Are the smelt running yet?

[longstevo]

I know the season is open each Saturday this month, but I heard from a guy that the water is running high and the majority of the run hasn't arrived yet. 

Has anybody heard anything on the run yet? 

This weekend's Saturday is the only day I have available.  I sure hope its not a waste...

[HntnFsh]

Nothing in yet. Were some in a couple weeks ago. But gone now. I think th water will need to warm up a bit before they show.

[longstevo]

I talked to a guy at Bobs and he said there's fish outside of Stella right now.

Hard to say what they may do, hang up there for the weekend or hit the river.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Slimdog350]

I heard that there were some smelt hanging up near Mill Creek off the Columbia but that was from a co-worker. I drive by the cowlitz every day for work and I haven't seen hordes of seagulls or sea lions yet. The river is pretty high!

[longstevo]

Yeah seems like tomorrow is going to be a waste. But I gotta try!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[THINK_N_ELK]

I had an Ole' timmer tell me that "the peak smelt runs are right around the same time the doogwood trees start to bloom." I don't think Iwould bet money on it, but from what I have noticed the past couple years. He is not far off.

[Jamieb]

I started this morning Down by the golf course. Worked my way up river stoping to take a dozen or so dips at the northern Kelso bridge,a couple places along the road at riverside, riverside park and gave up at caselrock. I didn't see a smelt, just a lot of folks looking for smelt.

[longstevo]

Yeah, I heard the same thing last weekend too.  I didn't get a chance to make it out. 

This Saturday is our last hope, unless they extend the season.  The fishchecker I spoke with on the 15th said they may, but we'll see.

[akirkland]

The commercial guys are getting them on the Columbia. Last Monday they were going for $5-6 per pound. It has dropped to $3 per pound today. I know a guy who got just shy of 400 pounds on 3 drifts yesterday.

[HntnFsh]

Smelt are thick both sides of river above lexington. Not a foot off the bank

[WDFW Hates ME!!!]

I got a report from a buddy that lives in Castle Rock says they are thick... 4-5 foot black streak all the way up and down the river for as far as he can see.

[huntnphool]

Anyone know where to buy some?

[IBspoiled]

just a heads up . I drove through town today and there are seagulls going nuts around the golf course.

[TheHunt]

WHo is going?  I would love to go and dip for the fun of it. 

Does your regular fresh water fishing license make you legal?

[bigtex]

Does your regular fresh water fishing license make you legal?

No license is needed for smelt