coho salmon. The down part I found a dead chinook doe some one had tossed in the grass with the roe all gone, slit open. I wonder who did this will see this post?

Also while on the last hunting trip I found a cooler full of rotting trout, will send picture off to the CO sevice.

It is amazing what one finds when cleaning up garbage. I also found a nice filiting knife but it was at another site away from th Vedder, also a pile of needles, most unopened. :(
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 08, 2019, 08:40:57 AM
Conditions are good this morning. A little on the high side with 2ft of visibility.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wildmanyeah on October 08, 2019, 10:58:27 AM
seen this posted on FB

(https://i.imgur.com/oZNRFjM.png)
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on October 08, 2019, 11:11:22 AM
haha!!  and you thought the river was crowded last weekend ;)
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on October 08, 2019, 11:22:17 AM
haha!!  and you thought the river was crowded last weekend ;)
I don't know if it can get any busier than it would be anyway - multiple derbies and and a holiday weekend.  I like how it that pic it looks like they only gutted one fish - makes me think they ran out of roe in the middle of fishing and had to start using fresh roe from their catch!  I've done that . . .
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on October 08, 2019, 11:30:02 AM
haha!!  and you thought the river was crowded last weekend ;)

I love it!  :D
The more people flock to the Vedder, the better the chances to find solitude on other coho-producing streams.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Stratocaster on October 08, 2019, 11:52:44 AM
Hey Strat, I've solved that problem 5 years ago when I stopped using naturals and switched to artificials only. Sure, nothing beats a good chunk of roe, but surprisingly, more often than not, when everybody is drifting roe in a run, and you are the only one offering something different, fish will respond positively to it. Countless times I've caught salmon shortfloating a tuff of yarn or a single egg, not to mention a jig or colorado blade under the float when roe simply wasn't producing.

im actually surprised at how well a twitched jig works compared to roe.  Which is why I frequently bring my twitching rod as well.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on October 08, 2019, 12:48:41 PM
im actually surprised at how well a twitched jig works compared to roe.  Which is why I frequently bring my twitching rod as well.

That's all I do these day. They always bite the twitch at any time of day. The only time I wake up early to salmon fish is to time a tide. Other than that theres no need for a first light bite. The jig is king
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: buck on October 08, 2019, 03:16:04 PM
My HERO, can I get your autograph.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 08, 2019, 07:54:57 PM
Had my first coho jack on this evening and missed 2, have I missed the best part of the run now Rodney while I was away hunting, is it over early this year? ;D The water was looking so great and I had Master's roe he had cured up, as I used all the roe I had catching spring jacks in the ten day opening that was negoiated by some letter writng to FOC by the Fraser Valley Salmon Society and presiden Dean Werk, good work Dean. Thanks to the Nicomen F/N chief and council for their support of this rec fishery. This run is so strong as it has been for several years with limits obtained in 15 miutes at times.

It was a bit cool this evening so the water will be prime tomorrow with the snow level doun fairly low. I better get out before the coho salmon season ends as I would like to get one as well the Auston Matthews DNE float would like to be part of the action too. Speaking of floats I found 10 today and saw numerous ones float by. My float collection is in the  hundreds once again if not a thousand or more. Good for a upcoming used tackle sale. ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 08, 2019, 10:15:59 PM
Still at least four more weeks of good coho fishing left! ;D
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 09, 2019, 04:14:54 AM
Still at least four more weeks of good coho fishing left! ;D
Good to know. I fished the canal from the raft yesterday morning but too much water, have to get you to guide me like Jon B. and I did to you in 2001 at S. T. when you were learning where to fish the C.V. and with an upside down reel too.lol :D :D :D
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: FlyFishin Magician on October 09, 2019, 07:31:56 AM
Hey Chris.  I met the "master" fishing last week. We talked about the jack spring fishery and how it opened for a short period.  I missed it!!!  I see on DFO's website under region 3 (the table), they put that opening under the South Thompson which doesn't make any sense to me (since the opening was not the South Thompson).  In fact, I missed it as I periodically checked for the opening under the Thompson which still states no fishing for chinook from Apr 1 - Mar 31.

http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/fresh-douce/region3-eng.html

Anyway, we had a great day fishing last week, and I really enjoyed meeting the "master" and his buddy.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 09, 2019, 11:42:03 PM
Hey Chris.  I met the "master" fishing last week. We talked about the jack spring fishery and how it opened for a short period.  I missed it!!!  I see on DFO's website under region 3 (the table), they put that opening under the South Thompson which doesn't make any sense to me (since the opening was not the South Thompson).  In fact, I missed it as I periodically checked for the opening under the Thompson which still states no fishing for chinook from Apr 1 - Mar 31.

http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/fresh-douce/region3-eng.html

Anyway, we had a great day fishing last week, and I really enjoyed meeting the "master" and his buddy.

The entire DFO's sport fishing regulation website is poorly structured and updated when there are new openings and closures. The best thing to do is to subscribe to the fishery notices and receive them by email:

https://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fns-sap/index-eng.cfm

You can filter the notices so you only receive the ones which would interest you (eg. recreational salmon, recreation finfish other than salmon, region 1, 2, 3, etc).

-----

Popped out briefly tonight and hooked a coho right away but the main line snapped shortly after the hook-up. I probably should have checked it since last week... I then discovered that I didn't bring swivels, so spent the next 15 minutes looking for a swivel on the river bank. ::) No other bites after that, a few coho salmon could be seen rolling. I also saw a really fresh chinook salmon being caught. River is steadily dropping and conditions should be pretty awesome for the weekend anglers.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: FlyFishin Magician on October 10, 2019, 07:32:06 AM
Thanks Rodney.  Yes, I subscribe to the notices, but was relying on myself checking the region 3 table through Aug - Sep.  I just didn't see that they put the opening under "South Thompson".  I will be looking for those notices more frequently now.   ;)

Its amazing how fast that water comes up, then drops!  I cancelled a vacation day Tuesday because of what I predicted may happen due to the rain.  Instead, I fished Monday and had an excellent day.  Only problem now is the four coho in my fridge I have yet to process, but it's still not as many as Rodney has had to deal with all at once... ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 10, 2019, 10:06:10 AM
The South Thompson opening is a separate opening actually. I didn't check when that section of the Thompson opened so I don't know if it was published correctly on the page or not.

Yeah it was all fun and laugh catching those fish last week, but I ended up being the only one processing them! That's ok, it actually doesn't happen very often, the catching that is. ;D
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigsnag on October 10, 2019, 11:44:39 AM
It was NOT a good day.
(https://i.imgur.com/b4Q4am5.jpg)
Those of you with sharp eyes will see why.  What am I going to use for the next 2 months!
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on October 10, 2019, 11:50:22 AM
It was NOT a good day.
(https://i.imgur.com/b4Q4am5.jpg)
Those of you with sharp eyes will see why.  What am I going to use for the next 2 months!
Ouch - did you at least break it on a fish?
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: armytruck on October 10, 2019, 12:26:41 PM
Just hot glue a new one on for the rest of the season  :P
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on October 10, 2019, 02:48:00 PM
It was NOT a good day.
(https://i.imgur.com/b4Q4am5.jpg)
Those of you with sharp eyes will see why.  What am I going to use for the next 2 months!

Big Snag, it doesn't look like a big deal to me considering that the snapped tip is less than a couple inches long. Just take the top guide of the broken tip off and glue it on to the rest of the top section. You will end up with a rod that is only about 2 inches shorter than the original. You won't even notice the difference when casting.
Once the season is over, you can decide whether to send the rod in for a replacement top section or just continue fishing it as it is.

Still a good day in my books. :)
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarki on October 10, 2019, 03:56:27 PM
I have a spare rod you can borrow, BS. I’ll just need to know where on the river to meet you  ;)
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on October 10, 2019, 06:35:07 PM
Big Snag, it doesn't look like a big deal to me considering that the snapped tip is less than a couple inches long. Just take the top guide of the broken tip off and glue it on to the rest of the top section. You will end up with a rod that is only about 2 inches shorter than the original. You won't even notice the difference when casting.
Once the season is over, you can decide whether to send the rod in for a replacement top section or just continue fishing it as it is.

Still a good day in my books. :)

Looks like the blank may have split at the top in which case that may not work.

When I snapped the top 2 inches  off one of my Sage's, I got a new top piece and the old top back with the tip top reattached so I finished up with 2 tips for one rod.

Me, I'd just buy am inexpensive rod for $60 to $120 bucks or so and use that until the new one comes back.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: FlyFishin Magician on October 10, 2019, 07:07:05 PM
Hey BS - You'll have to update us on the status of the warranty/repair.  I believe that is a Sage XP?  Sage has a "new" policy with respect to repairing rods that have been discontinued for more than 10 years.  I can't remember when the Z-Axis replaced the XP.  Sorry to hear you broke your rod buddy.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on October 10, 2019, 08:18:40 PM
Hey BS - You'll have to update us on the status of the warranty/repair.  I believe that is a Sage XP?  Sage has a "new" policy with respect to repairing rods that have been discontinued for more than 10 years.  I can't remember when the Z-Axis replaced the XP.  Sorry to hear you broke your rod buddy.

..and what is that policy and where is it on the Sage website?

Just had a look at their warranty page and there is no mention of such a policy.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigsnag on October 10, 2019, 10:00:49 PM
Ouch - did you at least break it on a fish?
Good eyes CJ.  I have another clue, is on the fly.  Check out the gap, now that ought to come from a bigsnag LOL.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigsnag on October 10, 2019, 10:07:11 PM
Thanks for all the excellent tips guys. 

