 COWLITZ DAILY FISHING REPORTDated 2/8//10The Cowlitz river is still producing some gorgeous winter run steelies as evidenced by the following pictures.  Ray Johnson with another nice winter from the Cowlitz river. Dated 2/8/10  Ray Johnson with a nice 33" 14 pound winter run steelie caught on a Custom Purple and White Marabou Tube fly from Black Heron Fly Fishing. The report for today was excellent on the Cowlits with the water down and the fish being congregated along the seams in the river. The shop had 5 reports today before Noon and all anglers reported either landing a native steelie or keeping a hatchery fish. All on flies from the Cowlitz river from Castle Rock to Blue Creek boat launch. If the level of the Cowlitz remains low for a considerable time we can all expect to be catching winter steelies. Dated 2/3/10 The Cowlitz is banging out some nice winter steelies from the Salmon hatchery downstream to Castle rock. Fly anglers reporting success are drifting from Blue Creek boat launch to mission bar or the I5 bridge depending on the river levels and weather. Rememeber to stay away from the boat traffic and other anglers for maximum success. Most success is being had with skagit fly lines using heavy sinking tips and heads. Dated 1/22/09 The Cowlitz River is still producing good numbers of winter steelies with water levels around 10000 cfs. Here are some more pictures of fish from below Blue Creek proper to Toeldo, Washington. Remember to stay away from the crowds and find areas where the fish will congregate in softer holding water along seams.  Chrome winter steelie caught on a Black and Orange Oregon Stater Tube Fly on January 22, 2010 below Blue Creek proper.  George Foshee with another chromer from the Cowlitz river. Dated 1/22/10  A big steelie from below Toledo, Washington on the Cowlitz river. Dated 1/22/10 There are steelhead being caught on fly rods at the high water level marks of 10,000 cfs on the Cowlitz but you must pick and choose your spot to fly fish. Anglers having the most success are fishing from the shore but using a Drift boat to position themselves as shown in these picture. The fish below where caught using Black MOAL Leeches and Purple with white shoulder Johns Marabou String Leech.  Bill Barker with a nice winter steelie from the middle Cowlitz river, using a Black MOAL Leech. Dated 1/7/10  Bill Barker with his winter steelie. Dated 1/7/10  Ray Johnson with a chrome winter steelie from the Miracle Mile on the Cowlitz river. Caught on a Purple with White shoulders Johns Marabou Tube Fly. Dated1/7/09 With the water at high levels remeber to fish close to the bank and use heavy sinking tips with large flies. All the standard patterns will work such as Muddler Minnows, BH Wooly Buggers, Egg Sucking Leeches, Steves String Leeches, Green Butt Skunks, Lady Carolines, Fall Favorite, Freight Trains, BH Lifters, BH Stone Fly Nymphs, Guide Intruders, Silver Hiltons and BH Bunny Leeches in a variety of colors such as Cream, Purple and Black. Black Heron Fly Fishing is a supplier of quality pontoon boats from Bucks Bags and Water Skeeter. Please give us a call for further details at: Black Heron Fly Fishing 1060 14th Ave Longview, Washington 98632 360-575-3970 office Dated 1/5/10 The majority of steelhead being caught in the Cowlitz River are being taken at the Blue Creek Boat launch and the Salmon Hatchery. The best way to flyfish this area is to use a pontoon boat or drift boat and float below these areas. Then fish the highly product areas such as riffles and runns which are not covered but by a small number of anglers. The currnet river level is 9100 cfs and appears to be holding. This can be good as the higher water levels will push more steelhead into the system. Visibility at last inspection was about 8-9 feet. Black Heron Fly Fishing is a supplier of quality pontoon boats from Bucks Bags and Water Skeeter. Please give us a call for further details at: Black Heron Fly Fishing 1060 14th Ave Longview, Washington 98632 360-575-3970 office  Marc Lesher with his second fly caught steelhead on the Cowlitz River, a beautiful winter weighing 15 pounds. Caught on a BH Marabou Tube Fly in purple and white. The majority of steelhead being caught in the Cowlitz River are being taken at the Blue Creek Boat launch and the Salmon Hatchery. Water conditions are alittle higher today and running about 6700cfs at Blue Creek. The river is in excellent condition and providing excellent fly rodding. Dated 12/29/09 Dated 12/26/09 The Cowlitz river has fallen to 5100 cfs and has many fish present and being caught by the fly anglers on the upper river. Most fish being caught are winter steelies with a few summers still present. The best areas are below Blue Creek in the riffles. You will need to use a drift boat or Pontoon boat for transport to get into position. Most success has been using Steves string leeches, Bunny Leeches, Intruders,EggSucking Leeches, River Rat Squids, BH Stone Fly Nymphs and BH Lifters. Black Heron Fly Fishing 1060 14th ave Longview, WA. 98632 360-575-3970 office johnkendall_56@msn.com email www.blackheronflyfishing.com website Dated 12/17/09 The Cowlitz river has been producing winter steelhead below Blue Creek proper using spey rods and single hand fly rods. The water levels have lowered and seem to be holding. Most success has been using Steves string leeches, Bunny Leeches, Intruders,EggSucking Leeches, River Rat Squids, BH Stone Fly Nymphs and BH Lifters.  The current level of the Cowlitz is holding steady at 6800 cfs and is expected to hold there for a while. The fishing on the river below Blue creek proper has been good for the fly anglers using pontoon boats and drift boats as transportation to the best areas for fishing. Remember to keep moving through the water hunting your fish. Dated 12/9/09 The fishing on The Cowlitz River has been good considering the water volume being released from Mayfield dam. The dam has been releasing about 13,800 cfs as we speak in response to the increasing possibilty of snow melt after our cold spell and to generate electricity. Most streams in the area are running very low. The Cowlitz is currently running about 5500 cfs above its normal level according to the USGS. The fishing from the bank at Blue Creek has been hit and miss for most anglers whether fishing bait or fly fishing. There have been afew winter steelies caught during the cold weather by fly anglers and the average size of these fish is 11-14 pounds in most cases Good patterns to consider when fishing the higher water would include the MOAL (Mother of All Leeches), BH Marabou string leeches, Steves String Leech, BH Buggers, Pick Yer Pocket, Guide Intruders and Hoh Bo Speys. The Spey rods have been doing a better job of hooking the steelies compared to the single handed style fly rodders during the winter so far. Fishing these patterns is very efficient when water levels are at winter levels with sinking tip fly lines, in the down and accross style which is most popular and causes the least amount of stress for the winter fly angler. Remember to go slow and cover the water thoroughly as the steelhead are sluggish with the temps in the mid 20's. Be sure to purchase some Stanleys Ice Off for this cold weather fishing. Black Heron Fly Fishing 1060 14th ave Longview, WA. 98632 360-575-3970 office johnkendall_56@msn.com email www.blackheronflyfishing.com website 12/4/09 There are fish being caught on the Cowlitz river around Blue Creek and below the barrier dam. The fishing below the barrier dam consists mostly of dark salmon. The fishing from Blue Creek and below consists of a mixture of summer and winter steelies.  