Lower Mainland Rivers February 09 Steelhead delight

The local rivers have been doing quite well for steelhead in the month of January,  don’t forget these are the early fish, as the majority of fish start showing up in late Feb. and early March.   The weather has been pretty frigid lately and few anglers are willing to deal with the conditions, but those who have have been rewarded with a great early steelhead season, so quit with the excuses and get out there!

Chehalis River has by far been producing the most fish on a regular basis.  The river is high but has good visibility, and with the high stream floes it seems to be flushing in new fish daily.  Lots of fish are being caught on roe, but a few good spinners are getting their share.  It`s definitely been tougher on the fly guys with the cold weather but trying some pink leeches and pink and purple spey patterns has proven effective for those willing to try.

The Vedder River has definitely been a challenge with the water clarity resulting from the clay bank slide late last year.  Most fish are being caught around Tamihi bridge and above.   Tempting the fish has been a challenge, with more guys crowding the upper reaches these fish are seeing more pressure than normal and it’s making catching them that much harder.  Fish are being caught but slowly,  once the middle and lower  portions clear a bit we’ll see better numbers. 

Harrison River is slow right now with the majority of fish caught being cuttthroat.  Look for that to improve in the next few weeks as more cutts start looking for fry.  Try fishing fry and egg patterns in around the log booms below the highway and railway bridges.  Roe and spin fisherman should look to the same areas, but if you have a boat trying the eddys at the mouth of the Fraser could prove to be fruitful.