SW Washington fishing reports and forecasts
The Columbia is a kill zone for Chinook and Steelhead and it’s not the fisherman doing the killing. There is a gauntlet of predators following the latest smelt run from Astoria to the Sandy River…
This is the last weekend to fish with your current license in Washington state. Ordering online has improved and you can access here if that’s something you’re interested in. The Columbia is off to a…
By Ian Carter Photo above: Dave Mallahan’s birthday steelhead, March 13, 2023 Cowlitz River The Cowlitz River continues to be the ray of sunshine in our neighborhood. More Chinook are being intercepted on the Columbia…
The Cowlitz has leveled off, not taking off. Anglers are beginning to pay a little more attention to the lower Columbia despite the lack of Chinook traversing the dam. Those intercepting fish on the Columbia…
By Ian Carter Merwin remains the single most reported bright spot in the local region. WDFW angler checks this week didn’t convey any effort or success for our tributaries except for the Cowlitz. Most area…
A much-anticipated action notice regarding mainstem Columbia River spring Chinook recreational fishery has been released. Please reference the notice below for details. There has been no positive change in reports for area rivers as Merwin…
It’s free fishing weekend in Oregon on February 18th and 19th. This is a good chance to check out some new close by spots in another State. For details click here for ODFW website. Be…
There was no lake stocking of recycled Steelhead or catchable Rainbows this week except for Battle Ground Lake. The YTD Chinook counts on the Escapement reports I provide to subscribers have reset to springers from…
by Ian Carter The Cowlitz is experiencing a pilot run of smelt with a convoy of sea lions in tow. Soon hopefully, we get the go ahead for at least a half day sports dip….
Encouraging news for Steelhead fisherman as rivers are dropping into shape and fish appear to be entering most systems in greater numbers. Kokanee fishing at Merwin is still going strong. The word is out so…
by Ian Carter The combination of massive amounts of rain and few early run Steelhead doesn’t bode well for this week’s report. Apologies for the briefness this week, it’s just the reality of mid-January 2023…
Things are still generally slow for Steelhead in our area. The Portland Boat Show is this weekend and a good opportunity to check out the latest and greatest in watercraft. No WDFW creel checks were…