Smelt dip'n on the Lewis.

Steelheader · 02-10-2002, 08:19 AM

Just was wondering if anyone could tell me if the lewis would be good for dip'n smelt? Or would the Cowlits be a better bet for this evening? I would appreciate any info, thanks.

Steelheader · 02-10-2002, 09:31 AM

Can you even dip smelt in the lewis? I have never been dipping before, any reply would be appreciated.

SureSet · 02-10-2002, 02:03 PM

Went up there today. Lot's of smelt judging from the number of gulls and dead smelt along the bank, but as near as I can tell, they are staying out in the middle of the river. I think you could go after dark and clean-up as they would get close to the bank at night. If I can recall the way I got there today, to get to the R&R bridge, go through Woodland, take a left off of the main street a short block before you would cross the tracks, follow that road, stay right at the first intersection and then take a left after that road crosses the tracks. The road runs right along the river and nearly to the mouth. Around the R&R bridge seems to be the popular spot.

After I took a look at the Lewis situation, I ended up going to the Cow today. Got a limit after an hour of busting my butt. Many people wern't getting a thing at all.

I think my next dip will be the Sandy, if they make it that far.....

SureSet

MPT · 02-10-2002, 05:31 PM

Same story here. Lotsa diving gulls between the boat launch above the rail road bridge and the I-5 bridge. We shore dipped enough to get bait for the AM fishing trip. Lotsa work for the few we got! We couldn't stay til dark. Ther were no females. I think this is going to be a long smelt run!

fish_on · 02-10-2002, 05:59 PM

We dipped from a boat in the Lewis today long with about 4 others. No smelt for any of us, we tried from the mouth to above the RR bridge. The seals at the mouth sure are big.

craigc · 02-10-2002, 09:32 PM

I couldn't find the fish today... at 2pm at Gearheart park[ I5 exit 36 at Telso ] a number of people took a stab at dipping along the banks, but no luck.... I found 2 people dipping off of 'business I5' along the river at Castle Rock [ exit 48], but neither the wader, chest high, nor the bank dipper were bringing in a fish. I returned back to Gearheart Park at 4pm and walked the west bank, down river, about 1/4 mile, just in sight of the rivers' mouth to the Columbia.... where there was a flock of terns soaring, but few birds were diving, nor were any of the birds sitting in the water... for those few birds that were diving, the birds were bringing in a fish, but this was in the middle of the channel... I scooped along the shore, but no silvery fish today.... nature is a fickled thing, it's bounty is for those at the right place, at the right time, properly equiped and willing... I look forward to another chance next weekend.... anyone else willing to join me ???

wobble-wacker · 02-11-2002, 12:10 PM

You need to dip along the bank after dark. We dipped near the mouth of the Lewis and took 2 limits between 6:30 & 7PM. Watched for a while and after 7:15 the run next to the bank was strong & steady.

craigc · 02-11-2002, 02:09 PM

thanks wobble-wacker.... if it's better to fish after dark, why are there so many people searching for fish during the daytime ?? This is my first crack at smelting, but all the other people I saw looked like 'regulars' at this thing... also, would it help if you bring a latern, as if it will attract the fish to the light ??