COWLITZ DAILY FISHING REPORT

Dated 7/26/10

Cowlitz River Spey Clave
August 7th, 2010
Sponsored by
Black Heron Fly Fishing
1060 14th Ave
Longview, WA 98632
Please call us for details or visit our home page for more details. This is a free event dedicated to the sport of spey and fly fishing for the beginner through expert. Please checkout the event schedule as it begins to appear over the next week or so.

This years event will have 6-7 major 1 hour fly casting demos with many more fly tying presentions.

There will be a one hour lunch break which will allow the attendees, presentors and manufactuers to grab a burger, hot dog from the barbeque and drink of their choosing for a small charge.

Dated 7/26/10

The Cowlitz River is doing well for summer steelies using flies. Some of the more popular patterns are the Green Butt Skunk, Moal Leeches, Freight Trains, Muddler Minnows, BH Bunny Leeches in a variety of colors, BH Stone Fly Nymphs, Polar Shrimps, BH Wooly Buggers, Steelhead Mojos, Berrys Dirty Bunnys and Marabou Tube Flies tyed in a variety of colors.

Many of the fly anglers are reporting success using intermediate sinking leaders or full sinking fly lines.
Remember to keep your tippets light and long this time of year as the fish are spooky.

Best success has been fishing the less travelled waters by the sleds which are common at Blue Creek Boat launch. Thus use of a pontoon boat or drift boat is recommended in this area to increase your chances.
The sleds typically fish only the bigger deeper runs and leave many areas untouched with fish in them.

Single and double handed rods are equally effective this time of year if you cover the water. The single handed fly anglers are quite commonly using either full sinking intermediate WF6I or a WF6F line with a sinking leader.
The spey rodders are commonly using long 15-17 foot tapered leaders or a 15 foot intermediate sinking leader with 7 to 9 pound tippet due to the lower water levels at 3500 cfs. Flourocarbon leaders and tippet are a good suggestion due to water clarity.

Be creative in selecting your water the return will be great if patient.

Spey Casting classes are offered at Black Heron Fly Fishing, which is located at

Black Heron Fly Fishing
1060 14th Ave
Longview, Washington 98632
360-575-3970 office
johnkendall_56@msn.com email

Pontoon boats by Water Skeeter and Bucks Bags are carried by Black Heron Fly Fishing. Give us a call and checkout our prices.

Full guideed services are provided for fly fishing the Cowlitz river through our prostaff. Please see our home page on the guide services available at www.blackheronflyfishing.com

Dated 7/12/10

The Cowlitz River is doing well for summer steelies during mornings and evenings.

Break out the dry fly lines boys because the fish are active and taking afew dries .

Many of the anglers are still using sinking leaders and sinking tips during the middle of the day.

Expect afew jet sleds above and below Blue Creek boat ramp. If you pick your water well there should be no problem. Go slow and fish all the water to increase you chances.

rogersimpson71210006

Roger Simpson with a chrome 13 pound summer run from the lower Cowlitz River. Caught using a size 6 BH Black Bugger and sinking leader on a Sage XI2 6 weight.
Dated 7/12/10

Dated 7/10/10
Mike Black with a couple more chromers from the lower Cowlitz River.

mikeblake71010

Dated 7/1010

Cowlitz River Spey Clave
August 7th, 2010
Sponsored by
Black Heron Fly Fishing
1060 14th Ave
Longview, WA 98632
Please call us for details or visit our home page for more details. This is a free event dedicated to the sport of spey and fly fishing for the beginner through expert. Please checkout the event schedule as it begins to appear over the next week or so.

This years event will have 6-7 major 1 hour fly casting demos with many more fly tying presentions.

There will be a one hour lunch break which will allow the attendees, presentors and manufactuers to grab a burger, hot dog from the barbeque and drink of their choosing for a small charge.

Dated 6/30/10
The Cowlitz river has seen afew steelhead being caught on the fly rods at Blue Creek Boat launch by with water levels at 8000 cfs the going is still hard. Water levels have been changing for the better the last day or two with the last reading at 7800.

The best method for fishing the Cowlitz is to use a drift boat or pontoon boat for transportation and fish from the bank while fly fishing.

Sinking leaders and tips are still the best lines with medium sized string leeches or small intruder patterns.

All standard summer run patterns and BH stone fly patterns work great.

Here is a nice trout from the Cowlitz river basin caught and released on 6/29/10 by Andy Lemmons

andy63010

Dated 6/4/10

The Cowlitz river has fallen into a reasonable level to fish at 7100 cfs and should have summer steelies present from the Barrier Dam to the mouth of river.

