The Chehalis in its glory days, produced lots of coho and steelhead. We would fish just below the hatchery area( we call it the long run-
see last picture ) and would hook into cohos all day long. Steelhead fishing was the same. Years ago, you could walk all the way down to Prudy(spelling may not be correct) and hook into some nice fish. The water was nice and deep during those days.
The Conference Run was another nice run(just above the hatchery) and during coho season, we would get in early and someone would have started a fire and we would gather around to keep warm and chit chat about fishing stories. I think that is why it holds the name " Conference Run ".
The thing about someone dumping rocks to block off the river is a myth. The river basically changed it course and decided to go through the camp ground instead. I think they tried to re-divert the water but it kept going back through the camp ground. I was there last week just as the high water was about to lower and was surprised how much it has changed. Here are some pictures:
The run is a lot longer now and across is the Bible Camp. Notice the higher dyke they constructed for flood control?
As you walk out from the campground, you will notice that the run turns to the left now. You will notice that no water goes to the hatchery anymore.
Another picture.
Catch of the day at the Chehalis.
Ah...those good ole' days where one could easily hook into 4 or 5 steelhead a day!!(picture taken from way back)
Fishing the Chehalis is somewhat worrisome because at anytime, your car can be broken into. Mine was broken in once and I know lots more breakins with friend's cars.
We have not been back to the Chehalis for quite awhile now but decided to give it a try last week. We were the luckiest guys that day as we had the whole river to ourselves and was into cohos after cohos. The Chehalis is a funny river as it can change drastically the next day as evidenced by my friends that tried the next day with nothing to show. Apparently, it has been slow since that day-go figure!!!