December 27 Fish Report

Dec 27, 2011 09:40 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 306 coho adults, five jacks and 159 winter-run steelhead during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.

During the past week Tacoma Power employees released 185 coho adults and six winter-run steelhead at the Day Use Site on Lake Scanewa behind Cowlitz Falls Dam.
Also during the week 28 coho adults and four winter-run steelhead were released into the Tilton River at Gust Backstrom Park in Morton.
Read More. . .

Hatcheries change steelhead genetics after a single generation

Dec 27, 2011 07:56 AM Filed in: News

CORVALLIS, Ore. – The impact of hatcheries on salmonids is so profound that in just one generation traits are selected that allow fish to survive and prosper in the hatchery environment, at the cost of their ability to thrive and reproduce in a wild environment.

The findings, published last week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, show a speed of evolution and natural selection that surprised researchers.
Read More. . .

December 19 Fish Report

Dec 19, 2011 09:02 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 666 coho adults, seven jacks, one fall Chinook adults, 275 winter-run steelhead, one summer-run steelhead and three sea-run cutthroat trout during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

December 12 Fish Report

Dec 12, 2011 09:09 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 994 coho adults, seven jacks, six fall Chinook adults, 336 winter-run steelhead, one summer-run steelhead and two sea-run cutthroat trout during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator. Read More. . .

December WDFW Weekender Report

Dec 05, 2011 09:48 AM Filed in: WDF&W

Here is the Southwest Washington fishing section of the WDFW Weekender Report for December.

Fishing: This year's winter steelhead season got off to a promising start just before Thanksgiving, when the first wave of fish started taking anglers' lures in several tributaries to the lower Columbia River. With decent river conditions, catch rates should continue to improve in the weeks ahead, said Joe Hymer, a fish biologist for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

“Despite recent high water and cold weather, that first jag of winter steelhead was definitely on the bite,” Hymer said. “So long as the rivers don't rise too high or fall too low, we could be looking at a darn good fishery this year.”
Read More. . .

December 5 Fish Report

Dec 05, 2011 08:56 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 3243 coho adults, 114 jacks, 73 fall Chinook adults, five jacks, 257 winter-run steelhead, 29 summer-run steelhead and nine sea-run cutthroat trout during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator. Read More. . .

November 28 Fish Report

Nov 28, 2011 09:25 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 2078 coho adults, 48 jacks, 27 fall Chinook adults, 67 winter-run steelhead, seven summer-run steelhead and 17 sea-run cutthroat trout during four days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

November 21 Fish Report

Nov 21, 2011 10:25 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 2,448 coho adults, 85 jacks, 172 fall Chinook adults, two jacks, 41 winter-run steelhead, 15 summer-run steelhead and 30 sea-run cutthroat trout during seven days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

November 14 Fish Report

Nov 14, 2011 09:39 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 2645 coho adults, 120 jacks, 205 fall Chinook adults, eight jacks, 18 summer-run steelhead, 15 winter-run steelhead and eleven sea-run cutthroat trout during six days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

November 7 Fish Report

Nov 07, 2011 09:35 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 5182 coho adults, 217 jacks, 639 fall Chinook adults, 17 jacks, 38 summer-run steelhead, 15 winter-run steelhead and 81 sea-run cutthroat trout during seven days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator. Read More. . .

FERC receives Cowlitz FHMP Update

Nov 01, 2011 02:22 PM Filed in: News

Tacoma Power has submitted its 2011 Fisheries & Hatchery Management Plan Update to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for review and approval. It is available for download as a PDF file from FERC’s site Here.

The submitted update is not yet approved by FERC.

More information about the final draft FHMP Update is in a special section Here at Cowlitzfish.net.

October 31 Fish Report

Oct 31, 2011 09:29 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 5724 coho adults, 406 jacks, 1585 fall Chinook adults, 74 jacks, 46 summer-run steelhead, eleven winter-run steelhead, 58 sea-run cutthroat trout and one chum salmon during seven days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
OcRead More. . .