The river is currnetly running about 8600 cfs and is clear above the Toutle mouth. Fly angler are experiencing success using Steves string leech, Marabou string leeches, Black Wooly Buggers, Green Butt Skunks, Polar Shrimps, River Rat Squids and Bunny Leeches in a variety of colors. Good color combinations would include Black Orange Pink and Purple. The Steelhead above was caught using a Black and Orange Oregon Stater Tube Fly on the eve of the Civil War game at Unversity of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon. Ray also lost a large winter steelie at Blue Creek after catching this summer. Plan on using sinking tip fly lines and skagit heads with a sinking rate of 6ips to 8 ips as the water level is high but beginning to fall to a respectable level. Plan on a good run of winter steelies this year as the weather is predicted to be mild. The next few days should be excellent as the weather is supposed to hold and be clear and cold with falling river levels through next week. Dated 11/14/09  A beautifully colored summer steelie from the Cowlitz River caught using a Black Marabou Tube Fly tied by Black Heron Fly Fishing Black Heron Fly Fishing is a supplier of quality pontoon boats from Bucks Bags and Water Skeeter. Please give us a call for further details at: Black Heron Fly Fishing 1060 14th Ave Longview, Washington 98632 360-575-3970 office  Its a screamer Ray !!!!!!!  Ray Johnson with a double red banded summer steelie from the Cowlitz River. Dated 11/14/09  A beautiful chrome summer run steelie caught by George Foshee from the upper Cowlitz river. This fish was caught using a BH Steves String Leech tied by Black Heron fly fishing. There are still chrome summer steelies around in the Cowlitz river from the mouth of the Toutle river to the Barrier Dam. The best scenario for catching these fish is to use a drift boat or pontoon boat to cover the maximum amount of water using spey rods with 10-15 foot sinking tip lines or leaders. All the standard patterns will work such as Muddler Minnows, BH Wooly Buggers, Egg Sucking Leeches, Steves String Leeches, Green Butt Skunks, Lady Carolines, Fall Favorite, Freight Trains, BH Lifters, BH Stone Fly Nymphs, Guide Intruders, Silver Hiltons and BH Bunny Leeches in a variety of colors such as Cream, Purple and Black. Dated 11/12/009 The Cowlitz river is running 6700 cfs this morning and has good numbers of steelhead present below Blue Creek. There have been about 18 winters showup in the upper hatchery. Flows are expected to fall to around 5000 cfs and hold for a week or more depending on rain amounts collected behind Mayfield Dam in the near future. Flows below the Toutle River have been turbid making fishing difficult. The fly fishing has been very good with many anglers catching late summer run hatchery steelies below the Blue Creek Hatchery. Mosy fly anglers are using spey rods with 10-15 foot type 3 or type 6 sink tips as the water has risen. Ten foot sinking leaders by Rio and Air Flo have also been been in use by single and double hand fly rods. Good patterns for use this time of year are the Steves String Leech, Marabou String Leech, Green Butt Skunk, BH Black Wooly Buggers, Lady Carolines, Muddler Minnows, Intruders, BH Lifters, BH Stone Fly Nymphs and Pink Panthers. The best time to fish the Cowlitz river seems to be early in the morning according to reports from anglers floating and wading the river.  Bill Barker with a fish on at Blue Creek.  . Dated 11/7/09  Doug Parker with a summer run steelie from the lower Cowlitz river weighing in at 22.5 pounds. Dated 11/7/09 Dated 11/4/09 The Cowlitz is still kicking out some very nice steelies from the upper areas on the river. The majority of fishing has been reported below the Blue Creek boat launch in the miracle mile area using drift boats and pontoon boats for transportation. Most fly anglers are working the shallow areas bordering the riffles and runs using BH Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Black and Orange Marabou String Leeches, Steelhead Mojo, Egg Sucking Leech, Purple Perils, Freight Trains and Silver Hiltons. The vast majority of anglers are using sinking tips and sinking leaders with a short 3-4 foot section as leader in 8-10 pound test. There have been a few fish taken on dry flies skating but only a few.  A bright 8 pound Cowlitz river steelie from below Blue Creek. Dated 11/4/09  Another nice 12 pound summer steelie from the Cowlitz river and showing some color. Dated 11/4/09 Black Heron Fly Fishing is a supplier of quality pontoon boats from Bucks Bags and Water Skeeter. Please give us a call for further details at: Black Heron Fly Fishing 1060 14th Ave Longview, Washington 98632 360-575-3970 office Dated 10/29/09  A very nice 9 pound summer steelie from the Cowlitz river. Caught by Bryan Wells. Dated 10/29/09 The Cowlitz river is producing great numbers of summer steelies on the fly rod between the salmon hatchery and Olequa boat launch. The rain that is occurring now should push large numbers of late silvers and winter steelhead into the lower river. Good patterns to use on the Cowlitz are the BH Wooly Bugger, Freight Trains, Silver Hiltons, Steves String Leeches, Black and Orange Marabou String Leeches, Egg Sucking Leeches, BH Lifter patterns and BH Rubber Leg Stone Fly Nymphs. The water temperature is beginning to fall and water levels are beginning to rise slightly. This is a good time to be using the sinking tip fly lines and heavy sinking leaders to ge right in front of your fish. Dated 10/27/09  Ray in his zone with another nice steelie from the area below the Blue Creek boat launch. The rain this morning was extremely heavy as you can see from rain gear. Note that there were no other anglers on the bank. Dated 10/27/09  Ray Johnson with his first fish of the day from the Blue Creek area on the Cowlitz River. Dated 10/27/09  Ray with his first fish of the day a nice 9 pound steelie from the Cowlitz River at Blue Creek Dated 10/27/09.  