Washington fishing report by Ian Carter
Kalama Report
Things have been warming up on the Kalama. When I visited last Sunday, the river was busy. I chit chatted with several groups of fishermen. There was some success between them with a total of three Steelhead retained.
During my visit to the Kalama on Sunday around 9:00am it was very busy. Most bank spots had active fisherman and many drift boats on the river. There were 5 boats alone working the Prichard area.
Cowlitz Report
The Smelt are back along with the onslaught of pinnipeds. It appears there won’t be a Smelt sport dip at all. Fishing pressure continues to be extremely heavy and boat traffic is high, especially in the Blue Creek area. Steelhead fishing for the next couple of weeks is probably as good as it will get. The escapement totals dropped from the previous week, but fishing success increased.
Dave Mallahan with Daves Guide Service had a great week (photo above). Fishing was much better. Boat traffic is rough, as it’s busy but he’s getting fish.
Columbia River
Fishing pressure is certainly picking up, with the most activity from Woodland to Longview. Success rates are not so much to write home about, although there are reports of a couple fish intercepted this week. The river has much turbidity which has curtailed the potential for action.
At Martin bar on Tuesday there were about a dozen rods in the water. I spoke to a couple of groups, and none had any action at all. The tides in the lower Columbia this weekend will be going out during most daylight hours.
Merwin – Fishing at Merwin has turned on strong the past week. Keep in mind that I have received differing reports on success. Some are having a rough go of it while others are killing it.
Reports indicate a good super early bite for a couple hours, then it becomes school locating time. Heading east out of Speelyai is a good idea based on some details received.
Riffe Lake is currently 677 feet, which is an additional three feet lower. Some local folks are planning to attend the next bi-monthly Pacific Power public meeting to find out what exactly is going on. There is a newsletter coming out next week that will apparently address the issue. If you are interested, you can sign up for Cowlitz River Project email list. The newsletter is only published two times a year and is due next week. I’ve already signed up and will report on it when received. Monica Sundbaum the TPU public liaison is indicating that barring any unforeseen weather events the lake should be fishable by May.
Mayfield Lake No Reports
Kress Lake – Has received only eight Steelhead transplants since March 15th.
Battle Ground Lake – No new stocking or reports
Klineline – Received a double stocking on March 20th. There were 4,000 and 2,000 stocker sized Rainbow and Cutthroat respectively.
Silver Lake – No Reports
Coastal Report
Jetty Fishing – I didn’t receive any reports about Jetty fishing. The Clamming beaches up north however have been providing some epic Surf Perch fishing.
Clamming – Great reports continued to be the thing up North. I just received (Wednesday) a notification that Long Beach is opening again, beginning March 23rd for a few days. There are tentative digs scheduled for most of April. Certainly, welcome news for the Long Beach Clam Festival and the businesses that depend on it.
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