Smelt Arrivals?

[Fshklr]

I know it's early yet but when do the smelt typically start to arrive?
Are there any places of opportunity near chinook or near the salt rather than waiting on Cowlitz, Lewis, Sandy etc that can be accessed by a land based dipper?
Will be stocking up this year since I have finally made it through my haul from 2000.
thanks-Dan

[fish_on]

I got my first load of smelt the 2nd week of January last year on the Cow. Just look for the Seagulls to get active.

[TonTo]

Last year when the smelt finnaly showed in the Cowlitz I called my brother in Astoria and told him he better get up here and get some.His reply,I got mine last week out of the Grays.
I don't know if they'll show in the Grays River again this year but it may be worth checking out.

[jokester]

I hear ya fish_on. You can always tell when the smelt are running in the Lewis...SEAGULLS GALORE!!! :shocked: They're everywhere!

-jokester

[Plum Crazy]

The Sandy- Don't look for Seagulls just look for the Nets. When they are in the nets can be seen for miles. :grin:
Fire

[SalmonJeff]

last year about the last week in January I saw a ton of smelt actually in New port right under that pier guys where netting them up with no problem at all.