A solid limit of steelie from the Cowlitz river. Dated 10/27/09 Dated 10/23/09  Bill Barker with his first steelie on a spey rod caught at Blue Creek on the Cowlitz River. Dated 10/23/09  A double hook up on the Cowlitz River. Dated 10/23/09  Ray Johnson with another nice summer run steelie from the Cowlitz River. Dated 10/23/09  George Foshee with another nice steelie from the Cowlitz River at Blue Creek. Retirement is excellent. Congratulations George. Dated 10/23/09  George with his second steelie of the morning on his 5 weight t Temple Fork Spey Rod. Dated 10/23/09 Dated 10/16/09  Ray Johnsons 1st fish of the day a fiesty summer steelie. Dated 10/16/09  Ray Johnson using his 5 weight G Loomis spey rod to land his second steelhead of the day. Dated 10/16/09  Ray Johnson with his second steelhead from the Blue Creek boat launch area. Dated 10/16/09 Dated 10/14/09  Butch Brennamin with a nice cutthroat from the Miracle mile on the Cowlitz river. Dated 10/14/09  Roger Simpson with another Cowlitz rivr steelie caught using an October Caddis Pupa. Dated 10/14/09 The Cowlitz is due for some rain according to the weather report throught the weekend but is not expected to rise due to flows maintained by Mayfield Dam. The area below the Toutle river may blow out if we recieve enough water from theNorth Fork Toutle. Be watching the turbity guages for these rivers. Here are some more pictures from the Cowlitz River.  Bill Barker with some nice Cutthroat trout from the Blue Creek area, caught using a single hand fly rod and Caddis Pupa Dated 10/14/09  .Chrome summer steelie from the Cowlitz River. Dated 10/14/09  The lower river still has a good number of steelies passing through and headed for the hatcheries. Dated 10/14/09  Ray Johnson with another summer run steelie. Caught using a spey rod and BH Black Wooly Bugger size 4 tied by Black Heron Fly Fishing . Dated 10/14/09  George Foshee with another nice summer run from the Cowlitz river. Caught using a Montana Fly Company fly Andersons Euphoria in Olive number 4 on a TempleFork Outfitters Deer Creek spey rod in 5/6 weight. Dated 10/14/09  David Prutsman with his first fly rod steelie, caught on the Cowlitz river below Blue Creek proper. Dated 10/14/09 Dated 10/8/09 The Cowlitz river is in excellent condition for fly fishing with good numbers of steelies and cutthroat trout present from the barrier dam to the mouth of river. There are also good numbers of silver salmon present but have been hard for the fly rodders to catch in most cases.  Sam Wells with his third summer steelie, this one from the Cowlitz River. Dated 10/8/09 Dated 10/2/09  Brian Wells with a nice summer run steelie from the Cowlitz river. Caught using a 7 weight Damon custom fly rod from the Blue Creek area.. Brian was using a floating fly line with a long 10 foot, 10 pound tapered leader swinging a Lady Caroline. The Blue Creek area of the Cowlitz river is doing very well for steelhead. The cutthroat trout are also in the river and being caught regularly. Fishing has been good since having the river level lower just slightly to approximately 4400 cfs below Mayfield dam.  Drifting the Cowlitz river for steelies. Dated 10/2/09  Nice summer run steelie from the middle Cowlitz river below Toledo, Washington. Dated 10/2/09  Cowlitz river summer steelie caught below Toledo, Washington. Dated 10/2/09 Dated 9/24/09  George Foshee from Rainer Oregon with another nice summer run.  A dry fly steelhead take on the Cowlitz.  The Black Peacock Wooly Buggers strike again for Ray Johnson(above) and George Foshee with a triple this morning at Blue Creek boat launch. The fly fishing in this area has been extremely good with numerous fish being caught from the salmon hatchery to the I5 bridge. There are lots of salmon in the mouth of the Toutle and below to the Mouth of the Cowlitz. There are many more salmon on the way. Be looking for the next good rain to push salmon and steelies into the upper areas of the Cowlitz. The sea run cutthroat trout fishery has been good and will only get better. If your going out now is the time. Dated 9/24/09 Dated 9/23/09  George Foshee with a Blue Creek area Summer Steelie from the Cowlitz River. Dated 9/23/09 The Black Peacock Wooly Buggers strike again for Ray Johnson and George Foshee with a triple this morning at Blue Creek boat launch Dated 9/19/09  The Lady Caroline fools another summer steelie. Photo courtesy of Terry Sheely Dated 9/19/09  Chad Chesley with a very nice summer steelie from the upper Cowlitz river caught on trip with Stone Fly Guide Service. Dated 9/19/09  Jeff Traver, Owner of Stone Fly Guide Service with a nice Cowlitz River Steelie. Photo courtesy of Terry Sheely Dated 9/19/09  Jeff Traver fighting with another summer steelie on the Cowlitz river. Photo courtesy of Terry Sheely Dated 9/19/09 Dated 9/15/09  Sam Wells with his first summer steelie on a spey rod. Sam used a AFS78 fly line by Rio and a St Croix Ultra Legend fly rod in a 13' 7/8 weight. Congratualations on a beauty Sam and thanks for releasing the fish.  Ray Johnson with yet another nice fish on from The Blue Creek area. Dated 9/15/09  Ray Johnson with his 11 pound summer from the Blue Creek area. Dated 9/15/09  A giant 19 inch cutthroat from the Cowlitz river. Dated 9/15/09 Dated 9/10/09 The Cowlitz River is hot for steelies using a fly rod in the lower river using spey and conventional fly rods. Wooly Buggers, bunny leeches, muddlers, stone fly nymphs and steelhead soft hackles are doing very well at this time. Call Black Heron Fly Fishing if you have questions about the river levels or fishing conditions. Black Heron Fly Fishing 1060 14th Ave Longview, Washington  James Froberg with another summer run from the lower Cowlitz River using a single hand fly rod. Dated 9/4/09 Dated 8/31/09  Fly Fishing the Cowlitz River under the Moon. Dated 8/31/09  Cowlitz River native Sea Run Cutthroat caught and released on the lower river. Dated 8/31/09 Dated 8/29/09  James Froberg and Steve Grayson with another pair of Cowlitz River Steelies caught last evening.  Colton Froberg fly fishing the Cowlitz river near Blue Creek Boat Launch. Our youngest new fly angler at Black Heron Fly Fishing making a long cast.  Colton missed this one but his dad caught and released it for later. Dated 8/27/09  Joe with a beautiful 15 pound summer steelie from the upper Cowlitz river. Caught using a Silvey Black and BlueTandem Tube size 1. Picture provided by Jeff Traver Stone Fly Guide Service.  John Kendall, owner of Black Heron Fly Fishing and James Froberg with a pair of 7 pound summer steelies from the Cowlitz River caught using floating fly lines and long leaders. Dated 8/27/09  George Foshee with another summer steelie from the Cowlitz River. Dated 8/27/09  Jo Westlind with a nice 15 pound summer run steelie from the Cowlitz River. Dated 8/27/09 Dated 8/26/09  Eric Teschner with a chrome summer run steelie from the lower Cowlitz river. Caught using his new Temple Fork Switch Rod from Black Heron Fly Fishing.  