Last updated
Conditions are holding steady since the previous update.
No current fishing signal — we don't have enough recent reports or flow data to score this water yet.
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.
No hatch observations were included in the latest reports. No current fly recommendations are available.
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 ↗
Cowlitz River location
46.5104, -122.6162
Current Flow
4,170cfs
Fair · Updated today
Emerald Water Anglers
The Cowlitz is a fantastic river for swinging flies for hatchery steelhead and is recommended as a viable summer option while wild fish are scarce elsewhere. Smaller flies and longer leaders on Scandi heads are the recommended setup.
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.
View original report ↗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.
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
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.
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.
Score.Fish