Fishing across SW Washington is heating up as Chinook numbers surge and Buoy 10 explodes with action. While upriver conditions are mixed due to weed interference, estuary fishing is thriving. Steelhead are beginning to slow in the tributaries, but kokanee at Merwin remain consistent, with some standout days. Overall, anglers are finding success by adapting to shifting conditions and targeting the right water at the right time.
Lewis River
Flows on the North Fork have dropped to their annual low of 1,200 cfs, but fishing remains productive. Steelhead and Chinook continue to enter the system daily, and the debris issue is easing, making the river more accessible. Bobber dogging with beads or eggs is producing good steelhead numbers, while deeper holes are yielding Chinook on eggs and coon shrimp. Expect Chinook numbers to build steadily over the coming week.
Kalama River
Reports from the Kalama are sparse, but a few lucky anglers have landed tule Chinook near Camp Kalama. Water levels are low, and the weir is in place, limiting opportunities for hatchery fish above it. Coho are expected to follow soon, offering a modest early run. Bobber and eggs remain popular, with spinners and twitching jigs also drawing strikes.
Washougal River
No firsthand reports were available this week, but conditions suggest Chinook should begin pouring in soon. Tule fishing is expected to kick off, and anglers should be ready for increased activity. With the weir installed and water temperatures favorable, this fishery could turn on quickly. Keep an eye on early morning bite windows.
Cowlitz River
The Cowlitz continues to deliver a mix of spring and fall Chinook, summer steelhead, and cutthroat trout, with hatchery operations reporting strong numbers. Summer steelheading near Blue Creek remains viable, though action downstream is tapering off. Bobber dogging with beads or eggs is outperforming plugs and other methods. This may be one of the final weeks to capitalize on summer steelhead before the season winds down.
Drano Lake
Drano Lake is on fire, with steelhead and Chinook surging in over the past two days. Trolling outside the lake is productive for Chinook, while hover and bobber fishing near the Little White Salmon mouth is yielding bright fall Chinook and summer steelhead. Eggs and sand shrimp are the top producers. Anglers are reporting excellent catch rates and steady action throughout the day.
Columbia River
Fishing on the Columbia has been hit or miss due to heavy weed flow, which is impacting gear effectiveness. Super baits and cut plugs are the most consistent producers, with spinners seeing limited success. Ridgefield and Vancouver have seen early morning flurries followed by slow afternoons, while Washougal is outperforming with steady catches at the Sandy mouth. Anglers are finding success with both trolling and anchor techniques.
Merwin and Yale Lakes
Kokanee fishing remains solid at both Merwin and Yale, though effort is required to reach daily limits. Fish are holding deeper, mostly between 60–70 feet, making downriggers essential. Orange and pink lures tipped with tuna-soaked corn are working best. Expect heavy boat traffic this weekend as warm weather draws recreational anglers.
Buoy 10
Buoy 10 has erupted with Chinook and coho action stretching from the buoy itself to Tongue Point. Fish are moving upriver quickly, but fresh waves are filling in behind, keeping the bite hot. Hooded anchovies paired with flashers are working well, though spinners and pro trolls are also producing. South winds may create challenging conditions this weekend, so plan accordingly.