Jeff Traver from Stone Fly Guide Service with a nice summer steelie from the upper Cowlitz river. The fly rodders are beginning to take quite a few summer steelies from Blue Creek Boat launch to the Castle Rock area. Plan on Dated 8/19/09  Large 4 pound Sea Run Cutthroat from the lower Cowlitz River. The Cowlitz is hot for fly rod steelhead using a floating fly line and long leader. The best patterns to use are the medium size soft hackle steelhead patterns or another pattern with a good profile in the water. You will need to use light leader material also in the 6-8 pound range and make down and accross presentations. Cover as much water as possible allowing yourself the prime water to be covered. The fish are very close to the wadable water so please be cautious when wading. Casting 45-55 feet is all that is required in most cases. The standard pattern such as the Egg Sucking Leech, BH Bugger, Green Butt Skunks, Muddlers and others all work  Jeff Traver with another chrome steelie from the Cowlitz River. Dated 8/16/09  Another steelie from the Cowlitz using a spey rod. Dated 8/15/09  Mike Blake with a chrome Sumer Run Steelie from the Cowlitz River Dated 8/15/09 Dated 8/14/09 Bonneville Dam has recorded yet another record number steelhead passing over the Dam at 34,056 for August 13th, 2009  Tammy Reynolds with her first steelhead. Dated 8/14/09 Dated 8/13/09 Another record number of Steelhead have passed over Bonneville dam totalling 28,317 yesterday and there may even be another record set today per the game dept in Washington State Dated 9/12/09 There was record number of steelhead over the Bonneville Dam yesterday August 11, 2009 totalling 18,617. Dated 8/11/09 . There are a large number of steelhead in the Columbia River waiting to migrate up stream. Be ready for a fantastic summer steelie season. The fly fishing on the Cowlitz is still doing well with the lower temperatures ocurring since our hot spell a week ago. The Steelhead have been hitting a variety of patterns from BH Wooly Buggers to Dry flies.  John Kendall, Owner of Black Heron Fly Fishing in Longview, Washington with a nice Cowlitz River Summer Run Steelie. Caught and Released on August 10th, 2009. Dated 8/10/09 The Cowlitz river is doing very well for summer steelies and Cutthroat trout since the weather has cooled down. The following pictures were taken last night just before sundown about 7:00pm. There are lots of fish present now in the lower river and the numbers are increasing steadily. The best patterns for fly fishing are the BH Wooly Bugger, Green Butt Skunk, BH Stone Fly Nymph, Steve String Leech, Lady Caroline, Freight Train, Fly DeJour, Steelhead Muddlers, Polar Shrimp and Spade patterns. The fish are very close to the shoreline and can be had using a floating fly line and long leader. Best to fish the riffled water and then move to the runs where the fish can oxygenate them selfs best.  14 inch chunky cutthroat from the lower Cowlitz. Caught nad released using a BH Wooly Bugger!!!!!  Roger Simpson fighting a chrome Summer Steelie from the Cowlitz river using his brand new Beulah spey rod won during the raffle for Black Heron Fly Fishing's Cowlitz River Spey Clave.  Roger with his Summer Steelie from the Cowlitz River using his Beulah Classic12'7" 7/8 weight spey rod. Cuahjt using the infamous BH Black Wooly Bugger.  Mike(lefty) Blake with a very nice summer from the Cowlitz. Dated 8/8/09  Dean Stafford with a nice cutthroat . Dated 8/3/09  Jeff Traver with a very nice summer run steelie from The Cowlitz River. Caught using a Purple Sparkle Spey Fly on his new Sage Z Axis. The Cowlitz has lots of steelies present but they can be fickle with the temperature being warm. Dated 8/3/09 The Cowlitz River Spey Clave was a success on its first season. About 140- 150 total people attended the event held on the Cowlitz River with food being provided by The Knights of Columbus from 8:00am till about 2:30 pm. The day started out with the casting presentors starting their demos at 9:00am and finishing with casting instruction through the later afternoon. The program ran long till after 5:30 pm and many casters finished the day by fishing the beautiful stretch of fly water below the Toutle River mouth. Access and parking was provided by Mike Blake the land owner and cosponsor who is anxiously awaiting next years event. Many of the vendors and customers were pleased with the natural amphitheater effect provided by the sand wall accross the river from the event, making the ability to hear all presentations very easy. Here are some pictures from the event.  John Kendall, Owner of Black Heron Fly Fishing and sponsor of the Cowlitz River Spey Clave. Thank you to all the vendors who were able to attend and to anyone donating time and product. John and Mike Thank you!!!!!!! Please feel free to drop by the store and share a fish story.  Ron Lauzon making the first presentation of the day to a friendly crowd at Cowlitz River Spey Clave. The morning was a very nice time to be on the river with cloud cover providing some relief from the heat. We even had small amount of rain earlier.  Dylan Rose from Winston Rods making a very nice presentation.  Professional fly tyer Chuck Scott tying steelhead flies with Willies Sparkle Chenille. A great product for the angler who likes catching steelies on flies.  Mike Kinney doing one of his remarkable spey rod presentations with a 15 foot Temple Fork Outfitters Deer Creek Spey Rod.  Charles St Pierre from Sage rods doing a great job of explaining why the spey rods works so well on rivers like the Cowlitz.  Charles with a long presentation cast.  Gary Sandstrom with Guideline, Dr Slick and Spirit River getting ready for the day.  Steve Choate showing the three major styles of casting with a spey rod, Skagit, Scandi and Greased Line. Leroy Teeples in the foreground helping Steve out.  The vendor tables and rods lined up at Cowlitz River Spey Clave.  Steve Choate making a long cast during the Cowltz Spey Clave.  The parking area starting to fill at 9:00am. Yee Haa.  Mike Blake directing traffic into the clave.  Jack Cook from Guideline getting ready to help an angler with his casting.  Dylan Rose from Winston and Ross reels helping a person learn the basics of spey angling during the afternoon scorcher at about 4:30pm  Dylan Rose from Winston making a long switch rod cast. Dated 7/28/09 The Cowlitz river is just a litttle warm this afternoon with a cozy 103 degrees temperature The river level is running about 3600 cfs and holding till the next flush by Mayfield dam which will most likely occurr about Tuesday afternoon. The fishing has been fair to good depending on who you spoke with before the temperature rose drastically. On Sunday 7/26/09 the Cowlitz river looked like the Clackamas river outside of Portland with large hatches of yellow rubber innertubes occuring throughout the area between Blue Creek and Mission Bar. Many of these folks had no life preservers and all or most had a case or more of beer being towed in a small dingy. Where is the State police when you need them!!!!!!! The day would have been better spent mowing the yard or barbequeing hamburgers. On a brighter note the fish are present in the Cowlitz but you will have to be an early riser before the rubber boat hatch occurs and the water warms from the sun light. Plan on using long light leaders also somewhere in the range of 10 - 12 foot long and about 8 - 6 pound test. Good patterns to try would include October Caddis Pupa, Green Butt Skunk, Black Wooly Bugger, Carey Special, Muddler Minnow and Freight Trains. Dated 7/23/09 The Cowlitz river is doing very well for steelhead and begining to show signs of some fair cutthroat fly fishing.  