Washington fishing update

SW Washington – As flows continue to drop on the district’s major tributaries, anglers are focusing their efforts on the mainstem Columbia, where steelhead plunkers continue to fare well for the summer variety. Chinook remain available but it’s mostly boaters taking chinook on plugs from the gorge to the mouth of the Cowlitz River. The weaker tide series may slow catches this week.

Summer steelhead are still available on the Washougal River but anglers must employ stealthy techniques on the dropping flows.

The Klickitat system is still an option for spring chinook and summer steelhead will soon be on their heels.

SW Washington Fishing

SW Washington – After a poor showing back to many district rivers, SW Washington anglers are now focused primarily on the mainstem Columbia where summer salmon and steelhead should be peaking over the next few weeks. The stronger the tides, the more productive the fishing for bank anglers.



Steelhead and sockeye are hitting hot colored spin-n-glo’s tipped with small shrimp. Salmon anglers are anchor fishing with plugs in 12 to 20 feet of water and the fish average 18 to 30 pounds.



The Wind River and Drano Lake fisheries are about over for the year but a few spring chinook are still being taken in the lower reach of the Klickitat River. Steelhead numbers should be improving as well.

Washington fishing

SW Washington – Effort and catch for steelhead and spring chinook is greatest on the Cowlitz River but overall, return rates seem below expectations. Summer steelhead counts should be ramping up soon. The Lewis and Kalama Rivers remain poor options with the Kalama remaining closed for chinook retention. Effort and catches are starting to slow on the Wind River and Drano Lake.

SW Washington fishing report

SW Washington – The Cowlitz is the best spring chinook option for the district and catches of steelhead are ramping up as well. The Kalama River remains closed to the harvest of spring chinook but remains open to summer steelhead fishing. Catches of salmon and steelhead on the Lewis remains fair with peak season upon us. Backbounced eggs is working best for salmon while backtrolled plugs is working well for steelhead. Bank anglers have the best access to fish on the Wind River and Little White Salmon. Bag limits are generous now but check regulations for more important details.