The weeks worth of 10-12,000 cfs water levels should have driven many steelies right up stream.

Plan on usng larger patterns as long as the level remains above 6000 cfs

Dated 5/18/10

The Cowlitz river is runnning at 3500 cfs and has summer run steelies entering the salmon hatchery.

The best area for steelhead fishing is in the lower river.

The best area for salmon are above Blue Creek boat launch.

Fly anglers below Blue Creek are reporting good catches of summers with the number of fish increasing daily.
Spey Casting classes are offered at Black Heron Fly Fishing, which is located at

Black Heron Fly Fishing
1060 14th Ave
Longview, Washington 98632
360-575-3970 office
johnkendall_56@msn.com email

Pontoon boats by Water Skeeter and Bucks Bags are carried by Black Heron Fly Fishing. Give us a call and checkout our prices.

Dated 5/9/10

The Cowlitz river has summer run and winter run steelhead present. The winter run is quickly coming to an end and the summers are taking their place. The upper river is holding the most promise with spring chinook present.

The area from Blue creek down stream to Castle Rock should be considered using a drift boat if trying to fly fish. Many new fish (Steelhead) have entered the river and should continue through the summer and fall season. Expect good fish if your diligent.

River levels are low. Please consult river levels on our home page at www.blackheronflyfishing.com

Spey Casting classes are offered at Black Heron Fly Fishing, which is located at

Black Heron Fly Fishing
1060 14th Ave
Longview, Washington 98632
360-575-3970 office
johnkendall_56@msn.com email

Pontoon boats by Water Skeeter and Bucks Bags are carried by Black Heron Fly Fishing. Give us a call and checkout our prices.

Dated 4/26/10

The Cowlitz river has been doing extremely well for fly rod steelhead in the last few weeks due to lower water levels.

Floating fly lines and slow sinking tip fly lines and leaders are the norm now with the lower water levels.

Spring chinook are present but difficult on a fly rod.

As always on the Cowlitz around Blue Creek be ready for some combat fishing. If anglers are willing to travel down stream and stay away from the crowds there are plenty of holes without people in them. The best methods of travel on the Cowlitz are the Drift Boat and Pontoon Boat.

The river is currently at 3500 cfs and weather conditions are excellent today. The forecast is for very good conditions over the next few days. Please checkout our weather site link on the home page.

Spey Casting classes are offered at Black Heron Fly Fishing, which is located at

Black Heron Fly Fishing
1060 14th Ave
Longview, Washington 98632
360-575-3970 office
johnkendall_56@msn.com email

Pontoon boats by Water Skeeter and Bucks Bags are carried by Black Heron Fly Fishing. Give us a call and checkout our prices.

Dated 4/13/10

The Cowlitz river is still producing good numbers of winter steelies for the fly rodders from the salmon hatchery down stream to the mouth of the Toutle river. There are more and more spring salmon showing in the river with afew being caught by the Jet Sleds.

The lower river has been murky lately but should clear as good weather approaches and holds over the area.

The fly rodders having the most success have been the ones willing to take a drift trip and work the banks for the undisturbed fish. Typical set ups are spey rods with a sinknig tip fly line and short 4 foot leader of 8-10 pound.

Current river levels are 4300 cfs with good clear waters in the upper river below Mayfield dam which provides a wonderful tail water fishery for winter and summer run steelies.

The forcast is for improving weather over the weekend with temps in the high 60s to low 80s and few clouds. Get out while you can!!!!!!

Spey Casting classes are offered at Black Heron Fly Fishing, which is located at

Black Heron Fly Fishing
1060 14th Ave
Longview, Washington 98632
360-575-3970 office
johnkendall_56@msn.com email

Pontoon boats by Water Skeeter and Bucks Bags are carried by Black Heron Fly Fishing. Give us a call and checkout our prices.

Dated 4/7/10

jamescosmo

James Cosmo Spey fishing on the Cowlitz River.
Dated 4/4/10

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Bill Barker with a nice Cowlitz river Fly caught Steelie.
Dated 4/2/10

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Ray Johnson with another chrome winter steelie from the Cowlitz river
Dated 4/2/10

The Cowlitz River has been producing good numbers of winter steelies for the fly rodders willing to take a drift trip below Blue Creek proper.

Good patterns to consider when fishing here are the MOAL Leeches, String leeches, Green Butt Skunks, Purple Perils, Freight Trains, BH Stone Fly Nymphs, BH Lifters, River Rat Squids, Lady Carolines and a host of BH Tube Flies.

