SW Washington fishing report

SW Washington- District steelheaders are dealing with conditions consistent with NW Oregon; low, clear water conditions and a lull in returning adults after the early season steelhead. The Cowlitz will remain the best option but better returns are likely later in March when wild fish, along with some broodstock programs kick in for fair spring steelheading into early April.

Anglers are more likely to get on the water and try for an early spring chinook on the mainstem Columbia. Although the best fishing won't happen for several more weeks, January or February sport-caught chinook are not unheard of. Willamette fish are typically the first to return but that component of the run is forecast to be mediocre so early season catches will be more challenging.

SW Washington Fishing

SW Washington- District steelheaders are dealing with conditions consistent with NW Oregon; low, clear water conditions and a lull in returning adults after the early season steelhead. The Cowlitz will remain the best option but better returns are likely later in March when wild fish, along with some broodstock programs kick in for fair spring steelheading into early April.

Anglers are more likely to get on the water and try for an early spring chinook on the mainstem Columbia. Although the best fishing won't happen for several more weeks, January or February sport-caught chinook are not unheard of. Willamette fish are typically the first to return but that component of the run is forecast to be mediocre so early season catches will be more challenging.

SW Washington fishing report

SW Washington- The Cowlitz was the bright spot over the weekend with fair success coming for steelheaders from both the bank and boat fisheries. It will likely remain the top bet until late season wild and broodstock fish return to the Kalama and Lewis systems as well.

The Washougal remains a poor option for steelheaders and it's not likely to improve.

Trout plants, including both broodstock fish to 10 pounds and smaller catchable keepers by the thousands were recently planted in Lake Sacajawea in Longview, Battle Ground lake, Klineline Pond and Kidney Lake near North Bonneville. These fish should be actively feeding in the warming weather pattern.

SW Washington Fishing Report

SW Washington- Steelhead action in the district has slowed dramatically and some anglers, particularly those fishing the Washougal, describe the action as poor. Washington, like Oregon, typically witnesses a lull in activity until late season broodstock or wild fish show in the area streams later into February. With the low early season showing, it's likely that the late return will be down somewhat as well.

Catch and release sturgeon fishing can be good in the Longview area this time of year, especially if returning smelt make a showing which commonly happens this time of year. No signs of smelt just yet in the lower Columbia.

SW Washington fishing report

SW Washington- The Cowlitz remains the top option for steelhead in the district but anglers should also find sporadic success on the Kalama and Washougal Rivers. The North Fork Lewis has a few fish also and should improve for wild fish in a few weeks.

Several regulation changes occur on January 1st so check regulations for the body of water that you fish.

Trout plants were strong on several lakes in mid-December and action should remain stable into the New Year.