Chehalis River valley tips?

[Slothman60]

I recently moved to Elma and I’m curious on places to go and other advice to hunt the area. Is there good places to go that are accessible without a boat and dog around Elma and Montesano? TIA

[metlhead]

None that aren't already pounded and a waste of time. Boat is key to sucess although the valley is beginning to fill with water. Birds scatter to private lands. Knock on doors and maybe get lucky. Late season super freeze will put em back on the river for a few days. Boat

[brew]

I drove by the wdfw land off hwy 12 about 130 yesterday.  Nobody hunting it and had a couple dozen ducks sitting on it.  Came back through about 430 and there were more

[metlhead]

Scouted the valley this afternoon. Rochester to Satsop is a dead zone on state land. Private lands had a few birds scattered. Swans arrived and saw some buffies so migrant flocks are not far behind.

[ASHQUACK]

Scouted the valley this afternoon. Rochester to Satsop is a dead zone on state land. Private lands had a few birds scattered. Swans arrived and saw some buffies so migrant flocks are not far behind.

I did the same on Thursday.  Saw a few birds sitting on private well posted land. Did see one group of woodies that jumped and bailed as soon as I stopped the truck. I was suprised at the lack of sheet water even after the rain. I agree with your assessment. Those swans are cool to see.

[ducks4days]

Ive kayaked the river 6 times and was always successful either pass shooting ducks flying between the trees on the sloughs or setting up in shallow flats or ponds with a handful of decoys when the tide comes in. You can get setup with a kayak, travel rack, and blind / cover for under $1k and have access to spots holding birds every day of the season.

Its worth remembering that ducks like to hide, just because you dont see a cyclone of them from the road doesnt mean they arent there.

[The.Fur.bearing.trout]

In regards to hitting the river is a kayak necessary, or could you get away with a 12/13 foot John boat?

[metlhead]

Chehalis is very tame. Jon would be fine if you can maneuver it easily. Kayak is fine also. Do your map research before hitting the water so you have an idea where backwaters be.