Wow, no shortage of "history and genetics" tales here...neat.

Does this mean that I should start dismantling my summer shelter near Wanlick Creek?

S.V.G.N.T. - 2011

Are the waters that far up the South Fork ever even open?

To another point, I've heard rumors from some supposed old school Nooksack steelheaders that the number of wild fish (if accurately assessed) is stunning, but WDFW has not the funds nor the care to do so. I can't say either way. I can't catch chit in this river, but hope springs eternal.

Never open. The SF is pretty dismal for holding water where open and it is full of all kinds of silty crap. There is also terrible access and the boat launch is gone as of last year. Most guys fish the NF these days.

I didn't think so, but the same guy who mentioned the unfathomably number of wild steelhead in the Nooksack also mentioned some great fishing back in the day up in some canyon region of the South Fork. (for kings) I can't say if there is even a canyon up there with fish because; I've never been there, and me and fish never seem to be in the same place at the same time. The Nooksack is a tough nut to crack for a newb. (which I seriously consider myself to be)

The "good" fishing water in the S.Fk. you're talking about is waaayy above the closed line...has been for about a decade or so.

Fish on...

Todd

Like I said, I'm a total newb. I've only been in the state for a decade come this July and only fishing rivers for about 3 years, so this is a very educational thread for me.

South fork opens 1st Sat in June from the mouth of the South fork (where it meets the North Fork) to the saxon bridge in Acme. It opens for hatchery steel and C&R pretty much everything else. I use to fish rite where the South Fork dumps into the North fork. You can park by the bridge above the North Fork and walk down. Usually there is a few fish around and last time I was there in the 1st week of june there were Big Crome Springer's. Have to use single barb-less hook. I used half red and half white spoons with single barb-less hook. Other people use vibrex #5 yellow and orange. Lots of snags and when the snow starts to melt then forget it. No bait allowed either.

I think you are looking at the wrong regs, it opens all the way to Skookum Creek this year at the 1st.

"O yee tales of lore round the pillows of Roman Orgies filled with copious amounts of blow, pb n j and fountains of Chocolate milk..."

rvrfshr- so you must know mountain Jim? Squatter that lives about 7 miles down river from your "cabin" ; )

stickfisher- WDFW is currently trying their best to get accurate counts on sf winters but the clarity is so poor late winter-spring that mainstem surveys are virtually impossible. It is assumed that those toads folks speak of are mainstem spawners considering the limited amount of tribs up high (maybe howard cr if they get above Sylvesters), though not much is known about where they're doing business...

For all those old school steelheaders that fished the sf sack back in the day, how high up were you encountering these larger early fish? Above Sylvester Canyon?

I can't help but wonder???? Are these the same guy's?

I sincerely hope you're not accusing Drew of poaching........

Thats some funny [censored] right there!!!! Drew dresses like a poacher!!

Bunker

Oh yeah, if you look at the water dripping from her front fin and from in between his pinky finger and ring finger. It looks like blood to me.

Bunker

That fish looks alive to me the eye is looking slightly downward...but she's leaking more than eggs. It looks like blood dripping from the dudes left hand.

The eye looking downward is the angle of the dangle.

Bloods drippin all over, and a trusted source in all things steelheading pointed out the two tone back. And sure enough upon closer inspection ..... it's dead.

IBTL

who has a pointy chin, thats insulting.

Swoosh!

This one is now LOCKED too, BigJim!

Crikies!!!