Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Floater on February 23, 2014, 10:56:40 AM
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Just wondering how the forum members have been doing since nothing is being posted im sure some people just have not bothered to report their catches. I will start it off so lets see whats really going on :)
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well..it's been dead for me this year, not a single hookup in the last three months. I realize that it's definitely not a numbers game but this is alredy getting really discouraging. I don't mind the $40-50 a week in gas and tolls, but a single fish of some kind would be really nice.
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I landed one small - maybe 4 pound, wild buck in the canal out of 7 trips. Tell you the truth, I wasn't sure if t was even a male - I didn't bother admiring it for too long since it was wild. This year has has been my least productive since I started steelheading. I pray its just an off year.
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1 hatch doe in 2 trips on a very cold and rainy day.
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Five outings, no fish, even had bugs on two trips. Have only seen two fish hooked.
Pretty dismal so far. But its fishing not catching....
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I got one yesterday on the fly, First trip of the season for me
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Island has been absolutely terrible, worst season I have ever seen, and old timers are telling me it's worse than what it was when the fishery collapsed back in the 90's... not good.
On the mainland I've been fairing better when I've been home....
6 trips, 5 steelies and around 15 bulls to hand. Keeping me interested at least, not amazing, but it's been ok.
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I am lucky enough to fish a lot and am up over ten for the year, I don't know the exact number but I do know as far as the vedder goes it's been sad, really sad. I've tangled with close to ten but most of those were in the span of 3 trips, a good day to give me hope kind of thing. Other then that it's been a lot of fish less days. Gotta keep pounding away though cause you never know, might get a push here at some point. One positive is the fish are tending to be on the larger side overall.
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3 wilds and a 17.5 hatch for me in 9 trips
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...not a one...'wack or cheyhey...buddy has lost one on each river....
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hooked into 2 lost both.
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13 trips for me and NADA >:( only seen one fish taken far off in the distance. Just a hook up would be nice right now.
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4 fish and Iv been fishing every weekend since December. With hundreds of guys fishing that river and just a handful of fish caught, It not even worth the effort anymore. Going to try out some different types of fishing, cuttys maybe. Hopefully this isn't a sign of years to come.
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Got a big wild one on my first trip, missed 1 for sure on the next outing and nothing on the last 2 trips, all on the fly. The poor fishing this year is making me consider dragging the gear out on my next trip ???
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None but then I have been reading the reports and haven't put a hook in the water yet. That will do it every time.
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Been out about 10 times, lost one and pulled in a nice little bull. Only thing I've landed so far.
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2 hatches my first two outings on the Vedder, then 0 for two my last couple. This was all in early January. This season, I've had to bus downtown and rent a car to get out so I haven't been fishing much.
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So far 2 wild in Feb couldnt tell you in how many trips as I live close and most times Iam just site seing . Cuttys are more my thing .
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Been out about 7 times this year. Two wild in 6-7 lbs one doe and one buck. Couple nice bulls and a whitefish. I only fish for an hour or so each time as I live close to the Vedder. This time two years ago had 13 wild and one hatch. Tough year this year. Water levels have been lower and colder than usual.
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Ive hooked 2 in 5 trips but only about 12 hours in total. Lost both but still looking to fight and land my first steel on the pin.
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1 hatchery doe, 2 wild in 2014. Hooked 2 today but couldn't land them.
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One fat wild doe and lost one in about 10 trips.
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This entire thread makes me very sad.
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Made 3 trips landed one 9lbs hatchery doe
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2 trips to a lower mainland river with not many returning. 1 wild buck 9.5 lbs.
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2 trips to a lower mainland river with not many returning. 1 wild buck 9.5 lbs.
I'm curious to how you narrowed the weight down to 9.5 lbs. The best I can do with a released fish without measuring length and girth and applying a formula is to give a likely range (e.g. 5 or 6 lbs for a small fish or 10-12 lbs, mid-teens, high-teens for a larger one).