What is the best way to make a clean cut on graphite?
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on October 10, 2019, 11:55:37 PM
Thanks for all the excellent tips guys. 

What is the best way to make a clean cut on graphite?

Utility knife, roll and cut
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on October 11, 2019, 06:05:39 AM
I have heard a dremel style cutting wheel recommended.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on October 11, 2019, 06:47:32 AM
I have heard a dremel style cutting wheel recommended.

Agree, safe and efficient.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chironomidking on October 11, 2019, 06:48:37 AM
Hey BS - You'll have to update us on the status of the warranty/repair.  I believe that is a Sage XP?  Sage has a "new" policy with respect to repairing rods that have been discontinued for more than 10 years.  I can't remember when the Z-Axis replaced the XP.  Sorry to hear you broke your rod buddy.

I just got my XP tip replaced last month.  The rod was purchased in the mid 90's and has now been replaced (both butt and top sections) 5 times.  Cost $248 CAD for the tip replacement and the color match was pure crap (should have 'broken' the butt too so I would have a match) but it is still less than 1/2 the price of a new Sage One.  Not sure if I will continue to pay that kind of money for a rod with a warranty that is not really a warranty anymore.  It's a shame because Sage used to be top notch.  Maybe its time to give up my XPs and move on to a manufacturer with a better warranty - any recommendations out there for a rod that has the characteristics of the XP?
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on October 11, 2019, 09:42:21 AM
Maybe its time to give up my XPs and move on to a manufacturer with a better warranty - any recommendations out there for a rod that has the characteristics of the XP?

No fly rod of today comes even close to the original Sage XP.
My 8962 will only be taken off my cold, dead hands one day.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 11, 2019, 12:03:57 PM
Found it slow this morning but did not fish long, missed one, saw none caught, evening is better in this spot with the incoming tide, water very clear.. Got a good sized coho jack salmon last night, clipped and lost a good sized coho salmon.It is not too busy where I fished but it will be this weekend. The Blue Cup had a long line there this morning. I imagine they will be there 3 hours before daylight tomorrow. I cleaned up some garbage and got $7 worth of tins so was a good day.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on October 11, 2019, 12:07:27 PM
Found it slow this morning but did not fish long, missed one, saw none caught, evening is better in this spot with the incoming tide, water very clear.. Got a good sized coho jack salmon last night, clipped and lost a good sized coho salmon.It is not too busy where I fished but it will be this weekend. The Blue Cup had a long line there this morning. I imagine they will be there 3 hours before daylight tomorrow. I cleaned up some garbage and got $7 worth of tins so was a good day.

3 hours ? Try 5 even 7. I know guys that will show up to a hole at midnight because another group shows up at 2am. No joke
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wookie on October 11, 2019, 12:47:18 PM
Hey BS - You'll have to update us on the status of the warranty/repair.  I believe that is a Sage XP?  Sage has a "new" policy with respect to repairing rods that have been discontinued for more than 10 years.  I can't remember when the Z-Axis replaced the XP.  Sorry to hear you broke your rod buddy.

Ya they do, old rods are now considered "classic" models .... I just warranted an early 90's GFL III bank and it cost me 200 US with shipping.  then I had to build the tip section again.... mine was one of the last years on the list but imagine it will be bumped off in a few more years.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on October 11, 2019, 02:24:49 PM
The last time I had one of my Sps repaired I was told that many of the mandrills were worn out and if that was the case with my rod I would get what Sage deemed was the equivalent current model as a replacement which is consistent with their policy, past and present. In my situation that wasn't the case and I paid the standard repair charge. From what I have read some owners have paid an extra charge ($150 US) to replace 'classic' models. Others found the existing policy applied while others got a new rod from the current line up. There is nothing on line from Sage that I found.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: GordJ on October 11, 2019, 03:23:34 PM
The last time I had one of my Sps repaired I was told that many of the mandrills were worn out and if that was the case with my rod I would get what Sage deemed was the equivalent current model as a replacement which is consistent with their policy, past and present. In my situation that wasn't the case and I paid the standard repair charge. From what I have read some owners have paid an extra charge ($150 US) to replace 'classic' models. Others found the existing policy applied while others got a new rod from the current line up. There is nothing on line from Sage that I found.
I took a friends 8 wt. XP in for warranty and I believe the price was in the $270 area. And M and Y has to fight with Sage to get the $50 "International" fee waived.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on October 11, 2019, 03:53:35 PM
I took a friends 8 wt. XP in for warranty and I believe the price was in the $270 area. And M and Y has to fight with Sage to get the $50 "International" fee waived.

The best way is ship the whole rod in US to sage and let them ship back to a US address. For one thing it is cheaper, another thing is for the chance to be replaced by a new rod.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: juno on October 11, 2019, 06:45:05 PM
Found it slow this morning but did not fish long, missed one, saw none caught, evening is better in this spot with the incoming tide, water very clear.. Got a good sized coho jack salmon last night, clipped and lost a good sized coho salmon.It is not too busy where I fished but it will be this weekend. The Blue Cup had a long line there this morning. I imagine they will be there 3 hours before daylight tomorrow. I cleaned up some garbage and got $7 worth of tins so was a good day.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: juno on October 11, 2019, 06:48:07 PM

so your fishing the lower river? right?  somebody  I know told me  the chums are coming  in 2 weeks  is that right? he is not in this forum.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: island boy on October 11, 2019, 07:36:02 PM
there in.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: NiceFish on October 11, 2019, 09:08:40 PM
Ive been out in the canal last few first lights. Haven't see much caught, landed 1 nice wild only. Been out 5 times now all sunny days throughout the river with same results, very slow. Of course as usual others are getting limits...
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: FlyFishin Magician on October 11, 2019, 09:23:52 PM
..and what is that policy and where is it on the Sage website?

Just had a look at their warranty page and there is no mention of such a policy.

Hey Ralph.  Here is the repair pricing information:

https://www.sageflyfish.com/repair-pricing

Note - Sage does differentiate between warranty and repair.  Sage also still acknowledges rods that were sold with the original "unconditional lifetime warranty".  These rods will have a serial number starting with Q, R, S, or T.  Of my seven Sage fly rods and one gear rod, my 896 RPL+ factory rod should still have an unconditional warranty as the serial number on my rod starts with "S".  All of my other Sage rods are factory rods with lifetime warranties (but not "unconditional").

https://www.sageflyfish.com/warranty

https://www.sageflyfish.com/repair-vs-warranty

Earlier this year, I broke my Sage VXP on a Squamish pink salmon.  The rod pieces at the first ferrule were loose, resulting in the second of my 4-piece section breaking like a twig.  This was clearly my fault for not ensuring the rod pieces were fully put together.  I ended up paying $100.00 to get the piece replaced.

I'm not crazy about the new pricing as many of my rods are in excess of 10 years post availability.  Such is life...
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on October 12, 2019, 07:45:10 AM
good stuff FFM. THanks

Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on October 12, 2019, 10:42:20 AM
so your fishing the lower river? right?  somebody  I know told me  the chums are coming  in 2 weeks  is that right? he is not in this forum.

I have caught several already....in the upper river
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigsnag on October 12, 2019, 02:26:35 PM
I am pleased to announce that I am now the proud owner of a Sage 795 XP.
Thank you for everyone's input.
Sorry Rodney for hijacking this thread.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on October 12, 2019, 03:14:50 PM
I am pleased to announce that I am now the proud owner of a Sage 795 XP.
Thank you for everyone's input.
Sorry Rodney for hijacking this thread.

You just increased its value. Talk about it being fully customized. 8)
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Wiseguy on October 12, 2019, 05:23:15 PM
How’s the water? Thinking of going tomorrow when everyone is at home eating turkey!  ::)
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 12, 2019, 05:28:40 PM
How’s the water? Thinking of going tomorrow when everyone is at home eating turkey!  ::)
Gin clear yesterday going for a look now so any change will let you know. People were there when I went for coffee at 5AM this morning, fires on a lot of sand bars. Who needs a fish that bad to be out there then, well I guess they could the same about me going for coffee at 5AM.lol
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 12, 2019, 05:30:12 PM
Ive been out in the canal last few first lights. Haven't see much caught, landed 1 nice wild only. Been out 5 times now all sunny days throughout the river with same results, very slow. Of course as usual others are getting limits...
I have had not much sucess any I have had is on the incoming tide in the canal, too many early birds too.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Wiseguy on October 12, 2019, 05:41:19 PM
People were there when I went for coffee at 5AM this morning, fires on a lot of sand bars.
Thanx Chris! Fishing must be epic if they building fires on the sand bars before first light! Maybe I will sell firewood instead.  :o
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wildmanyeah on October 12, 2019, 05:55:30 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/JJmCdGV.png)
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 12, 2019, 09:45:28 PM
Most people who have a regular job can only fish on weekends so realistically there are only a few days of good opportunities in the whole season for them, so they're going to capitalize them. I think it's pretty cozy to stand around a fire with friends before the bites around dawn. Too cold for me now, but good for those who have the dedication to do it.

Fish are all spread out in the entire river right now IMO. Every run can produce, just not at the same intensity as we saw a week ago.... That will not be forgotten in a very long time lol... ;D I'm amazed by the abundance of chinook salmon, even very fresh ones, right now in the river as we approach mid October. Guides at the Fraser River mouth were still reporting encounters of both white and red chinooks  this past week.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wildmanyeah on October 13, 2019, 08:18:37 AM

Fish are all spread out in the entire river right now IMO. Every run can produce, just not at the same intensity as we saw a week ago.... That will not be forgotten in a very long time lol... ;D I'm amazed by the abundance of chinook salmon, even very fresh ones, right now in the river as we approach mid October. Guides at the Fraser River mouth were still reporting encounters of both white and red chinooks  this past week.

