Fishing Reports & Newsletter Update July 6th, 2010

Sturgeon

Sturgeon season was slow this year but we able to get fish for the clients.  Weather was wet and the wind blew making for some exciting boat rides.  Overall, the water in the lower Columbia was still below 60 degrees and still high river flows.  We caught our share of shakers and averaged one to two keepers per trip.  the season was extended even though this years quota was 35 % smaller than last year. Season extended to July 11th, 2010. 

Columbia June Hogs / Summer Steelhead

The Columbia River is teaming with summer steelhead.  We are also experiencing consistent numbers of summer chinook from Bonneville down to Longview.  Hog lines using quick fish and plugs are catching both chinooks and steelhead.  Fishing should continue to be good for the remainder of the month.

Cowlitz Summer Steelhead

The Cowlitz River is starting to see good numbers of summer steelhead returning to the river.  We already have over 1000 fish returned to the hatchery.  The limit was raised to 3 fish per day per person.  Fish over the July 4th holiday, catching several nice chunky chomers between 10 and 12 lbs.  With the number of steelhead in the Columbia odds are we should have a good run this year.  It will only get better peaking toward the end of the month and beginning of August. 

Fall Predictions

The chinook quota for this summer and fall is 88,000 chinook, up from last years 22,000.  Expectations are for a good return of fall chinook to the Cowlitz and good fishing in the Columbia.  We need to get the wobblers out and shine them up.  No predictions for the coho as of yet. 

Good fishing opportunities are now and will continue through the summer and fall.  As the weather is improving give me a call to book your trip.  Best dates are filling quickly.