Washington River Reports
Washington River Reports 07/15/2016
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Fly Fishing 02/26/2014
Fly-fishing film: The Fly Fishing Film Tour stops in Gig Harbor on Wednesday at the Galaxy Theater, 4649 Point Fosdick Drive NW. The event is sponsored by the Gig Harbor Fly Shop and proceeds benefit the Native Fish Society. Tickets are $12 at the fly shop and $15 at the event. The movie begins at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information visit thef3t.com or call 253-851-3474.
More info on Fly Fishing
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Smelt 02/09/2016
Smelt: Saturday’s fishery on the Cowlitz saw as many as 3,000 anglers on the water at once, according to the state agency. Success was lower than last year, but many people still caught their 10-pound limit. No other seasons are scheduled for the Cowlitz or Washington’s side of the Columbia.
Smelt 02/05/2016
Cowlitz-Smelt: The lone day of smelt dipping will take place Saturday from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Each netter can keep 10 pounds of smelt. Reports from Wednesday said smelt were seen swimming close to the bank in the Kelso area. No fish were seen near Castle Rock.
Smelt 02/03/2015
Sports fishermen with with dip nets will be allowed to dip for smelt along the Cowlitz River bank from 6 a.m.-noon Saturday and Feb. 14. Each dip-netter can keep 10 pounds of smelt (about one-quarter of a five-gallon bucket) per day, with no more than one day's limit in possession.
Smelt 01/30/2015
Recreational dipping for smelt in the Cowlitz River will be open from 6 a.m.-noon Feb. 7 and 14, part of an effort to gauge smelt population growth.
Fishery managers in Washington and Oregon on Wednesday approved the move, as well as a recreational fishery in Oregon’s Sandy River and a commerical fishery in the Columbia River. It is the second straight year limited dipping will be allowed because the species was listed in 2010 as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act.
Each Cowlitz angler may keep 10 pounds of smelt per day, with no more than one day’s limit in possession. Ten pounds is about a quarter of a five-gallon bucket. No fishing license is required to dip for smelt in Washington.
In 2014, sport dippers caught an estimated 198,000 pounds of smelt in the Cowlitz during two days of good fishing in early March. The mainstem commercial fishery harvested an estimated 18,600 pounds of fish in February.
Smelt Reports for 2014/2015
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RIVER REPORTS
Black River 10/02/2015
BLACK: Effective Friday (Oct. 2) fishing restrictions on the river in Thurston and Grays Harbor counties have been lifted. The river was closed to protect fish due to low water conditions.
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Bogachiel River
Also see Olympic Peninsula River Reports below........
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Calawah River
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Carbon River 12/18/2015
Carbon: The action is less than ideal, but people are catching an occasional coho.
Carbon River 12/08/2015
Carbon: Closed to salmon fishing but open for catch-and-release. Anglers can keep two hatchery steelhead.
Carbon River 12/04/2015
Carbon: Anglers are reminded the river is closed to salmon fishing but open as a catch-and-release fishery for other game fish. People can, however, keep two hatchery steelhead.
Carbon River 10/27/2015
CARBON: Worth trying, says a staffer at Auburn Sports and Marine. Conditions seem good for fishing with several anglers trying this river. Some have had luck with eggs and using a twitching technique.
Carbon River 10/20/2015
CARBON: Multiple reports indicate coho are still biting even though the action isn’t particularly hot.
Carbon River 10/13/2015
CARBON: Coho and pink salmon have been biting lately.
Carbon River 10/06/2015
CARBON: Slow overall, but some anglers are catching pink salmon and coho.
Carbon River 10/02/2015
CARBON: The action has slowed this week, but people are still catching some pink salmon and an occasional coho salmon.
Carbon River 09/25/2015
CARBON: Anglers have had luck landing cohos and pinks.
Carbon River 09/22/2015
CARBON: Anglers have been catching salmon (cohos and pinks).
Carbon River 09/18/2015
CARBON: Anglers are catching a mix of coho and pink salmon.
Carbon River 09/08/2015
CARBON: The salmon fishing has been on the slow side.
Carbon River 09/04/2015
CARBON: Anglers are reporting decent catches of chinook and pink salmon since the river opened Tuesday.
Carbon River 09/01/2015
CARBON: The Big J’s Outdoor Store fishing derby runs through Sept. 7, and already a few anglers have come through the Orting store to weigh their fish. The pinks showing up in the river have been average size.
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Cascade River 12/25/2015
Cascade: This river near Marblemount has rewarded many steelhead anglers who’ve made the long drive.
More info on the Cascade River
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Cedar River 07/15/2014
Cedar: Anglers are hooking some trout using beadhead Woolly Buggers in black or olive. Be sure to fish early, before the swimmers hit the water later on these warm mornings. If there is a hatch in the evening, try an elk hair caddis dry fly with an emerger dropper.
Cedar River Basin Map & Info
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Chambers Creek
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Chehalis River 10/23/2015
CHEHALIS: Plenty of coho are being caught, including a number of limits, from the Satsop downstream through Aberdeen. Most anglers are twitching jigs or casting spinners.
Chehalis River 10/09/2015
CHEHALIS: The fishing has been slow throughout the system, but people are catching some chinook in the Humptulips. Try bouncing pink jigs along the bottom.
Chehalis River 02/20/2015
CHEHALIS: Steelhead are biting.
Chehalis River 01/20/2015
CHEHALIS: Overall, the fishing has been fair as of late. Some people are still hooking into a late arriving coho salmon.
Chehalis River 01/02/2015
CHEHALIS: Fishing has been good for some, according to a recent washingtonlakes.com report.
Chehalis River Basin Map & Info
Chehalis River Salmon Fishing in Tidewater
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Cispus River 06/14/2016
Cispus: Tacoma Power released 86 fish upstream of the mouth of Yellow Jacket Creek last week.
Cispus River 05/24/2016
Cispus: More than 150 fish were released near the mouth of Yellow Jacket Creek last week according to Tacoma Power.
Cispus River 04/05/2016
Cispus: Last week, Tacoma Power released 496 spring chinook adults, 19 jacks and 34 winter-run steelhead adults near the mouth of Yellow Jacket Creek.
Cispus River 03/22/2016
Cispus: Last week, Tacoma Power released 29 winter-run steelhead adults and 28 spring chinook adults near the mouth of Yellow Jacket Creek.
Cispus River 03/15/2016
Cispus: Near Yellow Creek, Tacoma Power released 33 winter-run steelhead and nine spring chinook last week
Cispus River 03/08/2016
Cispus: Last week, Tacoma Power released 37 winter-run steelhead adults and four spring chinook adults near Yellow Jacket Creek.
Cispus River 02/23/2016
Cispus: Last week, Tacoma Power released 31 winter-run steelhead, two spring chinook adults and a coho adult near the mouth of Yellow Jacket Creek.
Cispus River 02/16/2016
Cispus: Last week, Tacoma Power released six winter-run steelhead and spring chinook adults near the mouth of Yellow Jacket Creek.
Cispus River 01/12/2016
Cispus: Tacoma Power released three coho adults, two jacks and a winter-run steelhead last week near the mouth of Yellow Jack Creek.
Cispus River 01/05/2016
Cispus: Tacoma Power released 12 coho jacks last week near the mouth of Yellow Jacket Creek.
Cispus River 12/22/2015
Cispus: Last week, Tacoma Power employees released six coho adults, three jacks and one winter-run steelhead near the mouth of Yellow Jacket Creek.
