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.