Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Rodney on December 02, 2021, 05:00:18 PM

Title: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: Rodney on December 02, 2021, 05:00:18 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/yzO8x31.jpg)

Between early December and late May, Chilliwack River offers a productive winter steelhead fishery for both local and visiting anglers from the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland. While other nearby systems also provide such a fishery, Chilliwack River yields more success due to the amount of fish being produced by the Chilliwack River Hatchery. This thread has several objectives:


Throughout the season, members will post up water condition updates so everyone can be alerted if condition is not ideal. Please feel free to post updates in this thread after your trips. We can all benefit from each other's updates and save gasoline and cost of our season. Please do not request for updates. All posts that request for updates will be removed.


Fishing regulations

Regulations for the steelhead fishery differ slightly to the fall salmon fisheries in BC, so please familiarize by going through the BC Freshwater Fishing Regulation Synopsis (http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish/regulations) from time to time if unsure. For the Chilliwack River, anglers should be aware of these regulations. Please report violators by phoning 1-877-952-RAPP (7277).



Fish species and identifications

While the primary target species is steelhead in this fishery, several other species may also be encountered. It is important to know the morphological differences between these species so you do not accidentally retain a fish that is not opened for retention.

(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/081211-1.jpg)

Steelhead (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/fish_profile/steelhead.html)'s life history is similar to Pacific salmon's. It is a variation of rainbow trout, which has an ocean phase. Unlike Pacific salmon, steelhead may not die after spawning. Size range of steelhead from the Chilliwack River ranges between 6lb and 15lb, while bigger fish have often been recorded every season.

Several identification keys can be used to recognize a steelhead. Its white gum and tongue, lack of teeth behind the tongue. Once arrived from the ocean, its body is silver with heavily spotted back. Its tail is spotted from top to bottom and it is not forked. During spawning phase, pink and red colourations become apparent on the gill plates and across the body. Below are additional photos that may assist you.

Resident rainbow trout (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/fish_profile/rainbow_trout.html) can also be caught while targeting steelhead. Unlike steelhead, they are typically under 18 inches in length or 2lb in weight. All wild rainbow trout must be released.

(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/081211-4.jpg)

Bull trout (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/fish_profile/bull_trout.html) are often encountered while targeting steelhead and they are required to be released. Their size ranges between 1lb and 10lb. Bull trout can easily be identified by its white and pink spots across the body. Their mouth is large and extends way behind the eyes. The end of their pelvic fins is often white. All bull trout must be released.

(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/081211-5.jpg)

Coastal cutthroat trout (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/fish_profile/coastal_cutthroat_trout.html) travel in schools. Several identification keys can be used to differentiate them from rainbow trout. Their body and tail are heavily spotted from top to bottom. An orange slack can be found on the bottom side of the gill plate. Their size typically ranges between 8 and 20 inches. Only hatchery cutthroat trout can be kept. All wild cutthroat trout must be released.

(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/forum/081211-6.jpg)

Mountain whitefish (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/fish_profile/mountain_whitefish.html) belong in the salmonid family. While their body is similar to a minnow, one can easily identify them by locating the adipose fin. Their mouth is small and protudes slightly. Their size typically ranges between 8 and 20 inches.


General etiquettes

When fishing for steelhead in a stream, it is considered rude to start just downstream from another angler who is already fishing. When approaching a run, always start from the head of it and work your way down so other anglers can have a chance to try it too. If other anglers are already fishing at a spot where you want to fish, then you should either move to a different spot or talk to them first. More likely than not, other anglers do not mind having you joining them.


2021/2022 winter steelhead brood collection program

The broodstock collection program usually begins on January 15th. More information to come.
Background information can be found in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKgbqcl6eQ4


2021 Boxing Day Steelhead Derby

This will once again be hosted by Fred's Custom Tackle. More information to come.


2021/2022 Wally Hall Junior Memorial Steelhead Derby

More information at:
http://www.fishingwithrod.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=44346.0


Additional help

Your local tackle stores in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley provide excellent additional resource.

