Whatcom Creek?

[Jim in Anacortes]

I've never fished it. It seems like it could be a fun place for me to fish. I did some research, but I am shamelessly asking for "local knowledge". Apparently it is open to fish Saturday and Sunday... Any input or guidance is much appreciated, Jim

 

[the_chemist]

Its not. Back when they stocked it with chums it was called the "chums N bums derby" because of the mission next door. Makes the samish seem like a secluded getaway.

 

[Mossback]

It's turned into a parking lot....but the fall Chum run is a hoot.

 

[M_D]

What they said. I expect it to be a shit show because it's only open two days per week.

That said, I've fished the chum run a couple times back in the day and it can be kinda fun.

Should you decide to give it a go, know that the hatchery side ( locally known as the Wall) is essentially gear only. It'll prolly be shoulder to shoulder and there will be enough hooks flying around without a fly rod in the mix.

If it's not too crazy, one might be able to find some space on the opposite or east side ( river left) to throw flies. That said, wear river chains or cleats cuz it can be slippery as hell AND have a stout rod and leader cuz you will be horsing fish in....the creek is not that big and you'll piss off the neighbors if you can't control your fish....ask me how I know

 

[M_D]

Took the dog down for a walk this morning to check things out. There’s barely any water flowing in the creek



and this was taken about an hour after low tide


no fish seen and I’m guessing it might take more than the forecasted 1.5 inches of rain to get things going.

 

[Pink Nighty]

If you really want to fly fish it, it can be done. Up the creek under the trees on the park side, roll cast only but the fish are close by. Same up among the pilings, roll only but no need for distance.

It's not as bad as I remember it back in the day on the wall. I've checked out the show the last couple years, it's still a ridiculously compacted snag fest but it's not as intense it seems. Saw a dude hand line one last year, everyone gave him room to be a dipshit.

Small jiggy flies on as long a leader as you can roll cast effectively. It can happen to you.

 

[HauntedByWaters]

I grew up fishing it and then learned about literally countless places that are better in Whatcom County. Last time I went it was for the chinook and I got a big weight to the chest while fishing across from the wall and it hurt! The person who cast it had no idea they hit me or even what day it was. I always wear glasses when I go but now I don’t need to because I won’t go again.

 

[M_D]

The official amount at the airport was less than an inch of rain in the last 24 hrs. My wife’s inaccurate backyard rain gauge showed 1.5.

Whatever it was, it didn’t seem to make a difference in creek flow

and the half dozen or so fishers were pretty bummed to find low tide

 

[charles sullivan]

It's essentially open because they are getting 7K in kings back. You aren't likely gonna find them in the actual creek.

 

[skyriver]

WWU grad here. My grades suffered fall quarters because I would ride my girlfriend's (now wife) 50cc Honda Spree scooter down there and fish for chum. I would catch them down here.

Backcast over that fence. Not sure what's there now, but back then it was a lumber place. #2 chartreuse Teeny Nymph or Comet dead drifted right past their dinner plate would get hits mostly from hens laying behind those pilings. Every now and then you could find a big aggressive buck that wanted to play.
Funny story, I had one of those big 16# bucks on the counter in our Lakewood Dr apartment that I shared with my buddy and his girlfriend/now wife. She came home from class and I was mid-cleaning, blood everywhere. I remember the look on her face more than the fight.

Fishing down there was a way to effectively catch fish, but also stay away from the combat fishing. It could get crazy there! I can't imagine how it might be these days. My advice is avoid it or be very careful.