Well guys, you know that my answer will be biased. First, you all must know that I want to go to the satsop because I have heard such great things over this board about it, I'd love to have the opportunity to boat a 20+lb silver, plus any kings.
But, the cowlitz and lewis are bigger rivers and will be able to handle the pressure, both these rivers have large deep holes where fish won't lock up and will bite all day. The lewis happens to peak around Oct. 10th at least that's what it's been in the past. Some of my biggest days have came from the 10-25th of october. I'm unaware of what the cowlitz runs will be like. I don't beleive that you will be able to retain chinook in the cow though, correct me if I'm wrong. But the issue of driftboats vs. powerboats comes up. It's certainly not fair to fish a big river from a powerboat because you fish much more efficiently. We'd have to perhaps handicap the driftboats on the cow and lewis. Remember the cow and lewis are dam fed and the rainfall, drought or flooding won't affect these rivers.
My choices are:
1. Satsop if conditions are right( I want a 20+ silver)

2. Lewis- due to the 80,000 silvers and 17,000 chinook that are returning. (Dan S. During this time of the year is when we get our B run of silvers, with many fish from 12-18 lbs) and there are still plenty of chrome chinook returning at that time.

3. Cowlitz- unless someone can convince me that it has more fish than the lewis.

Other factors, if rainfall is high from here until then, then the lewis and cowlitz will be flowing anywhere from 4-6,000 cfs which will difficult and tiresome for driftboats. Then I'd definately be in favor of the satsop.
Keith