Cowlitz River Fishing Guide: Year-Round Salmon and Steelhead Hotspot

The Cowlitz River is one of the largest and most productive tributaries of the Columbia River, renowned for offering year-round fishing opportunities for salmon and steelhead. Flowing through Southwest Washington, its consistent water temperature and regulated flow, courtesy of two major dams, make it a reliable destination. Due to dam operations, anglers must constantly monitor the latest Washington river flow data, as sudden changes in flow can affect both safety and fishing success.

River History and Hatchery Operations

The Cowlitz River’s flow is regulated by the **Cowlitz Falls Dam** and the **Mossyrock Dam**, which create large reservoirs (Riffe and Mayfield Lakes). These dams completely altered the natural river system and blocked access to the upper watershed. To mitigate this impact, the Cowlitz system is supported by massive hatchery operations, including the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery, making it the primary reason for the year-round fishing opportunities.

The hatchery includes a fish collecting facility where adult fish are trapped, and fish ladders are used to move some returning adults upstream to release points, thus distributing the fishery across various sections of the river.

Location and Access

The most popular fishing stretches of the Cowlitz are the lower and middle river sections, particularly between the city of Castle Rock and the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery in Salkum. Access is exceptional, featuring numerous boat launches, public bank access points, and fishing resorts that cater to anglers. The accessibility and fish abundance make the Cowlitz one of the most heavily fished rivers in the Pacific Northwest.

Primary Species and Seasonal Runs (Salmon & Steelhead)

The Cowlitz River is unique in that hatchery stocking programs often overlap the runs, providing action in nearly every month of the year. This river is a reliable spot for anglers targeting multiple species.

Fish Run Timing:

• Spring Chinook Salmon: The earliest salmon run begins in **April** and peaks through **May** and **June**. This run provides consistent spring fishing opportunities, often targeting the slow, deep holes with bait or plugs.
• Summer Steelhead: A summer run provides great light-tackle action from **May** through **October**. These fish are often released above the dams to utilize the lake habitat.
• Fall Chinook Salmon: The main salmon event of the year, with fish entering the river in late **August**. The run peaks in **September** and **October**, offering high-volume fishing, especially around the hatchery intake.
• Coho Salmon: The Coho run overlaps the Fall Chinook, providing excellent sport fishing from **September** through **November**. Hatchery Coho often make up a significant portion of the catch.
• Winter Steelhead: The backbone of the off-season fishery. The run typically begins in late **November** and peaks from **December** through **March**. Side-drifting, float-fishing, and plunking are popular techniques.

Regulations and Conservation

Given the intensive management and hatchery influence, WDFW regulations on the Cowlitz River are specific and often subject to in-season changes. Anglers must check the rules carefully for open and closed boundaries, particularly near the hatchery and tributaries, and verify whether the fish is hatchery-marked (fin-clipped) for retention.

Due to the high volume of anglers and fish, adherence to all regulations is strictly enforced. For the most current rules, seasons, and any emergency closures, always check the official resources from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

WDFW Fishing Rules: Consult the latest WDFW Fishing Regulations.