SW Washington fishing report

Accumulated snow, mixed with the current warm front, will likely cause flooding conditions on most district streams. Not that it matters much, as these systems transition from early returning fish to later returning broodstock steelhead. Wild fish should also make an appearance but no one system is expected to get a great run. If smelt enter the Cowlitz system, anglers may have a viable target fishery for sturgeon in the lower Cowlitz as that is where the smelt are surely destined for.

SW Washington fishing report

SW Washington – Steelheading in the district has slowed with another round of late returning fish due back in February. The wild component should also make a stronger showing next month. Kidney, Icehouse, Little Ash and Tunnel Lake in the Columbia River Gorge all received broodstock trout plants on January 9th. Although fish are likely to be lethargic in the cold temperatures, some quality fish are likely to fall to bait fishermen.

SW Washington fishing report

Steelhead fishing on the Cowlitz has slowed although it remains one of the better options in the district. This run typically shows a bit earlier so it’s likely past its prime. Returns to other district facilities are much like last year with little variance. The Kalama is producing fair-at-best catches while the Lewis is only slightly better. Several district lakes and ponds were planted with winter trout on the first few days of January. These water bodies should be producing good catches in the afternoons for those using bait.

SW Washington fishing report

SW Washington – Anglers are just now finding their way back onto district streams in pursuit of steelhead. Although the Cowlitz remains one of the best options, the Lewis and Kalama systems should also produce good catches when rivers come back into fishable shape. That should be right now. Sidedrifters and bait fishers will produce the best results until flows drop more when plugs will once again become effective. Target slower moving water until water levels drop, sending fish into the more hidden depths. The Washougal River should also produce some results for steelheaders as this is often a peak week for anglers here.