Fishing Reports & Newsletter Update July 31, 2011
 

Cowlitz Summer Steelhead - The summers runs were late as has been the case for most of the species this year. The unseasonably high runoff was partly to blame. However, last week we did see good numbers of fish in the river and we boated 6 fish on Wednesday and 8 on Thursday of last week. We should see good opportunities for summer steelhead now through mid August.

Columbia River Chinook - Projections for the Columbia river system Chinook salmon returns are excellent, over 800,000 returning. The season opens Aug. 1 but the fish will be in better numbers toward the end of the month. I will start fishing in the Columbia for the fall Chinook on or about Aug. 20th. We will move into the Cowlitz about Labor Day depending on the fish.

Cowlitz River Salmon - Again good projections for the return of both Chinook and silvers. The WDFW has already increased the catch limit for Coho Salmon to six fish per person. The day catch limits could include up to two adult Chinook and four adult Coho. The Chinook will be in the system from the end of August through September with mid September possibly being the peak. Coho Salmon will start showing in late September in numbers and be available through October.

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.