Hello and welcome to the Michael & Young fishing report.
Steelhead fishing on the Vedder has continued to be productive. The river is dropping quickly right now after the high water on the weekend. There are fish throughout the entire system now, although some of the best fly water is in the lower river and down through the canal. Remember to use a fast sinking tip to get your fly down to the fish. It’s normal to lose a fly or two during the day, but if you are continually snagging up you will spend more time tying on new flies than fishing. It’s a good idea to bring a few tips in different sink rates in case you need to fish higher or lower in the water column. Casting at more of a downstream angle will also help to reduce hanging up, as will keeping tension on the line throughout your swing. Although fly choice is not as crucial as presentation and covering water, fishing a pattern that stands out in low visibility is important. One of the fun things about steelhead fishing is the variety of patterns that you can use - come by the shop to check out some great options.
Although the Vedder has by far the largest returns of winter steelhead, there are some other options if you want to get away from the crowds and try something different. The Chehalis receives some fish, however there isn’t a lot of good fly water to cover. You can also try the mouth of the river on the Harrison, as there are fish traveling up the Harrison to spawn in the tributaries of the Harrison Lake. The Cheakamus usually starts getting a few fish now, but the best time for both the Squamish and Cheakamus is March and April. Also check out the Stave River, head to the island to fish the Stamp or Gold, or for a longer trip, try exploring some of the North Island rivers.
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