Despite all the doom and gloom surrounding chinook early this year. This year has turned out to be one of the best chinook season locally in a very very long time. Two things happened the ocean guys got resiticed including commercial and I think ocean survivals were higher. These factors resulted in a lot making it back to the rivers.

what a great chinook season.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dubs604 on October 13, 2019, 11:03:19 AM
Most people who have a regular job can only fish on weekends...

This. I also have a wife and small kid, so realistically I have, At MOST, one 2-3 hour first light weekend opportunity in me each weekend.

On Saturday morning, I headed to a spot recommended by an esteemed old timer, but just didn’t feel like braving the crowds. I moved on to a spot further up the lower part of the river and fished from first light until 8:30am. There were lots of jumpers and risers and a decent bite for the first hour before it died down to nothing. I managed to land a beautiful chrome ~4lb hatchery coho, which was actually my first Vedder keeper after about 4-5 total trips over last year and this year. I filleted and vacuum sealed the fish and look forward to a couple nice BBQ dinners for the fam and I.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 13, 2019, 04:03:36 PM
I popped out briefly this afternoon so the kid could run around a bit by the river while I made a few casts. Beside the usual popular spots, I thought the river is surprisingly quiet with lots of places to fish. Water is very clear and continues to drop steadily while it drizzles.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on October 13, 2019, 07:19:35 PM
There was a harbor seal bobbing around above the train bridge this morning.  Didn't seem to impact the fishing, and I didn't see him try to steal anyone's fish.

Yes, chinook fishing has been something else this year.  I have never filled up my quota before, partly because I have never landed so many fresh chrome chinook in the river before.  I'm a bit bummed that I missed the coho extravaganza in the canal, but I still have hope for a few hot mornings this month.  This is the first year I can remember where the chinook have consistently been tastier than the coho.  Really, the coho last year tasted great, but this year so far the 2 we have eaten have been mushy and bland - one was a doe, one a buck, both very fresh and chrome with relatively small gonads.  All of the coho I have landed have been on the small side - the 5 lb hatchery doe today was my biggest so far this year, released 6 wilds so far, 4 of which were tiny jacks.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 13, 2019, 08:10:48 PM
In a few years from now, that abundance of chinook salmon will be even higher than what you're seeing this year as hatchery production of chinook salmon is increased to the full capacity to feed the killer whales. It'll be interesting to see if the fall fishery will turn into primarily a chinook salmon fishery instead of a coho salmon fishery.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wildmanyeah on October 13, 2019, 08:19:40 PM
In a few years from now, that abundance of chinook salmon will be even higher than what you're seeing this year as hatchery production of chinook salmon is increased to the full capacity to feed the killer whales. It'll be interesting to see if the fall fishery will turn into primarily a chinook salmon fishery instead of a coho salmon fishery.

have they reduced the coho production?
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarki on October 14, 2019, 11:22:22 AM
have they reduced the coho production?
When they first announced the increase in chinook production from the Chwk hatchery, I never considered ( perhaps naively)  the impact on coho production, but your post gives me a sinking feeling. Very likely they will need to decrease coho production to free up ponds to be occupied by chinook, unless they have a lot of excess capacity already. They may even reduce their coho production this year to begin freeing up capacity, which means we could start seeing a decrease of hy coho in the river 3 years from now.  That’s  just armchair speculation and of course only  the hatchery can confirm their plans. As Rodney said, it will be interesting to see.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on October 14, 2019, 11:24:43 AM
When they first announced the increase in chinook production from the Chwk hatchery, I never considered ( perhaps naively)  the impact on coho production, but your post gives me a sinking feeling. Very likely they will need to decrease coho production to free up ponds to be occupied by chinook, unless they have a lot of excess capacity already. They may even reduce their coho production this year to begin freeing up capacity, which means we could start seeing a decrease of hy coho in the river 3 years from now.  That’s  just armchair speculation and of course only  the hatchery can confirm their plans. As Rodney said, it will be interesting to see.
Or more armchair speculation - they may instead release more unclipped coho if they don't have the space to raise them to clippable size.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dubs604 on October 14, 2019, 03:52:27 PM
Visited the same spot on the lower where I landed a nice hatchery coho on Saturday. I fished from first light to around 10am and not a sniff for me. I threw everything out there today. Tightened up my presentation on roe. Threw jigs of various colours. Chucked a few spoons and spinners, but nothing. The guys next to me each had three by the time I left, and there were a few other fish taken along the run. Oh well. Not my day.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 14, 2019, 04:51:11 PM
They say the rain is coming all week so better catch some fish now as high water will end the coho fishing for the year on the C/V. Rod is picking the right time to go away. The fishing was hot today. I better take my own advice and go out right now, a 5 minute drive.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: PVH on October 14, 2019, 06:28:20 PM
I fished for a few hours this afternoon. Nothing either. Decent run upstream of the train bridge where I could see fish, but not get them to bite. Tried lures, roe, Gloucester minnow... nada.
Had one jump clear out of the water about 15 feet below me. Kind of frustrating  :-\
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: 243Pete on October 14, 2019, 08:45:33 PM
A bit slow in the canal today but a nice wild doe and hatchery buck to hand today at first light wasn't to bad.
Nice to meet another fellow forum member who stands tall and large, good fishing with you this morning and I must remember to pack some cigars with me while on the river since I haven't done so in quite some time.  ;D I am going to have to copy that twitch jig design and try and make my own variation, gotta try seeing if I can convert some fly patterns into twitch and float jig designs.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on October 14, 2019, 09:22:00 PM
Nice to meet you on the flow today Pete. After you guys left, nothing happened in the way of fish. I waited until 2:30 pm hoping the high tide would bring some fresh fish in. Didn't happen. I gave it my all...fly, jigs, spoons, blades...nothing. 😐
Your cigar is packed and ready for you in the portable humi bag. Hopefully we get to fish together again soon.

Cheers, Milo
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: avid angler on October 15, 2019, 01:23:45 AM
When they first announced the increase in chinook production from the Chwk hatchery, I never considered ( perhaps naively)  the impact on coho production, but your post gives me a sinking feeling. Very likely they will need to decrease coho production to free up ponds to be occupied by chinook, unless they have a lot of excess capacity already. They may even reduce their coho production this year to begin freeing up capacity, which means we could start seeing a decrease of hy coho in the river 3 years from now.  That’s  just armchair speculation and of course only  the hatchery can confirm their plans. As Rodney said, it will be interesting to see.

Not likely. Unless they cut reallocated funding from coho production for chinook. The hatchery is maybe operating at 50% capacity currently.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 15, 2019, 05:22:10 AM
They say the rain is coming all week so better catch some fish now as high water will end the coho fishing for the year on the C/V. Rod is picking the right time to go away. The fishing was hot today. I better take my own advice and go out right now, a 5 minute drive.
https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/news/article/aleutian-low-pressure-systems-bring-bc-rain-alberta-snow-for-holiday-weekend
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on October 15, 2019, 06:33:29 AM
Or more armchair speculation - they may instead release more unclipped coho if they don't have the space to raise them to clippable size.

also speculation.

Back when the chinook returns approached 100k there were complaints they ruined the coho fishing  by pushing coho upstream and water not well suited to angling.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Stratocaster on October 15, 2019, 09:10:21 AM
In a few years from now, that abundance of chinook salmon will be even higher than what you're seeing this year as hatchery production of chinook salmon is increased to the full capacity to feed the killer whales. It'll be interesting to see if the fall fishery will turn into primarily a chinook salmon fishery instead of a coho salmon fishery.

Are they doing this for just the CV system or other Fraser Basin Systems?

Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: essyoo on October 15, 2019, 09:22:04 AM
Went out Saturday for first light and had a fantastic time. Finally, after so much time and effort trying to learn this fishery I caught my first coho!

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

This one weighed in at exactly 5lbs. I ended up landing and keeping three with five or six more lost. I had to leave to meet some family up river but could have definitely continued to catch more. The three other guys I was fishing next to in the run were super nice and also catching a bunch. Big thanks to them for the info they shared with me on setup and run positioning as well as everyone here for all the advice.

Question about chinook: what is everyone looking for when wanting to retain a spring? I saw a few people carrying out really dark ones that I would have put back assuming they had to be brighter. How can you tell which to keep and which are past their prime?
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 15, 2019, 09:44:39 AM
No bite at first light but then there was a flurry of action later, lost 3 coho salmon in a row on three cast, then another along with 3 misses, must have been the hooks I picked up on the beach. LOL Came home to put chips in the smoker from yesterday's buck chum salmon, some people scorn them but a fresh run one like the one I am smoking is so good.

A lot of people this morning disturbing the run with torpedo retrieves, I guess they have never been told, hold your rod high as you reel in causing  the float to not come through the water like a torpedo, fish especially in clear water are spooked. I will film what it looks like one day.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarki on October 15, 2019, 09:49:08 AM
Are they doing this for just the CV system or other Fraser Basin Systems?

From the news releases, just the CV hatchery
"As part of these measures, an additional $2.53 million over five years will be used to increase juvenile Chinook production from Chilliwack hatchery. These Chinook were identified as a key Canadian salmon stock available for extended periods as prey for Southern Resident Killer Whales."
https://www.canada.ca/en/fisheries-oceans/news/2019/03/minister-wilkinson-and-mp-sidhu-tour-chehalis-river-hatchery-and-inch-creek-hatchery.html

Went out Saturday for first light and had a fantastic time. Finally, after so much time and effort trying to learn this fishery I caught my first coho!
Congratulations!   
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Stratocaster on October 15, 2019, 09:55:23 AM
From the news releases, just the CV hatchery
"As part of these measures, an additional $2.53 million over five years will be used to increase juvenile Chinook production from Chilliwack hatchery. These Chinook were identified as a key Canadian salmon stock available for extended periods as prey for Southern Resident Killer Whales."
https://www.canada.ca/en/fisheries-oceans/news/2019/03/minister-wilkinson-and-mp-sidhu-tour-chehalis-river-hatchery-and-inch-creek-hatchery.html
Congratulations!