November WDFW Weekender Report for Southwest Washington

Oct 27, 2011 04:15 PM Filed in: WDF&W

Here is the Southwest Washington fishing section of the WDFW Weekender Report for November. To read the entire Weekender Report go to WDFW’s Web site.

Fishing: Thanksgiving Day traditionally marks the start of the popular winter steelhead fishery, although some anglers will undoubtedly start working their favorite rivers well ahead of time. The first two steelies of the season arrived at the Cowlitz Hatchery during the third week of October and lots more are right on their tails.

Catch totals will take off once the first big storm of the season has soaked the region with heavy rains, said Joe Hymer, a fish biologist for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

“Steelhead move upriver on pulses of water,” Hymer said. “Once the sky opens up and the rivers start to swell, we’ll see more fish on the move.”
Read More. . .

October 24 Fish Report

Oct 24, 2011 08:49 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 5330 coho adults, 405 jacks, 2251 fall Chinook adults, 63 jacks, 47 summer-run steelhead, 16 sea-run cutthroat trout and two winter-run steelhead during seven days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

WDFW seeks comment on sportfishing rules

Oct 20, 2011 08:52 AM Filed in: WDF&W

OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will accept written public comments through Dec. 30 on rule proposals for the 2012-13 sportfishing season in Washington.

As part of that effort, WDFW has scheduled four public meetings in October to discuss its rule proposals with the public.
Read More. . .

October 17 Fish Report

Oct 17, 2011 03:05 PM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 5795 coho adults, 608 jacks, 2227 fall Chinook adults, 93 jacks, 43 summer-run steelhead, 35 sea-run cutthroat trout and one pink salmon during seven days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

Nominations sought for fish advisory committees

Oct 10, 2011 08:39 AM Filed in: WDF&W

OLYMPIA - Fishery managers in Washington and Oregon are seeking nominations for candidates to advisory committees that focus on sport and commercial fishing issues on the Columbia River. Nominations are due Nov. 15.
Read More. . .

October 10 Fish Report

Oct 10, 2011 08:38 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 2,671 fall Chinook adults, 148 jacks, 4,860 coho adults, 339 jacks, 33 summer-run steelhead, 24 sea-run cutthroat and four pink salmon during seven days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

October 3 Fish Report

Oct 03, 2011 09:30 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 2,017 fall Chinook adults, 110 jacks, 4,822 coho adults, 473 jacks, one spring Chinook adults, one mini-jack, 108 summer-run steelhead, 39 sea-run cutthroat and nine pink salmon during six days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

Daily limit of trout increased on Scanewa Lake

Sep 30, 2011 03:02 PM Filed in: WDF&W

Action: Increase trout daily limit to 10 in Scanewa Lake

Effective dates: Oct. 1, 2011 until further notice

Species affected: Trout

Location: Scanewa Lake (Cowlitz Falls Reservoir)
Read more...

October WDFW Weekender Report for Southwest Washington

Sep 28, 2011 05:44 PM Filed in: WDF&W

Here is the Southwest Washington fishing section of the WDFW Weekender Report for October.

Fishing: Coho salmon are moving up the Columbia River and into area tributaries, where bright chinook are also still striking at lures and bait on some rivers.

But starting Oct. 1, anglers have another option to consider: Sturgeon fishing in the mainstem Columbia River from the Wauna powerlines upstream to Bonneville Dam. The fishery was originally scheduled to open Oct. 8, but fishery managers added three additional days – Oct. 1, Oct. 6 and Oct. 7 – to help reach the area harvest guideline.
Read More. . .

Positions open on Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Recreational Anglers Board

Sep 27, 2011 03:59 PM Filed in: WDF&W

OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking nominations for two vacant positions on the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Recreational Anglers Board, a citizen advisory group responsible for reviewing plans to improve sport fishing opportunities for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River Basin.

