They all have their virtues and are fun to fish at times but I would choose bigger rivers (with the exception of the columbia) as the least desireable....the cowlitz paints this picture nicely. Small/medium sized rivers are best because there are quite a few that go relatively unnoticed and a fella can get some solitude. Also, I liked fishing defined water with definite holes and seams. Reading water and hooking fish is half the fun.