Fishing Cowlitz in early/mid September?

[C. Elmer]

Hi all,

My family has a campsite off the cowlitz with private bank access just downstream of the dam, and I'm hoping to make it down there a couple times in the next few weeks. What should I be targeting (chinook, steelhead?), and what size gear should I be bringing? I don't want to go too heavy but don't want to hook into anything I won't be able to bring in, either. Or is it still a bit too early for anthing good on the river? Thanks,

Chris

[gpc]

I did a day trip last year to barrier dam. It was early or mid october and the fish were just stacked in there. A lot of kings and silvers. The kings were about 50/50 as far as chrome and boots. The silvers were all in pretty good shape. We got to barrier dam resort at about 6am and were fishing at about 6:30 am. It was a zoo at barrier dam, and the only place we were able to fish was the boat launch. We ended up getting skunked.

The guys were all shoulder to shoulder at the dam throwing eggs and hooking up about every other cast it seemed. My buddy hooked into nice king on a jig, and if I rember correctly dick nites were what we were told to use for the silvers.

[Rollin with Rolland]

First off, I've only fished the cowlitz twice.

Was down thursday. NO, not to early. Guides were pleasing their clients, and us regular guys were pretty happy as well. A few fish in the lower river (boot chinook [late springers?], steelies, jack coho, even sea run cutties), but hit the mouth at the Columbia for good action (chinook, coho). Saw about 10 fish boated in about an hour and a half. Anchor up and wait. They come in waves, so wait for the "bite". I'm no expert, but with the fish I saw I was using 30lb braided PP main with 20lb mono leaders. My buddy was using 50lb braided...

oh yeah, water is a bit low, 2700cfm when I was down....looked like 5ft lower than last time I was there last fall. very clear....could see bottom in 5ft.

[mav186]

First off, I've only fished the cowlitz twice.

Was down thursday. NO, not to early. Guides were pleasing their clients, and us regular guys were pretty happy as well. A few fish in the lower river (boot chinook [late springers?], steelies, jack coho, even sea run cutties), but hit the mouth at the Columbia for good action (chinook, coho). Saw about 10 fish boated in about an hour and a half. Anchor up and wait. They come in waves, so wait for the "bite". I'm no expert, but with the fish I saw I was using 30lb braided PP main with 20lb mono leaders. My buddy was using 50lb braided...

This is exactly where I would like to take my boat and fish...however, I've never done it and would like to go out w/ someone who knows what they're doing first. Sounds like a blast!

[Rollin with Rolland]

This is exactly where I would like to take my boat and fish...however, I've never done it and would like to go out w/ someone who knows what they're doing first. Sounds like a blast!

No idea what i'm doing mav, but if you ever take the TJ out down there, I'm really good at holding the boat, looking for rocks, and pulling anchor!! :bball:

[mav186]

I may just take you up on that RR...it would be nice for several of us to take a couple boats down...mmm sounding better and better!
(what's a 'TJ'?)

[Rollin with Rolland]

sorry mav....a case of mistaken boat identity. What I meant was:

"If you ever take the WC down, I'm really good at.......oh, and netting too!"

sorry for the confusion...