Individuals may nominate themselves or others to the board, which is composed of nine people affiliated with recreational fishing organizations in the region.

The board currently has one vacant position in northcentral Washington (Region 2) and another in southwest Washington (Region 5).
Read More. . .

September 26 Fish Report

Sep 26, 2011 01:09 PM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 2,089 fall Chinook adults, 111 jacks, 1,792 coho adults, 85 jacks, eight spring Chinook adults, one jack, 96 summer-run steelhead, 16 sea-run cutthroat and three pink salmon during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

September 19 Fish Report

Sep 19, 2011 08:59 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 1,760 fall Chinook adults, 83 jacks, 349 coho adults, 12 jacks, 29 spring Chinook adults, four jacks, 111 summer-run steelhead, eight sea-run cutthroat and two pink salmon during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

September 12 Fish Report

Sep 12, 2011 09:05 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 803 fall Chinook adults, 52 jacks, 126 coho adults, one jack, 34 spring Chinook adults, 12 jacks, 162 summer-run steelhead, 11 sea-run cutthroat, two chum salmon and two pink salmon during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

September 6 Fish Report

Sep 06, 2011 09:58 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 65 spring Chinook adults, 16 jacks, 7 mini-jacks, 247 summer-run steelhead, five sea-run cutthroat, 192 fall Chinook adults, 13 jacks, 16 coho adults, two jacks and one pink salmon during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator. Read More. . .

September WDFW Weekender Report

Sep 01, 2011 03:30 PM Filed in: WDF&W

Here is the Southwest Washington fishing section of the WDFW Weekender Report for September.

Fishing: September is prime time for salmon fishing in the Columbia River Basin, as large numbers of fish move upriver and into tributaries on both sides of Bonneville Dam. Anglers fishing the lower river from Buoy 10 to the dam this season are expected to reel in nearly 32,000 fall chinook and 8,000 hatchery coho – most of them, this month.

“Prospects are good for salmon fishing this month, but it's important to remember these fish are on the move,” said Joe Hymer, a fish biologist for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). “As the month goes on, successful anglers will follow the fish upriver and into the tributaries.”
Read More. . .

August 29 Fish Report

Aug 29, 2011 08:52 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 105 spring Chinook adults, 50 jacks, 19 mini-jacks, 500 summer-run steelhead, four sea-run cutthroat, 81 fall Chinook adults, one jack and two pink salmon during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

August 22 Fish Report

Aug 22, 2011 11:25 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 117 spring Chinook adults, 86 jacks, 29 mini-jacks, 13 fall Chinook adults, 631 summer-run steelhead, one pink salmon and four sea-run cutthroat trout during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

August 15 Fish Report

Aug 15, 2011 08:42 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 44 spring Chinook adults, 25 jacks, 33 mini-jacks, 631 summer-run steelhead, three sea-run cutthroat, one fall Chinook adult and two sockeye salmon during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator. Read More. . .

Draft FHMP Update documents now available for download

Aug 10, 2011 10:15 AM Filed in: News

The Draft Cowlitz River Fisheries & Hatchery Management Plan Update documents are now available for download. Go to the FHMP Update page here at cowlitzfish.net to access the downloads along with the public meeting schedule and information about the public comment process.

Public meetings scheduled for updated fisheries' plan

Aug 08, 2011 08:31 AM Filed in: News

The new draft Cowlitz River Fisheries & Hatchery Management Plan (FHMP) is the subject for a series of public meetings this month in Lewis County. (The draft FHMP update should be available for download at cowlitzfish.net by this Wednesday).

Monday, August 15, 5:00-7:30 p.m. at Centralia College Washington Hall Room 103 in Centralia.
Tuesday, August 16, 5:00-7:30 p.m. at Mossyrock High School multipurpose room in Mossyrock.
Monday, August 22, 1:00-4:00 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Academy in Toledo.

