SW Washington fishing update

SW Washington - Most SW Washington streams are slowing for salmon. Some rivers close to salmon beginning November 30th.

Although it's early, steelhead returns to district hatcheries are tracking behind last year's return. The Cowlitz, Kalama, Lewis and Washougal Rivers are all fair prospects for early returning winter run fish.

The Klickitat River remains an option for late returning coho although about half of the fish are being released as they are turning dark. Regulation changes occur on December 1st so be sure to check listings.

SW Washington fishing report

SW Washington - The majority of coho present in district rivers are being released due to their poor quality. Fresh steelhead are available on the Cowlitz and Kalama Rivers with the Kalama producing more steelhead than salmon last week.

The Klickitat River remains an option for coho anglers although action slowed from previous weeks.

SW Washington Fishing

SW Washington - The Cowlitz has recently slowed for coho despite the large returns coming back to the hatchery. The Lewis continues to produce fair catches but dark fish will begin to dominate the catch.

The Klickitat River remains a good option with dam counts at Bonneville at a near historic high. This fishery should last late into the month.

SW Washington Fishing

SW Washington – Coho numbers and quality is peaking in district rivers right now. The Cowlitz, particularly at the mouth of the Toutle is producing well.


The Kalama and Lewis River is also producing with coho making up the bulk of the catch and an occasional summer steelhead in the mix.



The lower Klickitat River is producing great catches of coho as the effort will attest to. With adult coho passage peaking at Bonneville Dam, catch rates will continue to be high in the coming weeks.

SW Washington Fishing Report

Forecasting for the fishing week of October 16th – October 22nd, 2009

SW Washington – Many district streams remain low, presenting challenging conditions for anglers in pursuit of late run coho. Fall rains should stimulate returning coho numbers and improve the bite. Many fish are dark but fresh fish should be arriving soon. The Lewis River is likely the best bet with the lower stretches of the Cowlitz a close second.



Coho passage at Bonneville has triggered the Klickitat coho fishery at the mouth. An occasional chinook and steelhead are also being taken. This fishery should continue to improve into November.

SW Washington Fishing Update

SW Washington - Smelt dippers did well on last Saturday's opener with numerous limits hitting the bank. The river will open again this Saturday but it's likely that catches will be down from the previous weekends high.

Steelheaders will be glad to see river levels jump with the recent rainfall but some of the districts favorites will likely remain cloudy due to mudslides upstream.

The Kalama will likely be the best bet when flows stabilize with the East Fork of the Lewis a possibility for fresh wild fish too.

SW Washington Fishing Update

SW Washington – The North Fork of the Lewis is producing a few steelhead although they are small in size. District rivers have stayed within their banks due to cold weather maintaining snow packs in the upper watersheds.

The warming trend should stimulate action on the Cowlitz and Washougal Rivers as well. This can be a great week for hatchery steelhead on these area streams and anglers may find some fish already beginning to turn dark.