Thanks!
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 15, 2019, 04:21:02 PM
Went out for an hour this afternoon one miss,
 back for supper and out for the evening bite, saw 2 chum salmon being carried out. Rain started and now stopped, should be fisable in the AM.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wildmanyeah on October 15, 2019, 04:38:35 PM

Question about chinook: what is everyone looking for when wanting to retain a spring? I saw a few people carrying out really dark ones that I would have put back assuming they had to be brighter. How can you tell which to keep and which are past their prime?

according to people on the fraser valley fishing facebook page they are "roe trains"

perhaps that will help
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on October 15, 2019, 05:16:23 PM
that and some folks claim they are ok smoked. White Springs lose flavour once they darken up a bit. If the belly is at all grey put it back.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on October 15, 2019, 08:06:50 PM
that and some folks claim they are ok smoked. White Springs lose flavour once they darken up a bit. If the belly is at all grey put it back.
Sadly, many people won't do it, especially if it's a female. I have walked and waded the river quite a bit this long weekend, and I saw far too many female springs rotting on the bottom with their bellies cut open.
The hunger for roe as bait and ikura and caviar as a delicacy make some people throw their ethics out the window.
I agree with Ralph from firsthand experience that gray (and soft) belly is a good indicator that the fish should be put back. But a slightly darkened fish (especially with a copperish tinge = red spring) with a white belly, firm flesh, and no damage to the fins and scales is good table fare, even for sashimi if you process it right (freeze at -19C or colder for at least a week).

I hate it when people waste a fish only for the roe. There's a certain caviar-loving ethnic group at the Stave whose behaviour with chum female fish disgusts me so much that I don't bother to fish the Stave anymore.
I wish there was more enforcement in that regard.

Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on October 15, 2019, 08:33:03 PM
No bite at first light but then there was a flurry of action later, lost 3 coho salmon in a row on three cast, then another along with 3 misses, must have been the hooks I picked up on the beach.

I have a pack of Garmagatsu  barbless size 4 for you if we met again.
I had a bad luck day as well. lost three at my toes, only kept one hatchery. not much action all day long
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 15, 2019, 08:34:23 PM
That's a beauty fish essyoo! Persistence paid off! :D

Regarding enforcement, DFO officers have been checking the river pretty regularly this fall.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 16, 2019, 05:23:25 AM
Heavy rain now, but the river should hold for the AM fishery I would think. If it goes out I will report later.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: DRP79 on October 16, 2019, 06:45:10 AM
DFO has been more present so far this year from what I have seen. I've already seen them twice in 4 trips vs a handful of times over the past 6-7 years. Nice to see them out there.

As for the roe trains, it bugs me to see the slit belly rotting fish too. I am not against taking a slightly colored spring or chum if I am seeking roe. I certainly wouldnt waste the fish though. I have a big dog at home and she will be thrilled to get a feed of salmon if it's not table fare for my wife and I.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on October 16, 2019, 07:01:37 AM
If the belly on  Chum is white, the flesh is good. Chum makes great salmon burgers.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: fic on October 16, 2019, 08:43:46 AM
Does the river look fishable this weekend?  The forecast looks pretty grim.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 16, 2019, 11:40:14 AM
Water great this morning and the rain has stopped. I fished the Torpedo Run, lost 2 chum on roe bags and missed a couple of take downs. A few hatchery Coho salmon taken.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on October 16, 2019, 02:15:52 PM
Does the river look fishable this weekend?  The forecast looks pretty grim.

I dont trust the forcast at anytime. They called for one months worth of rain in 6 days. It's down to 5 days now. Yesterday they called for today being a rainmageddon. Didnt happen.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Morty on October 16, 2019, 02:38:15 PM
From the news releases, just the CV hatchery
"As part of these measures, an additional $2.53 million over five years will be used to increase juvenile Chinook production from Chilliwack hatchery. These Chinook were identified as a key Canadian salmon stock available for extended periods as prey for Southern Resident Killer Whales."

Now I'm wondering if the hatcheries are going to start clipping Chinook and only allow recreational retention of clipped Chinook.
?
(in order to protect the food supply of un-clipped for Orcas of course)
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: firstlight on October 16, 2019, 04:55:55 PM
two legged Orcas.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarki on October 16, 2019, 07:50:11 PM
Now I'm wondering if the hatcheries are going to start clipping Chinook and only allow recreational retention of clipped Chinook.
?
(in order to protect the food supply of un-clipped for Orcas of course)
Since hatchery production of C/V chinook is being ramped up to provide forage for SRKW, it would seem counter productive to clip those fish to allow anglers to identify and harvest them.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dcajaxs on October 16, 2019, 08:02:37 PM
low and clear today, a couple bites at first hour of light and that was it for me.  Heard the same everywhere else.   Strange weather forecast as it was dry all day even the updated forecast continued to say rain yet barely any fell. 
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on October 16, 2019, 08:47:47 PM
Now I'm wondering if the hatcheries are going to start clipping Chinook and only allow recreational retention of clipped Chinook.
?
(in order to protect the food supply of un-clipped for Orcas of course)

Mass marking (clipping) of chinook is now in the Pacific Salmon treaty and required of all signatory countries. DFO Hatcheries has to comply in the near future.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wildmanyeah on October 17, 2019, 04:05:55 PM
The fraser river and all its tributaries will go to non retention of chum next week.


Folks

Please find attached FN with an update to Fraser river Chum run size.

Just as a heads up given the very poor returns the Department will be implementing Chum non retention in the tidal and non Tidal recreational fisheries within the Lower Fraser watershed. Fishery Notices will be out within the next week

If you have any questions please give me a call.

Thanks Dean


Dean Allan

Area Chief Resource Management, Fraser and Interior Area

Fisheries and Oceans Canada


Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on October 17, 2019, 04:39:12 PM
Wow! Getting worse and worse... :-[

In light of your announcement, it would be interesting to see the Stave this weekend, and how much people who read this really care about the resource.
My wish is that they leave the fish alone, but knowing how powerful a motivator greed is, my guess is that it is going to be a gong show with people desperately trying to get their chum fill, especially chum roe.

I'm leaving the chum alone without waiting for the ban.


p.s. Thanks for the headsup wildmanyeah.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: BMo86 on October 17, 2019, 04:50:50 PM
The stave is a ghost town so good luck to anyone that makes there way out there this weekend.....
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigsnag on October 17, 2019, 05:54:31 PM
There were about 25 guys fishing on the west side Wednesday. Only saw one caught, dark as a boot and the guy who hooked it by the tail kept it. It was a male too, go figure.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on October 17, 2019, 08:11:28 PM
With almost no chum in present, the coho in stave are everywhere, jump like crazy, saw quite a few bunked
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on October 17, 2019, 08:29:15 PM
It is bleak ( for the most part ) in the Stave. I was lucky and found a nice spot loaded with bright Chum. It is the first time EVER at this time of year I have seen the entire east bank void of fish.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: minnie-me on October 17, 2019, 10:29:27 PM
The fraser river and all its tributaries will go to non retention of chum next week.

Isn't the Fraser already closed to all salmon fishing?
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: blueback on October 17, 2019, 10:31:06 PM
Anybody got a river conditions report? Thinking of heading out there Friday morning. 
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bunnta on October 17, 2019, 10:31:57 PM
With almost no chum in present, the coho in stave are everywhere, jump like crazy, saw quite a few bunked

I was there till from 230pm - 4pm. I didn't see anything like you described, I saw the same tomato coho make its appearance a few times.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on October 17, 2019, 11:57:07 PM
I was there till from 230pm - 4pm. I didn't see anything like you described, I saw the same tomato coho make its appearance a few times.

I was there last weekend
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 18, 2019, 02:36:34 AM
Anybody got a river conditions report? Thinking of heading out there Friday morning.
It was great yesterday one of the best days for coho since I started fishing the Vedder late 70's. Very heavy rain now in Chilliwack so hard to call conditions for today. WSith the jump in water levels a lot of fish will have moved upstream so the run will start to dimish soon.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarki on October 18, 2019, 08:52:35 AM
It was great yesterday one of the best days for coho since I started fishing the Vedder late 70's.
Seriously? Dang. I awoke  with my alarm at O dark thirty, checked my phone, saw the river rose 0.4 m overnight, went back to sleep, and fished somewhere else (unsuccessfully) in the PM.

Local knowledge is key...
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on October 18, 2019, 11:51:04 AM
The fraser river and all its tributaries will go to non retention of chum next week.


Folks

Please find attached FN with an update to Fraser river Chum run size.

Just as a heads up given the very poor returns the Department will be implementing Chum non retention in the tidal and non Tidal recreational fisheries within the Lower Fraser watershed. Fishery Notices will be out within the next week

If you have any questions please give me a call.

Thanks Dean


Dean Allan

Area Chief Resource Management, Fraser and Interior Area

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

The notice just came out, looks like retention is closed in all the tributaries EXCEPT the Chilliwack/Vedder.

