Lewis River Fishing Guide: Spring Chinook, Steelhead, and Regulated Flows

The Lewis River is a major tributary of the Columbia River in Southwest Washington, flowing from the Cascades to its confluence near Woodland. Controlled by a series of hydroelectric dams, the Lewis River system is renowned for its highly managed and reliable runs of both salmon and steelhead, offering one of the longest fishing seasons in the state. Anglers should utilize the latest Washington river flow data, as dam releases greatly impact water levels and fishing safety.

River History and Dam System

The Lewis River is home to the largest privately-owned hydroelectric project in Washington, featuring the Merwin, Yale, and Swift dams. These dams have transformed the Lewis River into a series of lakes and tailrace fisheries. While blocking access to vast amounts of historical spawning grounds, the dams regulate the flow, providing relatively stable and often optimal fishing conditions year-round.

The **Merwin Dam** is the furthest downstream, and fish passage is managed by trapping fish below the dam and transporting them to designated upstream release sites. This intensive management system creates distinct fisheries in the upper and lower sections of the river.

Location and Access

The Lewis River offers two main fishing zones: the **North Fork** (below Merwin Dam) and the **East Fork** (which has its own unique, smaller, and less dam-controlled stretches). Access is excellent, with numerous public boat launches, bank access sites, and parks available, particularly near the towns of Ariel and Woodland, where the river meets the Columbia tide waters.

Primary Species and Seasonal Runs (Salmon & Steelhead)

The Lewis River is a prime hatchery system, maintaining runs that provide year-round angling opportunity. It is particularly famous for its Spring Chinook and multi-season Steelhead runs.

Fish Run Timing:

• Spring Chinook Salmon: This highly prized run begins migrating into the lower river in **April** and continues through **June**. The fishing peaks during May and June, offering one of the few reliable spring salmon fisheries in the region.
• Fall Chinook Salmon: A strong run of Fall Chinook enters the river in late summer, with fishing concentrated through **September** and **October**.
• Coho Salmon: Coho arrive simultaneously with the fall Chinook, with the run extending from **September** through **November**. This species provides consistent action, especially in the lower tidal sections.
• Summer Steelhead: These hard-fighting fish enter the river during the warmer months, with a season running from **May** through **October**. They are often targeted in the clear, cool flows below the dams.
• Winter Steelhead: The Lewis offers a productive winter fishery, with the run peaking from **December** through **March**. Anglers find success side-drifting or float-fishing in the accessible bank areas.

Regulations and Conservation

Fishing on the Lewis River is intensively managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to balance power production, recreational angling, and conservation. Regulations often specify legal bait and gear based on whether you are fishing for hatchery or wild fish, or if you are above or below the deadline near the fish facility.

The complexity of the regulated flows and fish transport systems makes careful study of the regulations mandatory. 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.