I have fished the Cowlitz and the Tilton alot. It is great to hear they have move the barrier up. Sounds like they might move it back down after the coho run is over. When conditions are right, the coho in there can easily be caught on eggs free drifted. Other times, they will not bite and actually bite better in the Tilton. The fish taken up there are usually the brighter ones. Like any salmon, they eventually get dark and die, but I have caught alot of nice fish there. One day 2 years ago, I caught 2 30+ kings, both bit and didn't fol hook any fish. It is a great fishery, if you stay away from the snaggers.