Fishing conditions across SW Washington are mixed heading into the Fourth of July weekend. Sockeye runs are underwhelming, while steelhead numbers show slight promise. The Columbia River is heating up for sturgeon, though many lakes are battling debris and slowed bite activity. Anglers will find opportunities with warmwater species in local ponds and rivers as the season edges toward more consistent summer action.
Lewis River
The Lewis is at its lowest July flow, holding around 2,100 cfs and presenting tough fishing conditions. Anglers working the river saw little success over the weekend, with most reporting no bites across several hours. Cottonwood debris is making techniques like plugging and plunking especially difficult. Despite the quiet start, the run is expected to improve as July progresses.
Kalama River
Fishing remains extremely slow on the Kalama, with low and clear water making for challenging conditions. Many anglers reported zero bites, with one even needing to push their raft through most of the river due to shallow depths. Downsizing tackle—like using 12mm beads and 1/8th jigs—may help coax fish in as they begin to arrive. The hatchery typically sees fish stack up over the next few weeks, so there’s still hope ahead.
Washougal River
The Washougal is turning heads with a strong showing of fresh summer steelhead. Anglers are hooking fish from the mouth all the way up to the mercantile deadline. Coon shrimp, jigs, beads, and spinners are producing results, especially in the early morning bite. With a recycling effort planned for local escapement, action should improve through the week.
Cowlitz River
Reports from the hatchery show solid summer steelhead and spring Chinook numbers this week. Flows below Mayfield Dam were steady at 5,120 cfs, and fishing was hit-or-miss depending on the day. Saturday produced great results for bobber dogging and plunking, though Sunday slowed considerably. As we approach peak season, anglers can expect more consistent opportunities.
Columbia River
Sockeye numbers on the Columbia are disappointing, with many trips yielding no bites and heavy weed conditions causing gear issues. Steelhead action is modest, especially below Kalama, where some improvement has been noted. Weeds clogging spin glows within minutes have been a major frustration across multiple locations. Despite the obstacles, steelhead are trickling in and should pick up with cleaner water.
Shad
Shad fishing is fading fast, with very few bites reported over the weekend. Anglers are finding fewer fish, and most boats struggled to catch anything at Steamboat Landing. The season is nearly over, making this week one of the last good chances. Minimal action is expected moving forward.
Sturgeon
Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is excellent from Camas to Woodland right now. Anglers are landing multiple fish over five feet long within just a few hours. Sandshrimp has proven to be the bait of choice and is working consistently across several locations. This week marks a great time to target sturgeon before they move deeper.
Merwin & Yale Lakes
Fishing at Merwin and Yale has dropped off sharply this week, likely due to thick debris in the water from cotton trees and weed growth. Wake boats are stirring up the lakes late morning into the afternoon, worsening conditions. Downriggers seem to be the only effective method as long lines are constantly fouled. It’s a tough week for lake anglers, but patience might still reward dedicated kokanee chasers.
Local Lakes & Ponds
Lacamas and Battleground Lakes are producing well for bass in the early mornings with topwater baits. As temps climb, bass are moving deeper, and slow-retrieve options like soft plastics and jigs are working best. Catfish are biting small but steady on worms and chicken liver. Bluegill and crappie are finally waking up with a good prespawn bite underway.
Read this week’s Oregon fishing report.