Cispus River 11/03/2015
CISPUS: Last week, Tacoma Power released 125 coho adults and 311 jacks near the mouth of Yellow Jacket Creek.
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Columbia River Reports 07/15/2016
Columbia: The state reports that more than 133,000 pikeminnows have been caught through July 10 during a reward fishery, including 130 tagged fish. Overall, The Dalles area has been the most productive spot. Last year’s top angler earned $100,453 through the program. The shad count at Bonneville Dam has dropped off, with 2,098 counted Wednesday. Fishing for salmon and steelhead in the lower river has been fair.
Columbia River Reports 07/08/2016
Columbia: Anglers can fish for sockeye salmon from Priest Rapids Dam to 400 feet below Wells Dam, and from the State Route 173 bridge in Brewster to Chief Joseph Dam. The sockeye run is now predicted at 350,000 fish, well above the preseason forecast of 102,000. Check regulations for limits and season lengths. The river from Wells Dam to the State Route 173 bridge will open July 16.
Columbia River Reports 07/05/2016
Columbia: Salmon and steelhead fishing usually heat up in July.
Columbia River Reports 06/28/2016
Columbia: For the first time in 20 years, anglers will be allowed to keep sturgeon from Wanapum to Priest Rapids reservoirs starting Friday. An estimated 4,000 hatchery sturgeon are in the Wanapum, and 2,000 are in the Priest Rapids. Anglers can keep two sturgeon (38-72 inches) per day.
Columbia River Reports 06/24/2016
Columbia: The number of chinook and sockeye salmon passing through Bonneville Dam remains strong. Wednesday’s count included 3,392 chinook and 17,352 sockeye. The number of shad passing through the dam also remains strong, with 83,666 fish counted on Wednesday. Beginning July 1, recreational anglers will be able to harvest hatchery sturgeon from Wanapum and Priest Rapids reservoirs.
Columbia River Reports 06/17/2016
Columbia: Shad numbers remain strong, with 49,912 shad passing through Bonneville Dam Wednesday. The daily sockeye salmon count was averaging about 5,800 fish Monday-Wednesday. The summer chinook count Wednesday was 4,066 fish.
Columbia River Reports 06/14/2016
Columbia: The sockeye return is at a record high. Through Monday, the count was at 33,396, the most since at least 1938. The previous mark of 24,728 was set last year. This season’s forecast predicted 101,600 to return to the mouth of the Columbia this year. Peak counts at Bonneville Dam are usually around July 1. Anglers are catching shad and walleye below Bonneville Dam. Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is going well for some anglers between Woodland and Longview.
Columbia River Reports 06/10/2016
Columbia: After hitting 98,565 on Tuesday, the shad count at Bonneville Dam has dropped. It was 34,020 on Thursday. This week, the summer adult chinook salmon count has been averaging about 2,300 a day.
Columbia River Reports 06/07/2016
Columbia: A state sampling of 397 shad anglers below Bonneville Dam showed they kept 969 fish and released 30. Shad counts are at a year-to-date high of 80,068 fish. Some anglers are catching sturgeon, but sturgeon fishing is closed in the spawning sanctuary downstream of The Dalles Dam through July 31. Check fishing regulations for specific areas where sturgeon fishing is allowed.
Columbia River Reports 06/03/2016
Columbia: The number of shad passing through Bonneville Dam has been increasing daily. The count last Sunday was 3,162 fish, and it jumped to 45,523 fish by Wednesday. This weekend should be the first of several when the fishing is very good. Spring chinook fishing below the dam reopened Friday, and will run through June 15 or until the annual harvest guideline is met.
Columbia River Reports 05/31/2016
Columbia: Anglers can fish for spring chinook Friday through June 15 or until the harvest guideline is met.
Columbia River Reports 05/27/2016
Columbia: Fishery managers in Washington and Oregon have extended the spring chinook fishery below Bonneville Dam. Anglers can fish through Monday, and then June 3-15 or until the harvest guideline is met.
Columbia River Reports 05/24/2016
Columbia: The action has been slow here with some anglers having luck but others not getting so much as a nibble. Chamberlain says shad fishing hasn’t been up to par this season, but action usually isn’t at its best until June.
Columbia River Reports 05/20/2016
Columbia: Anglers can fish for spring chinook through Sunday below Bonneville Dam. The three-day extension reopens the fishery from the Tongue Point/Rocky Point line upriver to Beacon Rock for boat anglers, with bank fishing allowed below the dam. Anglers are limited to one adult hatchery chinook salmon as part of their daily limit of two adult fish.
Columbia River Reports 05/06/2016
Columbia: Anglers can fish for spring chinook through Sunday. A two-day extension was approved on the waters above Bonneville Dam from the Tower Island power lines to the Washington-Oregon state line 17 miles above McNary Dam. Shore anglers can fish from Bonneville Dam to the power lines.
Columbia River Reports 04/26/2016
Columbia: According to state reports, boat anglers last week averaged four walleye and 19 bass per rod in The Dalles Pool, while John Day Pool anglers averaged three walleye and almost eight bass per rod. Walleye have also been biting for bank anglers
Columbia River Reports 04/08/2016
Columbia: The spring chinook fishery on the lower river closed Friday, a day earlier than expected. The closure also means no fishing for steelhead and shad in the 145 miles downstream of the Bonneville Dam. Fishing could reopen if the number of fish passing the dam reaches or exceeds preseason predictions.
Columbia River Reports 04/05/2016
Columbia: Effort and catch was improving below Bonneville Dam last week.
Columbia River Reports 03/22/2016
Columbia: The state’s sampling last week counted 1,566 salmonid anglers (562 boats) with 59 adult and two jack spring chinook and five steelhead. “All the chinook were caught by boat anglers while bank anglers caught the steelhead,” the report said. Anglers kept 83 percent of the chinook and 40 percent of the steelhead. The mainstem closes to salmon, steelhead and shad fishing on March 29 and April 5. John Day Pool produced some legal sturgeon last week. Anglers were also catching walleye in The Dalles Pool and bass in the John Day Pool.
Columbia River Reports 03/15/2016
Columbia: Little has changed here, according to the WDFW. Last week the state sampled 821 salmonid anglers (311 in boats) with 29 adult spring chinook and three steelhead. All but two of the adult spring chinook were kept. Steelhead weren’t biting in The Dalles Pool with more anglers trying the John Day Pool with better luck. Both pools produced some bass and walleye. Anglers have been catching sturgeon.
Columbia River Reports 03/08/2016
Columbia: The lower river has been lucky for some, according to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife reports. Some spring chinook are being caught near Woodland. State officials say the fishery is off to a strong start. Through Sunday, 663 salmon anglers caught 33 adult spring chinook. An estimated 151 adult spring chinook were kept last month, the most for February since 2011. Anglers are catching sturgeon in The Dalles and John Day pools.
Columbia River Reports 02/23/2016
Columbia: State Department of Fish and Wildlife officials counted 80 boats and 137 bank anglers Saturday. Bank anglers are catching steelhead in The Dalles Pool. The John Day and The Dalles pools have been good for sturgeon and walleye.
Columbia River Reports 02/19/2016
Columbia: The state’s initial forecast for fall chinook returns on the Columbia in February is 951,300. Last year, the February projection was 900,200 and the actual return was 1.3 million. Sturgeon fishing is now catch-and-release only in the Bonneville Pool and from Buoy 10 upstream to The Dalles Dam. Retention is open in The Dalles and John Day pools, where walleye fishing has been good.
