SW Washington fishing report by Terry Otto
One week left for Columbia springers, best fishing right now. Winter steelhead peaking. 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 coming soon
Columbia tributary steelhead peaking
Weather
SW Washington is set for a week of dry weather starting this Friday. Temps will warm into the 70’s, with clouds and sun mixed. By mid-week showers will return, with daily temps dropping to around 60. The dry weather will continue going forward, with no heavy rains forecasted for a couple weeks.
Columbia River
Spring Chinook
Casey Kelly of NW Columbia Fishing Adventures, reports that fishing for spring Chinook fishing has been spotty, although it is getting better. Anglers in the Portland/Vancouver area are now getting a few more fish, and anglers further down are doing better, too. 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. That should keep the fish on the move, and in the mood to bite.
Walleye
The good folks at the Gorge Outfitters Supply in Rufus report that the walleye bite continues to be very good, and the fish still being found from 30 to 90 feet over rocky reefs and gravel bottoms. There have been some reports of large females in the catch. 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, or less, jigging could be good. A few walleye have already been caught along the reef near Washougal.
Cowlitz River
Last week, Tacoma Power employees recovered 782 Winter-run Steelhead, one Spring Chinook adult, and one Cutthroat adult over five days of operations at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator. River flows below Mayfield Dam were 13,900 cubic feet per second on Monday, March 30. Water visibility is 5 feet and water temperature is 44.1 (F).
Steelhead numbers returning to the trap indicate the run is still peaking, with over seven hundred steelhead returning to the trap each of the last two weeks. However, persistent high water in the Cowlitz continues to hamper the fishing, although the water clarity is improving. Fishing Guide Dave Mallahan (360-201-9313) reports that the fishing is still somewhat spotty, and the river is still crowded.
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 and is now running at about 12.5 feet at the gauge in Woodland. The river is also clearing out, and anglers are still getting a few winter steelhead. There have been a few reports of early spring Chinook, but that run is not coming in strong yet. Bank anglers are fishing bobber methods, while boat anglers have a few more options.
A few spring Chinook are being caught by anglers trolling at the mouth, and in the first mile or so of the lower Lewis River above the mouth.
You can check the Lewis River Gauge at Woodland here.
Lake Merwin
The Kokanee fishing has improved with the water clearing out and should be in good condition for this weekend. The schools have yet to begin moving deeper and can still be found in the top 20 feet of water. They move a little deeper when the sun is on the water. Trolling kokanee spinners tipped with corn behind dodgers is the favorite method, but with the fish up near the surface, jigging could also be effective.
Battle Ground Lake
Battle ground Lake was stocked with 3,000 catchable rainbows at 2.5 per pound on March 26. Battle Ground Lake has been fishing well recently, with the anglers utilizing the fishing dock having the most success. Boat anglers have also been getting some fish. Powerbait has been the most popular offering, but if the fish are not taking it, try natural baits such as worms or salmon eggs.