On this Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, those who continue to serve, and the families who bear their loss with strength and resilience. We are forever grateful.
In SW Washington fishing, Chinook fishing on the lower Columbia has improved after a brief slowdown, and the season has been extended due to a favorable forecast. Tributary Chinook fishing remains mixed, while summer steelhead are beginning to appear in rivers across the region.
Lewis River: The river continues to flow steadily at 2,800 cfs, with little fluctuation over the past week. Chinook remains closed, but early-season steelhead are starting to be caught in modest numbers.
Kalama River: Fishing has been excellent, with limits reported throughout various stretches, especially in the canyon area. Water levels remain low, making navigation tricky for those floating downstream.
Washougal River: Flows increased to 500 cfs but are now dropping to 400 cfs, with fish scattered throughout the system. The summer steelhead return looks promising, with hatchery counts showing encouraging numbers.
Cowlitz River: Hatchery operations have recovered a solid number of spring Chinook and steelhead, though fishing reports have been sparse. Plunking appears to be the more effective method, with boat anglers encountering limited success.
Drano Lake & Wind River: Drano Lake continues to produce well for early-morning anglers, with both trollers and bank fishermen finding steady success. Wind River fishing remains strong when wind conditions allow, with bank anglers reporting consistent catches near the hatchery.
Columbia River: Fishing slowed earlier in the week but has picked up from Vancouver to Bonneville, with anchor fishing near Camas beginning to yield positive results. Chinook catches have increased as more fish move upriver.
Merwin & Yale Lakes: Kokanee fishing at Merwin has been outstanding, with anglers reaching limits quickly. Fish are moving deeper as water temperatures rise, requiring adjustments to gear and technique.
Local Lakes & Ponds: Trout fishing remains productive across multiple locations, with steady action reported. Bass and other warm-water species are becoming more active as seasonal temperatures continue to warm.
Read this week’s Oregon fishing report.