Columbia River Reports 02/16/2016
Columbia: Sturgeon fishing is now catch-and-release only in the Bonneville Pool and from Buoy 10 upstream to The Dalles Dam. Retention is open in The Dalles and John Day pools, where walleye fishing has been good. Anglers on the lower river are catching some steelhead.
Columbia River Reports 02/09/2016
Columbia: Not many anglers on the river and the fishing has been slow, according to information released by the state. The Dalles and John Day pools are producing some wild steelhead (which must be released) for boat anglers. Bonneville Pool closed Monday to the retention of sturgeon. Anglers are having luck landing walleye in The Dalles and John Day pools.
Columbia River Reports 02/05/2016
Columbia: The first confirmed catch of a spring chinook took place Monday. The angler was fishing with herring below Prescott.
Columbia River Reports 02/02/2016
Columbia: Bonneville Pool has produced some steelhead, while few fishermen have been working The Dalles and John Day pools. Steelhead returns on the lower river hatcheries are behind last year’s numbers, according to a state report. Sturgeon may be retained in the Bonneville Pool through Sunday. The state reported productive walleye fishing at The Dalles and John Day pools.
Columbia River Reports 01/29/2016
Columbia: Fishery managers from Washington and Oregon have set the initial spring chinook fishing season. From March 1-April 9, people fishing down river of the Bonneville Dam will be able to keep one hatchery adult spring chinook as part of their daily limit. The sport fishery will be closed March 29 and April 5 to accommodate possible commercial fisheries. Upstream of the dam, anglers will be able to keep one hatchery spring from March 16-May 6. Sturgeon fishing between the Bonneville and The Dalles dams will close Feb. 8.
Columbia River Reports 01/19/2016
Columbia: Boat anglers are catching a few sturgeon in the Bonneville, The Dalles and John Day pools. Anglers also are catching some steelhead in the John Day Pool.
Columbia River Reports 01/12/2016
Columbia: The Dalles and John Day pools have produced steelhead for boat anglers, according to Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife reports. However, only the John Day Pool has been kind to bank anglers. Anglers are catching some legal-size sturgeon in The Dalles and John Day pools. Boat anglers are doing better in the John Day Pool, while boat and bank anglers are catching legals in The Dalles.
Columbia River Reports 01/05/2016
Columbia: Sturgeon fishing has been best for boat anglers, and bank anglers aren’t catching fish, according to the WDFW. The Dalles and John Day pools have seen a light effort for walleye but none for bass, according to WDFW records.
Eastern Wa. River Basin Map & Info
Ocean Fishing out of the Columbia River
Columbia River History
Salmon for All - Columbia River History
More info on Sturgeon Fishing
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Coweeman 02/09/2016
Coweeman: A state count last week showed 12 bank anglers kept and released four wild steelhead.
Coweeman 01/12/2016
Coweeman: Three bank anglers combined for just one catch last week, according to WDFW reports. The wild steelhead was released.
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Cowlitz River 07/05/2016
Cowlitz: Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 302 spring chinook adults, 95 jacks, 18 mini-jacks and 300 summer-run steelhead adults at the salmon hatchery separator. At Packwood’s Franklin Bridge, 55 spring chinook adults and 54 jacks were released
Cowlitz River 06/28/2016
Cowlitz: Anglers have had luck catching steelhead. Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 229 spring chinook adults, 55 jacks, eight mini-jacks and 246 summer-run steelhead adults at the salmon hatchery separator. Workers released 46 spring chinook adults and 22 spring chinook jacks at Packwood’s Franklin Bridge.
Cowlitz River 06/17/2016
Cowlitz: Recently, boat anglers were catching chinook upstream from Interstate 5, and bank anglers were doing well near Barrier Dam.
Cowlitz River 06/14/2016
Cowlitz: Boat anglers are catching chinook upstream from Interstate 5, and bank anglers are having good luck near the barrier dam. Summer-run steelhead are biting downstream from the trout hatchery. Last week Tacoma Power recovered 517 spring chinook adults, 201 jacks, seven winter-run steelhead adults, 131 summer-run steelhead adults and a cutthroat trout. The agency released 239 chinook at Packwood’s Franklin Bridge.
Cowlitz River 06/07/2016
Cowlitz: Anglers are catching chinook from the banks near the barrier dam, while boat anglers are catching fish lower on the river. Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 333 spring chinook adults, 137 jacks, three winter-run steelhead adults and 91 summer-run steelhead adults at the salmon hatchery separator. Of those, 60 spring chinook adults and 22 spring chinook jacks were released at Packwood’s Franklin Bridge.
Cowlitz River 05/31/2016
Cowlitz: Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 743 spring chinook adults, 168 jacks, 79 winter-run steelhead adults and 34 summer-run steelhead adults. More than 150 fish were released at Packwood’s Franklin Bridge.
Cowlitz River 05/24/2015
Cowlitz: Fishing is not hot, but anglers are catching fish. Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 743 spring chinook adults, 168 jacks, 79 winter-run steelhead and 34 summer-run steelhead at the salmon hatchery separator. It released more than 150 fish at Packwood’s Franklin Bridge.
Cowlitz River 05/17/2016
Cowlitz: Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 1,914 spring chinook adults, 374 spring chinook jacks, 290 winter-run steelhead and 32 summer-run steelhead at the hatchery separator. In Packwood, 358 spring Chinook adults and 55 jacks were released at the Franklin Bridge.
Cowlitz River 04/26/2016
Cowlitz: The chinook action has been good and some anglers are catching steelhead too. Chinook have been biting on eggs, sand shrimp and tuna belly for those fishing from the bank or floating the river. For steelhead, anglers have had success at night near the trout hatchery using glow-in-the-dark lures.
Cowlitz River 04/22/2016
Cowlitz: The river is producing a mix of steelhead and spring chinook
Cowlitz River 04/05/2016
Cowlitz: Tacoma Power reports that it recovered 700 winter-run steelhead, 900 spring chinook adults, 27 spring chinook jacks and one cutthroat trout last week at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Cowlitz River 03/22/2016
Cowlitz: Last week, the state’s sampling showed 101 boat anglers kept 51 steelhead plus four adult spring chinook and released one steelhead. Sixty-six bank anglers kept seven steelhead and five adult spring chinook. Reports state steelhead were caught near the trout hatchery and chinook were caught throughout the river. Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 277 winter-run steelhead and 77 spring chinook adults and one spring chinook jack.
Cowlitz River 03/15/2016
Cowlitz: WDFW numbers show that last week 132 boat anglers kept 85 hatchery winter-run steelhead and released one wild. Meanwhile, 64 bank anglers kept five hatchery adult spring chinook and 10 hatchery winter-run steelhead and released one hatchery winter-run steelhead. Chinook were biting at the barrier dam while steelhead were caught near the trout hatchery and at points downriver. Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 346 winter-run steelhead and 24 spring chinook adults.
Cowlitz River 03/08/2016
Cowlitz: The best steelhead fishing has been near the trout hatchery and the barrier dam area has produced the best spring chinook fishing. Last week, WDFW observed 38 boat anglers keeping 27 hatchery winter-run steelhead and releasing one hatchery jack spring chinook. On the banks, 59 anglers kept three hatchery adult spring chinook and nine hatchery winter-run steelhead. Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 226 winter-run steelhead and five spring chinook adults at the salmon hatchery separator.
Cowlitz River 02/23/2016
Cowlitz: Blue Creek has been producing steelhead for bank anglers using jigs and bobbers. Steelhead fishing has been improving at the hatchery. Last week, Tacoma Power employees recovered 164 winter run steelhead, five coho adults and two spring chinook adults at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Cowlitz River 02/19/2016
Cowlitz: Karen Glaser of Barrier Dam Campground Tackle Shop in Salkum says anglers are catching steelhead mostly at Blue Creek, but also near the dam. Bank anglers are using jig and bobber topped with bait. The water level is high, flowing at 14,500 cubic feet per second.
