Northwest Fishing Reports

Looking for some info on winter runs of steelhead for this coming winter. Yes I have done tons of searching and read all of the reports but im looking for some up to date information about where the fish are going to be running this year. I've got my sights set on the Snoqualmie river because its the closest to me but from some people I've talked to say the run isn't that great. I've tried reading the escapement reports on the fish and wildlife website but they are a little confusing to me so if someone could elaborate on these numbers any help would be appreciated. I've also heard that the Sky will not have a winter run of steelhead? The Wallace is also on my list of placed I'd like to fish this winter but ive also heard iffy things about winter runs there as well. All in all my question is where in the Snohomish river system will I have the best of luck for winter steelhead. Thanks in advance.

If you haven't caught a steelhead or haven't done that great. Go to reiter with a float and jig. Anyone can catch fish on that set up and it's straight forward. There will be steelhead to be had by December. Only problem is you will have company.

Hopefully we actually get a somewhat decent return this year...last winter was pretty abysmal. Cowlitz is another good option...a bit of a drive, but good fishing. I know you mentioned Snoho system...but look into the Cowlitz.

Thanks for the info. I've been steelhead fishing for many years but recently moved to this part of the state a year ago. If the sky has a good return I will definitely be out there a lot this winter. I've read a lot about the Cowlitz and have seen some big fish come out of there so that will be an option for sure, I'd like to make a weekend trip out of it. Witch hatchery's on the snoho system are the most fish going to be returning to? I read on here that most winter runs return to Tokul creek and not Reiter.

From what I understand The Cowlitz is a big river more suited for sleds than drift boats. I have a drift boat is there any good productive stretches down there that aren't hit to hard by the big boats?
Kevin

kbf1961 wrote:From what I understand The Cowlitz is a big river more suited for sleds than drift boats. I have a drift boat is there any good productive stretches down there that aren't hit to hard by the big boats?
Kevin

It's fine to drift from Barrier all the way down. Lots of drifters floating by. It takes a very flat bottomed sled to run there, big or small.

That's the question for the season, isn't it? For winter run on the Snohomish system, the Sky and Snoq are both going to see about the same amount of fish. The skykomish gets the most pressure. I really like to drift the Snoqualmie, it's a change up from the Skykomish and has a nice change of pace. Problem with both those systems is that hte hatchery fish shoot straight into the hatchery and don't really concentrate in the river, and they are both small runs when you compare them to hatchery factories like the bogey or Cowlitz or columbia. I really enjoy fishing around Tokul from the bank, but you'll find that Reiter has more space in the terminal zone to fish. As for the Wallace, it is a good option, a pleasure to fish and when they're in, we don't talk about it, because it gets crowded with folks quick!

And drifting the cowlitz is awesome. There are days when being stealthy and quiet has my boat outfishing the sleds 2:1.

Nate, am I and the other M going to see you at another "unspoken" river on Monday?