The August 15 meeting will present an overview of the new draft FHMP and the same presentation will be given at the August 16 meeting. Presenters are Mark LaRiviere, Tacoma Power senior fisheries biologist, and Pat Frazier, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Region 5 fish manager.

The first session of the August 22 meeting will review details of the statistical analysis used to arrive at the FHMP strategies. The second session is for the public to officially comment on the draft plan.

Written public comments can be submitted by mail or email until September 12, 2011.

August 8 Fish Report

Aug 08, 2011 07:54 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 35 spring Chinook adults, 31 jacks, 45 mini-jacks, 767 summer-run steelhead, three sea-run cutthroat and one fall Chinook adult during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

August 1 Fish Report (corrected)

Aug 01, 2011 09:23 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 39 spring Chinook adults, 38 jacks, 66 mini-jacks, 669 summer-run steelhead, one sea-run cutthroat trout and one sockeye during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

August WDFW Weekender report

Jul 27, 2011 06:13 PM Filed in: WDF&W

Here is the Southwest Washington fishing section of the WDFW Weekender Report for August.

Fishing: This year’s fall chinook fishery opens Aug. 1 on the Columbia River, where a strong run of upriver brights is expected to push the total return well above the 10-year average. Of the 776,300 “falls” included in the pre-season forecast, nearly 400,000 are projected to be upriver brights – the highest number since 1987.

Those fish, together with hatchery coho and summer steelhead, should make August a very good time to fish the lower Columbia River, said Joe Hymer, a fish biologist for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).Read More. . .

Hatchery adult coho daily limit increased on Cowlitz River

Jul 27, 2011 03:41 PM Filed in: WDF&W

Action: Anglers may keep up to 6 hatchery adult coho as part of their salmon daily limit on the lower Cowlitz River.

Species affected: Coho salmon

Effective dates: Aug. 1, 2011, until further notice.

Location:Cowlitz River from boundary markers at mouth to 400 feet below Mayfield Dam Powerhouse.
Read more...

July 25 Fish Report

Jul 25, 2011 09:36 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 47 spring Chinook adults, 23 jacks, 65 mini-jacks, 610 summer-run steelhead and one sea-run cutthroat trout during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.

Read More. . .

July 18 Fish Report

Jul 18, 2011 04:21 PM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 93 spring Chinook adults, 81 jacks, 53 mini jacks, 669 ummer-run steelhead and one sockeye salmon during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

July 11 Fish Report (revised)

Jul 11, 2011 10:14 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 225 spring Chinook adults, 306 jacks, 70 mini jacks, 508 summer-run steelhead and one sockeye salmon during four days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

July 5 Fish Report

Jul 05, 2011 07:43 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 16 spring Chinook adults, 24 jacks, seven mini jacks and 325 summer-run steelhead during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

WDFW conducting boat checks to stop invasive species

Jul 01, 2011 05:46 PM Filed in: WDF&W

OLYMPIA - People hauling boats to and from Washington waterways this summer may be stopped by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) enforcement officers conducting mandatory checks of boats, trailers and gear for aquatic invasive species.

The annual check stations and emphasis-patrol program has begun in several parts of the state and will continue through the boating season. The aim is to keep tiny zebra mussels, quagga mussels and other non-native species out of Washington to protect native fish, wildlife and water systems.
Read More. . .

July WDFW Weekender report

Jun 30, 2011 08:08 AM Filed in: WDF&W

Salmon fishing kicks into high gear at this time of year, when the Washington coast, several areas of Puget Sound and many rivers around the state are open for business. Most areas of Puget Sound also open for recreational crabbing July 1, setting the stage for a great Independence Day weekend.

Also starting July 1, many anglers and others planning outdoor adventures will need to purchase a Discover Pass for vehicle access to state parks, campgrounds, boat launches and wildlife areas. The new requirement, approved this year by the state Legislature, is designed to help keep 7 million acres of state recreational lands open after steep budget cuts.
Read More. . .

