In SW Washington – Two weeks left for Columbia springers, best fishing on the way. Winter steelhead peaking right now. Columbia walleye good, steelhead slow.
Best bets for weekend fishing
Columbia River spring Chinook open through April 8
Lowland trout lakes fishing rated fair to good
Salmon Creek steelhead retention extended
Columbia River walleye bite very good, spawn on the way
Columbia tributary steelhead peaking
Weather
Heavy rains this past Wednesday will raise the rivers again, but just a little. Spring-like conditions will prevail this weekend, with highs in the 60’s and sunshine. Rain and cooler weather returns by midweek, with showers, then rain starting Wednesday.
Columbia River
Spring Chinook fishing has picked up some, according to Casey Kelly of NW Columbia Fishing Adventures. He has heard reports that anglers in the Portland/Vancouver area are now getting a few more fish, and anglers further down are doing better, too. It is still slow, but the water temps are warmer than usual for this time of year. In late March the temps are usually in the 38-to-40-degree range, but it is closer to 45 degrees now.
Walleye
The good folks at the Gorge Outfitters Supply in Rufus report that the walleye bite continues to be very good, with the fish still being found from 30 to 90 feet over rocky reefs and gravel bottoms. Closer to home the fish are not as deep, but anglers are getting some already. Bottom walking worm harnesses and deep diving plugs are the best option. If anglers find the fish in the 30-foot range, jigging could be good.
Cowlitz River
Last week, Tacoma Power employees recovered 779 Winter-run Steelhead, six Spring Chinook adults, and one Coho adults over five days of operations at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator. River flow below Mayfield Dam was 13,900 cubic feet per second on Monday, March 23. Water visibility is improving, and is at 3 feet with water temperature at 44.6 (F). River flows could change at any time so boaters and anglers should remain alert for this possibility.
Steelhead numbers returning to the trap indicate the run is peaking, but high water in the Cowlitz has hampered the fishing, as has the somewhat dirty water. Fishing Guide Dave Mallahan (360-201-9313) reports that the fishing has remained spotty, and the river has been crowded. Most of the anglers are concentrating below Blue Creek, since the spring Chinook action has still been pretty slow. A few springers have been taken, though. Most boat anglers are bobber-dogging, while bank anglers are mostly fishing bobbers with bait, jigs, or beads.
Cowlitz River gauges
You can check the river gauge at Kelso here. You can check the river gauge at Castle rock here. You can check the river gauge at the Mayfield Dam here.
Lewis River
The river has dropped from the 17-foot range, and is now running at about 12.5 feet at the gauge in Woodland. The river is also clearing out, and should be in decent condition for the weekend. Anglers are still getting a few winter steelhead. During the latest creel survey, 6 bank anglers had no catch. 2 boats/6 rods released three steelhead.
There have been a few reports of spring Chinook being caught, but some of these have been taken by anglers trolling at the mouth, and up within the first mile or so of the Lewis River.
You can check the Lewis River Gauge at Woodland here.
Kalama River
The Kalama is still running high, but it has dropped to fishable condition. In fact, conditions are pretty good. The river may have lifted a little from the rains this past week, but not enough to slow the bite. In the latest creel survey, 21 bank anglers kept five steelhead, released one Chinook and one steelhead. 7 boats/19 rods kept four steelhead. No report on baits or methods being used.
Salmon Creek
The state has extended the steelheading season and it remains open for the retention of Hatchery fish. The Salmon Creek is now running at good flows following the rains this past week. The creek fishes best when the flows are a little high. Steelheading has been decent, with anglers mostly using bobber methods, but spinners and drifting are good options, too. The peak of the run is happening right now, and some of the best fishing of the year is on tap. Best options include the Salmon Creek Park, and the first few holes above the I-5 Bridge.