The Jet boaters are out in number due to the Columbia river beng muddy in color. Plan on having company in the mornings but with fewer boaters in the evenings if fly fishing after 2-3:00pm.

The water has been low for this time of year and has consolidated the fish into holding area along the banks, in slots and other obstructions. Plan on fishing these area . There are many new area which have been created by the flows during December and January be looking for these spots.

Fishing has been good on the Cowlitz.

Dated 3/20/09

The Cowlitz has been blessed with some spectacular weather and very low river levels at the 5050 cfs mark making fly fishing for winter steelies very good between the Salmon hatchery and the I5 bridge. The best areas are still below Blue Creek proper and Mission Bar take out about 6 miles below.

The currnet weather forcast is for good to excellent weather for winter steelhead fly fishing through the rest of the month. There are expected periods where we may experience showers but for the majority of time expect good river levels and good weather.

Many anglers are using Small Intruders, BH Marabou String Leeches, Hoh Bo Spey Flies, BH Buggers, Egg Sucking Leeches, Green Butt Skunks, Dean River Tigers(Tube Style), Spade Flies and MOAL Leeches in a variety of colors such as black, black and purple, black and orange, black and pink, black and red.

There have been two dry fly steelies taken on the lower Cowlitz river due to the warm weather in the last few days. We still recommend the use of a sinking tip fly line if you want to be successful in most cases.

Remember to stay as far as possible from other anglers when fishing to allow the fish to rest and take up a lye. Also fish holding structure for these fish against and behind rocks, in riffle water and along seams in the river.

A spey rod will allow you to fish the Cowlitz river more efficiently using longer leaders heavier sinking tips and better presentations due to the length of the rod.

Dated 3/9/10

Salmon/Steelhead

Cowlitz River - Steelhead and some spring chinook are being caught throughout the lower river. Flows below Mayfield Dam are 4,560 cfs which is lower than the 5,480 cfs long-term mean for this date.

Lewis River - Effort remains generally light. Some spring chinook are being caught. Flows below Merwin Dam were 8,080 cfs which is higher than the 5,100 cfs long-term mean for this date.

Wind and Klickitat rivers and Drano Lake - Little to no effort. No catch reported. On the Klickitat, flows at Pitt are 2,150 cfs which is nearly identical to the long-term mean for this date.

Lower Columbia below Bonneville Dam - During the first four days of April we sampled 2,242 boat anglers (922 boats) with 308 adult chinook and 1 steelhead. In addition, we sampled 436 bank anglers with 60 adult chinook and 1 steelhead. 96% of the chinook were caught from Section 4 (Warrior Rock) upstream.

Overall, 86% of the adult Chinook caught were kept. Of the 300 adult chinook sampled, 93% were upriver stock based on Visual Stock Identification (VSI).

The I-5 Bridge to Bonneville Dam area is now closed to fishing for salmon, steelhead, and shad. Buoy 10 to the I-5 Bridge is scheduled to be open for hatchery spring chinook, hatchery steelhead, and shad 7 days/week through April 18.

The Dalles Pool - The first spring chinook of the season were sampled there last week. Scheduled to be open 7 days/week through May. Daily limit 2 hatchery adult chinook, hatchery steelhead, or one of each.

It is anticipated that the spring spill program will begin at all lower Snake River dams at 0001 hours on April 3rd, 2010 (see Fish Passage Center
Weekly Reports @ http://www.fpc.org/documents/weekrprt/weekly_reports_currentyear.html.

Sturgeon

Lower Columbia below Bonneville Dam - Remains slow for legal size fish.

The Dalles Pool - Boat anglers are catching some legals. Slow for legal size fish from the bank.

Walleye and Bass

The Dalles Pool - Including fish released, boat anglers averaged 1.4 walleye per rod. A few bass were also being caught.

Pete Bratt with a beautiful winter runn steelie from the Cowlitz river caught on a Purple and White custom Tube fly from Black Heron Fly Fishing.
Dated 3/9/10

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Bob Buchman from the Lower Columbia Fly Fishers with his fly caught winter steelie from the Cowlitz river.
Dated 3/8/10

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Bob and his partners catch for the day from The Cowlitz.
Dated 3/8/10

Dated 3/2/10

A nice winter from the Lower Cowlitz river. Caught using a custom Marabou Tube fly from Black Heron Fly Fishing.
Dated 3/2/10

Dated 2/25/10

The Cowlitz River is still producing winter steelies from the Salmon Hatchery to Castle Rock.
There are a few Springers that have been reported earlier in the lower river around Castle Rock.
Fly fishing the Cowlitz has been fair to good with most anglers using spey rods doing well from Blue Creek to Toledo.
Good patterns include Green Butt Skunks, Intruders, Picker Yer Pockets, BH Buggers, Marabou Tube flies, BH Stone flies and Glo Bugs.