June 27 Fish Report

Jun 28, 2011 03:38 PM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 118 spring Chinook adults, 158 jacks, nine mini jacks and 226 summer-run steelhead during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

Washington State "Discover Pass" now available

Jun 20, 2011 02:49 PM Filed in: WDF&W

OLYMPIA-The state's new Discover Pass for vehicle access to state parks and recreation lands is available for sale at recreational license dealers and online.

The Discover Pass-providing access to 7 million acres of state park and recreation lands-will generate funding to keep those lands open following steep state budget cuts.
Read More. . .

June 20 Fish Report

Jun 20, 2011 09:05 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 37 spring Chinook adults, 47 jacks, one mini jack and 134 summer-run steelhead during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

June 13 Fish Report

Jun 13, 2011 07:54 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 109 spring Chinook adults, 162 jacks, four winter-run steelhead and 131 summer-run steelhead during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

June 6 Fish Report

Jun 06, 2011 10:44 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 90 spring Chinook adults, 113 jacks, twelve winter-run steelhead and 37 summer-run steelhead during four days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

Spring Chinook fishery extended until June 15 above Bonneville Dam

Jun 03, 2011 09:12 AM Filed in: WDF&W

OLYMPIA - The sport fishery for hatchery-reared spring Chinook salmon has been extended through June 15 on a section of the Columbia River stretching 163.5 miles above Bonneville Dam.

Previously set to close June 3, the spring chinook fishery was extended by fishery managers from Washington and Oregon, who today agreed that enough fish are still available under the catch limit to allow anglers to keep fishing until the summer Chinook salmon season starts June 16.
Read More. . .

June WDFW Weekender Report

Jun 03, 2011 09:00 AM Filed in: WDF&W

Here is the Southwest Washington portion of the WDFW Weekender Report. The report for all state areas is at http://wdfw.wa.gov/weekender/.

Fishing: The spring Chinook fishery runs through June 15, followed the next day by a promising six-week summer Chinook season. Meanwhile, increasing numbers of sockeye salmon and hatchery summer steelhead are moving into the lower Columbia River Basin, where anglers can also catch and keep white sturgeon in most areas.Read More. . .

May 31 Fish Report

May 31, 2011 08:09 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 218 spring Chinook adults, 102 jacks, 30 winter-run steelhead and 38 summer-run steelhead during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

Spring Chinook must be released on Lewis and Kalama rivers beginning May 28

May 26, 2011 10:41 AM Filed in: WDF&W

Action: Lewis River and Kalama River anglers must release all spring chinook beginning May 28.

Species affected: Chinook salmon
Read more...

More time to catch Spring Chinook on Columbia & Snake rivers

May 26, 2011 10:36 AM Filed in: WDF&W

OLYMPIA - Several new fishing opportunities for hatchery-reared spring chinook salmon are opening up on the Columbia and Snake rivers as the season enters its final leg.

With approximately 2,700 upriver chinook still available for harvest, fishery managers from Washington and Oregon today agreed to expand or reopen fisheries in the several areas.

Below Bonneville Dam: Starting Friday (May 27), boat anglers will be allowed to fish for spring chinook from Beacon Rock upstream to Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River. This four-mile area, previously open for bank fishing only, will remain open for both kinds of fishing on the lower river through June 15.

May 23 Fish Report

May 23, 2011 10:11 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 533 spring Chinook adults, 349 jacks, 21 winter-run steelhead and 78 summer-run steelhead during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

Two Toutle tributaries open early for hatchery steelhead

May 19, 2011 12:39 PM Filed in: WDF&W

Action: Lower portions of the South Fork Toutle and Green rivers will open two weeks early to fishing for hatchery steelhead.

Species affected: Steelhead

Effective dates: May 21, 2011 to June 3, 2011

Locations:

South Fork Toutle River from the mouth to the 4700 Road Bridge.
Green River from the mouth to 400’ below the water intake at the upper end of the hatchery.