  • Berry's Bait and Tackle (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/advertiser/berrysbait/index.html)
  • Fred's Custom Tackle (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/advertiser/fredscustomtackle/index.html)
  • Pacific Angler (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/advertiser/pacificangler/index.html)
  • Sea-Run Fly & Tackle (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/advertiser/sea-run/index.html)
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: canucksfan233 on December 02, 2021, 09:52:25 PM
Looking to catch my first steelhead this season ;D Will be going later in December once university is over. Guessing I probably want to focus my efforts on the lower sections of the river then?
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: Darko on December 03, 2021, 02:37:41 PM
Quote from: canucksfan233 on December 02, 2021, 09:52:25 PM
Looking to catch my first steelhead this season ;D Will be going later in December once university is over. Guessing I probably want to focus my efforts on the lower sections of the river then?

Makes sense to me! Though fishing is probably gonna be tough in December. From what I heard March to April is the best time.
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: DanTfisherman on December 04, 2021, 05:30:02 PM
Hey Rod,

Never sure if it comes up, but thanks for helping out newer anglers with such a neat, informative opening post with regulations, season length, images, write up, and many other details at the start of each key season for various species over the fishing year.  To my knowledge, you do not see such well thought out, nicely constructed posts/messages elsewhere, so I do not know, good koodos or vibes your way for your efforts!!!

Would do a thumbs up or hands clapping if I could find it, but can't, so guess you get:

 :)

Dano
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: Silex-user on December 05, 2021, 09:42:15 AM
Can't wait till the winter chromes to show up.


Silex-user
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: redside1 on December 07, 2021, 12:47:43 PM
Hopefully the coast wide trend from the Columbia to the Skeena does not continue this winter on the Chilliwack/Vedder. Washington State has already closed multiple rivers on the Olympic peninsula for steelhead fishing due to a very low winter steelhead forecast.
The province is also going to announce further closures on the Skeena and Nass systems to make sure this past summer steelhead return is not fished on.
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: bigblockfox on December 07, 2021, 03:37:28 PM
Quote from: redside1 on December 07, 2021, 12:47:43 PM
Hopefully the coast wide trend from the Columbia to the Skeena does not continue this winter on the Chilliwack/Vedder. Washington State has already closed multiple rivers on the Olympic peninsula for steelhead fishing due to a very low winter steelhead forecast.
The province is also going to announce further closures on the Skeena and Nass systems to make sure this past summer steelhead return is not fished on.

is this speculation or confirmed by a reputable source on the north flows?
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: redside1 on December 07, 2021, 03:58:51 PM
Quote from: bigblockfox on December 07, 2021, 03:37:28 PM
is this speculation or confirmed by a reputable source on the north flows?

I have a copy of the documents on some of the closures going to happen.
Biggest one will be the Kalum being closed from Jan. 1 until June 15.
Additional closures to the Copper, Mainstem Skeena, Zymagotitz and Lakelse. to name some of them. All designed to protect the holding over summer runs. Currently under the proposed stage but with plans to enact asap and last until June 15.
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: ribolovac02 on December 07, 2021, 09:14:27 PM
I remember a december 6 th , not that many Years ago , going out to show my buddy the ropes of stealhead fishing .
I hooked two fish that day , in the mid river section , I lost them both .Mind you , I could of been lucky that day , but the fish were wating in the perfect water , so I don’t know …
That year there was a a large number of fish weighed in and cought in December .

It seems like a long time ago , but it was only ten years I belive or so , our stealhead season is no where near what it was .

 I still love the itch for hunting for them , but I rearlly  even try in December anymore …
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: Wiseguy on December 08, 2021, 09:33:50 AM
I don’t fish anymore in December for steelhead as there are very few fish around. Over the many yrs since I started fishing steelhead back in 1982 the run nowadays imo is a March/April later run more so then a earlier Dec/Jan/Feb run on the Chilliwack river. Last year was very few steelies around the entire season in my travels. I saw only the odd fish getting caught on any given day and many days I did not see a single fish hooked. I talked to many good experienced rods on the river that I meet up with on the river year after year and they like myself we’re all struggling to find a fish. Having said that them and I will be back out there for another season this winter in the hopes of shaking hands with a silver bullet. Going to be a brand new river to fish after the floods. Tight lines
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: wildmanyeah on December 08, 2021, 10:41:50 AM
Quote from: redside1 on December 07, 2021, 03:58:51 PM
I have a copy of the documents on some of the closures going to happen.
Biggest one will be the Kalum being closed from Jan. 1 until June 15.
Additional closures to the Copper, Mainstem Skeena, Zymagotitz and Lakelse. to name some of them. All designed to protect the holding over summer runs. Currently under the proposed stage but with plans to enact asap and last until June 15.

closing it to all fin fish?
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: typhoon on December 08, 2021, 06:51:33 PM
I've had some awesome days between Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Beautiful water, quiet days, and even a few fish.

