The week following Thanksgiving has brought a mix of quiet waters and early signs of winter activity. Coho runs are nearly finished, leaving only a few stragglers in tributaries, while steelhead are beginning to make their first appearances. Reservoirs continue to provide steady kokanee action, and razor clam digging remains excellent with daily limits reported. Overall, anglers can expect a transitional week as winter fisheries start to take shape.
Lewis River Flows have held steady, and the first wave of winter steelhead is beginning to arrive. Anglers reported slow but promising action, with a handful of bright fish mixed in among lingering coho. Bank access remains limited, but those who ventured out saw early signs of the run building. With the season typically peaking from mid-December into January, activity should increase quickly in the coming weeks.
Kalama River Reports remain scarce, as monitoring equipment is still offline and few anglers have been out. Historically, this is the time of year when steelhead begin to show, though not yet in consistent numbers. Conditions remain watchable, but no significant updates have surfaced this week.
Washougal River Flows have stabilized, creating driftable conditions and sparking early chatter of steelhead catches. While most reports are unconfirmed, the river is entering its prime December window. This system often sees fish moving upriver steadily through the month, with activity peaking in early January. Anglers are beginning to prepare for stronger action as the season develops.
Cowlitz River Hatchery operations recorded large numbers of coho returns, though angler success has been limited. Only a few steelhead have been recovered so far, and fishing pressure remains low. Bank anglers reported modest catches, while boat activity has been minimal. The run has yet to materialize in full, but expectations remain for stronger numbers later in the season.
Columbia River Activity has been quiet, with little effort observed at common shoreline spots. Anglers are anticipating more consistent steelhead presence soon, which should draw increased participation. For now, conditions remain in a holding pattern.
Merwin & Yale Lakes Reservoir kokanee fishing continues to produce limits, though anglers describe it as a grind rather than fast action. Success has been steady, with most reporting full catches after persistence on the water. Yale has offered reliable opportunities for boat anglers, while Merwin has been more variable but still rewarding.
Coastal Clamming Clam digging has been excellent, with strong tides supporting daily limits across popular beaches. Conditions remain favorable through the weekend, making this one of the most consistent opportunities available right now. Enthusiasts are encouraged to take advantage of the prime digging window before tides shift.