Columbia River Spring Chinook fishery reopens

May 16, 2011 09:15 AM Filed in: WDF&W

OLYMPIA - With thousands of spring chinook salmon now moving up fish ladders at Bonneville Dam, fishery managers from Washington and Oregon have agreed to reopen the popular salmon fishery on the lower Columbia River through June 15.

Starting Sunday, May 15, boat and bank anglers can fish for hatchery-reared spring chinook salmon from Rocky Point/Tongue Point upriver to Beacon Rock. Bank fishing will also be allowed four miles farther upriver to the fishing boundary below Bonneville Dam.
Read More. . .

May 16 Fish Report

May 16, 2011 09:11 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 213 winter-run steelhead, twelve summer-run steelhead, 177 spring Chinook adults and 97 jacks during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

Fisheries & Hatchery Management Plan update not yet complete

May 11, 2011 10:33 AM Filed in: News

The Cowlitz River Fisheries Technical Committee (FTC) is working to complete a federally required update to the Cowlitz River Fisheries & Hatchery Management Plan (FHMP). Their objective was to have the draft updated plan completed and to review it with the public this Spring. However, some portions of the plan are not yet final. Tacoma Power recently informed the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) that an additional six months may be needed to complete the plan update.
Read More. . .

May 9 Fish Report

May 09, 2011 09:57 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 593 winter-run steelhead, nine summer-run steelhead, 17 spring Chinook adults and 16 jacks during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator. Read More. . .

Good fishing during lowland lakes opener

May 04, 2011 11:26 AM Filed in: WDF&W

OLYMPIA - Washington's lowland lakes fishing season opener last Saturday provided anglers a slightly better-than-average catch rate of trout.

Based on Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) staff and volunteer creel checks of 4,305 anglers with 10,372 trout at 111 lakes statewide, the average catch rate was 2.4 trout per angler, with many more trout caught and released during the day.
Read More. . .

May 2 Fish Report

May 02, 2011 08:58 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 985 winter-run steelhead, seven summer-run steelhead, 19 spring Chinook adults and eight jacks during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.Read More. . .

May WDFW Weekender Report

Apr 27, 2011 04:41 PM Filed in: WDF&W

Southwest Washington

Fishing: Spring chinook and summer steelhead are moving into area rivers in increasing numbers, sturgeon retention is allowed on portions of the Columbia River and several popular trout lakes will open for fishing April 30.

As part of that lineup, anglers can catch and keep hatchery-reared spring chinook through May 1 on a section of the Columbia River stretching 163.5 miles above Bonneville Dam. But it remains to be seen whether that fishery – or the one that closed April 19 below the dam – will reopen later in the season.
Read More. . .

April 25 Fish Report

Apr 25, 2011 09:00 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 913 winter-run steelhead, four summer-run steelhead, 17 spring Chinook adults and 5 mini-jacks during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator. Read More. . .

April 18 Fish Report

Apr 18, 2011 10:14 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 700 winter-run steelhead, one summer-run steelhead and ten spring Chinook adults during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

Spring Chinook season extended again on lower Columbia

Apr 15, 2011 08:59 AM Filed in: WDF&W

OLYMPIA - Columbia River anglers will have four more days to catch hatchery-reared spring chinook salmon below Bonneville Dam, where tough fishing conditions have held this year's catch below expected levels since late last month.

Fishery managers from Washington and Oregon agreed Thursday to extend the season through April 19 to give anglers more time to reach the initial harvest guideline set at the beginning of the season.

The additional four days of fishing will follow on the heels of an eight-day extension previously approved through April 15.
Read More. . .

Washington's salmon fisheries set for 2011

Apr 13, 2011 03:16 PM Filed in: WDF&W

SAN MATEO, Calif. - State and tribal co-managers today agreed on a package of salmon fisheries that meets conservation goals for wild salmon populations, while providing a variety of fishing opportunities on abundant stocks.

