Washington fishing update 12/22/06

Washington Fishing Update

Southwest Washington - Despite the increase in the daily bag limit to 6 steelhead, Cowlitz catches are mediocre at best. Bank anglers at Blue Creek averaged nearly 2 fish per rod but most of the catch was comprised of darker summer run fish.

Winter steelhead are being recycled on the Kalama River but the run is down slightly from last year. River conditions are good and this weeks catch should follow suit.

The North Fork of the Lewis is producing a few steelhead, coho and late run fall chinook. Only the steelhead are in quality shape.

Washington fishing update

Washington Fishing Update

Southwest Washington - The Cowlitz is seeing a stronger return of steelhead than last year. Blue Creek is producing the best numbers of steelhead and some coho are still being caught near Barrier Dam. A recent news release from WDF&W has the steelhead bag limit jumping way up!
Increase in adult hatchery steelhead daily limit on Cowlitz River and Blue Creek
Action: Increase adult hatchery steelhead daily limit from two adults to six adults.

Effective date: Immediately through Jan. 31, 2007
Species affected: Adult steelhead
Location: Cowlitz River from boundary markers at mouth of the river to Mayfield Dam and on Blue Creek from the mouth to Spencer Road.

Reason for action: Hatchery escapement is expected to be met and harvestable numbers of steelhead are available.

Other Information: Fishing is allowed from the mouth up to the posted markers located 100 feet below Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery barrier dam. Fishing remains closed within 100 feet of the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery barrier dam. Release wild steelhead and steelhead with a clipped right ventral fin. This regulation maintains all existing closed waters restrictions.

Contact: Wolf Dammers, Region 5 office in Vancouver, (360) 696-6210
Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing regulations are subject to change. Call the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules or check the WDFW webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/fishregs.htm for details on fishing seasons and regulations. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360) 796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.

Kalama and Elochoman River anglers are starting to take winter run fish but bright, late run chinook are still falling on the North Fork Lewis River.

SW Washington fishing update

Southwest Washington - Lake Scanewa (Cowlitz basin) boat anglers are averaging 2 coho each with about half being retained for their good tablefare. Steelhead have yet to make a strong appearance in most SW Washington streams.

Klickitat anglers are averaging nearly a coho per rod in that fishery.

Washington fishing report

Washington Fishing Update

Southwest Washington - Cowlitz River fishery managers are already recycling winter steelhead to the I-5 access point. Visibility is slow to improve. The Kalama hatchery is also seeing winter steelhead arrive.

Dark coho are dominating the catch on the Cowlitz, Kalama and Lewis Rivers. Some quality coho were taken on the Klickitat River over the Thanksgiving weekend however.

Fishery managers approved razor clam digs at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, and Kalaloch beaches from December 2 – 3 on evening tides. Diggers may harvest between the hours of noon and midnight each day. Twin Harbors will also be open for a third day of digging from noon to midnight Dec. 4.

But here's the best thing going in SW Washington! Lamiglas will hold its first ever factory clearance sale on Saturday December, 9th here at Lamiglas. We will have over 3000 rods which include closeouts, obsolete models and blems. Lots to choose from. We will also have rod blanks and components for the custom rod builder. I wanted to personally invite all Ifisher's to come on by our factory at 1400 Atlantic Ave. in Woodland, Washington for this huge event. We will also have Jack Glass, Dave Vedder and Carmen McDonald on hand to talk about different fishing techniques. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, December 9th 2006. See you there!

SW Washington fishing reports