Cowlitz River 02/16/2016
Cowlitz: Last week, Tacoma Power employees recovered 79 winter-run steelhead and two spring chinook adults at the hatchery separator.
Cowlitz River 02/09/2016
Cowlitz: Last week, steelhead were biting downstream from the trout hatchery and spring chinook were caught on the lower river. Thirsty-one bank anglers kept one adult chinook and two winter-run steelhead and released one steelhead. Four boat anglers kept one winter-run steelhead. Last week, Tacoma Power recovered three coho adults, three jacks, 14 winter-run steelhead and one cutthroat trout.
Cowlitz River 02/05/2016
Cowlitz-Smelt: The lone day of smelt dipping will take place Saturday from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Each netter can keep 10 pounds of smelt. Reports from Wednesday said smelt were seen swimming close to the bank in the Kelso area. No fish were seen near Castle Rock.
Cowlitz River 02/02/2016
Cowlitz: Steelhead fishing is improving, according to a recent state report. A Department of Fish and Wildlife survey last week found that 18 bank anglers kept five hatchery winter-run steelhead and four boat anglers kept one. Fish were caught throughout the river. Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 37 coho adults, three jacks, and 54 winter-run steelhead and cutthroat. On Saturday, smelt fishing will be allowed from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. No dipping is allowed from boats and each dip-netter has a 10-pound limit. A recent state report said, “Prospects look good for the Cowlitz sport fishery this Saturday.” Good numbers of smelt were reportedly caught in the commercial fishery Monday near Longview.
Cowlitz River 01/29/2016
Cowlitz smelt: Fishery managers have also approved a six-hour recreational smelt fishery Feb. 6. Anglers will be able to dip for smelt from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. The limit will be 10 pounds per person, about one quarter of a 5-gallon bucket. No dipping will be allowed from a boat. Just like in the last two years, the fishery is taking place to help biologists gather data on the abundance of smelt.
Cowlitz River 01/26/2016
Cowlitz: The steelhead fishing has been very slow, based on state creel samples. A check of 14 bank anglers showed they had kept just one hatchery steelhead. Three boat anglers had no catch.
Cowlitz River 01/19/2016
Cowlitz: While there was no report on angling success, last week Tacoma Power recovered 52 coho adults, 19 jacks and four winter run steelhead during five days of operations at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Cowlitz River 01/12/2016
Cowlitz: No report of angling success last week, according to WDFW reports. Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 68 coho adults, 24 jacks, 13 winter-run steelhead and two cutthroat at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Cowlitz River 01/05/2016
Cowlitz: Last week Tacoma Power recovered 90 coho adults, 33 jacks and 14 winter-run steelhead
Cowlitz River Basin Map & Info (PDF File)
Friends of the Cowlitz
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Deschutes River
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Duwamish River
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Eastern Washington Rivers
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Grays Harbor 02/12/2016
Grays Harbor: There have been good reports from steelhead anglers on the Humptulips, Satsop and Wynoochee. The issue this weekend will be how high the rivers get because of the rain.
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Green River (King County) 12/11/2015
Green: Harry says this river, like most around the region, is in no shape for fishing.
Green River (King County) 12/08/2015
Green: The upper river between Cristy Creek at Flaming Geyser State Park to the water pipeline walk bridge downstream of Tacoma Headworks Dam is open through Jan. 31.
Green River (King County) 12/04/2015
Green: The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has opened the upper portion of the river for trout and other game fish through Jan. 31. The newly open stretch is from the mouth of Cristy Creek at Flaming Geyser State Park to the water pipeline walk bridge a half-mile downstream of Tacoma Headworks Dam. With chinook and coho spawning complete, anglers in that area can now fish for hatchery steelhead. The fishing overall has been slow.
Green River Basin Map & Info
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Hoh River 12/25/2015
Hoh: Very little action on the Olympic Peninsula judging by recent state fishing reports. The Bogachiel and Calawah have been the best options.
Hoh River 05/26/2015
HOH: The state announced the river and South Fork will be closed to all recreational fishing June 6-July 13. The state said the river’s population of spring/summer chinook has been near or below the escapement goal of 900 the past nine years. The closure will reduce encounters and mortalities of spring chinook that occur while anglers are targeting other fish. The Hoh Tribe also has proposed a fishing schedule that reduces their impacts on wild spring/summer chinook; and Olympic National Park has closed the watershed to fishing.
Hoh River 05/19/2015
HOH: Olympic National Park recently announced closures “due to concerns about the status, trends, and escapement of Hoh River Chinook salmon.” The closure includes the upper Hoh, the south fork, all tributaries and the portion of the river’s mouth located in the park
The mouth is expected to reopen Sept. 1 while the other closures are expected to be lifted Nov. 1.
“This emergency closure is designed to maximize the protection of wild spring/summer chinook salmon in Olympic National Park,” read a statement from the park. “The state and tribal forecast for spring/summer chinook is expected to be below the escapement floor of 900 adults.”
Escapement chinook are those that make it past commercial and recreational fisheries to spawning grounds.
“The National Park Service seeks to provide diverse recreational fishing opportunities while ensuring the preservation and restoration of native fish,” Olympic superintendent Sarah Creachbaum said in a prepared statement. “However, with the run size at low numbers it is critical to provide additional protection for Chinook.”
Also see the Olympic Peninsula River Reports Below.
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Humptulips River 02/23/2016
Humptulips: Producing some fish. Most of the Olympic Peninsula rivers have been “marginal,” Chamberlain said.
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Icicle River 02/05/2016
Icicle/Wenatchee: The state opened Icicle River and another section of the Wenatchee for steelhead fishing Thursday. The Icicle is open from the mouth to 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery barrier dam. The just-opened Wenatchee stretch is from the Icicle Road bridge to 400 feet below Tumwater Dam.
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John's Creek
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Kalama River 06/28/2016
Kalama: Steelhead are biting, Albertson said.
Kalama River 06/14/2016
Kalama: Chinook and steelhead are biting, but the action isn’t particularly hot, according to state reports.
Kalama River 06/07/2016
Kalama: The action is a bit slow, but anglers are catching chinook and steelhead.
Kalama River 04/26/2016
Kalama: Some anglers have been catching spring chinook.
Kalama River 03/15/2016
Kalama: Last week’s count by the state showed 44 bank anglers kept five hatchery steelhead and released eight wild steelhead. Three boat anglers released one wild fish.
Kalama River 03/08/2016
Kalama: Last week’s WDFW survey showed that 50 bank anglers kept two hatchery steelhead and released one wild steelhead. Meanwhile, 11 boat anglers kept three hatchery fish and released two wilds. Starting Thursday, the hatchery chinook daily limit will be six, two of which can be adults.
Kalama River 03/04/2016
Kalama: Beginning Thursday, anglers will be able to keep up to two hatchery adult spring chinook. The change covers the river from boundary markers at the mouth to 1,000 feet below the fishway at the upper salmon hatchery.
Kalama River 02/09/2016
Kalama: A state survey last week showed that 46 bank anglers kept four hatchery steelhead and released 11 wild steelhead. Twelve boat anglers kept three hatchery steelhead and released two wild steelhead.
Kalama River 01/12/2016
Kalama: WDFW reports show 63 bank anglers kept seven hatchery steelhead and released four while two boat anglers kept one hatchery steelhead last week. Rules require anglers to retain all hatchery steelhead catches.