Washington's 2011 salmon fishing seasons, developed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and treaty Indian co-managers, were finalized today during the Pacific Fishery Management Council's (PFMC) meeting in San Mateo, Calif. The fishing package defines regulations for salmon fisheries in Puget Sound, Washington's ocean and coastal areas and the Columbia River.
Read More. . .

April 11 Fish Report

Apr 11, 2011 08:50 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 743 winter-run steelhead and four spring Chinook adults during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
Read More. . .

Lakes stocked for April 30 season opener

Apr 07, 2011 06:07 PM Filed in: WDF&W

OLYMPIA - This month Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fish hatchery crews will finish stocking more than 20 million fish in Washington waterways before the state's single biggest fishing season opener on April 30.

At least 300,000 anglers are expected to turn out for the big day. Although many waterways are open year-round, the last Saturday in April marks the traditional start of the four- to five-month lowland lake fishing season.
Read More. . .

Columbia spring Chinook fishery open for additional week

Apr 07, 2011 12:19 PM Filed in: WDF&W

OLYMPIA - Columbia River anglers will get at least eight more days to catch hatchery-reared spring chinook salmon below Bonneville Dam under a decision announced today by fishery managers from Washington and Oregon.

The popular fishery, which closed for a catch assessment April 4, will reopen to fishing Friday, April 8, through Friday, April 15. Fishery managers will meet again April 14 to determine whether to allow additional fishing time.
Read More. . .

Catchable trout being planted in Cowlitz watershed

Apr 06, 2011 04:44 PM Filed in: News

Tacoma Power is planting catchable rainbow trout at various locations in the Cowlitz River watershed. A chart showing the quantity and location of the trout plants – as well as the size in fish per pound – is posted in the Fishing Info section of Cowlitzfish.net. The chart will be updated weekly through September 5, 2011. Click here...

April WDFW Weekender Report

Apr 01, 2011 10:05 AM Filed in: WDF&W

Here is the Southwest Washington portion of WDFW’s Weekender Report:

Fishing: Anglers have at least through April 4 to catch and keep marked, hatchery-reared spring chinook salmon on the lower Columbia River. Fisheries for shad and hatchery-reared steelhead – which run concurrently with the spring chinook season – are also scheduled to close at the end of the day April 4 on the lower river.
Read More. . .

March 28 Fish Report

Mar 28, 2011 09:22 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 284 winter-run steelhead and one spring Chinook salmon during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
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March 21 Fish Report

Mar 21, 2011 09:54 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 240 winter-run steelhead during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.

During the past week Tacoma Power employees released 48 steelhead into the Cispus River above the mouth of Yellow Jacket Creek, and they released 13 winter-run steelhead into the Tilton River at Gust Backstrom Park in Morton, Washington.
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March 14 Fish Report

Mar 14, 2011 09:06 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 108 winter-run steelhead and one spring Chinook adult during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
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Federal panel adopts options for ocean salmon sport fisheries

Mar 09, 2011 05:26 PM Filed in: WDF&W

VANCOUVER, Wash. - Anglers fishing along the Washington coast will see a lower catch quota for chinook salmon this year even though the total number of fish expected to return is higher.

Three ocean salmon-fishing options approved today by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) establish a lower harvest range for chinook to protect weak salmon stocks - particularly those returning to the lower Columbia River. The PFMC establishes fishing seasons in ocean waters three to 200 miles off the Pacific coast.
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March 7 Fish Report

Mar 07, 2011 09:41 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 56 winter-run steelhead, one spring Chinook adult and one cutthroat trout during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
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Strong salmon runs predicted

Mar 01, 2011 04:10 PM Filed in: WDF&W

OLYMPIA - Fishing prospects look bright this year for chinook in Washington’s ocean waters and the Columbia River, according to preseason salmon forecasts released today at a public meeting in Olympia.

