The Cowlitz River is truly legendary for its hatchery steelhead run. It is a reliable producer year after year. Many of us here in the Northwest, myself included, caught our first steelhead out of this river. I’ll never forget seeing my bobber go down and watching in awe as a 17-pound steelhead exploded out of the water.
My heart was pounding as I fought to hold on while it furiously tried to shake my lure. It was an unforgettable experience that motivated me to return each year. For better or for worse, steelhead can be tricky to figure out. This is what makes them so sought after and rewarding to catch. A bit of preparation and extra knowledge on your side might just be what tips the scales in your favor. Let’s take a look at how to have a more successful trip to the Cowlitz River.
Tackle Tips
Like all fisheries, your first step will be gearing up. All traditional steelhead methods will produce fish on the Cowlitz, depending on the day. You will see plunkers, drift fishermen, and bobber fishermen. Plunkers will generally throw Spin N Glo’s baited with shrimp and/or eggs, or plugs. Drift/bobber fishermen use bait, yarnies, jigs, or beads.
I will usually bring 2 or 3 rods so I can use multiple techniques without wasting time on the water retying. Experiment with all these different techniques and see what you like. Each technique has its advantages.
Plunking can be extremely effective because you can target moving fish. Beads are becoming more and more popular because they are a small, natural presentation that works well when fish aren’t aggressively biting. Jigs are extremely versatile and eye-catching, especially for fresh fish. Vary up your technique and pay attention to what’s working for other anglers as well.
Regardless of technique, it certainly helps to start by arming yourself with knowledge about the species you’re targeting. Steelhead are clever and wary. Keep this in mind, even when choosing something as simple as your leader line. Use clear bobbers and light line, preferably fluorocarbon.
Your presentation should be as invisible as possible. Part of the challenge of steelhead fishing is finding the right balance of gear that won’t spook the fish but also won’t break from a thrashing, jumping fish. Steelhead put up a tough and acrobatic fight. Practice tying your knots before heading out, they will be put to the test.
River conditions are also critical to keep in mind. When the water is low and clear, use small presentations. When it is high and murky, use large presentations. I always recommend having some hardware in your tackle box.
Spinners and spoons can sometimes entice fish that won’t bite jigs or beads. Their flash will attract fish from far away. It’s a quick and efficient way to work a large amount of water if you aren’t sure where fish are holding.
Try fishing seams between fast and slow water. Steelhead also love to hang out around rocks. Read the water and think like a fish. Try a variety of angles and retrieve speeds. If you’re using a bobber, you can play with the depth of your presentation. I’d recommend changing up your lure often, even if it’s just changing colors. Part of the fun is just changing up your strategy.
Locations
Whether you’re fishing from a boat or on shore, Blue Creek will likely be your destination. It is the focus for most steelhead anglers. Blue Creek Boat Ramp can launch two boats at a time and has a large parking lot.
Like most rivers, the Cowlitz is best fished from a boat. It’s wide and deep enough that jet sleds are very common, but you will see some drift boats. That isn’t to say that bank anglers won’t have success. There is plenty of shore access around Blue Creek. If needed, there is an ADA wheelchair-accessible platform near the fish hatchery, relocated from its previous spot in Blue Creek.
If you’ve never been to Blue Creek, be warned. When the fishing is hot, it gets crowded. Be prepared to hike or wade a bit if you’re looking to get some peace and quiet. If you’re traveling from afar and need accommodations, Centralia or Mossyrock are probably your best bets. There are good restaurants and hotels in both cities.
As always, check the rules and regulations before heading out. The Cowlitz is subject to emergency rule changes. It’s a good idea to check Tacoma Power’s website to see the current water visibility and flow. Preparation is key, especially if it’s a long drive for you. Good luck out there!
