Editor's Angling Notes (Chilliwack)

Early Run Red Chinook Salmon Chilliwack River I n British Columbia September rains bring Pacific Salmon into their natal streams; they spawn and die providing nutrients to the ecosystem. For most salmon species this phenomenon reoccurs every four years; the exception is the pink salmons' 2 year cycle. As of Mid September 2020 the Coho and White Chinook Salmon have started to enter the Chilliwack/Vedder River System. We are heading for the last part of August here on the Pacific Northwest. The days are getting shorter and the Sun has an altered angle with less intensity. While taking a day off and angling on the river we start to realize how blessed we are in the Fraser Valley to have such a prodigious river here literally at our fingertips. For those of us living in Chilliwack, which in First Nations means "paddle up the river as far as you can go", our luck has it that we can visit the Great Outdoors within minutes of the town. Here a whole new world opens up to our senses.

During the last part of August it seems that mother nature's balance starts to waiver. One starts to notice the gradual change or shift in the nature's great prescence. The corn fields near their harvest time, leaves begin to fall from deciduous trees into the river and the salmon make their last appearance. The pacific salmon, looking for their final life-death mate, now start to change colour from shiny silver to shades of red displaying a prelude to the shades of Autumn.

The pacific salmon follow their life cycle with vehemence. They have one purpose: propogation of their species. It's curious indeed that the pacific salmon die after spawning as if it were their life achievement. Their dead carcasses lay strewn throughout the river eventually providing nutrients to bolster the ecosystem.

Sport anglers here in The Pacific Northwest witness this miracle first hand and are fortunate enough to provide their families salmon as table fare. We honour and cherish our Pacific Salmon and The Great Outdoors. www.steelheadermag.com Heading into the middle of August the red chinook runs have slowed. However we are expecting the coho salmon in shortly.

At the beginning of August anglers are seeing larger numbers of Red Chinook Spring Salmon as well as Chilliwack Lake Sockeye runs (non-retention of sockeye salmon) on the Vedder/Chilliwack river system. photo of Vedder River Coho Salmon c Hanson 2020

Chilliwack Angler with Early Run Red Chinook The Chilliwack River is in great shape for drift fishing the early red chinook run. A few fish showed today making anglers smile as the season is definitely on its way.

There were several campers in little nooks and crannies along the river. Particularly annoying was the propensity of camp fires in the middle of an ideal summer day. On a short stroll along a path by the riverbank I was embarrassed to see used toilet paper, cigarette butts, beer cans, diapers and well folks you name it. I even encountered individuals with a 2 meter huka pipe in the middle of the dyke walkway; they seemed to be enjoying themselves.

The RULE of the outdoors here is to leave it the way it was when you arrived - clean up your materials. When the legions of serious anglers arrive there could be some friction here if people don't respect the outdoors and environment. Do your part be kind and respect the environment and each other.

The Chilliwack River Lake Road saw a steady of stream of traffic going both ways and from local reports Chilliwack Lake was very busy. All parties enjoyed the Great Outdoors with care. July and summer months are truly fishing months of the year for those of us who live in the Pacific Northwest. Its July 14, 2020 today and we expect the river salmon runs this year to be a passionate endeavor for young and old alike. Moreover,BC has an abundant treasure of lakes that are the keepers of some of our most treasured rainbow trout and other indigenous species.

This year however, has seen mankind brought to its knees with little more than a gram of Covid-19. While fishing lodges, guiding companies and entrepreneurs suffer an immense financial crippling we see the angling sport take on some of its original characteristics.

Typically Dad, Mom, Uncle or friends and the kids trek to the river, lake or pond with fishing poles looking for some fun. Social distancing in this scenario is easy and natural. Imagine standing within 6 feet of someone fly casting or spin casting. This action is rarely seen even in pre-covid times.

Be sure to check into www.greatoutdoorscanada.com where you will find information tailored to BC outdoor activities.