Big wild buck December 31
(https://gallery.flybc.ca/galleries/members/Typhoon/album427/buck.jpg)
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: redside1 on December 09, 2021, 05:02:06 PM
Quote from: wildmanyeah on December 08, 2021, 10:41:50 AM
closing it to all fin fish?

yes sir.
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: bigblockfox on December 09, 2021, 08:19:09 PM
Quote from: typhoon on December 08, 2021, 06:51:33 PM
I've had some awesome days between Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Beautiful water, quiet days, and even a few fish.

Big wild buck December 31
(https://gallery.flybc.ca/galleries/members/Typhoon/album427/buck.jpg)

thats a quality buck. how i miss the fish pictures this forum use to have.
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: Lunk Louie on December 11, 2021, 03:09:58 PM


there's an old old saying....

"A picture's worth a thousand vehicles"

This last few coho seasons being good examples.
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: Dave on December 11, 2021, 04:43:23 PM
Exactly Lunk!
 I don't often give water reports but here's one ... was in the upper river near Anderson pond this morning and the water was very close to fishable.
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: Rodney on December 13, 2021, 10:02:42 AM
Quote from: DanTfisherman on December 04, 2021, 05:30:02 PM
Hey Rod,

Never sure if it comes up, but thanks for helping out newer anglers with such a neat, informative opening post with regulations, season length, images, write up, and many other details at the start of each key season for various species over the fishing year.  To my knowledge, you do not see such well thought out, nicely constructed posts/messages elsewhere, so I do not know, good koodos or vibes your way for your efforts!!!

Would do a thumbs up or hands clapping if I could find it, but can't, so guess you get:

 :)

Dano

You're welcome Dan, I missed this earlier. :)

I like to have all the info available for anyone. People will come and fish the Vedder regardless, so it's good to make sure they have all the info beforehand.
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: Rodney on December 14, 2021, 05:14:16 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwazSjU80zE
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: psd1179 on December 25, 2021, 12:34:47 PM
well, who has been there checking water before boxing day derby?
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: Wiseguy on December 25, 2021, 09:21:31 PM
Quote from: psd1179 on December 25, 2021, 12:34:47 PM
well, who has been there checking water before boxing day derby?
Water is up and cloudy coupled with the extreme cold makes for very poor conditions. I will be staying home in front of the fireplace drinking rum.
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: Darko on December 25, 2021, 09:44:07 PM
Quote from: Wiseguy on December 25, 2021, 09:21:31 PM
Water is up and cloudy coupled with the extreme cold makes for very poor conditions. I will be staying home in front of the fireplace drinking rum.
This guy knows what's good haha
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: Wiseguy on December 26, 2021, 02:45:34 PM
How did the boxing derby go? Lots of wiegh ins?  ;D
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: bobby b on December 26, 2021, 03:53:57 PM
Haven't heard of any

Nothing on Freds '2021/22Derby' listings page ..

Fred's Insta ... Their last post at 1pm  was that they may reschedule to a later date in Jan if there are no weigh-ins today ....
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: wildmanyeah on December 26, 2021, 04:16:42 PM
From Fred’s Facebook

BOXING DAY DERBY UPDATE 🥶  There were no fish weighed in today, so we'll be doing this all over again on January 16th. If you had already registered for today's derby then you won't have to register again. If you were unable to attend/register for today, you've got a 2nd chance. More details to follow.
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: psd1179 on December 26, 2021, 05:39:35 PM
Absolutely tough day. the baitcast reel immediately malfunction in the cold weather. braid line frozen straight out. Reschedule is a good call.
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: Wiseguy on December 26, 2021, 06:18:43 PM
Thanks for the update. I never left the couch. lol
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: dennisK on December 27, 2021, 06:13:49 AM
Quote from: psd1179 on December 26, 2021, 05:39:35 PM
Absolutely tough day. the baitcast reel immediately malfunction in the cold weather. braid line frozen straight out. Reschedule is a good call.