Therefore, the daily limit for chum salmon is reduced to zero (0) effective one
hour after sunset, Sunday, October 20, 2019 until December 31, 2019 on the
following systems:

- Allouette River
- Chehalis River
- Harrison River
- Stave River
- Nicomen Slough

Variation Order No.  2019-RFQ-574
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on October 18, 2019, 11:54:09 AM
Not too sure why its prohibited on the Chehalis but wtvr. Maybe someone can enlighten me. I was there in Wendsay and the hatchery channel was so thick with Chum you could walk across their backs.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: armytruck on October 18, 2019, 12:14:21 PM
https://www.ktva.com/story/38490430/80-tons-of-salmon-seized-from-chinese-fishing-vessel
Maybe theirs more poaching than we think out there .
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on October 18, 2019, 01:19:15 PM
I fear opening the Chilliwack to chum retention is a huge mistake; with the expected returns this season DFO management should be trying to save as many of these fish as possible.
Does anyone advocate for fish any more?
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: sockeyed on October 18, 2019, 01:37:49 PM
I fear opening the Chilliwack to chum retention is a huge mistake; with the expected returns this season DFO management should be trying to save as many of these fish as possible.
Does anyone advocate for fish any more?

If the numbers are so bad why arent tribs like the stave closed for retention today instead of Monday? Doesn't make any sense.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: sockeyed on October 18, 2019, 01:38:45 PM
People will be out in force at the stave trying to get their roe fill now.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wildmanyeah on October 18, 2019, 03:42:39 PM
Hopefully anglers will do the right thing release the chum.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on October 18, 2019, 06:20:15 PM
come Monday 80% of the people who fish the Stave won't even know about the chum closure.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on October 18, 2019, 06:22:42 PM
https://www.ktva.com/story/38490430/80-tons-of-salmon-seized-from-chinese-fishing-vessel
Maybe theirs more poaching than we think out there .
almost 18 months old and it took place closer to Japan than Canada. Those fish were not Canadian or US salmon.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dennisK on October 18, 2019, 07:24:13 PM
Hows the vedder look for tomorrow fishing? thanks
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dobrolub on October 18, 2019, 09:00:52 PM
muddy.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Gil_Tea on October 18, 2019, 09:31:51 PM
Hows the vedder look for tomorrow fishing? thanks

Darker than usual but definitely fishable, I had a luckier day than usual and hooked a nice hatchery steelhead. I only had two coho at that point but it was so nice I ended up bonking it and calling it a day. Best of luck this weekend.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on October 18, 2019, 11:55:00 PM
Darker than usual but definitely fishable, I had a luckier day than usual and hooked a nice hatchery steelhead. I only had two coho at that point but it was so nice I ended up bonking it and calling it a day. Best of luck this weekend.

Steelhead? show the photo
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on October 19, 2019, 06:44:25 AM
Steelhead? show the photo

Earliest I have seen one in the Vedder was Oct 12, back in the late 70's.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Wiseguy on October 19, 2019, 08:39:05 AM
Steelhead? show the photo
X2
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: dave c on October 19, 2019, 09:47:59 AM
X2
x3
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Fish Assassin on October 19, 2019, 10:43:40 AM
A picture of a steelhead is not definitive proof that it was caught in October.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarki on October 19, 2019, 11:29:39 AM
These are our demands, Gil Tea. Meet them, or forever be considered...guilty
1. A picture of the fish. The picture must be of the entire fish, and clearly show the rows of spots on the tail. Use good lighting. And not a picture of it in the sink. It must be somewhat artistic.
2. Include today’s newspaper to verify the date. I don’t trust date/time stamps.
3. A vehicle log to prove you caught the fish on the Vedder. Coffee or gas receipts are also acceptable.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bunnta on October 19, 2019, 11:51:44 AM
*eating popcorn*  waiting room is now 6 people's and many guys trying to get a seat.  8)  8)
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on October 19, 2019, 12:29:59 PM
Did it ever cross anyone's mind that he probably caught it on the Chehalis or Cap ?
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarki on October 19, 2019, 01:07:15 PM
It crossed.

However, (1) he was replying to a question about water clarity on the C/V and (2) he posted in the Chilliwack River thread. Convention dictates that he post about coho and steelhead from another river on a different thread, or more appropriately in the Reports section.

Did anyone notice that his avatar pic now includes a picture of 3 fish that appear to be 2 coho and a steelhead’ish looking fish? Totally inadequate picture.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: avid angler on October 19, 2019, 01:16:23 PM
A couple chehalis stray summers get caught every fall. Not really news
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on October 19, 2019, 01:45:16 PM
I say Chehalis. All day long.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: 243Pete on October 19, 2019, 01:58:48 PM
I need more popcorn... MOAR!!!!
In terms of fishing on the Vedder, friend sent me a photo of how many people are on the canal... glad I don't fish weekends with the water baristas trying to make me a chai latte with whole  steamed milk foam with a side of snagged spring in the arse. Slow to say the least but not surprised when more people are trying to make enough noise in a run than a BDSM convention.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on October 19, 2019, 08:32:50 PM
I complained how busy on weekdays. But when I went today, I realized my complaint was totally wrong.

There are runs good for first light coho. Somebody could be limited out in half an hour. But I don't understand when some people took the spot at 4:00am and started camp fire and loud music by the run, they still wanted to catch first light fish?
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigsnag on October 19, 2019, 08:37:22 PM
These are our demands, Gil Tea. Meet them, or forever be considered...guilty
1. A picture of the fish. The picture must be of the entire fish, and clearly show the rows of spots on the tail. Use good lighting. And not a picture of it in the sink. It must be somewhat artistic.
2. Include today’s newspaper to verify the date. I don’t trust date/time stamps.
3. A vehicle log to prove you caught the fish on the Vedder. Coffee or gas receipts are also acceptable.
4. A reputable poster here acting as your witness.
Btw, beauty cohos you got there on Wednesday psd1179. It was nice meeting you.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on October 19, 2019, 09:10:37 PM
4. A reputable poster here acting as your witness.
Btw, beauty cohos you got there on Wednesday psd1179. It was nice meeting you.

Nice to meet you too. The past week I had chance met many Fishing with rod celebrities. Great bonus beside all the coho :)
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: essyoo on October 21, 2019, 02:39:37 PM
Went out first thing sunday morning and should have known it wasn't going to be great by the plentiful parking. Couldn't get any fish interested on anything I threw in the water, but had a run to myself for the entire morning, so that was nice.

Visibility looked good but water seems too high and fast for the patch I was on. Saw a lot of zombie chum and plenty of springs jumping. Only saw one person with a small coho.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on October 21, 2019, 07:13:28 PM
Game over. eventually Vedder blowed out
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wooly bugger on October 22, 2019, 05:58:10 PM
hey folks

Was there this past Sunday afternoon looking for coho and the water level and clarity was good.  I had no luck with my coho tactics... mostly red/pink fluff, drifting colorado blades and swinging spoons....so I switched over to my trusty float / jig setup.  There must have been a school of chum pushing through my spot because within 1 hr I had something like 5 fish on.  One of them was so chrome I thought it was a coho...

On that note... just a reminder that the chum limit on this river is exactly one.  How the times have changed...

Still waiting for my first coho in 2 years from this river, any tips appreciated  ;D
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on October 22, 2019, 06:55:48 PM
hey folks

Was there this past Sunday afternoon looking for coho and the water level and clarity was good.  I had no luck with my coho tactics... mostly red/pink fluff, drifting colorado blades and swinging spoons....so I switched over to my trusty float / jig setup.  There must have been a school of chum pushing through my spot because within 1 hr I had something like 5 fish on.  One of them was so chrome I thought it was a coho...

On that note... just a reminder that the chum limit on this river is exactly one.  How the times have changed...

Still waiting for my first coho in 2 years from this river, any tips appreciated  ;D

get some bait
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wooly bugger on October 22, 2019, 07:31:17 PM
ugh...  I've always tried to be a pure artificial lure guy but I can't deny the effectiveness of roe, everyone seems to be using it (and hooking up!)

thx for the tip
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: FlyFishin Magician on October 22, 2019, 07:37:16 PM
hey folks

Was there this past Sunday afternoon looking for coho and the water level and clarity was good.  I had no luck with my coho tactics... mostly red/pink fluff, drifting colorado blades and swinging spoons....so I switched over to my trusty float / jig setup.  There must have been a school of chum pushing through my spot because within 1 hr I had something like 5 fish on.  One of them was so chrome I thought it was a coho...

On that note... just a reminder that the chum limit on this river is exactly one.  How the times have changed...

Still waiting for my first coho in 2 years from this river, any tips appreciated  ;D

You could find some fly water (although this flow is mostly conducive to gear, there are some great fly spots), and cast and retrieve flies for coho. Or........switch up to roe flies!
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on October 22, 2019, 07:40:46 PM
ugh...  I've always tried to be a pure artificial lure guy but I can't deny the effectiveness of roe, everyone seems to be using it (and hooking up!)

thx for the tip

then better fish bait ban rivers. In vedder, you are compete with another 1000 bait fishermen. Everyday, so many roe floating downstream, created a special hatch. You get to match the hatch.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wooly bugger on October 22, 2019, 08:44:00 PM
"matching the roe hatch"

that is hilarious but so true in this case  ;D

@ FF Magician - I only started fly fishing 2 years ago and only had luck in lakes, rivers are so intimidating.  I need to get that single-hand spey cast right before I will attempt the rivers I think.  One day!
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Animal Chin on October 22, 2019, 10:00:04 PM
ugh...  I've always tried to be a pure artificial lure guy but I can't deny the effectiveness of roe, everyone seems to be using it (and hooking up!)

thx for the tip

You could twitch jigs. I've been fishing after first light and bring roe, but either my roe sucks or I'm not doing it right cause I've caught the few that i have on twitched jigs and blades. Also i give up on roe pretty quick. Though i prefer float fishing, i can cover more water with a spinning rod (jigs, spoons).
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wooly bugger on October 23, 2019, 10:22:45 AM
You could twitch jigs. I've been fishing after first light and bring roe, but either my roe sucks or I'm not doing it right cause I've caught the few that i have on twitched jigs and blades. Also i give up on roe pretty quick. Though i prefer float fishing, i can cover more water with a spinning rod (jigs, spoons).

