I am trying to liven up this board... How are things, anyone catching anything big lately???

I am planning on floating the Cowlitz either this weekend or next, does anyone know where I can take out a potnoon boat if I launch at Blue Creek.
If anyone wants to do a float, it would be a great time, big native steelhead are around and the fresh springers are showing up. Having someone to float with would be fun... I also dont want to have to ride my bike back to my truck with two rods on my back.

Thanks guys
Andy

Fly Guy,
Sounds fun, and wish I could join ya, but not quite equipped yet. Maybe next year. I live on Whidbey and work in everett.

Didnt make it to the Cow, but I did float the Skagit/Sauk.... one 6 inch dollie caught on a 7 inch leech...... I'll hit the Cow in May after the Skag/sauk closes.
I live in Everett, but am moving down to Kent in about 3 weeks or so. If you want to wet a line down at the beach or at one of the fine local lakes after work one day, let me know

anperrault@probusiness.com (until may 14)

Fly Guy,

I live near Olympia and plan to fish the Cowlitz a bit this spring and early summer. I use a jet boat, tho, because of the very problem you mention regarding the shuttle. However, last trip there I saw a sign at Mission Bar launch offering shuttle service. Next time down I'll try to remember to write it down and post it.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

I'd like to do the Cowlitz this summer with my pontoon boat. We'll have to look for each other on the board then.

General 'Cow-Question.' Moved from Washing State in 1984 so it's been a lot of years since I've fished the Blue Creek area. Then, to access it was a TRIP to say the least.

Park car and at least a half mile walk; possibly more. Sounds like 'parking-access' is now a whole lot easier ... and closer to the beach.

Fred,

No, the parking lot is still in the same place, and it's a walk to the mouth of Blue Creek fishing area. I've walked in there once when there wasn't much going on, just to see it. It's not very good looking holding water at all. But since the rearing pond outlet creek runs into it, fish stack up there anyway, making it a premier blood hole.

I never fish there.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

I've been wondering how well pontoons do in this river. I love fishing from mine and have had success. The biggest river being the Hoh above Oxbow and the Queets. One reason I got one was to never have to go to a place like Blue Creek. I've been thinking about it this spring but with all the other traffic I just don't know. Also how well do they hold in that current when the water is fairly deep. My 20 lb does fine on the Queets, I also had to cut one off in the Hoh Canyon. Also landing a fish when the bank is a hundred feet away is tricky. Just curious, I try to avoid this river but would like some info.

BC,

I've seen a few 'toons on the Cowlitz, and I would think you could fish it just fine. I wouldn't expect problems associated with anchoring to be any different than in most rivers. Any time you drop the hook in fast water, you're taking a risk that you may not get it back.

As for navigation, no problem. I've floated the Cowlitz in my canoe and small raft - smaller than most pontoon craft - but I usually take my sled so I don't have to deal with a vehicle shuttle.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

There are two shuttle services on the Cow, both of which I can recommend. One is from the Barrier Dam Campground folk. They'll shuttle you to either Blue Creek (for the Barrier to Blue Creek float) or down to Mission.

THe other is a very nice lady who will either shuttle you in the morning or pick you and your pontoon boat (if small) up in the afternoon and take you back to your car!

I've used her the last two trips before I bought my jet - she's a great lady and the price is right @ $10. I'll look for her card when I get home and post the #. You can also call Barrier Dam Campground - they were busy one day and referred me to her.

Happy floating!

Brian