Best Fishing Trips and Top Fishing Guides in Cowlitz River Washington
Fishing on the Cowlitz River.
The Cowlitz River in Washington is a prominent tributary of the Columbia River that features two fish hatcheries, making the location optimal for recreational fishing. With year-round opportunities for salmon and steelhead fishing, the Cowlitz River is beloved for its bountiful supply of high-quality species.
Cowlitz River Fishing Seasons
Springtime Fishing in the Cowlitz River
Head to the Cowlitz River during April and May to optimize your chances of catching spring Chinook salmon. Known as some of the best-tasting salmon, the Cowlitz River’s Chinook attracts anglers from all over the state during the spring fishing season.
Summertime Fishing on the Cowlitz River
After the hunt for spring Chinook on the Cowlitz Rover dies down, anglers begin to concentrate on catch summertime steelhead. This species begins appearing on the river in June.
Known as some of the toughest fish that make their way to the Cowlitz River, the summer steelhead season is one of the most exciting fishing periods for both visitors and locals.
Fall Fishing on the Cowlitz River
The fall fishing season on the Cowlitz River starts at the end of September and runs until November. Anglers often begin nearby the mouth of the Cowlitz River and continue until they hit the barrier dam. Two of the Cowlitz River’s most popular species to fish for during the fall are Chinook salmon and coho salmon.
Winter Fishing in the Cowlitz River
The winter fishing season is one of the busiest times of the year on the Cowlitz River. As the winter steelhead fishing heats up, anglers will be out to cast a line on the Cowlitz River starting in November. The season ends in March, giving you more than enough time to make your way to the Cowlitz River before the season ends.
Fish Species in the Cowlitz River
The Cowlitz River’s salmon hatchery provides 13 million fish annually. This includes around 5 million fall Chinook salmon, 1.3 million spring Chinook salmon, and over 3 million coho salmon. In addition to this hatchery the Cowlitz River’s trout hatchery produces 1.5 million fish per year, including sea-run cutthroat trout and summer and winter steelhead.
The waters of the Cowlitz River are celebrated for having some of the greatest salmon and steelhead fishing opportunities in the state. The most sought-after species include coho salmon, Chinook salmon, and steelhead salmon, as well as rainbow trout, whitefish, and cutthroat trout.
While sturgeon is usually found on the Columbia River, the Cowlitz River is home to both white sturgeon and green sturgeon. For the best chance of catching sturgeon on the Cowlitz River, head to the Kelso area to check out Barrier Dam and the Blue Creek.
As a large number of smelt appear in the Cowlitz River during the spring, smelt dipping becomes another popular activity enjoyed by both locals and visitors. However, be sure to check the regulations and seasons before planning to go smelt dipping during your next fishing trip to the Cowlitz River.
Consult with These Guides for the Ultimate Cowlitz River Fishing Experience
Make the most out of your upcoming trip to the Cowlitz River with the professional assistance of one of the area’s best fishing guides. Refer to our list of expert Cowlitz River fishing guides for the fishing experience of a lifetime.