Cowlitz river

The Cowlitz consistently ranks first in return of summer-run steelhead. This year the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has increased the limit from two to six hatchery steelhead a day. We expect a bountiful return. The Cowlitz cutthroat population is second to none. Showing in good number from mid-August on, these "Harvest Trout" come up out of the Columbia.

Draining the southern slope of Mt. Rainier and flowing to the Columbia the Cowlitz is the largest river in southwest Washington. Its a beautiful river to wade and fish with a good cobble bottom and numerous bars and side-channels. Using my jet-powered river skiff, Bella, I ferry you to the river's distant reach—our classroom. There we search the drifts with the wet or dry fly swung on a sink-tip or floating line. For the cutthroat we will either wade or cast from Bella operated under oar.

Whether you prefer the single- or the double-handed rod the river offers inviting riffles, glides, runs and pools to explore with the fly. The river's character and numerous fish number and water that's hard to beat.

Arrangements: We gather for breakfast at 7:00 am and are on the water soon after. Bring a cooler with ice if you plan to keep fish.

Climate: Summer days are pleasant and sunny in western Washington with temperatures averaging in the seventies, but be prepared for rain and bring extra clothing if wading seems chilly.

Tackle and Gear: A nine to ten foot graphite fly rod casting a #7 or #8 weight line suit this fishery. Double-handed rods of the same line weights are a favored alternative. Bring a stout winch with a sound drag, holding a minimum of 100 yards backing.

Your fly line is critical. We need to be able to fish from the top of the water column to the bottom. Recognizing our need for versatility, line manufactures now offer lines that feature inter-changeable, loop-to-loop-connected tips (floating and sinking tips with varying sink rates). These tips are easy to change and eliminate the need for extra spools. I highly recommend you bring the Rio VersiTip (for single-handed rods) or Rio WindCutter (for double-handers)—these lines, or other manufactures' equivalent, get the job done. Whatever lines you choose, come prepared to fish a dry fly on top or a wet fly sunk deep.

We'll tie our own leaders. Bring spools of Maxima Ultragreen tippet material in 20#, 15#, and 12# test; and Maxima Fluorocarbon in 0X-10#, 1X-8#. Fish long leaders on top, but short when sunk, varing the tippet size in proportion to the fly.

Flies: Bring several dozen flies. Don't stint. Have both wet and dry, size #4 and #6. I welcome your own creation or preference.

Dry Flies: Waller Waker, Bomber, Greased Liner, Royal Wulff

Wet Flies: the Mack's Canyon, Green Butt Skunk, Brad's Brat, Spade, Purple Peril, Knudson Spider, Muddler Minnow, Silver Hilton and Bucktail Coachman

Laundry List:

  • Valid fishing license/steelhead punch card.
  • Waders: chest-high and breathable
  • Wading brogues, with studs or cleats—mandatory!
  • Wading staff, belt, Gravel Guards, Stream Cleats
  • Wader repair kit with Aqua seal, Cotel and duct tape
  • Vest, rain jacket/windbreaker—short
  • Hat/cap, gloves, scarf, kerchief
  • Forceps, hook hone, nippers, Tie-Fast knot tier, pliers, knife
  • Sunglasses—polarized with keeper
  • First Aid kit, medicine, tissue, sunscreen, lip balm, contacts
  • Camera, film, batteries, flashlight
  • Leader wallet/tippet dispenser, tippet spools. Line cleaner/dressing
  • Flask, thermos, water bottle, candy, gum, cigars, pipe,
  • Waterproof duffel, tackle bag, flies boxes with flies

Provisions: I endorse purveyors who know steelhead, the Pacific Northwest, and me. Patrick's Fly Shop, the oldest fly shop on the West Coast, can outfit you with the right tackle and flies. Call for mail orders or visit the tackle counter. Patrick's Fly Shop, 2237 Eastlake Avenue East, Seattle WA 98102. Phone 206.325.8988 or 800.398.7693. Tell them John sent you.