As we roll into late June, conditions across SW Washington fisheries are shifting. Chinook season has closed on the Columbia while anticipation builds for Saturday’s sockeye opener. Steelhead action is slowly gaining momentum in tributaries, though most rivers remain slow. On the brighter side, Merwin and Yale are producing steady limits for those braving the wind, and shad numbers are exploding at Bonneville.
Lewis River Report – The Lewis remains stable at 2,800 cfs, with no change in flow for months. Fishing has been tough lately, with Father’s Day outings producing no success for Chinook or steelhead. However, fish are entering the system daily, and with rain in the forecast, steelhead numbers should improve into July. Covering water and using bobber-dogged eggs or soft beads are key right now.
Kalama River Report – The Kalama has dropped to typical summer flows, extremely low and challenging to fish effectively. Reports show zero hookups this week despite angler effort, though escapement numbers are slowly improving. Rain is expected to help push more fish into the river, which could turn things around. Bobber and coon shrimp or spinners are top tactics heading into the weekend.
Washougal River Report – Fishing has slowed considerably on the Washougal following an early steelhead push. Reports of hookups have been sparse, with only one confirmed fish hooked this week near the “cop shop.” Despite this, escapement remains strong, suggesting the weekend rain could trigger a fresh bite. Bobber and shrimp combinations are proving most effective in current conditions.
Cowlitz River Report – Tacoma Power reported substantial fish movement last week, with nearly 700 adult Chinook and close to 50 summer steelhead collected. Many of these fish were released into Lake Scanewa, the Cispus River, and Packwood. Steelhead recycling continues at the I-5 boat launch, though angler reports have been limited. River flow sits at 5,060 cfs, and weekend conditions should be favorable.
Columbia River Report – Chinook fishing on the Columbia is now closed pending a mid-season update. Excitement is building for the June 22 sockeye opener, although new regulations limit anglers to one daily catch and a “one and done” policy. Spin n’ glows tipped with coon shrimp are the go-to setup for sockeye along the lower Columbia. Popular spots like Austin’s Point and Woodland Bottoms are expected to see more pressure once the season opens.
Shad Report – Shad fishing has erupted this week, with numbers skyrocketing into the hundreds of thousands. Anglers are catching 100+ fish in just a few hours, making it one of the best bites currently available. Darts and Dic Nites cast with ½ to 1 ounce weights are top producers. Bonneville Dam remains the hotspot, drawing large crowds to the bank.
Merwin and Yale Lake Report – Merwin continues to produce excellent kokanee limits despite persistent wind. Fish are widely distributed, and electronics are key as water temps rise. Downriggers at 40–50 feet and long lines with 2–4 ounces are both working well. Productive setups include cut plugs, wigglers, and hoochies tipped with corn—anglers report success across all methods.
Local Lakes and Ponds Report – Summer crowds have taken over local lakes like Battleground, Lacamas, and Horseshoe, making fishing tough from the bank. Reports are scarce, as anglers compete with swimmers and kayakers. Bass and warmwater species are still possible from boats, but conditions are far from ideal. Planning around peak recreation hours is recommended for better success.
Stay fishy,
Seth Kolshinski
Read this week’s Oregon fishing report.