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Well glad to see some of us have seen some bent rods and got to touch some chrome. Still hoping the wilds in March will show up the hatchery fish but not holding my breath.
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I'm curious to how you narrowed the weight down to 9.5 lbs. The best I can do with a released fish without measuring length and girth and applying a formula is to give a likely range (e.g. 5 or 6 lbs for a small fish or 10-12 lbs, mid-teens, high-teens for a larger one).
Use a bag scale. You can buy them from China.
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When handling a fish especially a wild fish to be released: handle it as little and as quickly as you can:
ENSURE IT'S REVIVED TO SWIM AWAY ON ITS OWN BY KEEPING IT IN THE WATER, HEAD FACING UPSTREAM, SO THAT WATER CAN RUN OVER THE GILLS
( they'll usually let you know when they want to go ;D.)
Don't stress it out further and risk harm for the sake of bragging rights. Hell! Tell us it was 10 and and get it on its way.
This isn't bass fishing for rednecks. :o
Edited as HOOK reminded me that I had omitted an important aspect of C & R ::)
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Use a bag scale. You can buy them from China.
I see. As stated in the above post, it's not a good thing to be handling wild fish excessively. Especially in a stream "with not many returning". Take a quick photo, preferably with the head still submerged and nevermind the bag scale.
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When handling a fish especially a wild fish to be released handle it as little and as quickly as you can.
This is great but make damn sure the fish is ready with enough strength before you just release it. It can take a few minutes sometimes, nothing worse than watching a wild fish go belly up because someone didn't try to revive it properly
If you try and try and it isn't reviving then unfortunately you get to feel your heart break as you watch it float away :'(
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I have had a decent year, and was noticing a change. The vedder has changed from last year and seems to not be holding many fish down low in the usual spots. For what ever reason the normal meat holes or runs are scarce and the die hard low river fishers are no where to be seen. Everyone had to switch it up this year and unless you have found a variety of holding spots this year. chances are going to be even lower for a hookup. After 2 trips with my good friend this week I believe the fish are in decent numbers on the river now after that slow start to the year.
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I got one yesterday on the fly, First trip of the season for me
The anglers that I talked to have all said that this the worst year in many years. But you would not think so when you read Fred`s reports.
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This is great but make damn sure the fish is ready with enough strength before you just release it. It can take a few minutes sometimes, nothing worse than watching a wild fish go belly up because someone didn't try to revive it properly
If you try and try and it isn't reviving then unfortunately you get to feel your heart break as you watch it float away :'(
Is there any secret as to how to revive a fish? I haven't encountered any guys who have trouble swimming away yet, but I do not want to have that experience at all. Do you just tail them and let the water flow through their gills until they get enough oxygen?
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Is there any secret as to how to revive a fish? I haven't encountered any guys who have trouble swimming away yet, but I do not want to have that experience at all. Do you just tail them and let the water flow through their gills until they get enough oxygen?
yes sir, I usually hold the tail until they try to kick away the second time.... like hook said, seeing them (or any fish) go belly up is heartbreaking.
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The anglers that I talked to have all said that this the worst year in many years. But you would not think so when you read Fred`s reports.
It's always the best time of the year to go fishing!!! ... and stop by the store while you're there lol
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:)
It's always the best time of the year to go fishing!!! ... and stop by the store while you're there lol
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I like and hate this year, the low river holers are struggling, while the guys that really know how to fish and cover water are doing alright.
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I like and hate this year, the low river holers are struggling, while the guys that really know how to fish and cover water are doing alright.
I agree with that Ryan, but what concerns me is the possibility a lot of these wild fish being caught in the mid and upper river are being captured multiple times. That is of course stressful, and could impact spawning ability and gamete viability. I believe steelhead are tough fish, but as Bederko recently posted in another thread, maybe not as resilient as we think.
