SW Washington Fishing Report

SW Washington – With district streams headed to the high water mark, steelheaders will be sidelined for several days. Plunkers can do well on the Cowlitz and Lewis but these rivers should be on the drop for action to be had. Fish close to shore with large spin-n-glos and shrimp or eggs for bait. The Cowlitz is likely to produce the best results as it is getting a great return this year. The Lewis and Kalama Rivers will also likely be out through the weekend with boaters anxious to get back into fishable conditions after the long dry spell.

SW Washington fishing report

SW Washington – The Cowlitz River remains a bright spot for steelhead anglers, especially boaters working the water near the trout hatchery. Bank anglers scored nearly a fish for every 5 rods while boaters tallied nearly a keeper for every boat. The North Fork of the Lewis boasted a steelhead for nearly every 2 bank rods last week and will likely continue to produce good results in the low water. Trout fishing in the district has been productive lately with many lakes receiving catchable plants in mid-December.

SW Washington fishing report

SW Washington – Steelhead fishing is excellent on the Cowlitz River and should continue through the month. The best action is near the trout hatchery with boaters reporting almost a fish per boat average. Side drifted bait will produce the best results this time of year. The Kalama and North Fork Lewis are also steelhead options but aren’t producing nearly like the Cowlitz system. The Washougal is also a fair option with improving numbers into mid January.

SW Washington fishing

SW Washington – Although steelhead aren’t swarming into district streams, they are returning in catchable numbers with the Cowlitz producing the best prospects. The Kalama and Lewis Rivers also have fish but should produce better results following the next rain freshet. Side-drifters will take the lion’s share of the catch but plugs can become effective in the lower flows that most area streams are now experiencing. Catches should improve through December.

SW Washington fishing report 12/2/11

SW Washington – Coho continue to come into the Cowlitz but many are turning dark and getting close to spawning. Winter steelhead are beginning to make a good show and if anglers can tolerate a cold east breeze, action should be decent by late morning. The North Fork is starting to see some winter run activity but it is still weeks away from peak season. The Washougal is also an option for metro anglers and should continue to produce into January.