What reel model?
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: iblly on December 27, 2021, 09:00:00 AM
I don’t think model matters once that wet line starts spooling back on in minus twenty.
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: Darko on December 27, 2021, 09:14:25 AM
Quote from: psd1179 on December 26, 2021, 05:39:35 PM
Absolutely tough day. the baitcast reel immediately malfunction in the cold weather. braid line frozen straight out. Reschedule is a good call.
I have never fished in such cold conditions before, what are some things to watch out for to protect our gear? What is preventable and what is not? Would love to get some input.. Thanks in advance  :)
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: bobby b on December 27, 2021, 10:07:30 AM
Quote from: Darko on December 27, 2021, 09:14:25 AM
I have never fished in such cold conditions before, what are some things to watch out for to protect our gear? What is preventable and what is not? Would love to get some input.. Thanks in advance  :)

Don't use braid
Pre tie leaders with worms, beads etc (may want to tie them with snap swivels, tying in those temps is mighty difficult)
Check and clean line guides often as they will freeze up
Bring hot pocket packs for pockets and gloves (extra gloves are handy too)
Bring a dry cloth ... wet hands suck in freezing temps 

.... keep moving
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: Darko on December 27, 2021, 08:51:36 PM
Thanks Bobby, definitely tying anything or rebaiting is out of the question for me haha
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: Blood_Orange on December 28, 2021, 04:49:33 PM
Quote from: Darko on December 27, 2021, 09:14:25 AM
I have never fished in such cold conditions before, what are some things to watch out for to protect our gear? What is preventable and what is not? Would love to get some input.. Thanks in advance  :)
The rod guides freezing up is usually what makes me give up in cold conditions.
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: canucksfan233 on December 28, 2021, 05:23:22 PM
First steelhead of the derby weighed in today at Freds.
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: Phronesis on December 29, 2021, 06:21:41 PM
Was out for the first time steelhead fishing, didnt spend much time as my hands were freezing, I had gloves on but they were not good. It was too windy, water visibility 1 or 2 inches.

Any suggestions on good set of gloves ?
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: Paulo on January 02, 2022, 04:40:40 PM
Any one know what the conditions are late this afternoon? Was thinking of heading out tomorrow. Water Vis?
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: Spoonman on January 02, 2022, 08:11:32 PM
....went for a look today and made a few casts......level and flow was OK....vis sucked ....a few inches.....very gray....won't get better anytime soon......
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: Paulo on January 03, 2022, 10:17:52 AM
 Thanks for that Spoonman, really appreciate it as I would be swinging flies.
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: Paulo on January 08, 2022, 11:34:30 AM
Wondering if anyone can tell me the visibility of the river this weekend?
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: Paulo on January 09, 2022, 08:21:25 PM
I finally made it out to the Vedder to have a good walk around. Definitely major changes in some parts and minor changes in others. Some good, some bad, just going to have to read the water. Definitely visibility is an issue. Down at the train bridge today it was between 1' and 1 1/2'. Above the crossing was about 1'. Talked to a fella today at mid river who's partner had something on but they never saw it before spitting the hook. I was swinging flies and had very limited fishing opportunity as my 12 yr old daughter was with me. She was bored :(
Cheers all
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: dobrolub on January 20, 2022, 07:58:46 PM
Was there a derby held on Jan 16th? Any weigh-ins?
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: sugartooth on January 20, 2022, 08:40:24 PM
No. Happening on Sunday now.
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: canucksfan233 on January 23, 2022, 03:47:49 PM
3 weigh-ins so far
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: Wiseguy on February 04, 2022, 10:37:06 AM
Just wondering how the Brood stock capture program is going so far with the poor river conditions this year?                      I was out yesterday and the clarity was only 12 to 18 inches visibility.                                                                           I did not see anyone hook a fish yesterday in my travels.
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: wildmanyeah on February 04, 2022, 12:08:49 PM
Its still only the start of February
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: avid angler on February 04, 2022, 05:15:24 PM
The brood capture is almost 1/3 complete.
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: Wiseguy on February 04, 2022, 06:44:57 PM
Quote from: avid angler on February 04, 2022, 05:15:24 PM
The brood capture is almost 1/3 complete.
Thanks for the update. Doing better then I expected.
Title: Re: 2021/2022 Chilliwack River Winter Steelhead Fishery Information & Updates
Post by: Dave on February 04, 2022, 08:04:47 PM
Quote from: avid angler on February 04, 2022, 05:15:24 PM
The brood capture is almost 1/3 complete.
You've been busy! :)