Vedder River

Have any of you hit the vedder recently? I know that by now it's stuffed with chinook, chum and coho, but suspect it's too low to fish worth a darn. I have a trip scheduled to go there next week but wonder it there's enough water to make it worth while. Any news?

I fished the vedder yesterday. It's stuffed with springs, and stuffed with anglers. I went up high and walked as far from the road as possible. It kind of worked. I only had to share a small hole with five other people. But I won't complain too much since I could see 40+ pound fish swim by all day.
I saw tons of kings caught, but no silvers. I could see some silvers swimming around, but no takers with the water conditions.
The water is very low and clear. I could see the bottom of even the deepest holes. ( or so i thought) When a helicopter flew low overhead about 200 fish darted out of the "clear" water into the shallows, and dissapeared back into the "clear" water as soon as it was gone. Amazing how that many 40 pound fish can dissapear into some choppy water.
Not ideal fishing conditions but I did manage to hook quite a few fish once I figured everything out. Probably hooked 30+ fish,landed 5. Smallest fish was mid 20's largest was 35. Not a great average, but I'll claim light leader and small hooks as my excuse for not sounding like a tota a total cracker .
The derby was this weekend. I stopped and looked at the top ten board for saturday. The leader was 45 I think? But all ten were 42 and over.
Do any of you keep the white kings. I released all mine. But a lot of people were keeping some of the brighter ones. Smokers? I'm going up again this weekend hopefully. Should I keep one?

hope that helps a little bit. ss

Thanks for the report. That helped a lot. Were you above Slesse Park? What were you using for terminal gear? And were you using floats or bottom bouncing? Do you think they were biting or were they lined?

I'm headed up there Thursday and will fish Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Ii will probably fish the Harrison a day or two. Were the chums showing in the Vedder yet?

As for you question on the white springs, I don't know anyone who keeps them. They have a dsitinct smell - even the chromers. A few years back a friend kept a bright one from the lower river but he said it tasted awful. I haven't ever had one smoked.

I would attach a photo if I knew how.

I fished it friday off of Peach Rd. and saw similar to what solidsteel saw. Lots of fish and people. I did ok, comparing to the locals, I got three kings, biggest around 30 and smallest around 20. I did break off a fish that was over 40, I hooked it and it just sat in the current, and then decided to run, downstream...
As far as flossing fish, some are for sure, but Im not a pro flosser like the canadians, so the fish I caught were hooked in the bottom or top of the mouth. I did catch a bunch of chums too, and only saw a couple of silvers caught. Im going to fish it this tuesday I think, and possibly sunday, so if you want someone else to fish with send me a PM. good luck

I've only been up there a few times so I couldn't really tell you where I was. But I can tell you how I got there. From fred's tackle I went up to the bridge(I think this is where the vedder turns into the chilliwack?). Then I just followed the road along the river for a few miles until the river wasn't right next to the road. Then I got out and started hiking up river. I hope that made sense.
I was fishing with a float the whole time. A small hook(#2 or smaller) with a tiny bit of yarn seemed to be the best. Peach seemed to be the hot color. I was fishing a pretty deep hole, so I had the hook about 10 feet under the float with a little weight about 3 feet above the hook.
I would like to think that I was not lining any fish. A good number of the fish that I saw landed took the hook really deep in the mouth. And the water was clear enough to see the fish dart over and take the hook. But I did land one that was hooked on the outside of the mouth. I also hooked a huge king in the tail that stayed on about 15 seconds with 10 pound leader. Hopefully this doesn't start the dreaded flossing debate all over again
I'm trying to talk some of my buddies into going up friday-saturday or saturday-sunday. But I'll do a solo run again if I have to. I have never fished the harrison, might have to give it a try. Good luck up there! SS

Surecatch,

One word answer: GO!

The river is loaded with "springs" and it seems this year fish over 30 lbs are the norm and fish over 40 lbs are preety common. The chums are stating to increase in numbers and are rather eager biters. You been up yet 4salt?

I guess you had fun 4 Salt. I will be up there as well this weekend. I am going after those piggies. If you want to meet up at some point in time email me.
devine

Well, I couldn't wait, I fished it tonight for about an hour. Not as many fish, but I got a 10# hatchery coho.

