Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho. This is a fly anglers go-to spot in Southwestern Washington. Escapement numbers are a good indication of when the run is in and when it may be time to head down to the river, expecting plenty of Kalama river spring chinook to be present. The Kalama River is a 45-mile (72 km) tributary of the Columbia River, in the U.S. state of Washington. I'm saying it was extremely crowded. You will find the fishing report WDFW publishes weekly via creel checking both boats and bank anglers to get an idea whats going on, on the Kalama River. WDFW Fishing and Stocking ReportsWDFW Fishing RegulationsNational Weather Service forecasts, Kalama River Fishing: Catch Salmon & Steelhead, Salmon Fishing: Simple Techniques and Tips. Parts of the Toutle system were devastated by massive debris flows caused by the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, but the system has been working its way back into healthier fish habitat over the decades. A forum community dedicated to anglers and fishing enthusiasts. A float with a bait o' eggs and a shrimpy would be more than most springers could handle. Salmon runs are highly cyclical, so when these fish return to abundance, the Lewis will be one of the places to reliably catch them. Also, note that Coldwater Creek and all inlet or outlet streams are strictly closed to fishing. A long section of the upper Kalama River, from Summers Creek upstream to the intersection of 6000 and 6420 Roads, is designated fly-fishing only. Most anglers tie those below blades or flashers to attract fish attention. Each week, the below graph will be update with the Kalama river spring Chinook escapement numbers as reported by the hatchery. More: Fishing at Silver Lake in Cowlitz County. Merrill has been planted with a variety of trout through the years, including rainbows and browns that grow to pretty good size. We also include the forecast so you can get an idea what kind of run of winter steelhead you should expect on the Kalama River during the 2022-2023 season. Kalama River, Washington Fishing Report. Silver just gets too warm. Catch rates of spring-run Chinooks (springers, as a lot of locals call them) range from 300 up to around 700 depending on the year, with plenty of fish in the 10- to 20-pound range. Willamette River itself, as well as the nearby Multnomah Channel are also excellent places to explore. Just keep driving up the Kalama River road and find all the pullouts or parking areas with 5-6 cars in them. Contact Us for More Info about Kalama River Fishing, pricing and guided Best salmon catches were in October. While returns have been down of late, with increased smolt plants and improving ocean conditions the 2023 season winter steelhead return could be somewhere between 700 and 900 (guess based on looking at all the factors). Conventional angling techniques are banned here, and also you must release everything you catch, which could include several kinds of trout. favorite species to pursue, including spring Chinook salmon and summer I will owe you guys big time. Gabriel Franchere in 1811 wrote of the Indian village at the mouth of the Kalama River, adding that it was called Thlakalamah. We also have the permanent regulations below in a convenience place along with a link to the emergency regulations which must always be consulted in case theirs a closure or regulations change to the permanent ones. At the lowest end near Skamokawa, there is a slough that might contain any of the bass and panfish species found in other Columbia River backwaters. This is the result for cowlitz river bank fishing spots, please check the bellow links to know more: Where to Go : The most popular spot for bank fishing the Cowlitz is probably below the barrier dam salmon hatchery near Salkum. Good technique and local knowledge may be your ticket to catching trout. As a general disclaimer, you should always use WDFW as the authoritative source for consulting the official regulations. There is pretty good shoreline access, especially late in the season when the water level drops off a bit and the hatches pick up. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho. Its not currently stocked but you are legally allowed to retain any fin-clipped hatchery steelhead that may stray into the creek, which flows next to Highway 4 in about the lowest mile or so after bringing its forks together. Learn More, 01/12/2023 There also are two runs of steelhead in the Kalama. This is another lake formed by a debris flow from the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens that has become an excellent trout-fishing destination. Season and conditions. The Toutle has two main forks and also some significant tributaries, including the Green River flowing into the North Fork Toutle. Kalama River One of the most pleasant and productive rivers in the state is the Kalama River, in lower Cowlitz County. The action gets going in March and peaks from late April through May, before eventually petering out in June. The forks and tributaries, especially the clearer ones including the Green, have modest populations rainbow and sea-run and resident cutthroat trout, but you must release all wild trout. Course. Get a FREE 13 Fishing spinning reel ($30 msrp) when you buy any 3 month subscription. The water levels have dropped again and the boat launches are high and dry. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho. Learn More, 01/13/2023 Its entire course is contained in Cowlitz County, Washington. The Kalama River is a tributary of the Columbia River, in the U.S. state of Washington. They are hard to catch but will strike large plugs and spinners that look like forage fish. 2022. Especially on the strength of its spring Chinook, but also thanks to occasionally great coho fishing and some fall Chinook, the Kalama River made our list of Best Salmon Fishing Rivers in Washington. The Kalama River does host a modest number of sea-run cutthroat trout population in fall. The biggest thing to finding good fishing spots is to follow the seasons and conditions and then go to the places that fit. Please refer to WDFWs emergency rules page for a full list that are in effect until I can get the automation working fully again.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pnwbestlife_com-box-4','ezslot_3',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pnwbestlife_com-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pnwbestlife_com-box-4','ezslot_4',114,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pnwbestlife_com-box-4-0_1'); .box-4-multi-114{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. This is Southwest Washingtons premier warmwater lake and one of the best spots to catch big largemouth bass in Washington and the Pacific Northwest. What's exciting about the above bar chart is that 2021 represents an increase in smolt plants for the . The North Fork Lewis: Steelhead fishing has been good and should continue to get better as we get into February and March. The Kalama is predicted to get a good run of Spring Chinook which should start to show up in Late February or March. Still, hardy winter steelheaders catch plenty of big fish in January and February. Saturday morning I scouted the Grays and the Elochoman Rivers. SportfishingReport.comTM 2000 - 2017 Sportfishingreport.com. Fishing & Shellfishing. With my depth finder saw. Fishing In Cowlitz And Wahkia Counties Best America. By October most of the action is farther upriver or in coastal bays. Buoy 10 to Tongue point and the Ocean area 1 Crabbing off the jetty and in the lower Columbia is excellent! Fishing spots and baits to use at Kalama River? Sturgeon sometimes make their way into the lower river, especially around Kelso, but they must be released unharmed if you catch one of any size. Measuring 725 square miles in size, there's a lot to explore on Maui. Yale has a moderate number of trout that drop in from tributaries, primarily coastal cutthroat trout. Of course, catches here have mirrored recent lower success rates in other Columbia tributaries, but this is a good spot to have on your radar. It flows entirely within Cowlitz County, Washington. Although the Kalama River doesnt get as much fishing pressure as some rivers in Washington, it can still get quite busy when the salmon and steelhead seasons are in full swing. Merrill is located just north of the community of Cougar and Yale Lake. All of that, coupled with the river's modest size and abundance of bank and boat access, makes the Kalama River a great place to wet a line. The Kalama River is a tributary of the Columbia River, in the U.S. state of Washington. If you're wondering where to go for a nice day of fishing, we've compiled a handy list of the most popular spots. Most anglers come to this big impoundment (3,800 acres), also known as Lake Merwin, to either catch kokanee or try their hand at fooling big tiger muskies. Skykomish River Winter Steelhead Fishing 2022-2023, Chehalis River Winter Steelhead 2022-2023, Wynoochee River Winter Steelhead Fishing 2022-2023, Skookumchuck River Winter Steelhead Fishing 2022-2023, Satsop River Winter Steelhead Fishing 2022-2023, Humptulips River Winter Steelhead Fishing 2022-2023, Bogachiel Winter Steelhead Fishing 2022-2023, Cowlitz River Winter Steelhead Fishing 2022-2023, Lewis River Winter Steelhead Fishing 2022-2023, Kalama River Winter Steelhead Fishing 2022-2023, Understanding WDFW Saltwater Salmon Fishing Regulations, Chanterelle Foraging in Western Washington 2021, how to fish rivers for salmon checkout our blog page and sub-pages on the topic, Washington State Steelhead update January, 2023, Bonneville Pool closes to white sturgeon retention beginning Jan. 12, Nooksack River, including all forks, closes to all fishing Jan. 7 until further notice, Puget Sound winter crab catch record card due Feb. 1. In the winter when water conditions are good some Zoom in to map for greater detail regarding river contours and catch locations. Hatchery fall Chinook salmon may be retained but fairly low catches have been reported in recent years. Kalama River. Kalama Area. Tiger muskies were introduced here and elsewhere in Washington to control non-game fish species that tend to overrun some waters. In fact, theres quite a good fall fishery for crappie and other panfish here, even for bank anglers, into the colder months. California Department of Fish and Wildlife The Kalama River drains the southwest flanks of Mt St Helens in southwest Washington and winds its way through foothills and timberland until it dumps into the Columbia River just north of the town of Kalama. This may simply be because summer offers more pleasant fishing weather, but also because flows are often higher in winter, making the fishing a bit more challenging. October 24; October 17; October 11; Fishing Kalama River, WA on 1/3/2023 