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How to Fish in the Chehalis River

With a total drainage area of 2,660 square miles, the Chehalis River is the second largest river in Washington state, behind only the Columbia. Fishing is an important part of the local economy and the fall salmon and steelhead fisheries attract sport fishers from all over the country. The river's Chehalis fishery covers two seasons and sees runs of chinook salmon in the spring and coho in the fall. The fall run may also see passes of the more sluggish chinook who have lagged behind and joined the second group.

Things You'll Need

Boat
Rod
Deep-diving lure
Landing net
Sardine fillet

Instructions

- 1
  Head to the Chehalis River after the first fall rains. From the town of Elma head west on U.S. 12 for four miles. Then head south on Keyes Road for 1.5 miles and turn right before the bridge onto a paved road. Continue upstream until reaching the launch site. Park and choose a spot.
- 2
  Launch your boat into the water and maneuver to an area of water between 3 and 10 feet deep. Look for areas of shallow, fast-running water and then look on either side of these rapids. Fish will generally prefer to swim through water that is deeper and calmer, so the fast water will divert them into these sections. Drop anchor just upstream from the spot you want to fish and play out enough rope to allow you to drift into position. This will allow you to fish the exact river location you choose. Check that the anchor line is secure.
- 3
  Attach the deep-diving lure to your fishing line. Wrap a sardine fillet around the body of the lure to act as bait. Be sure not to obstruct the movement of the plug while doing this. Tie the fillet on with sewing thread. This bait is used because it is oilier and more odorous than normal bait, however it should be replaced on the lure every half hour, as the oily odor will begin to wear off.
- 4
  When you have a bite, reel the fish in to the side of the boat and bring the landing net down to the level of the water. If your lure has multiple hooks, be very careful when landing the fish so as not to damage the net with the other hooks on the lure. These hooks can also injure the fish so be doubly careful. Land the fish and remove the hook.

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