SW Washington fishing

District streams are on the down-slide with most streams starting to show more spent fish than fresh ones. Anglers in this district will be waiting for the later returning broodstock fish, expected later in February.

 

Limited success was reported on the Washougal, Lewis and Kalama Rivers with the most effort remaining on the Cowlitz. Like NW Oregon streams, rivers in this district will witness a bump in the hydrograph but smaller streams may fish once again by the weekend. Some fresh fish are likely to show.

 

4 boat anglers reported 3 keeper sturgeon targeting them near the mouth of the Kalama River. Sturgeon historically gathered in this area in anticipation of a once-abundant smelt run that returned to the Cowlitz River this time of year. Smelt may indeed be in the mainstem Columbia right now but may not be retained by the sport or commercial fisherman.