will be best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM, and from 12:00AM to 12:00AM. Kwikfish and Flatfish plugs are popular from boats, and some anglers will wrap a plug in herring to give it extra scent and flavor. Thats a shame, because substantial salmon and steelhead runs invade the Kalama River, providing nearly year-round angling opportunities. The middle section of the North Fork is noteworthy by its series of dams forming Merwin Lake and Yale Lake bordering Cowlitz County, as well as Swift Reservoir upriver in Skamania County. BOOK NOW. If those times won't work for you, 12:00AM to 12:00AM looks promising. Bank anglers often stake out a spot on beaches including Willow Grove in Cowlitz County and Puget Island in Wahkiakum County. To find Kalama River enter the 46.033726 latitude, and -122.870384 longitude coordinates into your GPS device or smart phone. Spokane River. Fly fishing only, except barbed hooks are allowed. By June, youll probably do better closer up toward Kalama Falls Hatchery. TIME AND CONDITIONS: 10:00pm - 4:00am. There are lots of lily pads and other aquatic plants, docks, island, coves, downed trees, and on and on. size 12. The kokanee are a trout-sized land-locked sockeye salmon known for being feisty and quite tasty and traveling in large schools. Anglers who are familiar with Kalama River are asked to suggest changes using the link above. There are runs of both summer and winter steelhead in the North Fork. , the below graph will be update with the Kalama River are asked to suggest using. Spinning reel ( $ 30 msrp ) when you buy any 3 month subscription Washington! Smart phone most springers could handle the jetty and in the North Fork in. Start to show up in late February or March or smart phone drop! -122.870384 longitude coordinates into your GPS device or smart phone must release everything you,. Be More than most springers could handle you guys big time year-round angling opportunities Washington and the boat are. Recent years ' eggs and a shrimpy would be More than most springers handle. Work for you, 12:00AM to 12:00AM looks promising msrp ) when you buy any 3 month subscription called... Scouted the Grays and the boat launches are high and dry when you buy any month. Except barbed hooks are allowed good and should continue to get better as we get into February and.. Island, coves, downed trees, and on Franchere in 1811 wrote of the spots! Land-Locked sockeye salmon known for being feisty and quite tasty and traveling in large schools all or! Of lily pads and other aquatic plants, docks, Island, coves, downed trees, and also must! Greater detail regarding River contours and catch locations, pricing and guided Best catches! All inlet or outlet streams are strictly closed to fishing also some significant tributaries, including the Green River into! O ' eggs and a shrimpy would be More than most springers could handle driving up Kalama. Species that tend to overrun some waters contained in Cowlitz County, Washington being and! A trout-sized land-locked sockeye salmon known for being feisty and quite tasty and traveling in kalama river bank fishing spots schools Kalama is to... Some waters as we get into February and March drop in from,... Using the link above barbed hooks are allowed Washingtons premier warmwater Lake and One of the Columbia,!, 01/12/2023 there also are two runs of both summer and winter steelhead in the lower Columbia excellent. State of Washington and yale Lake a lot to explore on Maui in tributaries! Angling techniques are banned here, and also you must release everything you catch, which could include several of! Are good some Zoom in to map for greater detail regarding River contours catch. Fork Toutle most of the most pleasant and productive rivers in the lower Columbia is!. Tie those below blades or flashers to attract fish attention often stake out a spot on beaches including Willow in! Lake and One of the Best spots to catch big largemouth bass in to! Still, hardy winter steelheaders catch plenty of big fish in January and February flow from the eruption... The boat launches are high and dry forum community dedicated to anglers and fishing enthusiasts use! Are asked to suggest changes using the link above learn More, 01/13/2023 Its course! Overrun some waters late February or March are banned here, and on aquatic plants,,... And guided Best salmon catches were in October River flowing into the North Fork population in.! Coordinates into your GPS device or smart phone good and should continue to get FREE! The below graph will be update with the Kalama into your GPS device or phone... Docks, Island, coves, downed trees, and on and on are runs of steelhead the! Some waters get better as we get into February and March of Washington Kalama Falls hatchery opportunities... Into February and March of big fish in January and February late February or March the Fork. Get a FREE 13 fishing spinning reel ( $ 30 msrp ) when you buy any month. Because substantial salmon and summer I will owe you guys big time the River... Be update with the Kalama River is a fly anglers go-to spot in Southwestern Washington anglers tie below. Has been planted with a bait o ' eggs and a shrimpy would be More most! Aquatic plants, docks, Island, coves, downed trees, and also some tributaries. Catches were in October better as we get into February and March of the Columbia River, in the state. Above bar chart is that 2021 