SW Washington fishing report 11/29/13

SW Washington- Although few in number, winter steelhead are starting to show in most district rivers. The Cowlitz, Lewis and Kalama are all winter steelhead options but salmon still dominate the catches.

Fresh chinook and some coho remain available on the North Fork Lewis with last week's average a salmon per rod.

The Klickitat River is still producing good catches of coho with anglers also averaging a fish per rod. This fishery should taper after this weekend however.

Several regulation changes happen beginning December 1st. Check regulations carefully.

SW Washington Fishing

SW Washington- The Cowlitz has tallied some early winter steelhead already with a late November/early December fishery commonly productive on this body of water in years past. Coho and sea-run cutthroat trout are still making up the bulk of the catch however.

A surprising number of winter steelhead, primarily wild fish, have already shown on the Kalama River. Some coho are still available.

Coho are making a late showing in the Lewis and some winter chinook should start to show.

A single smelt was caught during a sturgeon study near Kalama last week. Although still closed to sport and commercial harvest, hopefully this species is making a rebound. It was a great run last year.

SW Washington fishing report

SW Washington- Fishing for both chinook and coho salmon is starting to wind down on most district rivers. Fish are getting dark and anglers are hoping for an improved run of winter steelhead, due to show any week now, starting with the Cowlitz. With coho returns often mimicking winter steelhead returns, anglers shouldn't get too excited.

The department will likely announce late Tuesday, additional razor clam digs tentatively scheduled beginning November 15th along several district beaches. Check the WDF&W web site for openings.

SW Washington fishing update

SW Washington- Action for coho remains fair on the Lewis and Cowlitz systems and to a lesser degree on the Kalama. Fish will darken soon but anglers are hopeful that winter steelhead will make an early showing. The Cowlitz is the best prospect for early steelhead.

Razor clam digs have been scheduled for SW Washington beaches so check tides on the WDF&W web site.