A crazy fisher friend of mine once told me, as soon as someone starts using roe, it's pretty much game over for anyone else in the area who's fishing artificial because of the scent.  I dunno how true that is.  It certainly doesn't seem to apply to chum salmon (or expert fishermen, for that matter!)

Thx for the tip.  I caught my only coho on the Stave years ago on a twitched jig.  Couldn't believe it actually worked.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on October 23, 2019, 10:34:01 AM
A crazy fisher friend of mine once told me, as soon as someone starts using roe, it's pretty much game over for anyone else in the area who's fishing artificial because of the scent.  I dunno how true that is.  It certainly doesn't seem to apply to chum salmon (or expert fishermen, for that matter!)

Thx for the tip.  I caught my only coho on the Stave years ago on a twitched jig.  Couldn't believe it actually worked.

Not true, especially not for frog water.
A well presented fly, blade or jig will out fish roe every time in back waters or holes with little and/or slow water circulation.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarki on October 23, 2019, 11:05:14 AM
Not true, especially not for frog water.
A well presented fly, blade or jig will out fish roe every time in back waters or holes with little and/or slow water circulation.
My experience differs.  During the first week of Oct, I was soundly spanked by roe anglers on back to back days at my favourite frog water. Sure I got into some fish, but didn't have the numbers and consistent action that they had. I mixed it up with different angles, twitches and patterns, and even hardware, but they still outperformed me. In fact, one angler was getting skunked on gear, switched to roe and had a limit in no time. It's happened similarly in years past as the same location. So in my experience, I couldn't agree with "every time".  Sure sometimes, but I think "every time" is a little overstated. Or... it's not unlikely that I was falling into the "not well presented" category!

There I am twitching jigs in the same water that coho are being hammered in by a roe angler just feet away, muttering to myself "I like fishing jigs. I don't like fishing roe. I'm here for the experience. I don't need to hook fish to enjoy myself. I'm fishing the way I enjoy to fish" over and over :)     

         
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on October 23, 2019, 01:30:30 PM
- Chilliwack/Vedder River - Non-retention

Further to FN1080, the daily limit for Chum salmon is reduced to zero (0) on
the Chilliwack/Vedder River, effective immediately until December 31, 2019. 
This was inadvertently omitted from the list of Fraser Region 2 tributaries
previously announced in FN1080.

Eventually closed. good thing. the chum is also extincted anywhere.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wooly bugger on October 23, 2019, 01:41:41 PM
- Chilliwack/Vedder River - Non-retention

Further to FN1080, the daily limit for Chum salmon is reduced to zero (0) on
the Chilliwack/Vedder River, effective immediately until December 31, 2019. 
This was inadvertently omitted from the list of Fraser Region 2 tributaries
previously announced in FN1080.

Eventually closed. good thing. the chum is also extincted anywhere.

Holy smoked salmon....

Poor chum.  Never thought I'd see the day when the Stave would have no retention on chum, now the Vedder...
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: 96XJ on October 23, 2019, 02:28:59 PM
   Sure sometimes, but I think "every time" is a little overstated.       

Remember Brian Fantana from Anchorman , 60% of the time it works every time
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on October 23, 2019, 03:36:20 PM
Remember Brian Fantana from Anchorman , 60% of the time it works every time

It won't happen in Vedder. If a fly fisherman found a piece of frog water that he can catch freely, there will be another 20 rods show up. At least 6 floats will always in front of the casting area, another bunch of casting spook the fish. and I can garantee the fly fisherman cannot catch anything.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on October 23, 2019, 05:34:47 PM
It won't happen in Vedder. If a fly fisherman found a piece of frog water that he can catch freely, there will be another 20 rods show up. At least 6 floats will always in front of the casting area, another bunch of casting spook the fish. and I can garantee the fly fisherman cannot catch anything.

True enough, but don't garantee it Mr. Psd. I've taken fish on the fly at the low end of runs, and when some people tried to low hole me, they ended with a fly in their waders. "Oops!!! Sorry, bad cast!"
Two or three "bad" casts and they get the message. 😉

And yes, Clarki, "every time" is indeed an overstatement.
I was visualizing some long gone backwaters that were quite frustrating for the roe-chucking crowd.
Clarki, I'd like to fish with you one day if you don't mind. We would have a great conversation. Artificials only, of course. ;D
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: poper on October 23, 2019, 06:20:45 PM
Thats great combat fishing, any holes in the waders they will move.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wooly bugger on October 23, 2019, 06:36:07 PM
True enough, but don't garantee it Mr. Psd. I've taken fish on the fly at the low end of runs, and when some people tried to low hole me, they ended with a fly in their waders. "Oops!!! Sorry, bad cast!"
Two or three "bad" casts and they get the message. 😉

what a great idea lol.... I'll keep that in mind for the day I'm finally confident enough to fly fish the Vedder!

Back on topic - buddy of mine just came back from a few hours on the Vedder today.  He said he pre-dominantly fished the lower parts, water levels were good and clarity was "pretty clear".  He had no bites and said it was a very slow day, observing one chum hookup.

Same buddy caught 2 coho's while I had a nothing burger all day when we were last there a week ago.

FWIW, he was using roe last time and this time.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on October 24, 2019, 11:36:56 AM
Thats great combat fishing, any holes in the waders they will move.

Yes, but don't abuse it. Fly and gear don't mix well on the same run. This is OK to do only if you are fishing a tailout that was being overlooked and they start casting into your (already shallow) swing area after they see you hook up. Leave the deeper water to the gear guys - at least on the Vedder when it is crowded.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: essyoo on October 25, 2019, 12:34:06 PM
so with all the rain this week and the level looking still pretty high, will it be a challenging weekend to fish? Is there still coho in the lower river or is it time to move up? I'd love to catch a spring as well this season, is there still a decent chance of that as well?
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: CohoJake on October 25, 2019, 01:42:37 PM
so with all the rain this week and the level looking still pretty high, will it be a challenging weekend to fish? Is there still coho in the lower river or is it time to move up? I'd love to catch a spring as well this season, is there still a decent chance of that as well?
That's the $10,000 question, isn't it?  Previous years the lower river has been good for coho at least to the end of October.  The latest I've caught a chrome spring is about October 28, a few years ago by Peach rd.  This year that should be very possible with the good numbers of fresh springs that have kept rolling in.   
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 25, 2019, 02:01:25 PM
A real rain and wind storm today, blew me off the river this am. The river looked like it was going out when I last looked. Lots of leafs or leaves in the river too. But the weather is improving now and should come back by tomorrow but one never knows for sure, off to a badminton tournament at VRC in Vancouver so will leave the fish for you.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on October 25, 2019, 03:56:02 PM
If some one fish in lower canal today, would we call them heroes or nuts?
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Fish Assassin on October 25, 2019, 05:49:02 PM
If some one fish in lower canal today, would we call them heroes or nuts?

The canal is bank to bank. Definitely they're nuts or suicidal
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Parasoul on October 25, 2019, 06:58:23 PM
Call me both. Saw one coloured up Chum powering up the side and that was all there was in the 2 hours of wind and rising water. Leaves every jig retrieve.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: salmonrook on October 25, 2019, 11:14:11 PM
 Had the day off so of course had to go fish .
 Wow didnt realize it was so high.
 Canal was deserted and river was high and cloudy. Mid river visibility wasn't bad 1 -2 feet but of course fast and lots of debris.
 Saw a few jumpers but that was it , no one was getting anything.
 Figured that 4 days would have been enough for clarity,but no, it looked like the Fraser.
 Still sun was pleasant and beats a day at work .
 How many days do you think until its clearer ?
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: DanL on October 26, 2019, 09:14:04 AM
Figured that 4 days would have been enough for clarity,but no, it looked like the Fraser.
 Still sun was pleasant and beats a day at work .
 How many days do you think until its clearer ?

It was muddy/high from the big storm yesterday morning, not from 4 days ago. A day or so is usually enough to clear up enough for fishing if no more rain. This weekend and next week should have good conditions
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: fic on October 26, 2019, 03:27:27 PM
Long line released 2 chums today. Canal is still bank to bank water. Saw a coho jack landed. Coho season done? Seemed like lots of chums moving through for a few hours.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Blood_Orange on October 27, 2019, 03:53:14 PM
Got out this morning and arrived before dawn at the train bridge. Some other people out at that time... the run filled up by sunrise. Couple fish on quickly and then things soon died down.

There was a 30 minute window around 9:30 when the chum moved in and there were multiple fish on at the same time at that location.

Checked out the run above the bridge run later in the morning. Pretty quiet up there too.

Sum total of retained fish that I saw among all anglers between 7:30am and 12:00pm was 1 chinook, 4 coho jacks. Lots of chum caught & released. Quiet day. Gorgeous weather. Clarity was good. Water level good.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on October 27, 2019, 08:43:19 PM
Great report, Blood Orange, thank you! :)
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wooly bugger on October 29, 2019, 01:09:17 PM
Yesterday marked the first time I had spent almost an entire day on the river.