Celna Briones Kendall caught and released 5, 11- 12 inch cutthorat trout from below the mouth of Blue Creek proper and lost 1 really nice 18-19 inches cutthroat just below the hatchery boat launch at Blue Creek. The first fish of the season are looking to be resident cutthroat trout and are eager to take orange colored caddis nymphs and emergers. Other thngs tried were caddis larva, elk hair caddis and BH Pheasant tail nymphs. During the same trip we saw 3 other steelhead hooked by fly rodders but nothing landed. These are good signs folks. Plan on a strong summer steelhead season this summer through november if things go as planned. There are alot of fish in the Columbia and headed this way in the next few weeks. The game dept has also said that they are expecting a large number of silver salmon this year. Checkout the report from the game dept on the Columbia river fishing report. Dated 7/14/09 FREE SPEY FISHING CONCLAVE SPONSORED BY BLACK HERON FLY FISHING 1060 14TH AVE LONGVIEW, WASHINGTON 98632 360-575-3970 OFFICE AUGUST 1ST , 2009 ON THE COWLITZ RIVER FROM 10:00AM TILL 5:00PM PLEASE SEE HOME PAGE FOR DIRECTIONS AND MAPP FOR SPEY CLAVE AUGUST 1ST , 2009  Walter Pistor with two very nice summer steehead from the Cowlitz River Dated 7/14/09 Dated 7/13/09 The Cowlitz River is still producing steelhead contrary to some reports. You will have to work alittle to get these fish but consistency is the key factor here in catching fish on the Cowltz river.  Jeff Traver with a very nice summer steelie from the Cowlitz River. 7/13/09 Dated 7/8/09 FREE SPEY FISHING CONCLAVE SPONSORED BY BLACK HERON FLY FISHING 1060 14TH AVE LONGVIEW, WASHINGTON 98632 360-575-3970 OFFICE AUGUST 1ST , 2009 ON THE COWLITZ RIVER FROM 10:00AM TILL 5:00PM PLEASE SEE HOME PAGE FOR DIRECTIONS AND MAPP FOR SPEY CLAVE AUGUST 1ST , 2009  A very nice Summer steelie from the Blue Creek boat launch area on the Cowlitz River. Caught by Eric Teschner yesterday evening using his new switch rod by Templefork Outfitters. Dated 7/8/09 The cowlitz river has fallen to 2500cfs and is fishing well at this time. This is the lowest level we have seen in quite some time. The steelies should be congregating as they move up stream and provide excellent fly fishing targets. Dated 7/3/09 The steelhead fly fishng on the Cowlitz is good with fish being taken in the Blue Creek area and below using drift boats and pontoons. The current river level is 6200 cfs and very floatable. Dated 6/27/09 The Cowlitz has fallen to 5400 cfs and is fishing well for summer steelies on the fly. There have been numerous reports of steelhead being hooked and lost also. The trout fishing has been marginal but can be done. No migratory sea runs yet. Plan on fishing Bead Head Nymphs and Stone Flies with a strike indicator. There are a lot of smolts in the river.  A Spey Fly.  Gary Brault with a nice Alaskan rainbow. Dated 6/22/09 FREE SPEY FISHING CONCLAVE SPONSORED BY BLACK HERON FLY FISHING 1060 14TH AVE LONGVIEW, WASHINGTON 98632 360-575-3970 OFFICE AUGUST 1ST , 2009 ON THE COWLITZ RIVER FROM 10:00AM TILL 5:00PM PLEASE SEE HOME PAGE FOR DIRECTIONS AND MAPP FOR SPEY CLAVE AUGUST 1ST , 2009 The Cowlitz river has fallen to 6600 cfs and is fishing well. Numerous reports of fly caught steelies and a few chinook have been coming into the store. Most fly anglers visiting the cowlitz are using tradition spey style patterns and either a swtich rod or regular spey rod. Most anglers report also usng snking tip T14 or T11 sinking line in 15 foot lengths. Down and accross presentations and letting the fly ride on the dangle are common techniques. DATED 6/9/09 FREE SPEY FISHING CONCLAVE SPONSORED BY BLACK HERON FLY FISHING 1060 14TH AVE LONGVIEW, WASHINGTON 98632 360-575-3970 OFFICE AUGUST 1ST , 2009 ON THE COWLITZ RIVER FROM 10:00AM TILL 5:00PM Please see home page for map of spey clave location. 2300 CHINOOK COUNTED AT HATCHERY SO FAR THIS YEAR ON COWLITZ RIVER.. THERE IS A MIXTURE OF SALMON AND STEELHEAD PRESENT ON THE COWLITZ. 8700 CFS MEASURED ON THE COWLITZ AT 6:30PM FISHING WITH A FLY ROD IS POSSIBLE BUT MORE DIFFICULT WITH FLOWS AT 8700 CFS. DATED 6/6/09 THE COWLITZ RIVER IS RUNNING AT 8100 CFS THIS MORNING DOWN FROM ALMOST 10,000CFS.. IF THE WATER LEVELS BEGING TO FALL WE CAN EXPECT FISHING TO IMPROVE FOR THE FLY ANGLERS.. THE BEST PATTERNS FOR USE IN THESE CONDITIONS WILL BE LARGER GUIDE INTRUDER PATTERNS AND MARABOU SPEY STYLE PATTERNS. OTHER GOOD PATTERNS TO CONSIDER WOULD INCLUDE EGG SUCKING LEECHES, MUDDLERS, MARABOU TUBE FLIES, STRING LEECHES, HOH BO SPEY FLIES, COMETS, RIVER RAT SQUIDS, AND CAREY BUGGERS. THE BEST CASE SCENARIO FOR FISHING THE COWLITZ IS FROM A BOAT OR PONTOON BOAT FOR TRANSPORTATION FROM SITE TO SITE DUE TO MARGINAL ACCESS. THIS RIVER WILL HOPEFULLY BEGIN TO FALL SOON BUT WITH HIND SITE FROM LAST YEAR WE NEVER SAW A GOOD CONSISTENT LOW LEVEL ALL SUMMER LAST YEAR. LETS HOPE THIS IS NOT THE CASE THIS SUMMER. THE BEST WAY TO FLY FISH THE COWLITZ IS USING A SPEY ROD DUE TO ITS SIZE BUT SINGLE HAND FLY RODS ARE PERFECTLY CAPABLE OF HANDLING THESE STEELHEAD. WE RECOMMMEND A RIO T14 OR T 17 SINKING TIP OF 15 FEET WITH THE HIGHER WATER. THIS WILL PUT YOU IN FRONT OF THE STEELHEAD IN MOST CASES. IT IS BEST TO USE 3-4 FOOT LEADERS TO IMPROVE THE SINKING OF THE FLY DUE TO THE HIGHER WATER LEVELS. DOWN AND ACCROSS PRESENTATIONS ARE THE MOST COMMON BUT USE OF A FLOATING FLY LINE AND STRIKE INDICATOR IS PERECTLY GOOD ON THIS RIVER . ESPECIALLY WHEN USING STONE FLY NYMPHS AND OTHER NYMPH PATTERNS BEHIND STRUCTURES OR ON DROP OFFS. Black Heron Fly Fishing is a supplier of quality pontoon boats from Bucks Bags and Water Skeeter. Please give us a call for further details at: Black Heron Fly Fishing 1060 14th Ave Longview, Washington 98632 360-575-3970 office DATED 6/3/009 FREE SPEY FISHING CONCLAVE SPONSORED BY BLACK HERON FLY FISHING 1060 14TH AVE LONGVIEW, WASHINGTON 98632 360-575-3970 OFFICE AUGUST 1ST , 2009 ON THE COWLITZ RIVER FROM 10:00AM TILL 5:00PM DETAILS WILL FOLLOW ON LOCATION AS WEB SITE IS UPDATED. Please see home page for map of spey clave location. The Cowlitz River has been at extremely high levels the last few days approaching 15000 cfs. the current level is 9500 cfs this morning and appears to be falling for the moment. The water at Blue Creek is green according to anglers visiting there this morning. If you plan to fly fish the Cowlitz river we recommend you use a spey rod with heavy T17 sinknig tip and large intruder style patterns. Other possible patterns to use Black Boss, Egg Sucking Leeches, White Bunny strip leeches, River Rat Squids, BH Stone Fly Nymphs and Glo Bugs. The area below the Salmon Hatchery to Olequa should provide the best action. Remeber to fish close into the shore with higher water levels. Dated 5/21/09 FREE SPEY FISHING CONCLAVE SPONSORED BY BLACK HERON FLY FISHING 1060 14TH AVE LONGVIEW, WASHINGTON 98632 360-575-3970 OFFICE AUGUST 1ST , 2009 ON THE COWLITZ RIVER FROM 10:00AM TILL 5:00PM DETAILS WILL FOLLOW ON LOCATION AS WEB SITE IS UPDATED.  Walter Pistor with a nice Springer from a undisclosed river. Dated 5/22/09 Cowlitz River - Spring Chinook catches are spread throughout the river along with a few steelhead.
