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.