Port of Kalama
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Kennedy Creek 11/13/2015
KENNEDY: Chum action has been fair in the last week.
Kennedy Creek 11/06/2015
KENNEDY: Chum salmon fishing has started but is still not red-hot. Anglers have been averaging more than one chum per person, based on state creel samples. Those number should improve in the coming weeks.
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Klickitat River 11/10/2015
KLICKITAT: Coho are biting in the lower river and at the mouth.
Klickitat River 05/19/2015
KLICKITAT: Anglers are catching spring chinook from the bank below the Fisher Hill Bridge.
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Lewis River 06/17/2016
Lewis: Action has been slow
Lewis River 06/14/2016
Lewis: The action is slow.
Lewis River 06/07/2016
Lewis: Anglers can’t use bait, and state reports show little effort and catch on the east fork.
Lewis River 05/17/2016
Lewis: Steelhead fishing has been slow.
Lewis River 04/26/2016
Lewis: Effort has been light around the hatchery, according to state reports. In May, the north fork from Johnson Creek upstream to Merwin Dam will be closed to all fishing.
Lewis River 03/15/2016
Lewis: Slow going here according to recent state counts. Last week five bank anglers failed to catch fish.
Lewis River 03/08/2016
Lewis: Last week’s WDFW survey showed 10 bank anglers released two wild steelhead and one whitefish on the east fork. No boat fishing was observed. Tuesday is the last day to fish for hatchery steelhead on the Lewis south and east forks and many other southwest Washington rivers.
Lewis River 03/04/2016
Lewis: Fishermen will have to release all chinook they catch beginning Thursday. The state is putting the closure in place because the forecast return of 1,100 adult spring chinook is below the hatchery escapement goal of 1,350 fish.
Lewis River 02/09/2016
Lewis: Last week 32 bank anglers kept and released two whitefish and two wild steelhead.
Lewis River 01/19/2016
Lewis: The steelhead fishing has been slow on the East Fork.
Lewis River 01/12/2016
Lewis: On the East Fork, WDFW reports show 22 bank anglers combined to catch one hatchery steelhead (kept) and one wild steelhead (released) last week. Boat anglers had better luck, with two combining to catch three wild steelhead and one wild chinook. All fish were released.
Lewis River 01/05/2016
LEWIS: A WDFW survey showed that 81 anglers kept four hatchery steelhead and released four wild steelhead last week.
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Methow River 10/27/2015
METHOW: Steelhead are biting often enough to make this river worth the trip to north central Washington for some west side anglers.
Methow River 03/27/2015
METHOW: The river from the mouth to the confluence of the Chewuch River in Winthrop will close to steelhead and whitefish fishing one hour after official sunset Tuesday.
Methow River info
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Mill Creek 12/22/2015
Mill Creek: Dec. 31 is the last day to fish for steelhead.
Mill Creek 03/30/2015
MILL CREEK: Salmon and steelhead fishing closes March 15.
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Minter Creek 11/23/2013
Minter: Chum have arrived, in big numbers. Some of the fish are already dark. Green corkies and yarn is the best setup to start.
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Naches River 06/12/2015
NACHES: Trout fishing has been a little slow since the river opened.
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Naselle 01/12/2016
Naselle: Chamberlain said anglers are doing “pretty well.”
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Nisqually River 07/15/2016
Nisqually: No reports of any fish being caught. Anglers likely will need to wait a few weeks for the action to pick up.
Nisqually River 01/12/2016
Nisqually: Closed last week to recreational fishing from the mouth upstream to the bridge located a mile north of the mouth of Muck Creek.
Nisqually River 01/08/2016
Nisqually: Anglers are reminded the river was closed to recreational fishing Wednesday. The closure runs from the mouth upstream to the military tank crossing bridge, a mile upstream from the mouth of Muck Creek.
Nisqually River 01/05/2016
Nisqually: Closed to recreational fishing from the mouth to the bridge located a mile upstream of Muck Creek. According to the WDFW rule change memo, the action was taken because surveys and harvest information left agency and Nisqually Indian Tribe officials concerned that winter chum returns are less than forecast and could fall short of the escapement goal.
Nisqually River Basin Map & Info
Nisqually River Management Program
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Nooksack River
Nooksack River Basin Map & Info
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North Sound 02/12/2016
North Sound: Monday will be the final day to fish for steelhead in the terminal hatchery areas on some the rivers. Unfortunately, the action has been slow.
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Olympic Peninsula Rivers 07/08/2016
Olympic Coast: Anglers are reminded of some major rule changes, including no fishing with bait on rivers such as the Sol Duc, Bogachiel and Calawah.
Olympic Peninsula Rivers 07/05/2016
Olympic Peninsula: The Boachiel, Calawah, Humptulips and Wynoochee are often good for steelhead fishing in July
Olympic Peninsula Rivers 04/05/2016
Olympic Peninsula: Anglers are doing well catching steelhead, but no place seems to be producing better than others, Chamberlain said. Previously action seemed to be best on the Sol Duc River.
Olympic Peninsula Rivers 04/01/2016
Olympic Coast: River conditions should be good this weekend for steelhead fishing. Last week, anglers did OK, according to state creel samples. The best action was on the Sol Duc River, where 96 checked anglers caught 42 steelhead.
Olympic Peninsula Rivers 03/25/2016
Olympic Coast: After anglers had excellent fishing last weekend, river conditions might make it tough this weekend. River flows were high Friday morning, and there was more rain in the forecast. Last weekend, anglers had some of the best fishing of the season. On the Sol Duc, for example, 176 anglers were checked by the state, and they had hooked 119 wild steelhead.
Olympic Peninsula Rivers 03/18/2016
Olympic Coast: Conditions should be much better this weekend for fishing in the rivers around Forks. A week ago, there were few anglers out and they didn’t catch many fish. There were 103 anglers checked by the state last weekend, and they caught 25 steelhead. River levels have been dropping all week after spiking on March 10.
Olympic Peninsula Rivers 03/11/2016
Olympic Coast: With more rain in the forecast, it does not seem likely that the rivers in the Forks area will be an option for fishing this weekend.
Olympic Peninsula Rivers 03/04/2016
Olympic Coast: Creel reports indicate last weekend was one of the best of the season, with steelhead being caught in fair to good numbers. If the rain holds off, the rivers should begin dropping back in shape after heavy rains Tuesday.
Olympic Peninsula Rivers 02/26/2016
Olympic Coast: Improved river conditions meant improved catch rates on Forks-area rivers. State creel checks Feb. 19-21 showed the best catch results on the Sol Duc, with 190 anglers catching a total of 112 steelhead, including 104 wild fish. The Calawah is another good option. Eggs and sand shrimp have been effective where allowed, or artificial worms in pink are working.
Olympic Peninsula Rivers 02/16/2016
Olympic Peninsula: Anglers have had luck catching steelhead on the Humptulips, Satsop, Sol Duc and Wynoochee.
Olympic Peninsula Rivers 02/12/2016
Olympic Coast: Despite some high water earlier in the week, the steelhead fishing has improved. But rain late in the week has the rivers rising again rapidly. On the Calawah and Sol Duc, the catch rate has been about one steelhead per person, based on state creel samples. The Hoh River fishing was very slow.
Olympic Peninsula Rivers 02/05/2016
Olympic Coast: The river conditions this weekend will depend on how much rain fell Friday. Forecasts were calling for almost 1.5 inches of rain, just as rivers were returning to near normal levels. The Sol Duc has been the best option.