Through May 13, a total of 1,250 adult spring Chinook had returned to the salmon hatchery. Assuming the recent 5 year average, the adult return is currently tracking at 5,388 adults returning to the separator. The hatchery escapement goal is 1,250 fish. The pre-season forecast was 4,100 adults returning to the Cowlitz this year. The river has been running high the last few days but Dated 5/13/09The Cowlitz river has been producing a few springers and summer steelies from Barrier Dam to the mouth of the Toutle river. The water level is currenty 8100 cfs and is green color above the mouth of the Toutle. The fishing on the Cowlitz has been fair with a good number of fish (Springers and steelies) being taken from the mouth of the Toutle in the murky water to Blue Creek where the water is much clearer. Higher flows today from the dam will make the fishing more difficult but should improve tomorow as the weather is supposed to be better with less rain fall. DATED 4/13/09 FREE SPEY FISHING CONCLAVE SPONSORED BY BLACK HERON FLY FISHING 1060 14TH AVE LONGVIEW, WASHINGTON 98632 360-575-3970 OFFICE AUGUST 1ST , 2009 ON THE COWLITZ RIVER FROM 10:00AM TILL 5:00PM DETAILS WILL FOLLOW ON LOCATION AS WEB SITE IS UPDATED.  ANA MARY WITH A FEW DORADO FROM CABO SAN LUCAS. 4/13/09 FREE SPEY FISHING CONCLAVE SPONSORED BY BLACK HERON FLY FISHING 1060 14TH AVE LONGVIEW, WASHINGTON 98632 360-575-3970 OFFICE AUGUST 1ST , 2009 ON THE COWLITZ RIVER FROM 10:00AM TILL 5:00PM DETAILS WILL FOLLOW ON LOCATION AS WEB SITE IS UPDATED. Please see home page for map of spey clave location.  ERIC AND ANA MARY IN CABO SAN LUCAS LAST WEEK. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NICE CATCH OF DORADO. Dated 4/10/09 FREE SPEY FISHING CONCLAVE
SPONSORED BY BLACK HERON FLY FISHING 1060 14TH AVE LONGVIEW, WASHINGTON 98632 360-575-3970 OFFICE AUGUST 1ST , 2009 ON THE COWLITZ RIVER FROM 10:00AM TILL 5:00PM DETAILS WILL FOLLOW ON LOCATION AS WEB SITE IS UPDATED. DATED 4/10/09 Cowlitz River - 145
bank anglers with 2 adult spring chinook and 13 steelhead kept and 2 steelhead
released. 126 boat anglers kept 1 adult spring chinook and 64 steelhead and
released 1 adult spring chinook and 10 steelhead.
Most fly rod fishing is occurring below blue creek or jus below the salmon hatchery. There have also been reports of fly fishing steelhead being caught just below Olequa and the Toutle river mouth. Most fish are very close to the bank in 3-4 feet of water. Large flies are the norm such as guide intruders and marabou spey style patterns. DATED 3/25/09 Cowlitz River - 25
bank anglers from Olequa downstream kept 5 winter steelhead. Per fish and wildlife dept.
The fishing on the Cowlitz has been skinny due to the bad water color from slides above Mayfield according to anglers fishing there. DATED 3/13/09 THE SMELT FISHERY ON THE COWLITZ RIVER IS EXPECTED TO BE POOR THIS WEEKEND. A FEW SMELT DIPPERS WERE ABLE TO GET A TEN POUND LIMIT LAST WEEKEND MARCH 7 BUT THIS WAS WITH A MAXIMUM OF EFFORT. NOAA HAS DETERMINED THAT THEY WILL MOST LIKELY LIST THE SMELT AS A ENDANGERED SPECIES ACCORDING TO WDFW. THE AREAS AND SPECIFICS OF THIS LISTING HAVE NOT BEEN FULL DETERMINED. Visibility on the Cowlits river has been improving and is still about two feet according to angler reports. Fish are present in the river but getting them to strike has been difficult. We recommend you use over sized flies and glo in the dark materials to enhance your chances while fly fishing. DATED 3/11/09 The water clarity has improved from 10-12 inches to about 2 feet in the last few days at Blue Creek but the water temperature is extremely low(38 degrees) making for harsh conditions to fish in. The water is still very murky at best and there have been a few fish being caught but this is not the optimal conditions for fly angling. If wanting to try this area we recommend you use very large intruder patterns and leech patterns about 5 -7 inches long with good profile to let the fish see the fly. Your other option might be to try and use a glow fly of some type. Please remember these fish are relatively close to the shoreline especially this time of year when the water clarity is poor or water is high. Do not over cast and fish past your quarry. Black Heron Fly Fishing is a supplier of quality pontoon boats from Bucks Bags and Water Skeeter. Please give us a call for further details at: Black Heron Fly Fishing 1060 14th Ave Longview, Washington 98632 360-575-3970 office DATED 3/4/09 The Cowlitz has a great level but the clarity has been marginal at about 18 inches. There have been afew winter steelies caught during the last few days on a fly rod but this should improve as the water clarity increases. The river level is 5100 cfs currently at Mayfield Dam and this level will probably hold. Smelt dipping has been good to fair this last weekend on Saturday but the females have not entered the river according to the anglers coming into the store. This next saturday may be the best day of the season for smelt. Plan on checking it out if this fishery is in your interest. There were numerous bird reports the last few days and several seals reported in the Cowlitz river between Camelot and the mouth of the Cowlitz. Dated 2/11/09 Cowlitz has dropped to 6600 cfs and is due for a check to see if it is clear. Visibility was not good the last time we checked. DATED 2/9/09 The Cowlitz is still murky but clearing alittle at Blue Creek. Visibility is still horrible. DATED 2/6/09 The Cowlitz is still muddy according to reports from the fishermen visiting at Blue Creek. The current level this morning is 8500cfs which is alittle high but still a fishable level if the water will clear. No good reports due to water clarity. The North Fork Toutle is also spewing mudd at this time making the lower river a mess. There are fish present in the river according to anglers and others making repports to the store. This river will be a slam dunk fishery if the river clears. 1/24/09 The river is still running about 9000cfs and is stained brown with poorer than normal clarity. As the clarity improves the fishing will also. Anglers will most likely see the best chance for clearing once the river hitts levels below 7000 cfs below Mayfield Dam. Plan on using Rabbit strip leeches, Intruder patterns, Polar Shrimp, Skykomish Sunrises, Popsicles, Hobbit tube flies, Hoh Bo Flies and Egg Sucking Leeches. DATED 1/7/09 FLOWS ARE FORE CASTED TO BE EXTREMELY HIGH FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS WITH FLOODING IN THE CASTLE ROCK AREA. DATED 12/20/08  Dated 12/20/08 Nice winter chinoook from the Cowlitz river. Caught using a Black and Red Boss pattern on spey rod with skagit head and 15 foot T17 sinking tip. Fish was caught and released below Olequa Creek proper. The river level is now 5100 cfs as of this morning. The fishermen have thinned out but there are fish being caught. Temps will continue to be very chilly through out the weekend and into the week. Plan on buying some Stanleys Ice Off by Loon Products to keep your guides free of ice if fishing this week. This Product can be purchased at: Black Heron Fly Fishing 1060 14th Ave Longview, Wa. 98632 360-575-3970 office website : www.blackheronflyfishing.com email : johnkendall_56@msn.com  David Prutsman with a nice 18" Sea Run Cuthroat from the Cowlitz river. Dated 12/20/08 DATED 12/15/08 The Cowlitz river has seen a increase in river level from 5400cfs to 6750 cfs which is still below the average height of the river for this time of year. Fishing should be good. Plan on taking some warm clothing and neoprene waders for warmth. The Cowlitz river has seen a fair number of Steelhead caught with 21 total counting the released fish. Most fishing has been below Mission bar and Blue Creek proper. Many fly anglers are using the Marabou style flies for their action in water. Also many anglers are using sinking tip fly lines during the colder weather with type 6 or greater sink rate to get down in front of fish. 12/12/08 Washington Lower Columbia River Spring Chinook 2008 Forecasts and Actual Returns and 2009 Forecasts
