[Chris]

My friend and I fished the chehalis yesterday. We were on our way into the canyon and there was a tree across the snowy road. The tree was way too big to move, so we tried going up some side road a ways back and it ended hooking back up to the main road ! We got to the pool a little later than we hoped, but at least we were there. We started casting colorados in our favorite hole, and within a few casts I was into a nice doe coho. Landed and released. A few casts later I hooked into something big. I could see a big chrome bar flashing out in the green water. After a good battle I got it close enough to shore to see that it was a very large bright chrome fish. As I was pulling it shorewards, it gave one last head shake and the spinner came flying back at my head :evil: I landed 3 more fish in the next hour or so, then the morning bite was off. None of the fish were real bright, but a couple of them still had silvery sides, and they were all good fighters. My friend landed a nice hatchery doe in a little tail out, and that was the only one that came home with us. The snow made for an exciting hike to say the least (ass sliding into the canyon in waders :lol: ), and beautiful scenery.

 

[DanTfisherman]

Hmmn,

Do you drive a blue Dakota or a dark blue/black Chevy S15 4x4???

Dano

 

[Chris]

No I drive a 3/4 ton chev, and the truck I was in was a red S-10.

 

[GrandA]

was the terrain very dangerous or if your careful you'll be fine? I'm thinking about going this Thursday just wondering how safe / unsafe it'll be..?

 

[Steelie Trav]

Lots of snow up there, long hikes into the canyon as the access roads have trees fallen over them. If you venture up there be very carefull.

 

[DanTfisherman]

Yes, I would agree.

Looking like a bad time to take some chances up there.
I did a lot of driving and a lot of hiking on Saturday. I have a good vehicle with new tires as of a week ago and am not sure as to when I will be returning up that way again.

With the type of weather we have had, the higher/further up reaches may be snowed in until early March.

Has been at leact 4 to 5 years since I have last encountered conditions such as this. Who knows.

I am certain there will be a few that take their chances. To do so, you have to be confident, know where you are going well, hopefully have a partner, and let others know of your plans!!!

Dano

 

[Steelie Trav]

I am certain there will be a few that take their chances. To do so, you have to be confident, know where you are going well, hopefully have a partner, and let others know of your plans!!!

Plus bring a come along, rope, blankets, extra food and water etc. etc... In those conditions you must be ready for anything. If you get stuck a simple come along would come in handy, if used with a tow rope. There is absolutley no call phone reception up there either, so if you get stuck there isn't calling any buddies for a hand!

 

[GrandA]

We'll I have a Tacoma, with All Terrains, not too concerned about getting stuck, more of the hike part, - thanks for the tips I will definately be bringing a friend and packing some emergency gear, should be fun! I'll let you know how it goes, if you don't hear from me come Saturday start looking please Ha!

 

[Chris]

Wasn't too bad on saturday, hike was a little slippery but the trail I take isn't too crazy, not this one anyways. I'm sure it's alot worse now. All terrains aren't that fantastic in deep snow so be careful. I have 35 inch BFG mud terrains and they rock in deep snow, but a come along is always a good idea. Good luck and be careful.

 

[GrandA]

I didn't end up going - my friend backed out! Did anyone head up to the canyon??

 

[Chris]

That sucks, I'll be heading out somewhere tomorrow Does anyone know the approximate level of the chehalis?? Am I dreaming if I'm hoping for some height or what? :lol:
Thanks,

 

[sage2106lb]

Chehalis river

Fished the Chehalis on friday, looking for the first winters to arrive.Managed to land and release a bright hatchery summer-run behind about 10 chums spawning.Maybe 6 to 7lbs.Lots of snow and no coho.This is the worst coho return I have seen in this river system in years.The feds have to realize that it is not about numbers of fish but also type of fish raised in a hatchery :!:

 

[Chris]

This is a good point that I have discussed with my friends before, way to many chum, nearly no coho. Congrats on the steelie. I ended up going elsewhere, and got one nice jack coho, and lost 2 more bigger ones.