Opportunities for anglers also look good in Puget Sound, where coho and pink salmon runs are expected to be strong this year.

Forecasts for chinook, coho, sockeye, pink and chum salmon mark the starting point for developing 2011 salmon-fishing seasons in Puget Sound, the Columbia River and Washington coastal areas. The forecasts were developed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and treaty Indian tribes.
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February 28 Fish Report

Feb 28, 2011 12:09 PM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 59 winter-run steelhead, one spring Chinook adult and one cutthroat trout during four days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
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WDFW Weekender Report for March

Feb 24, 2011 02:39 AM Filed in: WDF&W

Southwest Washington

Fishing: Spring chinook fever is beginning to take hold on the Columbia River. More than 50 boats were counted on the lower river one day in mid February when only a few fish had been counted at Bonneville Dam. By late March – when the bulk of the run is expected to arrive – that number is expected to grow to nearly 2,000 per day.
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February 22 Fish Report

Feb 22, 2011 08:25 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 64 winter-run steelhead, one winter-run steelhead jack and one cutthroat trout during four days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
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WDFW sets public meeting on salmon forecast

Feb 18, 2011 03:33 PM Filed in: WDF&W

OLYMPIA - Anglers, commercial fishers and others interested in Washington state salmon fisheries can get a preview of this year’s salmon returns and proposed fishing seasons during a public meeting here March 1.

Kicking off the annual salmon season-setting process, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will present initial forecasts compiled by state and tribal biologists of 2011 salmon returns.
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2011 Columbia River Spring Chinook rules set

Feb 18, 2011 10:40 AM Filed in: WDF&W

[Note: These fishing rules were outlined in a news release sent Feb. 8, 2011.]

Action: Sets fishing regulations for spring chinook on the mainstem Columbia River

Species affected: Spring chinook, steelhead and shad.

Location #1: The mainstem Columbia River from Buoy 10 upstream to Rooster Rock - bank and boat angling allowed.

Location #2: The mainstem Columbia River from Rooster Rock upstream to Bonneville Dam - bank angling only. Rooster Rock boundary description: A true North/South line projected from Rooster Rock on the Oregon shore to the Washington shoreline

Effective date: March 1 - April 4, 2011: fishing for salmonids and shad is allowed
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February 14 Fish Report

Feb 14, 2011 08:42 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week, Tacoma Power recovered eight coho adults, 63 winter-run steelhead and one winter-run steelhead jack during four days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
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Columbia River seasons set for Spring Chinook & Sturgeon

Feb 08, 2011 04:53 PM Filed in: WDF&W

OREGON CITY, Ore. - Fishery managers from Washington and Oregon today set fishing seasons for Columbia River spring chinook salmon and white sturgeon that are expected to draw nearly two hundred thousand anglers to the big river this year.

Most of the new rules will take effect March 1, when fishing for spring chinook and sturgeon starts to heat up on the Columbia River. Sport fishing is currently open for both species on various sections of the river under rules adopted last year.
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February 7 Fish Report

Feb 07, 2011 08:21 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 20 coho adults, one jack and 83 winter-run steelhead during four days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
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January 31 Fish Report

Jan 31, 2011 08:40 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 38 coho adults, one jack and 54 winter-run steelhead during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
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January 24 First Report

Jan 24, 2011 09:42 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 601 coho adults, five jacks and 120 winter-run steelhead during four days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.Read More. . .

January 18 Fish Report

Jan 18, 2011 09:36 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 678 coho adults, four jacks and 58 winter-run steelhead during four days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
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January 10 Fish Report

Jan 10, 2011 08:26 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 416 coho adults and 72 winter-run steelhead during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
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January 3 Fish Report

Jan 03, 2011 10:42 AM Filed in: Cowlitz Fish Report

Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 354 coho adults, eleven jacks, 164 winter-run steelhead and one sea-run cutthroat trout during four days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.Read More. . .