Weekly Fishing Overview – Water levels across Southwest Washington are finally receding, giving anglers a welcome break after weeks of high flows. Many tributaries are just now coming into shape, and early steelhead activity has been strong in several systems. Reservoir fishing remains difficult, with one lake still closed and another producing very slow results. Coastal razor clamming is the brightest highlight of the week, with a full seven-day dig approved and excellent tides ahead. Overall, conditions are improving, and anglers are beginning to find more consistent opportunities.
Lewis River – The Lewis has dropped significantly from recent highs and is now at a much more fishable level. Anglers reported good action from the bank on Christmas Eve, with plenty of fish moving through the system, even if not all were landed. Fish are holding close to shorelines and transitional water as flows continue to settle. Both bank and boat anglers have opportunities as fish move steadily throughout the day. There is no WDFW creel report available this week.
Kalama River – There were no firsthand reports from the Kalama this week, as none of the usual anglers had been out recently. With no new observations, conditions and catch rates remain unknown. The lack of activity suggests limited pressure during the holiday period. No WDFW creel report is available for this river.
Washougal River – The Washougal came into shape just before Christmas, and anglers found steady action over several days. Most reports described one or two fish per outing, with both boaters and bank anglers connecting. Water levels are still slightly high but very close to ideal. Fish have been holding near the bank, though they are expected to shift into deeper areas as flows continue to drop. A few anglers reported success near popular access points, reflecting improving conditions.
Cowlitz River – Hatchery staff recovered strong numbers of coho, along with small counts of steelhead and cutthroat during the past week. Fish were released into multiple tributaries and holding waters throughout the system. Despite these returns, angler reports indicate the coho run has tapered off, with no recent catches noted. A few early steelhead are beginning to appear, though no one reported targeting them this week. River flows remain high below Mayfield Dam, and no WDFW creel reports are available.
Elochoman River – The Elochoman produced the most consistent success of the week, drawing large crowds of anglers on Christmas Eve. Many people left with full limits, reflecting strong steelhead movement. Most anglers relied on common presentations, though some found an advantage by choosing something different from the crowd. Fishing pressure was heavy near the hatchery area and other well-known stretches. Overall, this river offered the best action in the region.
Columbia River – Shoreline areas along the Columbia were extremely quiet, with only a single angler encountered during a visit. Heavy debris made fishing nearly impossible, as logs and branches drifted through constantly. Flooded access points limited movement along the bank and made conditions unsafe in places. With water this high and debris this heavy, angling opportunities were very limited.
Merwin and Yale Lakes – Merwin remains closed to power boats due to low water, though levels are slowly rising and may improve as weather stabilizes. Yale produced very slow kokanee fishing on Christmas Eve, with only one angler reporting a couple of fish. Water color was described as chocolate brown, and fish were scattered in small groups. Anglers noted that the biggest challenge was simply getting a presentation in front of fish in such poor visibility. Conditions remain tough across both reservoirs.
Long Beach and Buoy 10 Razor Clamming – WDFW approved a full seven-day razor clam dig beginning on New Year’s Eve. Tides throughout the week are excellent, with evening lows ranging from minus 0.6 to minus 1.7 feet depending on the day. Multiple beaches are included in the rotation, offering broad opportunities for diggers. This is one of the most promising outdoor options of the week, especially with improving weather.