nooksack river

Just wondering if anybody has fished the nooksack lately?, if so hows it doing? and where would a first timer on the river start at. Was thinking of heading up there tommorrow if the heavens don't dump on us to much. Thanks for any help.

I used to live in Bellingham. I fished the area where the middle fork joins the North. Head up toward deming and turn right on Mosquito lake rd. Park just past the bridge. There is a good beginners hole under the bridge. Also if you walk downstream follow the Middle fork ( to the left) and walk up it as well. If you want to get closer to the hatchery take the first rd left after the bridge (not the campsite ) and follow that road until you see pulloffs. There is one spot where their will probably be some people. I would suggest going where the people are (as a beginner) until you figure out what your doing. I first drift fished in the Nooksack but wasted alot of time cause I didn't know what the heck to do. Your name being five weight I am assuming that you are flyfishing. (if so, definitely look for other people) from what I remember alot of that water is fast and it will be hard to get a good drift. Maybe take a spinning rod along so you dont get let down.

How is Whatcom creek? I have wondered if anything is starting to grow back? What a tragedy!
I miss it up there, used to volunteer with NSEA ( Nooksack Salmon Enhancement) if you have time on a blown out river weekend its a great place to volunteer to help out the river ( and meet prospective river contacts :-) )
Good Luck!

The Nooksack has been fishhing well lately, if it isnt to muddy. Ive been doing great with flies and spoons on the South Fork. My buddies and I caught 12 in an hour the other day. Which is the best luck Ive evver had salmon fishing.

Id sugjest taking a right off the Mt Baker Hwy on to Highway 9 or 99 (sorry never can remember what its called) basicaly the first 90 degree turn after the Nooksac Casino. Youll go over a bridge.Take this road all the way through Acme and then go a few more miles tell you get to the Saxon Rd. Take a left and go over the tracks keep going till you go over the bridge. Drive till you see cars, lots a fish there as well as lots of fisherman. Explore and youl be rewarded.

Good Luck and Fun Fishing-
Josh

Silvers galore in the N. Fork, but the ones running by the Hwy 9 bridge eddys avoided my buddy's presentations yesterday--he'd done well there all last week on the dropping water with eggs and spoons. Yesterday they preferred a roe cluster about 6' under a bobber--held down with 3 or 4 split shot spaced 12" apart. Don't cast right into the eddy--cast into the current and let your presentation swirl through naturally, even if it's right past your feet. Fish the dropping water, and fish colored water...the Nooksack is at it's prime when there's 2-3 feet of visibility. Silvers bite early--saw most of our action before 9:30. Considerably slower after that. One fish yesterday pushed 9 pounds, but most were in the 3-5 lb range.
Think I saw a chum yesterday--can't wait to tag a few with my 8-wt.
Anyone doing well on the Stilly?

I hit the Nooksack today (south fork) for the second day in a row. Paid off well. After I landed a few on the spinning rod, I switched to my fly rod w/ a 5' sink tip. That was sure frustrating. It felt like I was casting a plunking sinker. What's the ticket to fishing dogs w/ a fly rod on the nooksack? Do guys use a sink tip or do they go for a sinking line? I like the feel of just a floating line with minimal weight.

*****

On a side note I've done quite a bit of fishing within an hour of Bellingham lately. Upper Skagit, Vedder, and the Nooksack. Where will I have my best shot at a 2-3 steelhead day in the local area? I know many closely guard these secrets, but any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Matt