Jerry,

Yep, I was there this last weekend. Water is LOW! Fish were EVERYWHERE though. I met up with Beek on Sat, and he took us to a fast water stretch away from the crowds that ended up producing pretty well. You are right about the size of the springs this year. We only hit 3 coho over the weekend, but lost count on springs and chums. Find a fast water chute with a little depth away from all of the people and you'll catch 'em till your sick of it, or your arm stops working!

p.s. Jerry and Chris (Devine), I'll be there this weekend too. You want to try and hook up?

I'll let you know 4Salt, I was there Sat.,fished below Vedder Crossing about 1/2 mile.

4Salt,

I am going up Friday after work. We can meet up whenever if for nothing more than a beer or two. Shoot me an email..... or I will shoot you one.

devine

can anyone here give me directions up to the vedder, if i get directions i will plan a trip up to canada here by the next weekend..what # test are you guys using for the kings? eggs?? corky and yarn, or jus plain yarn, if you dont want to post here, you can email or private message me..thanks..

Taake I-5 to near Bellingham. Take exit for Lynden - Bellis Fair Mall - I think it's 256-A, its the first one past the K mart. Follow through Lynden to the border. TAKE YOUR PASSPORT!!!

Take Canada Highway 1 east to Chilliwack. Take exit for Cultus Lake at Cottonwood Mall. Follow road through Vedder Crossing to the bridge over Vedder River. The River road follows river upstream about ten miles. You can follow it downstream for about same distance.

Or when on Highway One headed west, take the Lickman Road Exit and go south till you hit the river.

Expect HUGE crowds. Use a float rod and flaot if you want to fit in with the locals. Its really hard to bottom bounce wjhen fishing with a bunch of flaot fishers. Anyway float fishing is MUCH more effective.

Stop by the Rainbow Country Inn for a Kokanee. See ye there.

Use good bright red eggs or just a dab or cerise wool. Many of the chinook are lined even if that's not what you are trying to do.

THe river will be full of BIG chums which will eat the same gear as the chinook.

There are also lots of silvers - locals know them only as coho. They will bit best on six lb leader, a number four hook and a tiny spawn bag or a medium sized Jensen egg. If you hook a chinook on this gear you will very likely lose it. Have fun and remember this is a crowded situation.

Try to be kind and considerate. Most Canadian anglers practice excellent river etiquette. We can take a lesson from them

THANKS SURE CATCH, so is there problems getting thru the customs now??

If we go to war there sure will be.....

You'll need a Driver's license and proof of citizenship if required. Birth certificate, Passport, or voter registration card. Oh, and no felonies on your record.

How accessable is the river I was thinking of taking my father up their. He is just about 80 loves to fish and gets around good if the ground is pretty level or not to steep. Also where is a good place to stop and get a canadian fishing license. Do they sell them anywhere or at special stores.

The river is very accessible. There is a city path that follows right along most of the lower river. Problem is that the ease of accessability is what makes it SO crowded. If you don't mind company you can go to the crossing, Peach or Lickman road access points. You can get a license at Fred's custom tackle in Sardis/Chilliwack. It's on the Vedder road, a couple of blocks from the crossing. You will see people of all ages and skill levels fishing. If your dad likes catching, and doesn't mind crowds, the Vedder is a good place.

My brother helped a 70 year old man bring in a 55 pounder on Monday. So I say go for it.

Is there any kind of a camp ground close by?

The last time I went up they would not accept a voter registration card. They said the only acceptable documentation is a Passport or birth certificate. They finally let us through but warned that they didn't have to.

I spoke to Peter at Fred's today. He said the river is loaded, but the water is so low the fish arent biting much. Many are snagged or flossed. I think i will wait till we get some rain. It sounds like a real zoo up there right now.

