Last updated
These observations do not support one combined outlook. Read the station measurements and reports by reach below.
Large lower Columbia tributary represented by the gauge below Mayfield Dam.
A quick view of the latest report, gauge, hatch, and fly data available for this water. Missing observations are left unreported rather than estimated.
Recent reports mention Barrier Dam run down to Blue Creek, Blue Creek boat launch.
Access and seasonal rules can change. Check current regulations and closures with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife ↗
Reference location for this water. Individual reports and gauges may describe other locations; this is not a verified access point.
Cowlitz River location
46.5104, -122.6162
Observations from the last 48 hours. Each measurement and chart describes its named station.
Locations come from the source report. A gauge reference does not establish where every fishing observation was made. Hatches and fly recommendations belong to their individual report.
Emerald Water Anglers
Summer steelhead season is opening; early summer fish and late winter stragglers possible. Low water year suggests switching to summer patterns and Scandi heads.
Emerald Water Anglers
Hatchery steelhead are responding well to egg sucking leeches on the Cowlitz. Water is super low and clear, so longer leaders are recommended.
Reported water clarity: clear
Emerald Water Anglers
Cowlitz is producing hatchery steelhead and is a fantastic river to swing flies on; recommended as the local option for summer steelhead over wild-fish alternatives.
View original report ↗Emerald Water Anglers
The Cowlitz may have a few late-season winter steelhead or early arriving summer steelhead. Conditions are transitional as winter fish wrap up and summer fish begin to arrive.
View original report ↗Emerald Water Anglers
Steelhead are present in the Cowlitz but flows are way up, making it nearly impossible to fish effectively without a boat, and even with a boat it is not recommended until flows drop back around 8K cfs.
View original report ↗Emerald Water Anglers
The Cowlitz blew out to over 14,000 cfs making it unfishable for swinging flies at the moment.
Reported water clarity: off-color
View original report ↗Emerald Water Anglers
Open and fish are around. Water is a tad high but confident waders can find runs to swing right now.
View original report ↗Emerald Water Anglers
The Cowlitz offers a closer-to-Seattle option with some late summer steelhead still holding. Skating flies for steelhead is particularly recommended this time of year.
Emerald Water Anglers
Flows on the Cowlitz are very friendly at around 5,500 cfs, described as close to perfect for swinging flies. Hatchery fish stray beyond Blue Creek, with exceptional water from the Barrier Dam run down to Blue Creek.
Reported location: Barrier Dam run down to Blue Creek
View original report ↗Emerald Water Anglers
Cowlitz remains too high for comfortable swinging, with limited fishable water. The run at Blue Creek boat launch is the only viable area but requires confident wading skills.
Reported location: Blue Creek boat launch
View original report ↗
Score.Fish