Steelhead on the Cowlitz River

Steelhead on the Cowlitz River:

A tributary of the Columbia River, the Cowlitz River runs 105 miles through scenic areas of Washington state,and is a popular recreational destination.

During its journey it offers over 50 miles of steelhead fishing, with both a winter and a summer run. The winter steelhead  arrive in November and lasts into early December. The summer steelhead come upriver starting in late May ready to battle through August. They are terrific fighters and  willing biters as well. Please note, it is illegal to keep wild steelhead in the state of Washington although hatchery raised fish may be harvested.

Big Steelhead from the Cowlitz

My friend, Pete sent me this picture of his friend Larry Greenlund, who recently caught a 37 1/4 inch steelhead on the Cowlitz.  Larry’s guide says this is the biggest steelhead he has seen all year. Good going Larry. Larry was drift fishing with a spinning rod and shrimp. But intrepid anglers will want to work the Cowlitz with a fly.