Warmer Temps melting the Ice at Local Lakes Feb 28 09

Lafarge is ice free and some of those big fish that they put in are hungry!  We ‘ve been getting reports that on the sunny days the big fish are cruising close to shore through the weed beds looking for anything to eat.  Once again power bait has been doing the trick quite well.  Buntzen has been fishing pretty good but you need to get out on the water.  Purple micro leeches and red spratley’s have been working well with red wedding bands doing the job for trollers.  Whonnock lake is still frozen over so don’t go there.  Golden Ears park is closed as well,  we are hoping to see it open in March.  As the weather warms the afternoons will be your best fishing so sleep in and fish the aafternoons.

Local Rivers Low and Slow Feb 28 09

The Chehalis river is really low and clear right now.  We’re going to have to wait for some rain to bump the water levels up and hopefully get some new fish in to the system.  In the mean time search the canyons for fish now with this low water you should be able to hike into some new spots usually inaccessible during regular water levels.  The canyon is where a lot of steelies are taken during low water, they end up trapped like fish in a barrel.   Once you find a pool of fish use light leaders in the 8-10 lb range in Flourocarbon.  Fresh roe has been the best slo far if you haven’t got any try roe sacs in the morning and switch to jensen eggs or shrimp in the late morning.  Jigs and colorado’s are also good choices in low water.

 

The Vedder like most rivers is at an all time low.  The middle section is seeing heavier pressure due to the fact that the water is slightly colored.  For those of you who like more solitude stick to the upper river.  The water is gin clear so dress in drab colors and try not to move to quickly,  light leaders and small presentations seem to be producing what fish are being caught.  In the middle section due to the colouring you can use bigger presentations without much worry.  Some rain is due late Sunday and into Monday so fishing could be good mid-week but we’ll have to wait and see if they can get the forecast right.  Mid to late afternoon warm temperatures earlier in the week were producing nice bites with several big fish being caught between 11am and 2pm.  So you late sleepers may get the best fishing for once.

 

The Harrison is just coming in to prime time.  The fry are starting to emerge so the  cutthroat should start to show up in good numbers.  Try fishing the log booms on the east side of the river above and below the highway bridge.  As well as any back channels and slough areas of the main river.  For the fly use rolled muddlers, tied back and epoxy minnows as well as GCCK’s and Professors.  For those with the gear try spinners and small spoons in silver and brass.

Winter Feeders Hit and Miss in Local Saltwater Feb 28 09

The local salt has been pretty hit and miss in the last couple weeks, with lots of wind on and off making it just a little tougher on you.  The mouth of the Cap has been fishing the best at the flood tide.  Tungstel bay has still been producing the nicest fish.  It’s key right now to find the bait, watch your sonar and when you find some bait drop your gear right to the bottom.  Coyote Spoons in Watermelon, Cop Car, Night Rider and Green Glo.  Try Anchovies with a flasher as well.

Fraser River Fishing Well For Cutthroat Feb 28 09

The upper Fraser River is fishing well for cutthroat trout, especially in the sloughs and back channels.  The fry are starting to emerge from the gravel so it’s time to start fishing the fry patterns.  On the fly try using GCCK’s, Professors, Rolled Muddlers, tied back and epoxy minnows.  For the gear, fish the same areas but try using small silver spinners, hammered brass firestripe crocs, Hildebrands or Dick Nites.  Sturgeon fishing has been pretty good for the early season, most fish being caught are in the 4 foot range and dew worms seem to be doing the trick.  Eulachons should start running in April and once that begins they will be on the feed heavy.

CFOX’s Jeff O’Neil fighting his monster Sturgeon

Jeff O’Neil from CFOX morning show catching the big fish. Riverside Fly and Tackle, a sports fishing shop and guide service in beautiful British Columbia Canada, takes out the morning crew from CFOX FM and Jeff O’neil catches his first Sturgeon on the Fraser river near Mission BC.