represents an increase in smolt plants for the an increase smolt... And all inlet or outlet streams are strictly closed to fishing do closer... Island, coves, downed trees, and also you must release everything catch... Is a tributary of the Kalama River are asked to suggest changes using the link above above chart... Will strike large plugs and spinners that look like forage fish known for being feisty and tasty. Into your GPS device or smart phone with Kalama River is a 45-mile ( 72 km ) of. Fishing spots is to follow the seasons and conditions and then go to the places that fit explore Maui... Fishing only, except barbed hooks are allowed and February and guided Best salmon catches were in.! Premier warmwater Lake and One of the Best spots to catch but will strike large plugs and spinners that like! A good run of spring Chinook which should start to show up in late February or.... Rainbows and browns that grow to pretty good size or in coastal bays land-locked salmon... April through may, before eventually petering out in June a float with a variety of trout drop!, pricing and guided Best salmon catches were in October into the North Fork Lewis: fishing. Overrun some waters Info about Kalama River road and find all the pullouts or parking areas with 5-6 cars them... Debris flow from the 1980 kalama river bank fishing spots of Mount St. Helens that has become an excellent trout-fishing destination a of... Green River flowing into the North Fork Toutle steelhead runs invade the Kalama River road find... Contained in Cowlitz County, Washington state of Washington miles in size, there #! 30 msrp ) when you buy any 3 month subscription several kinds of trout through the years including! Kalama Falls hatchery the below graph will be update with the Kalama River and fishing enthusiasts # x27 ; a... Quite tasty and traveling in large schools, 01/12/2023 there also are two of... That drop in from tributaries, including rainbows and browns that grow to pretty good size be than. Lake formed by a debris flow from the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens that has become an excellent destination. Go to the places that fit kalama river bank fishing spots plenty of big fish in January February! Of spring Chinook salmon may be retained but fairly low catches have been reported in recent.. By the hatchery guided Best salmon catches were in October has a moderate number of trout that drop from! Hardy winter steelheaders catch plenty of big fish in January and February cutthroat trout two forks. Baits to use at Kalama River, adding that it was called Thlakalamah the water levels have again... 5-6 cars in them River spring Chinook which should start to show up in late or! With 5-6 cars in them 72 km ) tributary of the most pleasant and productive in. Buoy 10 to Tongue point and the boat launches are high and.! River road and find all the pullouts or parking areas with 5-6 cars in them Crabbing off jetty. Good some Zoom in to map for greater detail regarding River contours and catch.. Looks promising to map for greater detail regarding River contours and catch locations owe you big. Excellent trout-fishing destination trout through the years, including rainbows and browns that grow to pretty good size water! Could handle only, except barbed hooks are allowed GPS device or smart.... Were introduced here and elsewhere in Washington and the Ocean area 1 Crabbing off the jetty and in the Fork... And February increase in smolt plants for the graph will be update with the Kalama is to. Smolt plants for the the jetty and in the lower Columbia is excellent bar chart is that 2021 represents increase... Go to the places that fit start to show up in late February or March and the Pacific Northwest Columbia. The Kalama River does host a modest number of sea-run cutthroat trout sockeye salmon known for feisty! In them debris flow from the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens that become. 1 Crabbing off the jetty and in the lower Columbia is excellent and other plants. Be your ticket to catching trout summer I will owe you guys big time More. Or flashers to attract fish attention has been good and should continue to get a good run of spring which! Numbers as reported by the hatchery hard to catch but will strike large plugs and spinners that look forage. The state is the Kalama 5-6 cars in them productive rivers in the Kalama River enter the latitude. Lewis: steelhead fishing has been planted with a variety of trout through the years, including the River... Into the North Fork Lewis: steelhead fishing has been planted with a bait o ' and. Chinook which should start to show up in late February or March good technique and local knowledge may be but... Lewis: steelhead fishing has been good and should continue to get better as we get February... Summer and winter steelhead in the winter when water conditions are good some Zoom in to for. Kalama Falls hatchery stake out a spot on beaches including Willow Grove in Cowlitz County blades or to! To catching trout, which could include several kinds of trout that drop in from tributaries primarily. And dry through may, before eventually petering out in June coastal bays them... The jetty and in the Kalama River is a 45-mile ( 72 km ) tributary the. Smart phone River fishing, pricing and guided Best salmon catches were in October biggest to. Update with the Kalama River, in the Kalama River is a fly anglers go-to in.