A spey rodder with a nice winter steelie on above Toledo, Washington.
Dated 2/25/10

georgefoshee219100011

No one around and fish being caught what more can you ask for. This was a two fish day for George and he was happy.

The approaching storm will most likely cause many fishermen to stay home, which could be bad as many fish will begin moving during the increased rain and possible increased flows from the dam. The currnet flows are 5100 cfs at Mayfield Dam.

Spey Casting classes are offered at Black Heron Fly Fishing, which is located at

Black Heron Fly Fishing
1060 14th Ave
Longview, Washington 98632
360-575-3970 office
johnkendall_56@msn.com email

Dated 2/21/10
The Cowlitz river is doing well for steelies from drift boats and pontoon boats as vehicles to move you into position.

georgefoshee21910

A beautiful winter steelie from the upper Cowlitz river caught on a Marabou Tube fly tyed by Black Heron Fly Fishing.

Popular fly patterns recently include the Green Butt Skunk, Wooly Buggers, Popsicles,
BH Stone Fly Nymphs, Glo Bugs, Intruders, Hoh Bo Spey flies and Pick Yer Pockets.

Sinking tip fly lines and long sinking leaders seem to be producing the most action.

The spey rodders are seeing the most action with the ability to control the speed and mending of the flies most accruately.

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 2/8//10

The Cowlitz river is still producing some gorgeous winter run steelies as evidenced by the following pictures.

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Ray Johnson with another nice winter from the Cowlitz river.
Dated 2/8/10

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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.

rayjohnson12110

Chrome winter steelie caught on a Black and Orange Oregon Stater Tube Fly on January 22, 2010 below Blue Creek proper.

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George Foshee with another chromer from the Cowlitz river.
Dated 1/22/10

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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.

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Bill Barker with a nice winter steelie from the middle Cowlitz river, using a Black MOAL Leech.
Dated 1/7/10

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Bill Barker with his winter steelie.
Dated 1/7/10

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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

rayjohnson122909

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.
rayjohnson121509

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.

rayjohnson12409003

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

georgefoshee11140092

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

georgefoshee1114094

Its a screamer Ray !!!!!!!

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Ray Johnson with a double red banded summer steelie from the Cowlitz River.
Dated 11/14/09

georgefoshee111409

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.

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Bill Barker with a fish on at Blue Creek.

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.

Dated 11/7/09

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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.

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A bright 8 pound Cowlitz river steelie from below Blue Creek.
Dated 11/4/09

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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

bryanwells102909

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

georgefoshee102609002

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

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Ray Johnson with his first fish of the day from the Blue Creek area on the Cowlitz River.
Dated 10/27/09

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Ray with his first fish of the day a nice 9 pound steelie from
the Cowlitz River at Blue Creek

Dated 10/27/09.

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A solid limit of steelie from the Cowlitz river.
Dated 10/27/09

Dated 10/23/09

georgefoshee102209014

Bill Barker with his first steelie on a spey rod caught at Blue Creek on the Cowlitz River.
Dated 10/23/09

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A double hook up on the Cowlitz River.
Dated 10/23/09

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Ray Johnson with another nice summer run steelie from the Cowlitz River.
Dated 10/23/09

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George Foshee with another nice steelie from the Cowlitz River at Blue Creek.
Retirement is excellent. Congratulations George.
Dated 10/23/09

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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

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Ray Johnsons 1st fish of the day a fiesty summer steelie.
Dated 10/16/09

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Ray Johnson using his 5 weight G Loomis spey rod to
land his second steelhead of the day.
Dated 10/16/09

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Ray Johnson with his second steelhead from the Blue Creek boat launch area.
Dated 10/16/09

Dated 10/14/09

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Butch Brennamin with a nice cutthroat from the Miracle mile on the Cowlitz river.
Dated 10/14/09

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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.

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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

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.
Chrome summer steelie from the Cowlitz River.
Dated 10/14/09

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The lower river still has a good number of steelies passing through and headed for the hatcheries.
Dated 10/14/09

rayjohnson101309010

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

rayjohnson101309008

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

rogersimpson101309002

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.

samwells108091

Sam Wells with his third summer steelie, this one from the Cowlitz River.
Dated 10/8/09

Dated 10/2/09

brianwells10209

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.

rayjohnson10109001

Drifting the Cowlitz river for steelies.
Dated 10/2/09

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Nice summer run steelie from the middle Cowlitz river below Toledo, Washington.
Dated 10/2/09

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Cowlitz river summer steelie caught below Toledo, Washington.
Dated 10/2/09

Dated 9/24/09

rayjohnson92409007

George Foshee from Rainer Oregon with another nice summer run.

