The summer bite is turning on across the region! From vibrant riverbanks to shimmering lakes, anglers are finding opportunities as fish respond to changing flows and early-summer conditions.
Columbia River Sockeye season has opened, and while overall numbers are below the 10-year average, the scene along the Columbia has been lively. Beaches in Vancouver, especially Glass Beach, have been busy with hopeful anglers, even if hookups have been spotty. Woodland appears to be the current standout, with better success rates for both sockeye and the occasional steelhead. Steamboat Landing is seeing steady pressure too, though results vary. Energy is high despite the hit-or-miss bite—classic early-season vibes.
Lewis River The Lewis has dropped to 2,300 cfs this week—down about 200 cfs from spring flows—and that shift has kept it quiet so far. Anglers hitting Johnsons Creek and Cedar Creek reported very little action, with sparse trailer activity even at the golf course launch. Oddly, the recent rains didn’t spark movement here like they did elsewhere, so the river remains in a holding pattern for now.
Kalama River Despite a slower bite, steelhead are visibly in the Kalama. One angler who floated the river noted an impressive number of fish passing through, even if they weren’t eager to strike. The presence of fish throughout the system, especially in the lower river, is encouraging—and the consistent visuals hint at better days just ahead.
Washougal River The Washougal is back in action after a quiet stretch last week. This week’s rain kicked it back to life, particularly in the lower river. Water flows are still quite low, but anglers are reporting fish in several popular spots, and it’s clear there’s been a fresh push into the system. Activity is up at known holes, and the river’s pulse has quickened.
Cowlitz River Rain from the past weekend triggered a strong push of both Chinook and summer steelhead upriver. Massey Bar was lively with plunkers who capitalized on the movement. Meanwhile, hatchery updates show increased returns—good signs for fish on the move and future opportunities through July.
Merwin & Yale Lakes Kokanee fishing has been strong at both Merwin and Yale, even in stormy weather. Folks braving the elements have been returning with limits, with fish widely distributed across both lakes. Warmer surface temps have driven fish deeper, and electronics are helping dial things in. There’s no single lure leading the pack—just a mix of proven setups producing when paired with good location work.
Read this week’s Oregon fishing report.