SW Washington Fishing Report

SW Washington - Anglers anticipating good fishing in the Drano Lake and Wind River fisheries should begin to realize their wishes right now. Dam passage at Bonneville more than justifies the effort but check regulations carefully as changes have occurred.

The Cowlitz River is booting out good numbers of spring chinook with a few steelhead in the mix. This fishery will be peaking until the first week of May. A large number is forecast to return. Summer steelhead will be on the heels of the salmon run.

The Lewis is also a good choice for springer fishermen and although the Cowlitz will have bigger numbers, effort will be lighter here. The Kalama has both salmon and steelhead but action will be spotty, especially for salmon, for the next few weeks.

SW Washington Fishing Report

SW Washington - Although river levels are likely to remain a bit unstable, better opportunities are just ahead for salmon and steelhead anglers.

The Kalama has been fishing well recently and broodstock fish should be available through April. Although the spring chinook numbers are forecasted to be down, the Cowlitz and Lewis Rivers should offer up ample opportunity for SW Washington salmon in the coming weeks.

Dam passage at Bonneville remains light but should improve dramatically when boat and bank anglers will get re-inspired to target the Wind River and Drano Lake fisheries. Effort is currently light with just over 1,200 adults upstream of Bonneville Dam.