Lewis is still slow. A few boats pulled up at the crack of dawn today and there were many more later but the action has been across the Columbia, in the Willamette. Many fish are being taken, most in the 12 pound range.
Regarding the question about hooking a fish in the Lewis and then fighting it "outside" the line, a WDF&W officer I fished with a couple years ago said that it was legal. However, I'd call the region 5 office at 360-696-6211. If you get a straight answer, please share it with the board.