I didn't fish on Saturday, but was up yesterday with my Dad. On the way back across the border at Sumas, the border agent specifically asked about our tires and said that 25 US vehicles had their tires slashed on Saturday, and a few on Sunday as well. I would gladly pay more for my BC Fishing license rather than fish Washington rivers. Why? Three reasons:
1. Access - most rivers down here are bordered almost exclusively by private property, so you either have to fish at a park packed with other fishermen or from a boat. I don't own a boat.
2. Distance - I grew up on the border (Lynden), and the Vedder, Fraser and Chehalis were the best fishing within a reasonable drive. The local river, the Nooksack, is prone to look like chocolate milk and is full of tribal nets (even for steelhead!). The only salmon I have ever seen or caught in the Nooksack are pinks, and they were under 2 pounds.
3. The people. For all of the 20 years I have fished the Vedder, I have been impressed with how friendly fellow fishermen are and how willing they were to help me learn to fish right. Camping on the Vedder and Chehalis were awesome experiences. Even with a crappy exchange rate, I still enjoy shopping at Fred's and eating at restaurants in BC.
I'm not so worried about my car being targeted that I would avoid the river, but I am starting to worry about whether this is the kind of place I want to bring my daughter to teach her to fish. I don't know how many Americans are flossing on the Vedder, but I do know plenty of Americans who do it right - short floating, fly fishing, and using hardware.
This is getting off-topic, but I wanted to mention what I noticed yesterday fishing near Vedder Crossing. 2/3 of the people there were "bottom bouncing", some with 2 foot leaders, and some clearly flossing with 4 foot + leaders. I arrived, landed by far the chromest fish of the day (that I saw) and immediately the people around me threw on floats and imitated my fishing style. I'm afraid that by avoiding the flossing crowds, the experienced fishermen are doing the river a real disservice - if people see you having success they will imitate your success.