SW Washington fishing report

SW Washington – Steelhead are still dominating the catches on the Cowlitz, especially near the trout hatchery. Spring chinook are starting to show however and catches should ramp up in the next two weeks. The Kalama and Lewis are also showing signs of improvement for salmon anglers with some summer steelhead starting to show as well. Drano Lake and Wind River trollers should soon start to score good results for upriver bound spring chinook. Adult numbers are climbing rapidly at Bonneville, which in turn signals the first good opportunities for keepers in this popular district fishery.

SW Washington fishing report

Bounty on the Bay is now open for 2012 registration! It’s a great event that benefits a great organization. It’s all about the fish! Check out the registration web site at: http://www.tbnep.org/events/bounty-on-the-bay SW Washington – The Cowlitz is producing good numbers of steelhead and spring chinook are starting to make a stronger appearance. The Kalama and Lewis Rivers will also begin producing better numbers of spring chinook and summer steelhead over the next 8 weeks. Some spent winter run fish will also begin showing in the catches. Although still way behind schedule, fish counts at Bonneville are beginning to swell, meaning improved opportunity ahead for Wind and Drano Lake anglers. Catchable numbers will be present by next week. Clam diggers along the Long Beach Peninsula and north will have another opportunity for razors this weekend. Check newly released regulations at the WDF&W website for more specific information.

SW Washington fishing

SW Washington – Although most district anglers will remain focused on spring chinook on the mainstem Columbia, steelhead and early spring chinook are in fair numbers on the Cowlitz, Kalama and Lewis Rivers. The Cowlitz and Lewis Rivers will likely receive the higher returns of spring chinook in the coming weeks but all three systems should produce a mixed bag of late winter and early summer run steelhead. As flows drop, so should the size of your offerings. Drano Lake and Wind River fishers will be watching Bonneville Dam counts as they are likely to jump in the coming weeks. Until they do, effort and catch will be low in these popular fisheries. Early season anglers can have some pleasant and productive days however.

SW Washington Fishing Report

SW Washington - Although most anglers remain focused on the mainstem Columbia to meet their fishing needs, the Cowlitz is still experiencing a fair steelhead return and spring chinook have been caught recently. The highest effort takes place near the trout hatchery and that will consistently produce the best catches for a good part of the season.

The Kalama and Lewis also remain good steelhead prospects and spring chinook have been rumored to have been caught in the Lewis system.

Drano Lake historically is beginning to turn on now but fish passage remains low at Bonneville making it a poor option. It's pretty clear that if the run does materialize as predicted, peak passage at Bonneville is likely around the first week of May.