SW Washington fishing

SW Washington – Most anglers remain focused on the mainstem Columbia for steelhead action and rightfully so. Deep water anchor anglers are still picking up good numbers of fish on plugs and the occasional spinner. Bank anglers can produce good numbers of steelhead on the upcoming strong tide series, especially if lures are tipped with coon shrimp.

Although the Cowlitz and Kalama are producing an occasional steelhead, the action will get much better later in August when salmon become another target. A fair return of chinook is forecast for many district systems.

The Drano Lake fishery is only producing moderate results. Steelhead numbers over Bonneville are fewer than anticipated for this time of the year. There may still be a sizable number coming as flows and temperatures have varied wildly compared to most normal years.

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