Merwin is the high point if you want to bring home some fish. The Lewis river is probably your best option for local rivers. There is some excellent news regarding restoration efforts for two of our most struggling river systems.
REMINDER, please verify the regulations before fishing any body of water.
Lewis Report
Flows on the Lewis are below summer levels. Wednesday it is flowing at 2,100 cfs. This pattern has existed all week. I’m continuing to hear of some success on arriving steelhead. The late Coho made an appearance. (As it seemed like a major anomaly, I triple checked and it’s correct) WDFW checks showed no catches or effort. I’m not sure if that is the case or they just didn’t check this week. WDFW conducted no creel checks on any rivers.
Even though the water is low, the river is in excellent condition and Steelhead fishing should be worth the effort.
Kalama Report
I haven’t received any specific reports on the Kalama this week. There appear to be a few hatchery Coho still trickling in.
Cowlitz Report
Reports aren’t very positive from the Cowlitz. Dave Mallahan with Dave’s Guide Service fished on Tuesday this week, with no bites. Tacoma Power employees continue to handle some fish, but most certainly on a major decline.
Cowlitz flows are still wacked. There is no rhyme or reason for the flows that have been inconsistent for the past two weeks.
Washougal Report
A few Chum made the trip to the hatchery, but that’s about it. No reports and no escapements.
Elochoman Report
Early Steelhead are slowly beginning to arrive.
Puget Sound
Reports of the south sound Cutthroat fishery are positive. There are over 1,000 miles of shoreline in the south sound for pursuing this awesome fish. It takes some time to learn a specific spot and the effect of the tides. Sea-run Cutthroat are creatures of habit and often return to the same place. They are very opportunistic feeders, and the best fishing can be timed with the exodus of smolt.
This is a great alternative to staying home during this downtime in SW Washington. If you wish to travel to the area the best places to try are the Tacoma Narrows area, Lincoln Park south of West Seattle, Redondo Beach, Golden Gardens near Ballard, Carkeek Park, Richmond Beach, Meadowdale Beach and Picnic Point.
Merwin continues to be a bright spot in our area. Fishing is fantastic. The weather the past few days has been epic.
Other Reservoirs – No reports other than Riffe is getting even lower.
Clark County Lakes –Battleground and Klineline received around 2,000 stocker trout each on December 13th.
Kress Lake –WDFW stocked the lake on December 13th with 792 approximately ½ pound Rainbow.
Lake Sacajawea – Received a lucky 666 – ½ pound Rainbow also on December 13th.
Coastal Report
Razor Clams – Still Toxic
Surf Fishing – No specific reports this week. The tide forecast can be found here.
Crabbing – Crabs are remaining full and quick limits are the pattern, not an exception. I’m looking forward to a combo Clam/Crab trip once the beaches open for Razors.
Weather Prediction
Our promised frozen winter wonderland forecast seems to be falling apart as of tonight (Wednesday). I’m sure the gorge will be nasty regardless. The weekend appears to be damp and more mild temperatures. The wind forecast for our reservoirs feels like it could go either way. Check here for updates. Click on the BLEND button for the best data.
Find our latest weekly Orgon fishing report right here.
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