Figures provided by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. DATED 12/12/08  Chrome 7 pound winter run steelie from the Cowlitz river caught on a Black Marabou String Leech. The Cowlitz is running at 5400 cfs and is in perfect condition for fly fishing according to reports from fly anglers fishing the river. Cold weather is expected this weekend with lows approaching 9 degrees above zero and many anglers may avoid the weather for theTV and sofa. This may be a good time to try your luck at winter steelhead fly fishing the Cowlitz. There is also the possibilty of some snow in the forecast. DATED 12/8/08 The Cowlitz has seen a large drop in river level to 5400 cfs and should be producing lots of fish at this time. There is a storm approaching with rain in the report. Plan on fishng this stream as quickly as possible as there are fish being reportly caught at this time. The clarity of the water on the Cowlitz has been fair but not great. Visibility on last report was about 2 feet maybe 3 feet. with a murky tinge but not dirt. The steelies are more than eager to take flies but your presentation must be slow and deep. 12/5/08  A another nice summer steelie from the Cowltz River during the murky water. As seen in the picture the water here is defintely murky but fishable with a fly rod. Visibilty is about 2 feet according to the guys fishing this water. As we noted the last couple of days we have been using the glow in the dark flies and producing some strikes and fish on during our trips. 12/5/08  George Foshee with another nice winter steelie from the Cowlitz river. DATED 12/5/08 DATED 12/3/08 The water on the Cowlitz has been a little murky lately and is running about 6700 cfs but there are fish present. There were 3 steelhead hooked using glo in the dark flies last Sunday and 2 on Monday by clients below Blue Creek proper. All fish were hooked close to the bank and on the swing in the murky water using sinking tip fly lines. All anglers said the same thing "keep moving through the water" you will find a willling fish. When Mayfield Dam clears up the fishing will defintely improve. Until then anglers will have to adapt and improvise to the situation. DATED 11/25/08 The Cowlitz River has been doing well for Winter Steelies and should really being to turn on this week and next. The lower river has seen numerous fish being caught by both fly rodders and bait guy in the last few weeks. The area below the Toutle has been the best recently. The fly rodders have done well with several reports of fish in the mid teens. The river has fallen into shape at 6700 cfs and should congregate the fish in the runs.  Steve Cushing from the Clark Skamania Fly Fishers caught this 14 pound steelie on the Cowlitz River using a 5 weight bamboo fly rod. 11/20/08 The Cowlitz has winter steelies present from the mouth up stream to the salmon hatchery. There have been several reports from the lower river of 15- 16 pound fly rod winters being caught using lead eyed bunny leeches on spey rods. The majority of fly fishing has occured from the Blue Creek hatchery down to I5 . A few anglers have reported catching summer steelhead and cuttroat trout above and below the Blue Creek boat launch. No pictures so far this week. The water level at Mayfield Dam is 8400 cfs. The water should rise only slightly over the next few days and then recede to normal levels. Black Heron Fly Fishing is a supplier of quality pontoon boats from Bucks Bags and Water Skeeter. Please give us a call for further details at: Black Heron Fly Fishing 1060 14th Ave Longview, Washington 98632 360-575-3970 office 11/11/08 The Cowlitz River has fallen to acceptable levels since last Thursday night with water raging at 15,000cfs. The water level has currently leveled off at 8000cfs and can now be fished with a moderate degree of safety. Even more fish will be present than before due to the higher than normal flows from the last rains. The Cowlitz River continues to be hot for Sea Run Cutthroat trout and Steelies with even a few fish being hooked and landed by the fly anglers at Blue Creek during the higher than normal water that took place during the week. Most of these anglers were using spey rods and heavy sinking tip fly lines. The winter steelies should start to become more common in the next few days with water levels still runnning higher than normal but far more fishable than before. Some common patterns for the winter steelies would be Hoh Bo flies, Pick Your Pocket, Intruders, Steves String Leeches, Marabou String Leeches and other larger flies for the higher water levels. Other possibilities might include Green Lanterns, Lady Caroline, Pink Panthers, River Rat Squid, Muddlers, Polar Shrimp and Green Butt Skunks. Some currnet pictures from the Cowlitz river.  Photo courtesy of Mike Elo of some Cowlitz River Coho Jacks caught using a fly rod below the Barrier Dam. 11/15/08  Mature sea run cutthroat trout from the Cowlitz river. Photo courtesy of Mike Elo. 11/15/08 DATED 11/12/08  Chrome summer run steelie from the Cowlitz River. The Cowlitz is raging and we will have to see what happens. River flow at Mayfield dam is 14,000 cfs at 6:00pm Dated 11/12/08 DATED 11/11/08  Bob Brown with his first big day fly fishing on the Cowlitz River catching a steelie and 3-4 searun cutthroat trout. Bob learned to Fly cast through our program here at Black Heron Fly Fishing during late August and has made steady catches since learning. Congratulations Bob!!!!  Landon Connorton with a nice summer steelie caught on the Cowlitz river on 11/10/08 using a Black BH Wooly Bugger and a Sage VT II 14 ft 8 weight spey rod. Anglers from the trout hatchery downstream are catching some coho and sea-run cutthroats. Most of the sea-runs are being caught at the trout hatchery. Some winter run steelhead into the teens (pounds) are also being caught. Through November 5, a total of 16 hatchery winter run steelhead had returned to the salmon hatchery. In addition, over 47,000 hatchery adult coho had arrived making this year's return, though not complete, already in the top ten of all-time for that facility. The record return is 75,574 fish in 2002. In addition, nearly 10,300 hatchery coho jacks had been counted at the salmon hatchery through November 5. Already, this year's jack return is the 2nd highest since 1990. Also, 4,721 hatchery sea-run cutthroats have returned to the trout and salmon hatcheries. However, it will take a lot more fish to beat the record of 22,394 that returned in 2002. 11/06/08  George Foshee with another nice steelie from the Cowlitz river from this morning. Using a Bead Head Purple Bugger size 4. 