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I've lost two this year so far. Landed zilch. Next time I'm not going to multi-task and shoot video and fight the fish at the same time! Eyes on the prize :)
This is my first year fishing steelhead. Luck have it, last time I was out first cast of the day fish on! Been out about 5 times this year.
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I've lost two this year so far. Landed zilch. Next time I'm not going to multi-task and shoot video and fight the fish at the same time! Eyes on the prize :)
This is my first year fishing steelhead. Luck have it, last time I was out first cast of the day fish on! Been out about 5 times this year.
If this is your first year and you've had two on in 5 trips you're doing alright.
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If this is your first year and you've had two on in 5 trips you're doing alright.
Not saying it's not true or questioning any of the preceding posts but sometimes others...
Well....
There have been a number of bulls caught this year so it is quite possible the fish causing the tug was other than Steelhead.
...and...
there is also a certain amount of bulls..* that rears its head through excited expectation (or on purpose ::) )
What is a lost fish?
A float that goes under that you were late for? (fish or hitting bottom?)
If it was a fish; would that be a lost fish or a missed opportunity?
Was there a splash or some real headshakes?
(Note:" excited expectation " aka exaggeration. )
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I know for myself, on the Vedder or any other river that has species other than steelhead, I do not call it a steelhead until it either breaches the water completely and is visible, or is near enough to the bank that I can 100% identify it as a steelhead.
If I hook a fish on the Vedder that I don't see, I automatically assume it's a bull. If it's on another river (such as some on the island with large rainbows, browns or early chinook). I know lots of guys that do that whole "float down = lost fish" type of thing which is quite amusing. I have a feeling some certain guides on the island do that with their "4-8 steelhead days", especially this season. Also surprises me how many guides on the stamp call the large resident rainbow's steelhead!
After my trip back home this past week... I'm now at 7 trips and 7 steelhead on the mainland myself, Kitty included in that adds another 2 steelhead - so 9 steel in 7 trips. Up to close to 20 hookups with assumed bulls as well - have landed 16 of those which were bulls, Kitty adds another 6 or so. Fishing out there is definitely better than out here on the island!
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Also surprises me how many guides on the stamp call the large residents rainbows!
Did you mean to say "call the large residents steelhead"? The resident O. mykiss should be called rainbows.
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Did you mean to say "call the large residents steelhead"? The resident O. mykiss should be called rainbows.
Yep that's what I meant! Constantly calling the 18 inch rainbows steelhead....
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Wish that the other 2k viewers would of threw their vote in on this lol. Its ok most of us havent got anything either guys :P
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I know for myself, on the Vedder or any other river that has species other than steelhead, I do not call it a steelhead until it either breaches the water completely and is visible, or is near enough to the bank that I can 100% identify it as a steelhead.
Yup, that's how I count my hook ups too.
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0 for 1 this year. landed a few bulls that day though. just haven't been feeling it this winter.
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Wish that the other 2k viewers would of threw their vote in on this lol. Its ok most of us havent got anything either guys :P
Good point Floater. In a previous post I suggested information like this, even though anecdotal at best, is really all we have to assess steelhead populations in lower mainland rivers. Personally, I now rarely fish the C –V but am near the water almost every day and have a network of anglers, some who are as good as they get for this fishery, that keep me informed as to what is going on.
As a few have posted, those who put in the time and fish areas not so frequently visited are indeed catching fish, mostly wild … but my feeling in talking to many is that this steelhead season is very poor.
Looking forward to the spawning area enumerations Buck, KP and I do in April and May, when we will get another picture of this season.
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3 times out , 1 hatch doe landed , 12.5 lbs ish . Jan. 4 ...Lucky to get her . 2 wilds were landed same day . 6 hr. day , lower
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edit or note to above ...2 wilds landed by others on the run... I would've called b.s. on that post , just thought I would beat someone to it. Sure looks a lot different when you are reading your own words .
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edit or note to above ...2 wilds landed by others on the run... I would've called b.s. on that post , just thought I would beat someone to it. Sure looks a lot different when you are reading your own words .
landing three in a day? I would not have called bs. Three landed is a good day and if you are an experienced steel header not totally uncommon.