Olympic Peninsula Rivers 01/29/2016
Olympic Coast: It is questionable if the rivers will be fishable this weekend. The Hoh was flowing at 26,700 cubic feet per second Thursday afternoon, but falling. There is rain in the forecast through Saturday. Despite high water last week, the Calwah produced some steelhead. A state creel check of 29 anglers showed a catch of 13 fish.
Olympic Peninsula Rivers 01/26/2016
Olympic Coast: Hatchery fish have been moving into the area rivers in good numbers. The question will be the state of the rivers themselves. Heavy rain — including 2-3 inches possible Wednesday night (Jan. 27) — is in the forecast along the rivers, which have just become fishable again.
Olympic Peninsula Rivers 01/15/2016
Olympic Coast: The steelhead fishing has been fair to good in most of the rivers around Forks. The Bogachiel and lower Hoh have been producing the most fish. As the rivers drop and clear, consider going with smaller offerings.
Olympic Peninsula Rivers 01/12/2016
Olympic Peninsula: Recent reports indicate anglers are having success on the Calawah, Hoh and Humptulips rivers. Recent rain could improve fishing, Chamberlain said.
Olympic Peninsula Rivers 01/08/2016
Olympic Coast: The steelhead fishing has been fair, based on state creel checks. People are catching fish on the Bogachiel, Calawah and Sol Duc, just not in large numbers. The action on the Hoh has been slow, with a few more fish being caught in the lower river. Rivers are running low and clear.
Puyallup River Basin
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Okanogan River 07/15/2016
Okanogan: This river, and the Similkameen, are now open to salmon fishing. It seems that most of the sockeye moving through the dams are headed for the Okanogan. The daily limit is six salmon, two of which can be adult hatchery chinook and three can be sockeye. Check the regulations for which sections of river are open and for how long.
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Perry (Thurston County) 11/27/2015
Perry: This Thurston County stream has been producing some good catches of chum salmon, according to recent state creel reports.
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Puyallup River 12/15/2015
Puyallup: Despite the fall in the river level, the fishing is extremely slow.
Puyallup River 11/24/2015
Puyallup: People are catching some chum salmon. With visibility in the water low, many people are using scented corkies and yarn. When the water clears, many people will switch to jigs under a float.
Puyallup River 11/13/2015
PUYALLUP: A few anglers were catching some chum before the river started rising. It was at 4,500 cfs (at the Puyallup gauge), up from about 2,700 cfs Thursday night.
Puyallup River 11/06/2015
PUYALLUP: The salmon action has been very slow.
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Queets River
Also see the Olympic Peninsula Rivers reports.
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Quillayute River 07/31/2015
QUILLAYUTE: The state Department of Fish and Wildlife will close the Quillayute River system effective Saturday. This closes the Sol Duc, Bogachiel, Calawah and Dickey rivers and all of their tributaries. The Quillayute is closed from the confluence of the Sol Duc and Boagchiel rivers downstream 475 yards to the fluorescent orange paint on the rocks.
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Quinault River
Also see the Olympic Peninsula Rivers Reports.
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Rainey Creek 07/05/2016
Rainey: This Lewis County creek was stocked last week with nearly 5,000 rainbow trout.
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Rocky Ford 04/08/2016
Rocky Ford: The trout fishing in the creek has been fair. Scud and egg patterns have been leading to strikes.
Rocky Ford 03/11/2016
Rocky Ford: The creek has been fishing fair to good for trout. Use small flies on this clear desert stream.
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Salmon Creek 12/08/2015
Salmon Creek: Anglers are catching steelhead on this Clark County creek, according to the WDFW.
Salmon Creek 09/04/2015
SALMON: Recent rain has raised the river level sending hatchery coho upstream, leading Olympic National Park managers to reopen the river to recreational fishing for hatchery salmon. Wild chinook and wild coho must be released. Other emergency closures within the park remain in effect.
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Samish River 09/01/2015
SAMISH: People are landing chinook near Bow Edison.
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Satsop River 03/11/2016
Satsop: This and other rivers in the area are blown out.
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Sauk River
More info on the Sauk River
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Skagit River 07/05/2016
Skagit: Sockeye fishing has been good, but not great, Chamberlain said.
Skagit River 06/28/2016
Skagit: Anglers are catching sockeye, Albertson said.
Skagit River Basin Map & info
Some of the Fishing reports come from John at John's Guide Service. Check out his site below.
More info on the Skagit River
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Skamokawa Creek 08/19/2015
SKAMOKAWA: All fishing on the creek will be closed starting Sept. 1.
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Skate Creek
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Skokomish River 11/13/2015
SKOKOMISH: The river was producing some chum and a few coho before the rain hit.
Skokomish River Channel (PDF)
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Skookumchuck River 03/27/2015
SKOOKUMCHUCK: People are catching a few steelhead, but the action is fair at best. Try drifting a nightmare patterned jig under a float.
Skookumchuck River 03/17/2015
SKOOKUMCHUCK: Poeple are catching some steelhead — just not in huge numbers. Orange and pink corkies in sizes 10 and 12 have been effective, as have nightmare-pattern jigs fished under a float.
Skookumchuck River 02/20/2015
SKOOKUMCHUCK: Steelhead are biting according to several reports.
Skookumchuck River 02/10/2015
Skookumchuck: Fishing should be good on the lower river, Bravo said.
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Skykomish River 07/12/2016
Skykomish: The river is producing some decent catches of chinook, as well as some rainbow and bull trout. The steelhead action has been slow. Eggs have been the most productive bait, while others are using corkies and yarn or using cured shrimp.
Skykomish River 07/05/2016
Skykomish: Steelhead fishing has been OK, Chamberlain said.
Skykomish River 06/28/2016
Skykomish: Steelhead are biting on the upper river, and kings are biting on the lower river.
Skykomish River 02/02/2016
Skykomish: Action is slow, but Reiter Pond has worked for some fishermen.
Skykomish River 01/08/2016
Skykomish: The steelhead fishing has been fair to good. People are having success casting spoons into the seams.
Skykomish River 01/05/2016
Skykomish: Reiter Pond has been the best option for those trying to catch steelhead.
Skykomish River 12/29/2015
Skykomish: Anglers are having some luck fishing for steelhead, Albertson said.
Skykomish River 12/22/2015
Skykomish: Reiter Ponds area has been “fair but not hot by any means,” Chamberlain said. “But it’s the best action in our area at the present time.”
Skykomish River 12/11/2015
Skykomish: The Reiter Pond area was producing decent fishing before this week’s rain storms.
Skykomish River 12/08/2015
Skykomish: Not on fire, but not bad. That’s how Chamberlain describes the fishing for steelhead here. The Reiter Pond area has been the best option, but Chamberlain expects rain to have this river out of shape soon, “if it’s not already.” He suspects it will be OK by the weekend.
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Snake River 04/14/2015
SNAKE: The spring chinook fishery starts Sunday.
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Snohomish River 10/16/2015
SNOHOMISH: The action overall has been slow, but a few coho are being landed. Plugs seem more effective right now than eggs.
Snohomish River 10/09/2015
SNOHOMISH: People are catching a good number of coho. Some people are bumping eggs along the bottom, without a float. Others are twitching pink or purple/black jigs.
Snohomish River 10/02/2015
SNOHOMISH: This might be worth the drive north as anglers are reporting catching their limits of coho.
Snohomish River 09/15/2015
SNOHOMISH: Pinks are still biting in the free-flowing sections of the river. With rain in the forecast, Chamberlain expects coho fishing to start picking up on the lower river.
