SW Washington Fishing Report for Dec 3

SW Washington fishing report by Ian Carter

Merwin is fishing great with many limits coming to patient and observant anglers. The Cowlitz is probably the best place to catch a Coho in our area. It’s unfortunately the stretch of our trip around the sun when many fishing opportunities naturally slow down.

REMINDER, please verify the regulations before fishing any body of water

Lewis Fishing Report

There isn’t much to report this week.  I personally didn’t fish the Lewis, spending Sunday morning instead up on Merwin. WDFW angler checks showed 36 bank rods kept two coho and released one Chinook. Four boats fishing six rods had no catch.

Kalama Report

There aren’t many Coho making it to the hatchery. Steelhead numbers should be interesting to watch and see how rapidly they grow in the coming weeks.  

Cowlitz Fishing Report

Angler success this was varied.  Overall fishing pressure a catch rates are on the decline.  The WDFW checks didn’t prove to be as positive as some reports from Korey about the angler success, specifically at Barrier Dam.

Dave Mallahan with Dave’s Guide Service was reminiscing about the good ole November days on Cowlitz, not seen since around 2012. The WDFW stopped supporting the early run Steelhead and a terrific fishery disappeared.  I’m personally going to do some research into the historical numbers for Steelhead escapement on the Cowlitz for the past 15 years. Dave also says the B-run Coho didn’t appear in big numbers as expected this year.  

Tacoma Power employees released 1,404 coho adults, 26 coho jacks, and four cutthroat trout into Lake Scanewa in Randle.

The Tilton River acquired 961 coho adults, 21 coho jacks, one fall Chinook adults, and one cutthroat trout into the Tilton River.

Washougal Fishing Report

Nothing to be seen unless everyone is holding out on me.  It’s odd that no Coho arrived this week after a strong showing the week prior.  Maybe it was a technical error in the escapement data that will rectify itself next week.

Toutle Fishing Report

Until the receipt of a successful fishing report, I’ll refrain from posting this section moving forward.   

Naselle Fishing Report

Daves Guide Service noted that Steelhead fishing this river in a few weeks might be a worthwhile pursuit. Most of the Steelhead currently in the system are worn out summer runs. The Salmon escapement counts are trailing off, although there does appear to be fresh Chum arriving each week.  

Klickitat Fishing River 

My conversation with Carl from Klickitat Canyon Market today was somewhat bitter sweet.  It’s officially the end of the fishing season from a shuttle perspective.  The river above the closed area at Fisher Hill Bridge is only open for Whitefish.  I’m going to do some research into the viability of this fishery.  

Coastal Fishing Report

Razor Clams – There is still no further indication of when clamming will open back up.  The toxin levels are apparently quite significant.

Surf Fishing – Remains good and worth putting the time in.  As with most fishing, being observant before you start tossing gear can pay dividends. The low tides this weekend are near perfect for fishing the incoming at first light.

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