AngleThis
03-07-2001, 07:02 PM
I understand there are plenty of smelt to be had in the Columbia if you have a boat. Can anyone the how/where to's? I assume the mouth of the Cowlets or slightly downriver is where to be. Optimal depth? Same nets as from shore on the Cowlets? Tide factor variables?
Thanks!
DC
OR Coast Range
03-08-2001, 08:17 AM
Its easier right now to just dip from the Cowlitz. You don't need a WA license and the dippings good right now.
THE REEL HEY_YALL
03-08-2001, 08:33 AM
Here ya go smelters: Oh yeah, they've lowered the Cowlitz down to 2500 cfs http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif That's the lowest I've ever heard it running. Anyone know of it ever flowing smaller than that? now for the smelt info
Smelt - Commercial netters reported more than 60,000 pounds landed on the mainstem Columbia last week, bringing total harvest to more than 172,000 pounds this winter. That is the largest mainstem harvest since 1985.
Smelt finally moved into the Cowlitz on Feb. 28, and sport dippers did well Saturday. Best dipping appeared to be around Rocky Point, between Kelso and Lexington.
The article I pulled that info from said people were limiting out in minutes, and elsewhere it was taking half an hour. Remember though there is a 10 pound limit because they've been checking.