11/06/08  Ray Johnson with a nice summer run steelie from the Blue Creek drift this morning. Using a Lady Caroline size 5 with a sinking tip fly line. 11/06/08 There have been over 41,000 adult coho enter the Cowlitz Salmon hatchery so far this year along with 2,000 cutthroat according to WDFW. The cutthroat fishing in the Cowlitz river has been extrodinary this year with many anglers catching 30 fish a day. There are far more cutthroat in the river than 2000 in the hatchery plan on making a trip there to partake of the extrodinary fishery this year. The fly of the season has been the October Caddis Pupa so far. The steelie fishing has defintely been good this year with many more fish in the river due to the water levels. Many new fish seem to be entering the river due to the higher than normal water levels at 5800 cfs . Plan on using sinking tip fly lines and sinking leaders to get infront of the fish. Plan on taking a rain coat with you this is true fall weather fishing at its best with small squalls and wind providing for a uncomfortable situation if your not prepared. The forcast is for rain and wind. Remember to keep moving through the water and hunting your fish. (2 Casts and 1 step down stream) . Fish a fly you personally have confidence in and fish it completely through a run or riffle. When you have finished fishing the run go back to the top of the run and pickout a new fly in a diffrent size shape and color and fish through the run one more time. Example Fish a Freight Train size 2 first time through the run then fish a BH Stone Fly Nymph size 6 the second time through. Pontoon boats and drift boats will greatly increase your ability to access waters on the Cowlitz river. There is no substitute for accessability to prime waters. If you only fish one or two holes in a river then you have not covered the water . Black Heron Fly Fishing is a suppplier of Bucks Bags and Water Skeeter Pontoon Boats. Black Heron Fly Fishing 1060 14th Ave Longview, Washington 98632 360-575-3970 office  Ray Johnson with another 10 pound nice summer steelie from the Cowlitz river using a Loomis Dredger with Skagit head and T8 sinking tip. 11/03/08  8 pound summer steelie from the Cowlitz River caught by George Foshee using a 56 weight Temple Fork Spey Rod with a Rio Skagit head and T8 sinking tip. 11/03/08  David with a very nice set of searun cutts 14 -17" from the Cowlitz river. 11/03/08 The fishing on the Cowlitz continues to be very good for steelies silvers and cutthroat trout. Many anglers have picked up their spey rods now since we have began to get some wetter than average weather. 15 foot sinking tip fly lines with shooting heads are the norm for many of these anglers getting the steelhead and salmon. Black Heron Fly Fishing now carries the new RIO PRODUCTS T17 sinking line which will soon be a big hit with the winter steelheaders sinking at 10 inches per second. This item comes in a variety of formats. Call us for details. Black Heron Fly Fishing 1060 14th Ave Longview, Washington 98632 360-575-3970 office 10/30/08  Micheal Elo's first steelie on a fly rod. Beautiful 25 inch steelie from the Mission Bar area. The fishing continues to be very good on the Cowlitz with a larger than normal number of steelies, cutthroat and silvers this year. Many fish are being caught using the October Caddis Pupa tyed from Black Heron Fly Fishing. 10/30/08 10/29/08  Prime summer steelie from the Cowlitz river. Caught and released below Missiom Bar. 10/29/08 10/28/08 The fishing on the Cowlitz has reached a fever pitch this week with bank anglers reaching a total of 300 per day at the barrier dam according to the wdfw with a record or near record return for coho salmon..  Ray Johnson with a nice 10# summer steelie from the Cowlitz River. Dated 10/28/08 10/27/08  A nice 14" Cutthroat from the Cowlitz River caught and released by Kelsey Croft. 10/26/08 The fishing at the Barrier dam continues to be good for coho due the early migration of salmon to the upper areas on the river from higher water this season. Fishing pressure is heavy at this time. Anyone using a drift boat or pontoon boat will greatly increase the number of fish caught just by gaining more access to the holding waters used by the fish. The waters below the Barrier Dam can be very good fly fishing when fished completely. The water level has dropped to 5600 cfs the last few days which should greatly increase the number of fish available to the fly anglers. You may want to try your floating lines again but the sinking tip will most likely work better even at 5600 cfs. The Blue Creek area also has salmon present but the numbers are considerably lower and fewer fish are being landed here. Most anglers here are fly fishing with spey rods or single handed fly rods. The morning bite seems to be the norm here with lower action in the evening due to the heavy pressure.  Kelsey Croft with another nice 15" sea run cutthroat from the Cowlitz river using a Elk Hair Caddis. Caught and Released 10/26/08. 10/22/08  Photo courtesy of Tom Jeanette of sea run cutthroat trout from the Cowlitz River on 10/22/08  James and Arnie Kim with their 1st Cowlitz river Cutthroat fly fishing on 10/22/08  James Kim with another nice sea run cutt from the Cowlitz river.10/20/08  John Kendall from Black Heron Fly Fishing presenting a dry to a rising cutthroat on the Cowlitz river. 10/22/08 DATED 10/21/08 . The steelhead and cutthroat fly fishing has been exceptional this year with many fish holding in the area from Blue Creek Fish hatchery to the Olequa area The first 5-6 holes above Blue Creek have also held alot of trout and steelhead. Many of these steelhead are being taken while trout fishing using light gear in the 4x 6 pound test range. Tradition trout patterns such as the October Caddis Pupa, Reverse Spiders, Wooly Buggers, BH Stone Fly Nymphs and other nymph patterns have worked well for taking steelhead. The B run Coho and winter steelies are beginning to show up in the lower river with reports from the Toutle and Olequa area taking precedents.  A stringer of Cowlitz river cutts caught by Mike Elo using caddis pupa patterns. DATED 10/21/08 DATED 10/16/08  Ray Johnson with a nice 10 pound Summer Steelie from the Mission Bar area using a Lady Caroline from Black Heron Fly Fishing. Dated 10/16/08  Summer Steelies from the Cowlitz River respecfully 5 and 8 pounds caught on Lady Carolines below Mission Bar. Two nice Cutts about 15-16 inches. Photo Courtesy George Foshee. The Cowlitz is running high but there are alot of fish being caught by the fly anglers venturing out. The majority of fly anglers are using sinking tip fly lines or sinking leaders with a 3-4 foot leader attached. Most presentations involve a down and accross presentation and then a swing and hold of the fly before making the next cast. The fish are all close to the bank due to the high water. DATED 10/16/08 DATED 10/10/08 The Cowlitz river is open for hatchery Chinook, Steelhead and Coho below Blue Creek. There is a closure between Blue Creek and Mill Creek for Chinook. Please consult regulations with hatchery Steelies and coho being open above Blue Creek. The fishing has been excellent with anglers reporting excellent catches of Cutthroat trout, Steelhead and Coho salmon. See the custom flies listed below for the patterns.  Robert Quoidbach with a chrome Chinook from the Cowlitz River. Caught using a articulated bunny leech in purple. DATED 10/10/08 DATED 10/03/08  Marc Lesher with a chrome summer run from the Cowlitz river 10/03/08  Marc Lesher and Ray Johnson with a limit of cutthroat from the Cowlitz 10/02/08 DATED 9/29/08  Ray Johnson with yet another chromer from the Cowlitz river. Caught using a October Caddis Pupa on his 5 weight spey rod. The october caddis is featuered on this page just below. Please page down to find. Dated 9/28/08  Kelsey Croft on her first day of fly fishing with her first Cutthroat Trout from the Cowlitz River. Way to go Kelsey!!!!!! There are many more trout in your future.. Dated 9/29/08 DATED 9/27/08  James Cosmo spey fishing the Cowlitz River.  The Fly Dejour!!!!!! Dated 9/27/08 This one does it all guys. Contact us for tying and fly fishing techniques for this fly. Black Heron Fly Fishing 1060 14th Ave Longview, Washington 98632 360-575-3970 office johnkendall_56@msn.com  The October Caddis Dry Fly Dated 9/27/08 Contact us for tying and fly fishing techniques for this fly. Black Heron Fly Fishing 1060 14th Ave Longview, Washington 98632 360-575-3970 office johnkendall_56@msn.com www.blackheronflyfishing.com  The October Caddis Pupa. This is one you will want for your fly box on the Cowlitz this fall. Dated 9/27/08 Please call us for tying and fishing instruction on this fly. Black Heron Fly Fishing 1060 14th Ave Longview, Washington 98632 360-575-3970 johnkendall_56@msn.com  Jeff Traver from Stone Guide Service making a long spey cast on the Cowlitz Dated 9/27/08 DATED 9/25/08 |