Fishing across Southwest Washington is shifting as summer transitions into fall. Buoy 10 is winding down, and while Columbia River action remains slow due to warm water, tributaries are starting to see movement. Chinook and A-run coho are entering local rivers, offering fresh opportunities. Steelhead has mostly tapered off, with only a few spots still producing. Kokanee anglers at Merwin are finding success, especially with Yale closed due to low water.
Lewis River
Flows are steady around 1,300 cfs, just above seasonal lows. Anglers should use caution when navigating. Chinook fishing has picked up near Cedar Creek, with consistent action reported. Steelhead are sparse, but early morning efforts in deeper eddies are yielding a few fish. Bobber dogging with beads and eggs remains the most reliable method for summer steelhead.
Kalama River
Chinook are surging into the Kalama this week, with tule fish spread throughout the system. The lower river is seeing heavy pressure, especially from flossers targeting spooked fish. Visibility and low water levels are making conditions tough. The best chance at hooking one is just below Camp Kalama, near the first set of rapids. Spinners are recommended for shallow water tactics.
Washougal River
Tule Chinook are flooding into the Washougal daily. Success is best in the lower holes, with fewer fish caught farther upstream. Coho haven’t arrived yet, but anglers are preparing for the B-run. Bobber and eggs are working well, especially in slow, deep water like “Oaks Park.” Twitching jigs and spinners are also productive in faster sections just below.
Cowlitz River
Tacoma Power reports a mix of Chinook, steelhead, and cutthroat recovered at the hatchery this week. Releases continue across multiple locations, including Franklin Bridge and Lake Scanewa. Despite these numbers, angler reports from the river are bleak. Most are seeing little to no action on Chinook, coho, or steelhead. River flows remain steady below Mayfield Dam.
Drano Lake
Drano Lake is currently the hottest spot in SW Washington. Trolling inside and outside the lake is producing strong catches on pro trolls, spinners, super baits, and cut plugs. Hover fishing is slower due to bait-stealing trout and peamouth, but Chinook and steelhead are still being caught. Anglers report mixed success, with some going one for five on strikes. The mouth of the Little White Salmon is especially productive.
Columbia River
Fishing remains spotty across the Columbia, with drifting weeds complicating efforts. When conditions align, super baits, skinny minis, and cut plugs are producing. Spinners are less consistent but still in play. Ridgefield saw a brief bite before the Bonneville surge, but weeds and reluctant fish have slowed things down. Bonneville to Rooster Rock is seeing steady boat action, while bank anglers struggle.
Merwin and Yale Lakes
Kokanee fishing continues to reward those putting in long hours. With Yale closed due to low water, Merwin is the go-to spot. Fish are deep—mostly 60 to 65 feet—with some caught as deep as 70. Downriggers and fish finders are key tools. Spin glows, spinners, and hoochies tipped with corn are working well, though no single color stands out.
Buoy 10 / Long Beach
The Buoy 10 Chinook season is closing, and guides are wrapping up. Fish are stacking above the bridge to Tongue Point, signaling a shift upriver. 360 flashers and pro trolls paired with spinners or super baits have dominated the bite. Jetty fishing remains solid for both Chinook and coho. Bobber setups with herring or anchovies are also producing.