Cowlitz & N.F. Lewis summers

Yesterday morning (Tue.) as we were headed up I-5 toward the reported good fishing in the Cowlitz R. we changed our minds and turned up the N. Fork instead. Like most rivers this year it has plenty of fish in it. However, it has gotten low & clear, to the point that I curled my lip running my sled over some really shallow spots. We did get one beautiful large summer buck in the early dimmer light. But couldn't get any more bites on some good stuff we tired. My Q: should we have joined the crowds on the Cow, with it's 3 times more cfs water flow and more fish? How has it been there the last few days? I can handle the truth . Thanks much for any info. - RT

What I have heard is that the NF had slowed and the Cow is still fairly good. I just posted for reports about them on Bob's board to get more feedback. Any willing reports for the Clack or Sandy or N. coastal rivers? Thank you.

[Big Willie]

I was on the Nestucca Sunday afternoon/evening, and that water is very low and gin clear. My suggestion is to watch the tides and fish the lower rivers, and be there at o'dark thirty, once the sun comes up it's all over. RT...have you seen the 6th bridge "put in" lately?...can't wait! -Gary

Hey Big Willie GT, you're going to have to wait for 6th bridge! Right now I would guess that you could dang near wade the whole thing from there to 4th bridge . Not a bad idea actually, with many fish in the river, working flies or jigs & spinners thru the riffles & also the really deep pools in the shade (bait ban). If you catch this post before leaving work give me a call when you get home tonight. Later. - Steve

[scooby]

RT,

I suspect from what I have heard you would have had the chance to hook more fish on the cowlitz. but, why not try the Kalama.

Between 92 and 96 I use to fish the Kalama, and a couple of other small streams down there alot. My best friend lived in Longview at the time. and if the Cowlitz,Washougal,NF Lewis are getting great returns of fish, these should be also.

I am a total banker, but the thing with the Kalama is people are like sheep on that river. The either hit the deadline,beginners or red barn from the bank. There is an awful lot of good water that is driven right by (or not too) on that river.

So, I would say to hit that river from the bank and in the middle of the week you should not have too many people out there to fight with and you should be able to hit a few fish.

Let me know if your going to give it a shot.

scooby