PILCHUCK

[Snowman]

The river has mainly natives in it. Only a few hatchery caught a year on it. An I have never heard of them dumping hatcheriers in there. Not sure where that info came from an not to sure to beleive it with out hard proof. Know many people who fish it and live on the river as well I have fished it for many years now an only have caught natives on it. There has not been a hatchery on it for many years. It is a good river for natives though. 

[87Ford]

The Pilchuck River has been planted for many years and received a plant of 25,300 in 2008.  The bulk of these fish are returning this winter.  That in itself does not mean it was a good season.  It does  mean there was hatchery opportunity on that river this winter.  I have caught many hatchery fish in that river over the years, the first being in 1984.  Yes, the native component provides opportunity mostly in February and fisherman may be able to fish on them for the first couple of weeks in February until the river closes on the 16th.

For me, I'll miss the days of catching hatcher fish on that river.

[Snowman]

Thanks 87ford.   

[snocohunter]

Good info! I grew up in lake stevens and snohomish so the chuck is kinda my stomping grounds. I kick myself all the time that I waited so long to actually fish it. I probably missed out on a solid 7 or 8 years of my life that I could have enjoyed it. Too things are headed south on many of our rivers.

[fishseeker]

The Pilchuck River will likely close on Feb 16th this year instead of the usual end of February closure.  Also, this river will no longer be planted with hatchery steelhead.   Glad I had the opportunity to enjoy this river in the 80's and 90's.


http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20100211/SPORTS/702119956/1008/SPORTS02#Chinook.starting.to.show.up.in.Lower.Columbia.
 

Miss the old Chuck. Caught my 1st steelhead at Doc&Anns in 72. Many more in following years. Got spooled by March fish more than once

[87Ford]

Well, not too many years ago I wouldn't have ever discussed this zipperlip on the net.  However, with the end of hatchery plants and a possible permanent closure looming, it doesn't seem to matter anymore.  The best days on this river are a memory.  As I said earlier, I feel fortunate to have enjoyed this river in the 80's and most of the 90's.

Access for me has also become a bit of a problem.  Yes, you can wade easily when the river is low, but my best days were usually right after high water when flows still made wading difficult.  Many a house have been built at my favorite access points.

[Skyvalhunter]

Cool so if we see your truck we can help our selves to any of the beverages in the cooler of your truck!!

[87Ford]

What happened to banannaclip?  He was really spillin' the beans on this little river.