Was there from 10am - 6pm and fished several spots on the lower and middle parts of the system.  Sadly I didn't get even a single bite, but actually that's more the norm for me  :-\  Should just change my alias to "no luck joe" lol

Saw a couple of other hookups but they were mostly old chum being accidentally foul-hooked.  To be honest, I didn't see a single coho while fishing the lower parts.  All I saw was dead or old chum swimming around.  I may have seen some coho surfacing in the mid-system area, but by then it was starting to get dark and I couldn't tell if I was looking at a salmon or seagull

*sigh*.... one of these days....  Until then, these are just really expensive carbon-intensive days for me  :-[

Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Knnn on October 29, 2019, 01:17:42 PM
I was out yesterday enjoying this gorgeous weather.  While coho numbers are not as gang busters as they were a few weeks ago, they are still around and in good shape.  Just have to hunt them down a bit more.

As for the chum numbers, they are a kick to the guts depressing  .....  :(
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wooly bugger on October 29, 2019, 01:47:29 PM
Does anyone think fishing in the canal is still a good idea?  That's the only part I HAVEN'T tried (never been there before either).

I imagine the canal is only great when there's an in-flow of fish from the ocean...
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on October 29, 2019, 02:18:37 PM
As for the chum numbers, they are a kick to the guts depressing  .....  :(
That is so true!  I have been out on my e - bike a lot recently, looking in known chum streams and channels ... just a shadow of what used to be normal numbers. Having grown up on the Vedder I remember fall days when it was hard to not step on carcasses, and the smell was almost unbearable. What a change.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: essyoo on October 30, 2019, 10:05:38 AM
Is it worth fishing from a boat at the mouth this point in the season? I miss my tin can and would like to take it out one last time before the winter fully hits.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: fishdreamer on October 30, 2019, 11:37:24 AM
A friend of mine is there most every day and it is super slow. I think he is crazy sitting in a cold boat for next to nothing but I guess it beats sitting at home. Slower than past years.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 31, 2019, 07:26:53 AM
That is so true!  I have been out on my e - bike a lot recently, looking in known chum streams and channels ... just a shadow of what used to be normal numbers. Having grown up on the Vedder I remember fall days when it was hard to not step on carcasses, and the smell was almost unbearable. What a change.
Do you think the fish farms causing this decline of chum David? ;D
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on October 31, 2019, 08:19:57 AM
Do you think the fish farms causing this decline of chum David? ;D
No.  I think human greed and wasteful fishing practices are the cause of chum declines in the Fraser. If it was up to me, coho production at the Chilliwack River hatchery would be scaled back and chums  increased.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: spoiler on October 31, 2019, 08:35:20 AM
I think DFO allowing a FN roe fishery on the Fraser and previous commercial openings on the Fraser have taken it's toll on the current Chum runs as well as kicking the crap out of the remainder of the interior Steelhead run.(Thompson / Chilko)
And for what?
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dubs604 on October 31, 2019, 10:47:53 AM
Fished from 12:30pm to 4:30pm on Wednesday with an uncle.  It was very slow.  We spent the first two hours on the lower and the second two hours on the middle.  A few jumpers on the lower and I saw one guy with a fish on.  No trace of fish whatsoever.  I was drifting roe, blades and jigs, and he was chucking spoons and jigs.

Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on October 31, 2019, 11:06:27 AM
No.  I think human greed and wasteful fishing practices are the cause of chum declines in the Fraser. If it was up to me, coho production at the Chilliwack River hatchery would be scaled back and chums  increased.

Absolutely! Chum represent the backbone of the nutrient chain in this system and their numbers are severely compromised.
Maybe start a petition Dave? Anybody who really cares would sign it.

Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on October 31, 2019, 11:22:17 AM
Absolutely! Chum represent the backbone of the nutrient chain in this system

Can it be replaced by more coho?
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on October 31, 2019, 11:37:54 AM
Increasing hatchery production could mean little or nothing if returns remain low or get lower. The current poor chum returns look to be a coast wide phenomena and not restricted to one watershed.

If returns were good it may benefit wild stocks of steelhead and coho by providing extra nutrients though personally I have always wondered if the numerous high water events that take place late fall into spring followed by the May-June freshet leave much in the way of nutrients from chum carcasses to benefit other fish species.

Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on October 31, 2019, 12:09:01 PM
Absolutely! Chum represent the backbone of the nutrient chain in this system and their numbers are severely compromised.
Maybe start a petition Dave? Anybody who really cares would sign it.

I’m not sure who the petition should be aimed at … DFO is fully aware of the value of chums to coastal watersheds and has developed off channel habitats to increase natural production.  But, more fish are needed and hatcheries are a natural fit for chums because they are cheap to rear as they only require food for a short while.

Ralph, I can’t remember dates, nor do I have the data, but when the nutrient drip program was functioning on the Chilliwack, no added benefit from the fertilizer was measurable in the years after strong pink returns to the upper Chilliwack.  For sure ocean productivity is at play here, but imo, the more fry(especially fed fry), that are sent to the ocean, the better.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on October 31, 2019, 01:45:47 PM
Out for a 30 minute fishery around noon. River void of anglers and fish although I saw a chap release a coho in the run below me. It was so bright it sparkled in the sun on a spring like day.  Found a chum salmon with 2 green disk tags in it, from the chum salmon mark and recapture study. Please do not remove if you see one too.
I will have a picture up on the FVSS FB page later if you wish to see what they look like.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on October 31, 2019, 03:25:56 PM
Here is the info on Chilliwack/Vedder's chum salmon tag and recapture:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBAsBOUPrhU
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 01, 2019, 04:23:58 AM
Here is one I filmed on the Chum Salmon tagging on November 7, 2019.  https://youtu.be/qpAgr2Lm6u4
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigsnag on November 01, 2019, 11:57:50 AM
Here is one I filmed on the Chum Salmon tagging on November 7, 2019.  https://youtu.be/qpAgr2Lm6u4
You got a time machine there Chris?
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on November 01, 2019, 11:58:56 AM
The Leaf Mobil does some amazing things... ;)
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: armytruck on November 01, 2019, 12:07:38 PM
Here is the info on Chilliwack/Vedder's chum salmon tag and recapture:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBAsBOUPrhU
Will they be doing this , this year?
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 01, 2019, 12:15:54 PM
Will they be doing this , this year?
One was done a few weeks ago not sure if completed.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 01, 2019, 12:22:03 PM
The Leaf Mobil does some amazing things... ;)
2,000 videos all unedited, some unlisted.lol. Thanks for the plug. ;) Some with my co star in them too, well many co stars and I pay them well too. I need some sponsors though but my qualty is not that good so none would do that, I need a new camera as mine has filmed in all sorts of weather, on fishing trips, deer hunting, duck hunting, geese hunting, grouse hunting, badminton games, river cleanups, church videos and the list goes on.. ;D :D :P :)  https://youtu.be/V6m8KkcXUDI
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 03, 2019, 07:31:53 PM
A long time not writing, "The Journal" about this weekend on the Vedder. I will try to do it tomorrow early in the AM
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on November 03, 2019, 07:32:41 PM
You caught some fish??? ;D
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 03, 2019, 08:02:21 PM
You caught some fish??? ;D
The story will be writen at 4 Am for the early risers. ;D
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 04, 2019, 05:30:14 AM
The story will be writen at 4 Am for the early risers. ;D
Opps, sorry Rod slept in, got the Journal started but as now heading for coffee and fishing so will finish it later, stay tunned. ;D ???
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Wiseguy on November 05, 2019, 03:57:14 AM
Opps, sorry Rod slept in, got the Journal started but as now heading for coffee and fishing so will finish it later, stay tunned. ;D ???
Still waiting for it...
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 05, 2019, 05:13:34 AM
Still waiting for it...
Sorry have been tied up with the camp on Sweltzer, later today I promise and now it will be longer. :-\ ;D
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: yoda on November 05, 2019, 04:23:18 PM
Really, the journal is resurrected? Awesome! As my grandson would say, I so excited!
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 16, 2019, 04:02:17 PM
While I was at the Vedder River Rotary loop trail opening i filmed this little bit of action. Rod was there too but I scooped him on this one.lol  The trail will make access easier now.
 https://www.facebook.com/chris.gadsden.7/videos/10159158608099056/
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Dave on November 16, 2019, 04:29:24 PM
While I was at the Vedder River Rotary loop trail opening i filmed this little bit of action. Rod was there too but I scooped him on this one.lol  The trail will make access easier now.
 https://www.facebook.com/chris.gadsden.7/videos/10159158608099056/

Haha, good to see the Mennonite shuffle is still practiced  ;D
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on November 16, 2019, 08:07:00 PM
While I was at the Vedder River Rotary loop trail opening i filmed this little bit of action. Rod was there too but I scooped him on this one.lol  The trail will make access easier now.
 https://www.facebook.com/chris.gadsden.7/videos/10159158608099056/

I took off as soon as it was over so I didn't have to line up in traffic. ;D
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 17, 2019, 09:40:56 AM
River rising this Am and visibility not that good. I made a few casts but retreated of the Island I was on so I could safely cross. Also the camp near Sweltzer just got cleaned up in time on Friday as would uncrossable for the cleanup gang and occupants
.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on November 17, 2019, 02:33:13 PM
River has nearly raisen a  metre  now.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on November 18, 2019, 10:38:00 AM
Dropping back down nicely again, should be fishable shortly if not already.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: essyoo on November 18, 2019, 01:04:17 PM
Is it worth trying the lower river tomorrow AM? Going to try to sneak out for a quick one.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: sumasriver on November 18, 2019, 01:16:32 PM
Is it worth trying the lower river tomorrow AM? Going to try to sneak out for a quick one.

