SW Washington fishing report

SW Washington- The Cowlitz River remains the best option for steelhead and even though fair catches are likely to persist for another week, it's likely past its prime.

The Lewis and Kalama systems as well as the Washougal will likely be fair for steelhead this week but anglers will have to work for success.

An 8-day razor clam dig is scheduled to begin on December 29th. Check the WDF&W web site for open beaches and best opportunities.

SW Washington fishing report

SW Washington- With a noticeable gap in steelhead action on most district streams, the Cowlitz remains a bright spot, especially for boaters side-drifting small baits in the lower flows.

The North Fork of the Lewis still has some chinook available but most are turning dark. Anglers will look forward to more steelhead opportunity later in January and February but steelhead runs in recent history have been disappointing.

More trout plants in Spearfish and Rowland Lakes including several hundred 5 to 10-pounders. Thousands of catchable size rainbows are available too.

SW Washington fishing report

SW Washington- The Cowlitz remains a top bet for winter steelhead with still a few coho in the mix. The North Fork of the Lewis is still an option for fresh chinook but will soon be overtaken by winter steelhead although anglers shouldn't expect great fishing. The mainstem Lewis is slow.

The Kalama is also a poor choice but Washougal boaters are catching some winter steelhead and a rare summer fish. Anglers should see peak fishing in the next 2 weeks.

The Klickitat is slowing with only a fair return of coho this season.

More trout plants for Battle Ground and Lacamas Lakes as well as Klineline Pond last week. Fishing will only improve with air temperatures.

SW Washington fishing report

SW Washington- Winter steelhead now dominate the catch on the Cowlitz River; effort is on the increase. Winter chinook remain available on the North Fork of the Lewis but the quality will begin to decline in coming weeks.

The Washougal River is producing fair catches of winter steelhead with the early season peak likely by Christmas. Water levels will dictate success.

Trout anglers averaged about a fish per rod for 1+ pound rainbows. There should remain some residual fish following the aggressive Black Friday stocking at Klineline Pond.