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What??? They told me at the fishing store if I traded in my rubber boots for Simms guide wader boots and bought the plastic raspberry thingys and a handful of red and white floats that I would be an experienced guide . Man , I thought I heard them laughing when I was walking out the door . Seriously though , I was just adding a comment to my vote , deciding it would be a good thing to participate rather that lurk . Yes , I agree 3 steelies in a day on the C-V wouldn't be uncommon but this year with the slim pickens it would be a good day , granted I hooked and landed my 2 wilds first then dispatched my hatch . That particular day I decided not to practice c and r , my fishing day was done at 9:15 . Had to watch my fishing partner for the next 4 hrs. stand with 28 other fenchposters . Yah that ain't steelheading we all say , but that's were they were holding that day . Myself , I was ready to leave and go on the hunt to enjoy the solitude of true steelheading when my float disappeared ,amazing the success a subtle change in your presentation can bring . I guess the point is : 3 fish total with only 1 hatch ,30 ish decent rods at the gauntlet , 6 hrs. .... "felt lucky to get her"
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As well known, fishing this year is really slow. What I also noted was that more than usual number of small hatchery fish were being landed. One hatch I landed was only 24" long and saw another guy land a hatchery that was barely legal limit of 50 cm. a frequent Vedder fisherman also said that more than usual number of hatchery steelhead in the 4~5 pound range were being landed this season. This points to a possible situation where hatchery steelhead growth is being negatively impacted for this year's returning class. Just my two cents.
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i heard that they ran out of funding and released the smolts early. Also heard that they turned down a donation becuase if they have to take our money then whats the point.
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i heard that they ran out of funding and released the smolts early. Also heard that they turned down a donation becuase if they have to take our money then whats the point.
Turned down a donation. . . thats just silly if the government dose not care WE STILL DO!!!
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@Floater I'm all for independent non-profit hatcheries. Would glad share a few hundred bones every year --- and get a tax credit for it!
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2 trips out, 2 hookups, none tailed. One felt nice and big with a good fight, but not sure if it was a Steelhead or not. Both hooked on a pink intruder fly.
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Turned down a donation. . . thats just silly if the government dose not care WE STILL DO!!!
I wonder why that when I read a story or a statement most of the time it turns out to be just that-something to read. Remember the show believe it or not.
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Has been a really bad year, but have already filled out the steelhead card.
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I wonder why that when I read a story or a statement most of the time it turns out to be just that-something to read. Remember the show believe it or not.
Not sure just what you are saying …but the past few years the steelhead juveniles released from the Chilliwack River Hatchery have been smaller than the mandated 80 gram release size and generally, smaller sized released juveniles have poorer survival rates. We are now seeing the results of that management decision for hatchery returns. And, as always, wild populations are unknown.
Are you referring to an offer by the Fraser Valley Salmon Society to donate 2k for feeding Chilliwack River Hatchery chum fry? If so, that seemed a no brainer.. the money was offered to feed these chum for about a month … which previous data had shown would virtually double adult returns… and was turned down. I'm told the reason for this was fishery managers were concerned if outside agencies were involved in husbandry costs, they would also have to placate these same angling advocates for harvesting opportunities later on.
And so we go ..
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darn, that's a bummer.
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Has been a really bad year, but have already filled out the steelhead card.
I feel your pain 8)
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Has been a really bad year, but have already filled out the steelhead card.
Half his card are wilds he bonked 8)
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Has been a really bad year, but have already filled out the steelhead card.
Sounds bad. ;) ;) ;)
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Nothing
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can change my score for 1 fish for two trips. managed one yesterday.
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Haven't been able to go out this year so my counts zero, on the upside I am looking forward to going to Tofino to hopefully work at a my first cousins lodge and do some fishing...of course all that money I am saving by not going out...will probably end up going the completely fairly priced ferry trip...lol