Just enjoy your day on the flow.. it is calling fishing.... not catching.

It is all about the peace of the flow and the beautiful surroundings....  enjoy.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on November 18, 2019, 01:50:12 PM
Just enjoy your day on the flow.. it is calling fishing.... not catching.

It is all about the peace of the flow and the beautiful surroundings....  enjoy.

Most times yes. But if we never caught fish it would be called boating or hiking. I fish to catch fish first. Surroundings second. At peace with nature third. But it's all about the fish.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: sumasriver on November 18, 2019, 02:03:52 PM
Most times yes. But if we never caught fish it would be called boating or hiking. I fish to catch fish first. Surroundings second. At peace with nature third. But it's all about the fish.

Catching fish is great fun.... but really as you get older you appreciate your time in fresh air and being on the water as much more important than towing a fish into shore.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on November 18, 2019, 02:12:01 PM
Catching fish is great fun.... but really as you get older you appreciate your time in fresh air and being on the water as much more important than towing a fish into shore.

Install a hot tub on rear deck
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on November 18, 2019, 02:15:02 PM
There should be a hot tub at every main access point in the lower river. It'd solve a lot of fishery issues.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: essyoo on November 18, 2019, 02:20:18 PM
Fill your waders with hot water like I do and you can have a hot tub with you all day.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: sumasriver on November 18, 2019, 02:28:08 PM
Install a hot tub on rear deck

As fishing in BC continues to evolve.....  more and more of us will have to get see it as day on the river and less and less about bonking a salmon .
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: clarki on November 18, 2019, 02:38:45 PM
Fill your waders with hot water like I do and you can have a hot tub with you all day.
There are pills you can take to prevent that. Or just drink less coffee on the way to the river.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: yoda on November 18, 2019, 09:25:05 PM
So, got one cohoe on sunday and lost three others. really slow. Went to nicomen today and same story, only imposters except for one guy getting
a bullett chromer.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on November 18, 2019, 10:08:08 PM
So, got one cohoe on sunday and lost three others. really slow. Went to nicomen today and same story, only imposters except for one guy getting
a bullett chromer.

The amount of people fishing the Nic now is stupid. I counted 28 cars parked at the hole along hwy7 this weekend. I took the dog for a walk and the dyke was littered with people. Unbelievable. People really do fish like this. I cant believe it.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Hike_and_fish on November 19, 2019, 05:56:17 AM
Better make peace with it as its only going to get worse. More and more immigrants are flooding the lower mainland and so logically fishing pressure will only increase

People just dont understand how spread out that tune of fish is. With only 200,000 fry released fish return from mid October till January. The return is so small. I've been there ( for a walk with the dog ) and seen maybe 2 landed all morning between 30 plus guys. Its stupid. I just cant comprehend why anyone would want to do that. In my opinion it's a waste of time. Then again I dont really eat a lot of salmon. I retained 16 early on, canned most of them and pass them off as gifts throughout the year and Christmas. It just boggles my mind to know most of those guys drive out from Van, Surrey or Richmond to roll the dice and be lucky to take home 1 maybe 2. Waste of gas. I see so many guys leave empty handed everyday. I love close by and drive it regularly.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: FlyFishin Magician on November 19, 2019, 07:48:59 AM
People just dont understand how spread out that tune of fish is. With only 200,000 fry released fish return from mid October till January. The return is so small. I've been there ( for a walk with the dog ) and seen maybe 2 landed all morning between 30 plus guys. Its stupid. I just cant comprehend why anyone would want to do that. In my opinion it's a waste of time. Then again I dont really eat a lot of salmon. I retained 16 early on, canned most of them and pass them off as gifts throughout the year and Christmas. It just boggles my mind to know most of those guys drive out from Van, Surrey or Richmond to roll the dice and be lucky to take home 1 maybe 2. Waste of gas. I see so many guys leave empty handed everyday. I love close by and drive it regularly.

Some probably don't know any better.  Would you rather them go and crowd out the system or run that you're fishing?   ;D ;D ;D  For others, maybe they simply enjoy it.  Yes, it's very crowded out there, but I've also seen plenty of "advertisement" on social media which really doesn't help matters.  For the more experienced, it's much more pleasant to (like your name suggests) to hike and find some less crowded spots.  Or just take the dog for a walk!   :)

Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on November 19, 2019, 07:50:54 AM
The amount of people fishing the Nic now is stupid. I counted 28 cars parked at the hole along hwy7 this weekend. I took the dog for a walk and the dyke was littered with people. Unbelievable. People really do fish like this. I cant believe it.

traffic slows down considerably through that section when it's that crowded. It may not be long before it's posted as No Parking.

Overall it's been another slow season for the rivers on the North Side.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bigblockfox on November 19, 2019, 08:19:16 AM
when i was coming back from chehalis we had to do an emergency stop because someone did a u turn to park there. didn't even care that 3 cars were doing 90ish km towards him. good thing i was paying attention or would have had one smashed up mercedes. 100% on the no parking signs going up there.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on November 19, 2019, 08:31:09 AM
People just dont understand how spread out that tune of fish is. With only 200,000 fry released fish return from mid October till January. The return is so small. I've been there ( for a walk with the dog ) and seen maybe 2 landed all morning between 30 plus guys. Its stupid. I just cant comprehend why anyone would want to do that. In my opinion it's a waste of time. Then again I dont really eat a lot of salmon. I retained 16 early on, canned most of them and pass them off as gifts throughout the year and Christmas. It just boggles my mind to know most of those guys drive out from Van, Surrey or Richmond to roll the dice and be lucky to take home 1 maybe 2. Waste of gas. I see so many guys leave empty handed everyday. I love close by and drive it regularly.

Do you want the spot where 400 coho are staging in Nicomen?
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: milo on November 19, 2019, 09:34:32 AM
The amount of people fishing the Nic now is stupid. I counted 28 cars parked at the hole along hwy7 this weekend. I took the dog for a walk and the dyke was littered with people. Unbelievable. People really do fish like this. I cant believe it.

Fabulous.  :)
No wonder the Vedder was so pleasant to fish these last two weekends. Everybody's on the Nic.
As far as I'm concerned, keep them there.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Spoonman on November 19, 2019, 07:04:49 PM
Better make peace with it as its only going to get worse. More and more immigrants are flooding the lower mainland and so logically fishing pressure will only increase
.........is that you DJT???....what's better,immigrant or ignorant???
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Rodney on November 19, 2019, 07:07:05 PM
I'm a first generation immigrant, I guess I'm part of the problem. Oh well. ;D
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: Fish Assassin on November 19, 2019, 07:09:06 PM
Better make peace with it as its only going to get worse. More and more immigrants are flooding the lower mainland and so logically fishing pressure will only increase

Only immigrants fish ?
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: ribolovac02 on November 19, 2019, 07:26:54 PM
And Don Cherry, gets fired for saying “you people”....  ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: spoiler on November 19, 2019, 07:29:54 PM
ahahahaha!
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: bobby b on November 19, 2019, 07:59:57 PM
Better make peace with it as its only going to get worse. More and more immigrants are flooding the lower mainland and so logically fishing pressure will only increase

Why straight to immigrants on the reason for increased fishing pressure?
Would not increased pressure also come from those among the existing population  that introduce friends, kids etc to the sport too?

British Columbia’s population growth rate (+1.4%) in 2017/2018 was among the lowest in the last seven years

Moreover... interprovincial migration also does not indicate huge influx.

Over the past year, the largest interprovincial migration flow was from Alberta to British Columbia (24,453 migrants). The flow in the other direction, i.e., from British Columbia to Alberta, involved 20,904 migrants and was the second largest interprovincial migration flow. When taken into account, these exchanges between the two provinces result in a gain of 3,549 for British Columbia.

Not exactly 'flooding' in...

Btw...growth numbers growth extend to the entire province.
The number of fishermen/women among this new populace would likely be a small percentage...
Increased pressure on any given system is the result of a number of variable factors....it’s not likely you would see a significant 'immigrant' increase on any given local river.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: RalphH on November 20, 2019, 06:59:41 AM
Since 2011 the population of BC has increased by about 550,000 people or about 12.5%. The Fraser Valley grew by about 6.6 from 2011 to 2017.  It seems reasonable to expect that participation in a variety of activities such as sport fishing would be rising along with the population.

That angling license sales have also been declining suggests to me that the perception many of us have that angling pressure is increasing particularly in specific locales suggests that people who continue to buy licenses are fishing more intently and concentrating their efforts at specific times of the year
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: wildmanyeah on November 20, 2019, 07:34:20 AM
People that want to fish want to catch fish. There is enough info now on the internet to make a new fishermen pretty successful. There is also enough information available about the area and times that have peak abundance and when you are most likely to limit out.

Chilliwack in October is one of Thoes places and it’s only ever going to get busier.

Fall fishing previously was not hugely popular because lots of guys could fill their freezers by August. Now there is almost no opportunities for fishing till the fall run on hatchery salmon.

It is what it is
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: psd1179 on November 20, 2019, 02:26:26 PM
no more salmon push in, but the net report shows steelhead caught

https://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fos2_Internet/Testfish/rptDTFD.cfm
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: blueback on December 16, 2019, 03:21:25 PM
Any reports on the river conditions boys? Wondering for Friday, but I imagine it's high and muddy with all this rain.
Title: Re: 2019 Chilliwack River fall salmon fishery information & water condition updates
Post by: chris gadsden on December 16, 2019, 04:12:03 PM
Any reports on the river conditions boys? Wondering for Friday, but I imagine it's high and muddy with all this rain.
Took a look a couple of hours ago and it is fine. Snow level down on the mountains so if it remains cool it should be fishable.