I fished the Cowlitz from the bank today. I saw no winter run steelhead caught, nor did I talk to a single boat fishermen that passed by me (and believe me there were plenty) today that saw one caught! Not a good omen!!

Both Blue Creek and the "mission" ramps were packed to the bank with rigs and boat trailers. Boats were running everywhere and no one where catching any winter run steelhead. I'll bet you that no more then 10 winter run were caught on the entire Cowlitz River today. This is surly a product of the outcome of the WDFW Settlement Agreement that was reached in August of 2000 with Tacoma Power (look forward to much more of the same this year).

This is pretty much the story that has happen all week long. During the week of November 25, only "six" (6) winter run steelhead were trapped at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery. Almost no "silvers" were caught by "drift" fishing from the hundreds of boats fishermen doing that!

Tie that in with the "fog" that is staying on the river all day long and you may be having a "trip" that you will not forget for a long time!!

Save yourself a trip (and maybe a longer drive) until things change.

Look too much more of this to come!!

Cowlitzfisherman

Is the taste of the bait worth the sting of the hook????