Bellingham visit

Kickapoo swinger said:

Planning on an October visit to my sister and brother in law in Bellingham.
Going to try for some river time on the Stilly or Nooksack.
Any fly recommendations for that area and time of year?
I am guessing nymph patterns, but really like tying speys.

Thanks in advance for the info.

Kickapoo

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Unfortunately, our rivers will be closed this year due to poor coho returns when you are here. Local still water fishing can be excellent at that time however. I would bring a float tube and focus your efforts on that. Talk to the guys at The Confluence Fly Shop in Bellingham. They will point you in the right direction.

I had heard that the restrictions had been lifted.

Yes you are correct, but we will see an early closure at the end of August.

Your next best option would be to try and plan a foray into B.C. if you really want to swing a river. The beach fishing for Salmon on the east side of Vancouver island can be really good in October also. Weather dependent of course.

Fish the lake

The stilly is closing for sure http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/may2616b/

I'd echo plecoptera's sentiment, contact the Confluence and bring a float tube. Squalicum right in Bellingham, and Pass about an hour south are excellent options.