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.