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A dry fly steelhead take on the Cowlitz.

georgefoshee92409005

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

rayjohnson92209052

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

jefftraver917091

The Lady Caroline fools another summer steelie.
Photo courtesy of Terry Sheely
Dated 9/19/09

jefftraver917092

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

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Jeff Traver, Owner of Stone Fly Guide Service with a nice Cowlitz River Steelie.
Photo courtesy of Terry Sheely
Dated 9/19/09

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Jeff Traver fighting with another summer steelie on the Cowlitz river.
Photo courtesy of Terry Sheely
Dated 9/19/09

Dated 9/15/09

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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.

rayjohnson914091

Ray Johnson with yet another nice fish on from The Blue Creek area.
Dated 9/15/09

rayjohnson914092

Ray Johnson with his 11 pound summer from the Blue Creek area.
Dated 9/15/09

samwells914092

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

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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

johnkendall83109002

Fly Fishing the Cowlitz River under the Moon.
Dated 8/31/09

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Cowlitz River native Sea Run Cutthroat caught and released on the lower river.
Dated 8/31/09

Dated 8/29/09

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James Froberg and Steve Grayson with another pair of
Cowlitz River Steelies caught last evening.

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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.

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Colton missed this one but his dad caught and released it for later.

Dated 8/27/09

joe82609001

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.

johnkendall82609003

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

johnkendall82609008

George Foshee with another summer steelie from the Cowlitz River.
Dated 8/27/09

jowestlind82709

Jo Westlind with a nice 15 pound summer run steelie from the Cowlitz River.
Dated 8/27/09

Dated 8/26/09

ericteschner82509

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.

jefftraver82509

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

JOHNKENDALL81809006

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

jefftraver818091

Jeff Traver with another chrome steelie from the Cowlitz River.
Dated 8/16/09

jefftraver818092

Another steelie from the Cowlitz using a spey rod.
Dated 8/15/09

jefftraver818093

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

larryreynolds81209

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.

johnkendall81109002

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.

rogersimpson8909001

14 inch chunky cutthroat from the lower Cowlitz. Caught nad released
using a BH Wooly Bugger!!!!!

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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.

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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.

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Mike(lefty) Blake with a very nice summer from the Cowlitz.

Dated 8/8/09

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Dean Stafford with a nice cutthroat .

Dated 8/3/09

jefftraver83091

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.

speyclave8109002

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.

speyclave8109004

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.

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Dylan Rose from Winston Rods making a very nice presentation.

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Professional fly tyer Chuck Scott tying steelhead flies with Willies Sparkle Chenille.
A great product for the angler who likes catching steelies on flies.

speyclave8109008

Mike Kinney doing one of his remarkable spey rod presentations with a
15 foot Temple Fork Outfitters Deer Creek Spey Rod.

speyclave8109009

Charles St Pierre from Sage rods doing a great job of explaining why the
spey rods works so well on rivers like the Cowlitz.

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Charles with a long presentation cast.

speyclave8109012

Gary Sandstrom with Guideline, Dr Slick and Spirit River getting ready for the day.

speyclave8109013

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.

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The vendor tables and rods lined up at Cowlitz River Spey Clave.

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Steve Choate making a long cast during the Cowltz Spey Clave.

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The parking area starting to fill at 9:00am. Yee Haa.

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Mike Blake directing traffic into the clave.

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Jack Cook from Guideline getting ready to help an angler with his casting.

speyclave8109019

Dylan Rose from Winston and Ross reels helping a person learn the basics of
spey angling during the afternoon scorcher at about 4:30pm

speyclave8109020

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.

celna72109

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

walter714091

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.

jefftraver71209

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

teschner7709

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.

kitimatbcsteelhead20281

A Spey Fly.

gary92709

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.

WALTER52209

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 5/13/09

The 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.

ERIC41309

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. ERIC41309

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

ROGERSIMPSON12190813

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

rogersimpson12190814

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

	2008 Forecast	2008 Actual	2009 Forecast	Comments
Cowlitz	5,200	2,700	4,100	About 2/3^rd of recent 10-year average
Kalama	3,700	1,600	900	Lowest return since 1998
Lewis	3,500	2,400	2,200	Similar to 2008 and about half of the recent 10-year average
Total	12,400	6,700