Surecatch,

That must have been last year? I've crossed at Sumas 4 times since August (Fraser sockeye season) and they've relaxed quite a bit since last fall. I personally have only had to show my DL, but always bring passport just in case. Last Oct. there was a sign at the crossing that said BC, PP, or Voter cards WERE accepted, and my wife and I had no trouble using voter cards. Yes, the river is low and people are lining/snagging at the deep holes, but this is nothing new, they do it at higher water as well. Like EVERYWHERE else, when salmon are stacked up there are ALWAYS going to be people doing this. The key is like I said before, do a little hiking and fish the travelling lanes. Rain would definitely help, but there's none in the immediate forecast, so it's either sit at home, or go fishing.

Every time you cross you can get diffrent treatment. I cross about 15 times a year. The incident I described was on Sept 23 this year.
I
t does seem to me that the crossing at Sumas is easier than the rest, but I suspect it just depends on who is on duty that day.

To some extent you are right about getting out and hiking, but I believe I have hiked every inch of that river - even behind the prison. This weekend will be a zoo no matter where you go. If I go, I will probably try up around Slesse Park.

Every time you cross you can get diffrent treatment. I cross about 15 times a year. The incident I described was on Sept 23 this year.
I
t does seem to me that the crossing at Sumas is easier than the rest, but I suspect it just depends on who is on duty that day.

To some extent you are right about getting out and hiking, but I believe I have hiked every inch of that river - even behind the prison. This weekend will be a zoo no matter where you go. If I go, I will probably try up around Slesse Park.

Every time you cross you can get diffrent treatment. I cross about 15 times a year. The incident I described was on Sept 23 this year.
I
t does seem to me that the crossing at Sumas is easier than the rest, but I suspect it just depends on who is on duty that day.

To some extent you are right about getting out and hiking, but I believe I have hiked every inch of that river - even behind the prison. This weekend will be a zoo no matter where you go. If I go, I will probably try up around Slesse Park.

The last two times up they didn't even ask for any I.D., they must recognize me

Jerry,

Either that, or it was all of the old school busses painted in flower patterns following you that heralded your true identity.

If your coming up HOG hunting, Bring a 10 to 11 ft rod. Shimano, makes one, Convergance, that will work just fine if you can't afford something with status. You'll be fishing with long leaders above your float so you need the longer rod length. I tried my 8 1/2 ft, man, was it tough!
20 lb test, or stronger in Tuff Line, ect.
1, 2 ,1/0 Gammies are fine. You can go smaller if you want.
FLOATS- Dink style, some of us use bobber stops and slide them. Fixed, works just as well.
Pencil lead under your float.

NOT YARN! Wool, yes, there is a differance. Wool is 100 % wool. It expands under water.
Yarn is mixed fibers and stays conpressed. I learned the hard way.

Best advice I can give for 1st timers is, WATCH. Don't be affraid to ask questions. Most of the Canadians are pretty cool and will help you out. They were to me 10 yrs ago when I first showed up.
Respect their hole. Try to match their weight so your not out floating them or dragging the bottom. If someone has a fish on , get your gear out of the water and wait.

No, I don't use eggs. Just a Gammie and alittle piece of peach wool. This is what most guys are using.
Remember, there are some big pigs in there, the water is fast in some areas. They WILL spool ya!
Bring extra line or a reel.
I don't know how the white kings taste, I never kept one. Heard they smoke ok. I perfer the chums for that. Plenty of them in there. Don't worry "You will get tired of catching the dogs!!!"

Hey G-Man,
Shy of purchasing a peach seatcover :p , where the heck do YOU get wool for this??

you can get wool at freds custom tackle right at the vedder crossing

http://www.freds-bc.com/

Thanks swj,
Didn't realize that. Dont you all wish we had a local "Fred's"!!??. Great people, product and attitude!!!

A "GOOD" tackle shop should carry wool.
The "BUG SHOP" packages all type of colors. All Sports Supply carries their products.
Check Sportco?

60% chance of rain this weekend. Fishing will be nuts along with all the people if this happens!

I'll be there on sunday......whos with me?!?!

I'm heading up today. We'll be staying at Harrison Bay campground and fishing the Harrison/Fraser Saturday til at least Monday. Look for the 94 20' alumaweld flat bottom with at least 3 guys fishing from it. I'll be wearing the floppy ears of course