Snohomish River 09/01/2015
SNOHOMISH: Fishing has been steady, although anglers battled debris in the water from Saturday’s storm. The water level rose a little and the temperature cooled. Mostly pinks right now along with some coho.
Snohomish River Basin
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Snoqualmie River 06/10/2016
Snoqualmie: Trout anglers are finding fish in deep pockets of water next to log jams and other obstacles. Try using woolly buggers, lightning bugs, hare’s ear and prince nymphs, and copper Johns.
Snoqualmie River 01/19/2016
Snoqualmie: An occasional steelhead is being hooked.
Snoqualmie River 01/05/2016
Snoqualmie: Steelhead catches are few and far between. “We’re left scratching our head wondering why it’s so slow,” Chamberlain said.
Snoqualmie River 08/04/2015
SNOQUALMIE: Only steelhead game in town is near High Bridge and Goldbar. A few fish are being caught but only by fishermen who really know what they are doing. Only cooler weather and some rain will stop more river closures in the area.
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Sol Duc River
Also see Olympic Peninsula Rivers below......
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Stillaguamish River 12/04/2015
Stillaguamish: The river will become catch and release for steelhead from Monday through Jan. 31. The change covers the river from Marine Drive upstream to the forks, and the North Fork Stillaguamish from the mouth to Swede Heaven Bridge. The rule was changed to ensure broodstock needs were met at the Whitehorse Hatchery.
Stillaguamish River 10/19/2015
Stillaguamish river closed to protect low coho returns.
Stillaguamish River 10/13/2015
Rain blew out the river over the weekend, but Chamberlain expects coho fishing to be good by the weekend.
Stillaguamish River Basin Map & Info
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Tilton River 05/17/2016
Tilton: Last week Tacoma Power released 10 winter-run steelhead adults at Morton’s Gust Backstrom Park.
Tilton River 04/05/2016
Tilton: Last week, Tacoma Power released 62 winter-run steelhead adults and one cutthroat trout at Morton’s Gust Backstrom Park.
Tilton River 03/22/2016
Tilton: Last week, Tacoma power released 21 winter-run steelhead adults at Morton’s Gust Backstrom Park.
Tilton River 03/15/2016
Tilton: Last week, Tacoma Power released 71 winter-run steelhead at Morton’s Gust Backstrom Park.
Tilton River 03/08/2016
Tilton: Last week, Tacoma Power employees released 43 winter-run steelhead adults at Gust Backstrom Park in Morton.
Tilton River 02/23/2016
Tilton: Last week, Tacoma Power released 54 winter-run steelhead adults and four coho adults at Morton’s Gust Backstrom Park.
Tilton River 02/16/2016
Tilton: Last week, Tacoma Power released 29 winter-run steelhead adults at Morton’s Gust Backstrom Park.
Tilton River 02/09/2016
Tilton: Tacoma Power released three coho adults, four winter-run steelhead adults and a cutthroat trout at Morton’s Gust Backstrom Park.
Tilton River 02/02/2016
Tilton: Tacoma Power released 29 coho adults, a jack, 29 winter-run steelhead adults and a pair of cutthroats at Morton’s Gust Backstrom Park.
Tilton River 01/26/2016
Tilton: During the past week, Tacoma Power employees released 69 coho adults, eight jacks and 12 winter-run steelhead adults into the river at Gust Backstrom Park in Morton.
Tilton River 01/19/2016
Tilton: During the past week, Tacoma Power employees released 22 coho adults, 12 jacks and three winter-run steelhead adults into the river at Gust Backstrom Park in Morton.
Tilton River 01/12/2016
Tilton: Last week at Gust Backstrom Park in Morton, Tacoma Power released 35 coho adults, 20 jacks, four winter-run steelhead and two cutthroat.
Tilton River 01/05/2016
Tilton: Tacoma Power reported releasing 23 coho adults, 17 jacks and 13 winter-run steelhead last week at Gust Backstrom Park in Morton.
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Tokul Creek 12/18/2015
Tokul: The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife opened a stretch of the creek Thursday to fishing for hatchery steelhead and other game fish. Fishing is allowed through Feb. 15 from the Fish Hatchery Road bridge upstream to the posted cable boundary marker below the hatchery intake. The stream has been open from the bridge downstream to the mouth.
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Toutle River 03/03/2015
TOUTLE: Open for fishing on the south fork until March 15.
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Wallace River
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Washougal River 10/20/2015
WASHOUGAL: Fall chinook are biting for bank anglers.
Washougal River 03/03/2015
WASHOUGAL: Last day for salmon fishing is March 15.
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Wenatchee River 05/19/2015
WENATCHEE: Set to open for spring chinook mark-selective fishing May 23. Adipose-present spring chinook must be released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water. All spring chinook with one or more round holes punched in tail fin must be released.
Wenatchee River 03/27/2015
WENATCHEE: Fishing for steelhead and whitefish will close one hour after official sunset Tuesday. The closure covers from the mouth to 400 feet below Tumwater Dam, including the Icicle River from the mouth to 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Barrier Dam.
Wenatchee River 03/10/2015
WENATCHEE: Anglers wanting to chase steelhead on the eastside of the state should head here, Icicle Creek or the Methow River. The water is low and clear, but anglers are hooking fish using small jigs under a float, beads or a combination.
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Whatcom Creek
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White River (King County)
No Reports!
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White Salmon River
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Willapa River
No Reports!
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Wind River 03/08/2016
Wind: Opens March 16 for hatchery chinook and steelhead fishing from boundary line upstream to the state Route 14 bridge. Fishing is expected to be slow at first.
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Wynoochee River 03/04/2016
Wynoochee: The river and others in the area, including the Humptulips, were producing good catches of steelhead before the midweek rainstorms. Cured eggs and artificial worms were proving to be the most effective. Hopefully the rivers will drop in time for the weekend.
Wynoochee River 02/26/2016
Wynoochee: The steelhead fishing has been good throughout the river. Some anglers have noted they are already catching some spawned out fish. People are bottom bouncing with eggs or sand shrimp, or drifting jigs under a bobber.
Wynoochee River 01/26/2016
Wynoochee: The river had dropped back into shape, but heavy rain Tuesday likely will make it and others nearby unfishable.
Wynoochee River 01/19/2016
Wynoochee: The river and others in area are blown out following rain over the holiday weekend.
Wynoochee River 01/15/2016
Wynoochee: The good news is the river is producing plenty of steelhead. The bad news is that means a traffic jam of boats headed downstream each day. People are having success using corkies and yarn, eggs and plugs.
Wynoochee River 01/08/2016
Wynoochee: This river and others in the area are producing good catches of hatchery steelhead. Drifting eggs or using steelhead jigs under a float have been working best. One angler reported changes to a number of fishing holes on the Humptulips following recent high flows.
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Yakima River 07/15/2016
Yakima: The river is in good condition, and some trout are starting to take hoppers. With weekend temperatures expected in the 80s, be sure to have some grasshopper patterns in your fly box.
Yakima River 07/12/2016
Yakima: The fly fishing has improved after river levels dropped and are holding steady. Flows were increased for the weekend to help deliver cooler water to the lower river to help sockeye salmon as they migrate up the river.
Yakima River 07/08/2016
Yakima: The trout fishing might be more challenging this weekend as river flows have jumped by almost one-third since Wednesday. Look for the fish holding tight to the bank and in slower side channels.
Yakima River 06/24/2016
Yakima: The river flow has been inching closer to normal summertime levels. Wade anglers should fish with small nymphs under an indicator in the morning, then switch to small dry flies in the afternoon.
