Steelheading fair at best in Cowlitz, better in the Kalama. Few springers yet. Trout stockings heavy in Lake Sacajawea, and Lacamas Lake.
Best Weekend Bets
Steelhead bite spotty in Cowlitz, fair in Kalama River
Silver Lake crappie, yellow perch still rated excellent
Lacamas Lake, Lake Sacajawea heavily stocked on March 3 with catchable rainbows.
Last call for Washougal River, Salmon Creek, and Rock Creek winters
Columbia River walleye biting well in The Dalles and John Day pools
A few steelhead falling for plunkers in lower Columbia
A few spring Chinook were recorded by creel surveyors in the Columbia tributaries
Weather
Anglers can expect rainy days through the next week, with highs in the 50’s this weekend and some colder temps mid-week. The rain should be moderate, and may not be enough to raise the rivers, or dirty the streams and lakes.
Columbia River
The good folks at the Gorge Outfitters Supply in Rufus report that the walleye bite is very good right now, although the fish are deeper than usual. Anglers are finding schools of walleye, some rather big, on rocky reefs in 50 to 70 feet of water. The usual baits are working. The Bandit deep-diving crankbaits and worm harnesses are working well, but the fish are now too deep for effective jigging. Water temps are about 43 degrees, and the fish are getting more active.
Anglers plunking in the lower Columbia are scratching out a few steelhead, but there were no reports of spring Chinook in this week’s Washington creel surveys. Spin-n-glos tipped with coon shrimp has been the go-to.
Cowlitz River
Last week, Tacoma Power employees recovered 258 winter-run Steelhead, two spring Chinook, and one Coho adult over five days of operations at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator. River flow below Mayfield Dam was 5,140 cubic feet per second on Monday, March 2, 2026. Water visibility is 5 feet and water temperature is 43.5(F). River flows could change at any time so boaters and anglers should remain alert for this possibility.
Anglers are still finding spotty fishing, according to Dave Mallahan of Daves Guide service (360) 201-9313, even though the river flows were increased, and there are plentiful fish in the system. The bite continues to be inconsistent, with catches one day excellent, and the next day poor. During the most recent creel survey, 78 bank anglers kept only three steelhead and released two steelhead. 39 boats/127 rods did better, and kept 53 steelhead and released three steelhead in above the I-3 Bridge. No springers were found in that survey.
Kalama River
Steelheading is rated as fair, although river conditions are pretty good. In the latest state creel survey, 22 bank anglers kept two steelhead. 4 boats/10 rods kept four steelhead. Bobber and beads, bait, or jigs is what most anglers are using, although hardware can be effective. The boat fishing has been the best from the Red Barn down to the Modrow Bridge. Bank anglers are scoring throughout the river.
Lewis River
Few anglers are fishing the Lewis Right now. The most recent creel survey reported no effort. The hatchery steelhead run is over, and just a few spring Chinook are trickling in. Above Johnson Creek there is a night closure and anti-snagging rules are in effect. The river is running at a little over 12 feet, which is a good flow for fishing.
Lake Merwin
The Kokanee fishing continues to improve. Now through May should have very good fishing, and with the cloudy weather this week, they should remain close to the surface. Currently, the challenge is finding them, but once found they will bite. The water level is a little low but plenty high to launch. This time of year, surface to 20 ft deep is best. The favored set up is a Flasher or Dodger with a hoochie or wedding ring spinner behind it. Pink has recently been the go-to color. Make sure you are using scented corn or Berkley power grubs.
Trout Stocking
You can check the trout stocking report here.
Lacamas Lake was stocked with 2,516 catchable rainbows at 2.27 per pound on March 3.
Lake Sacajawea was stocked with 1,175 catchable rainbows at 2.5 per pound on March 3, and 1,825 catchable rainbows at 2.8 per pound, also on March 3. Fishing is best near the Washington Way Bridge.