chehalis river

just wondering if anyone on here fishes the chehalis river for salmon/steelhead any tips?

Buddy of mine keeps talking about drifting it.  I like to drift new places in a drift boat with him before I take my yak down it.  You get a better view standing up and are better prepared for a yak trip that way.  If we get around to running it this winter, I'll let you know how it is.

In somewhat of a coincidence and very disappointing revelation, I learned this morning that the Indians have been netting the mouth of the Chehalis for nearly 30 consecutive days - this explains why I caught fish in December, but nothing in January / February.  I'm trying to find out how long it's going to last. 

I was thinking about buying a river specific kayak this coming Saturday, but what's the point with how bad most WA rivers are...  I'll probably still do it, but having to drive 3-5 hours to get to a decent river is just lame.

In somewhat of a coincidence and very disappointing revelation, I learned this morning that the Indians have been netting the mouth of the Chehalis for nearly 30 consecutive days - this explains why I caught fish in December, but nothing in January / February.  I'm trying to find out how long it's going to last. 

I was thinking about buying a river specific kayak this coming Saturday, but what's the point with how bad most WA rivers are...  I'll probably still do it, but having to drive 3-5 hours to get to a decent river is just lame.

I'm assuming you're still fishing the Wynoochee. Keep at it.



Tall Tails guide service:
"the past month of January had me fishing on the Wynoochie river, as the Skykomish, Snoqualmie and Cowlitz were all blown out. We have had some stellar days on the Wynoochie so far this season, with our smallest hatchery fish weighing in at 12 lbs and the largest native — SO FAR — at 21 lbs!! We have been and continue to hook into multiple fish per day."

Z

went out on Sunday morning caught 1 13inch SRC and a monster squaw about 3 lbs  thought i had a huge trout at first but o well

From a drift boat I can get results like that, I put my buddy right on top of a hole that resulted in a 33" chrome hen.  It's a bit harder in a yak, but you already know that.  I'm thinking I'll make that a little easier on Saturday.  Really though, it's frustrating when I'm casting in spots where I KNOW fish are going to be, and nothing, then finding out about nearly 30 days of 24/7 netting - it sucks.  Anyhow, I just hope it stop soon, because in December I nailed 'em pretty good from the yak. 

How long will the netting continue?  It's 5 days a week noon Sunday till noon Friday until mid April.
Not very encouraging but if you know the river well, you can still catch a couple, maybe, if your lucky .  In my opinion the Hump gets hit the hardest.  This has been going on for at least 5 years.  Not the best approach for wild escapement

Scott

caught and released one SRC yesterday after school it was about 15 inches  small bit glob eggs under neath a bobber