Yakima River 06/17/2016
Yakima: The trout fishing has been good to very good. The action has been best using nymphs early then switching to dry flies. Try pale morning duns, caddis, drakes, light yellow Sallies and ant patterns. The river level is rising, but still below normal for this time of year.
Yakima River 06/10/2016
Yakima: The trout fishing has been good, thanks to the cooler weather. River flows — 2,550 cubic feet per second Friday morning at Untanum — are below normal for this time of year. Effective patterns include golden stoneflies, caddis, drakes and pale morning duns.
Yakima River 06/07/2016
Yakima: Anglers have been fishing for smallmouth bass and catching them at a rate of 1.4 per hour, according to recent data collected by the state. Bank angling for channel catfish improved last week.
Yakima River 06/03/2016
Yakima: The trout fishing has been good. Fly anglers are using golden stone, pale morning dun and caddis patterns.
Yakima River 05/27/2016
Yakima: If the winds aren’t too bad, the river is in good shape for trout fishing. The water is clear and flows have dropped to around 2,600 cubic feet per second, which provides good wading opportunities. Among the effective flies are yellow sparkle dun PMDs, gold Lightning Bugs and olive-white streamers.
Yakima River 05/20/2016
Yakima: Hatches of pale morning duns, blue wing olives and March browns have been drawing trout to the surface to hit dry flies. Watch for caddis hatches on days when the sun is out. Try nymphs and streamers in the morning, then switch to large dry flies once you see rising fish, and then adjust your offerings.
Yakima River 05/06/2016
Yakima: Canyon anglers will need a boat to chase trout, while the Upper Farmlands and Farmlands sections have some wading opportunities in side channels. Flows are about 4,500 cubic feet per second at Untanum. Overall, the trout fishing has been fair to good. Salmon flies, caddis and March brown patterns are working best.
Yakima River 04/22/2016
Yakima: Warmer than normal temperatures have started snowmelt earlier, raising river levels that have made fishing difficult in recent days. The river flow, measured at Untanum, was 6,470 cubic feet per second Thursday. That is twice as high as normal.
Yakima River 04/08/2016
Yakima: The river likely won’t be fishable for the next week as warm temperatures have started snowmelt and some of the dams have started releasing water. The river flow, measured at Untanum, was at 5,390 cubic feet per second and rising Friday morning.
Yakima River 04/01/2016
Yakima: The dry fly skwala action has slowed down, although nymphs, trailed by a hare’s ear or black Copper John, are still effective. Look for trout feeding on blue wing olive just below the surface.
Yakima River 03/25/2016
Yakima: Pack your skwala dry fly patterns and hit the river. The Solitude bullethead skwala has been very effective in getting trout to strike. Anglers should note that the Ringer Road boat launch is closed indefinitely because of a washout on the road.
Yakima River 03/18/2016
Yakima: The river flow is high, but conditions are much improved throughout the system. Fly anglers are using skwala, midge, blue wing olive and San Juan worm patterns. Fish the slow inside seam lines and close to the bank.
Yakima River 03/11/2016
Yakima: The stretch near Cle Elum, above the mouth of the Teanaway River, is the best bet right now. The canyon stretch doesn’t look too good for the weekend.
Yakima River 02/26/2016
Yakima: River conditions and flows continued to improve during the week, meaning there should be some good trout fishing this weekend. With water levels still high for this time of year, try San Juan worms and skwala nymphs drifted through slower water.
Yakima River 02/23/2016
Yakima: The upper river is the best option, as rain and some early snow melt have made the lower river difficult for effective fishing.
Yakima River 02/12/2016
Yakima: The trout fishing has been fair to good. Fishing with nymphs — such as a size 10 Pat’s stonefly or size 14 to 16 flashback pheasant tail or size 12 San Juan worm — has been effective. Streamer action has slowed in recent days. Watch for adult skwalas to start appearing.
Yakima River 01/29/2016
Yakima: The trout fishing has been fair to good, with streamers and nymphs working best. There has been no dry fly action in recent days. There is a chance the river level could rise, which might slow fishing a bit.
Yakima River 01/26/2016
Yakima: The trout fishing remains fair, with the best action from about 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Good flies to start with are tan stoneflies, brassies, pheasant tails and black Copper Johns. If you want to swing a streamer, try an olive sculpin.
Yakima River 01/19/2016
Yakima: Fish the slower holes in the morning where it is deep enough that you cannot see the bottom. Look for the trout to move to shallow shelves as the day and water warms up. Pat’s stoneflies, brassies and WD-40s have been effective.
Yakima River 01/15/2016
Yakima: Fish the holes where water is moving slower than a walking pace, or where there is some sort of current break to create some chop on the surface. Try larger flies like a size 6 Pat’s stonefly or smaller options like a size 18 olive brassie.
Yakima River 01/08/2016
Yakima: While there is still some ice on the river edges, the trout action has improved some with some slightly warmer temperatures.
Yakima River Basin Map & Info
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Contributing to this report:
jeff.mayor@thenewstribune.com Jeffrey P. Mayor: 253-597-8640 jeff.mayor@thenewstribune.com blog.thenewstribune.com/adventure
Mark Yuasa myuasa@seattletimes.com The Seattle Times.
A lot of the reports came from the following sources, however some came from fishermen and other sources. If you have reports to contribute to this page, please send them to my email at: fishinginthenorthwest@centurylink.net thank you.
Contributors for 07/15/2016 Report: Carolyn Burdick at MarDon Resort, Kevin Lanier of KC Sportfishing Charters, salmonuniversity.com, Art Tachell at Point Defiance Boathouse, washingtonflyfishing.com, northwestfishingreports.com, Salmon Shores Resort, Bud Herlitzka at Spanaway Lake Boathouse.
Contributors for 07/12/2016 Report: State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Mike Chamberlain at Ted’s Sports Center, Anton Jones of Darrell and Dad’s Family Guide Service, Westport Charterboat Association, northwestfishingreports.com, John Keizer of saltpatrol.com, Art Tachell at Point Defiance Boathouse, washingtonflyfishing.com.
Contributors for 07/08/2016 Report: Salmonuniversity.com, Kevin Lanier of KC Sportfishing Charters, Art Tachell at Point Defiance Boathouse, northwestfishingreports.com, washingtonflyfishing.com, Zittel’s Marina and the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Contributors for 06/24/2016 Report: State Department of Fish and Widlife, MarDon Resort, Kevin Lanier of KC Sportfishing Charters, salmonuniversity.com, Red’s Fly Shop, northwestfishingreports.com, Doreen Douglas at Mineral Lake Resort, Ron Adams at Verle’s Sports Center.
Contributors for 06/17/2016 Report: State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Mike Chamberlain at Ted’s Sports Center, salmonuniversity.com, The Evening Hatch, washigtonflyfishing.com, Zittel’s Marina, Bud Herlitzka of the Spanaway Park Boat House, Rainbow RV Resort and Becky Pogue of Offut Lake Resort.
Contributors for 06/10/2016 Report: State Department of Fish and Wildlife, MarDon Resort, salmonuniversity.com, northwestfishing.com, Creekside Angling, Bud Herlitzka at Spanaway Lake Boathouse, Doreen Douglas at Mineral Lake Resort, Art Tachell at Point Defiance Boathouse, Verle’s Sports Center.
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See also Idaho & Oregon River Fishing Reports Below
Idaho River Reports
Oregon River Reports
Also check out the River Data Page.
River Data Info Page
Fishing in the Northwest Home Page
