SW Washington fishing

SW Washington- Like many Oregon streams, the early season component of the hatchery steelhead run is fading as the full-blown spawning season is underway. It will still be a few weeks away but broodstock returns should be favorable as we progress into late winter.

The Cowlitz River is beginning to slow for steelhead but the Lewis, Kalama and Cowlitz should all see late returns of steelhead well into March. Spring chinook won't start showing for several weeks either.

Smelt seasons were set on Wednesday and managers are taking a conservative approach to this year's run. Managers anticipate another good return, like the previous 2 years but when dealing with a listed species, precautionary approaches are important. Here are the Cowlitz options:

Washington Tributary Recreational Smelt Fisheries 
Adopted a smelt season as follows: 
Season: Saturday February 7 and Saturday February 14, 2015  Open hours 6 AM to noon.  
Area:  Cowlitz River (bank only).  
Gear:  Dip net.  
Limit:  10 pounds per person.  

SW Washington fishing

SW Washington- Good fishing district wide here too although we'll start to transition into broodstock returns and more wild fish in the coming weeks. The Cowlitz remains the top bet but the Kalama and Lewis should also see fair action in the coming weeks.

Sturgeon fishing in the Bonneville Pool has largely disappointed anglers so far this year. Action isn't likely to improve anytime soon.

SW Washington fishing update

SW Washington- Not much action for steelhead on the Cowlitz but some steelhead and an occasional coho still coming into this system. Most are waiting for better opportunity come spring.

The Washougal, Kalama and Lewis largely have early returning fish in them, making them poor table fare when you do come across one or more.

Good razor clam options up on the Long Beach Peninsula this weekend and early next week. Go to http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/current.html to access the consumptive opportunities if that's what floats your boat.

SW Washington fishing update

SW Washington- the Cowlitz River is the rare bright spot in the district. Boaters are faring well for hatchery steelhead and some Coho are still being caught.

The Kalama and Lewis Rivers will produce better later in the season but effort remains low and so does the catch.

Sturgeon fisherman targeting their quarry in the Bonneville pool have not fared all that well. It's especially challenging catching a keeper from the bank here. It's likely the quota will last a while.

SW Washington fishing report

SW Washington- Steelheaders fishing district streams are having much better luck this year than last. In all cases, early returning hatchery fish are at least double of last year's return. The Cowlitz is especially fruitful but the Kalama, Washougal and Lewis are also options.

Anglers should be aware of modified fishing regulations that began January 1st.

Quality rainbow trout continue to be planted in district lakes. Go to the WDF&W website to see what locations offer the best chance for these nice winter fish.