SW Washington fishing report by Ian Carter
Surf Perch above | Image Credit, Bashi Lure
While the Lewis is in a holding pattern, the outlook for the Kalama looks promising. Those who live in the Camas area will be pleased that the Washougal is producing a few Coho. Also, excellent news for those fishing Merwin, as a little bite seems to be underway.
REMINDER, please verify the regulations before fishing any body of water
Lewis Report
The river is in excellent condition yet fishing pressure has subsided considerably. During my observations in the Cedar Creek area, I couldn’t help but notice the lack of surface activity. In fact, there was none! Most certainly not constant jumping fish it has been for the past month.
Kalama Report
While scouting the area on Wednesday I noted that fishing activity is minimal. One fly angler, I spoke with was unsuccessful at 9:00am.
The WDFW creel checks for the Kalama showed some success as 36 bank rods kept eight coho and released one coho. Nine boats fishing 19 rods kept 10 coho, one steelhead and released one Chinook and one coho.
WDFW angler checks reveal Cowlitz River I-5 Br downstream – 19 bank rods kept two coho. 4 boats/12 rods kept two coho. Cowlitz River Above the I-5 Br – No report.
Dave is back on the Cowlitz after finishing up a successful stint on the Sol Duc. He says fishing is good. He’s been fishing the lower river from I-5 bridge down. He mentioned there has been some significant numbers of Coho caught this week.
Washougal Report
There were no WDFW angler checks reported. However, it appears that a few coho are beginning to show.
Toutle Report
Things aren’t too positive. I’ll refrain from posting anything further until I hear some good news.
Naselle Report
Chum fishing is excellent according to John Thompson at Sportsman’s in Vancouver.
Klickitat River
Creel checks showed Klickitat River below Fisher Hill Bridge – 56 bank rods kept one Chinook, 51 coho, eight coho jacks and released seven coho. Klickitat River above #5 Fishway – No report.
Columbia River
Understandably there is no creel survey data from WDFW for the Columbia this week. Last week after I had already filed my report, the early 2023 Sturgeon seasons were announced.
Smaller Lakes Report
WDFW has stocked some Washington lakes. It’s my understanding that Klineline, Battle Ground and Kress Lakes have all been stocked already. WDFW is vague on specific numbers and dates. These “holiday special” trout weigh up to three pounds and average 15 to 16 inches in length.
Salmon Fishing Those coastal tributaries that sustain Chum runs are mostly all at the peak right now. Fishing is also good in the Hoodsport area.
Crabbing Reports indicate crabbing is picking up out of Chinook. This weekend high slack is in the 9:00am hour and low slack around 2:00pm
Razor Clams – No updates yet on when the season will resume.
Surf Fishing – Details are coming in of exceptional Perch fishing in Long Beach.
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