Author Topic: Are the smelt running yet? (Read 9291 times)

longstevo · « **on:** February 13, 2014, 10:48:29 PM »

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 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 14, 2014, 06:05:01 AM »

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 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 14, 2014, 01:47:09 PM »

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.

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Slimdog350 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 14, 2014, 05:44:29 PM »

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 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 14, 2014, 09:19:34 PM »

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

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THINK_N_ELK · « **Reply #5 on:** February 15, 2014, 08:47:06 AM »

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 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 15, 2014, 08:49:27 PM »

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 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 26, 2014, 02:36:57 PM »

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 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 26, 2014, 02:54:54 PM »

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 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 28, 2014, 05:29:55 PM »

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

WDFW Hates ME!!! · « **Reply #10 on:** February 28, 2014, 06:47:04 PM »

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 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 28, 2014, 06:52:45 PM »

Anyone know where to buy some?

IBspoiled · « **Reply #12 on:** February 28, 2014, 07:41:50 PM »

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

TheHunt · « **Reply #13 on:** February 28, 2014, 08:28:03 PM »

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 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 28, 2014, 08:30:40 PM »

Quote from: TheHunt on February 28, 2014, 08:28:03 PM

Does your regular fresh water fishing license make you legal?

No license is needed for smelt

fishcrazy · « **Reply #15 on:** February 28, 2014, 08:46:55 PM »

sounds like they started in today.

with the warmer weather it might be time.

Kris

plunker01 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 28, 2014, 08:47:46 PM »

my dad and I are gonna go get a few in the morning. Went and took a look tonight and they were pretty thick

longstevo · « **Reply #17 on:** February 28, 2014, 08:51:34 PM »

Good luck, ya'll.
Go figure that the day they decide to come in I can't make it up.

TheHunt · « **Reply #18 on:** February 28, 2014, 09:01:19 PM »

I will have my cooler with me tomorrow when I go fishing for steelhead. It might be fun to get down by Castle Rock to watch and video tape some folks getting some.

ICEMAN · « **Reply #19 on:** February 28, 2014, 10:07:50 PM »

TONTO · « **Reply #20 on:** February 28, 2014, 10:38:40 PM »

They are here and I will go. Makes me wonder what all the fuss is about, most people I know won't even eat them. I have been having a craving though, I can eat about two dozen at a setting, but only eat em once a year if I can get them. Growing up they were a staple in my house we ate the @#$^ out of em year round. With the sturgeon closure they're not even in demand for bait anymore, but people sure get excited when they are in

. My plan for the morning was to launch the duck skiff and find a less crowded place to beach with less stupid question. I do plan on shore dipping, but read you can not dip from a boat so wonder what it will look like pulling back to the launch with bucket and net

After the smelt hubbub I plan on heading to the coast with a buddy for some surf perch/clamming. Hopefully there will be some smelt and navy beans on the menue sunday and some clam/perch the next night.

ICEMAN · « **Reply #21 on:** February 28, 2014, 10:49:50 PM »

Excellent plan Tonto, sounds perfect.

I agree, good eats.

HntnFsh · « **Reply #22 on:** March 01, 2014, 06:59:26 AM »

Sister reported 3 limits in 3 hours. We are headed out with the grandkids in a few to get smelt. Then coming home and grabbing gear to head for the beach for clams.

Mfowl · « **Reply #23 on:** March 01, 2014, 08:28:11 AM »

Outdoor GPS is reporting easy limits right now. Some guys are saying a limit/dip. Sounds like its crazy on the banks of the Cow right now!

h2ofowlr · « **Reply #24 on:** March 01, 2014, 08:37:59 AM »

Buddy limited this morning. Dipped his 10lbs and off already. He said it's only open until noon.

metlhead · « **Reply #25 on:** March 01, 2014, 09:42:14 AM »

4 limits in 40 min with two nets dipping. I never was fond of eating the things, but always had a wonderful method of converting them into po' boy halibut. Lots of room and easy parking at Gerhardt in Longview.

plunker01 · « **Reply #26 on:** March 01, 2014, 12:34:48 PM »

Went out this morning took us 15 min to dip 4 limits

bullcanyon · « **Reply #27 on:** March 01, 2014, 01:18:38 PM »

4 limits in 10 min

RuttinWapati · « **Reply #28 on:** March 01, 2014, 01:48:49 PM »

Quick limits this morning. 5 dips = 3 limits for us. Then off to breakfast. Finally went to bobs and picked up some kwikfish... Great morning

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bigtex · « **Reply #29 on:** March 01, 2014, 03:15:41 PM »

So since this was really the first day that the fish were in the Cowlitz on an open day. Anybody think there will be an extension??

longstevo · « **Reply #30 on:** March 01, 2014, 03:19:27 PM »

Damnit!

Of course they're in when I can't make it!

762Armo · « **Reply #31 on:** March 01, 2014, 03:43:46 PM »

How big is the average smelt?
Also, anybody willing to share a spot? I've never been down to the Cowlitz river.

TheHunt · « **Reply #32 on:** March 01, 2014, 06:03:10 PM »

Was everyone down by Castle Rock?

ICEMAN · « **Reply #33 on:** March 01, 2014, 07:02:26 PM »

2014 recreational smelt season set in the Cowlitz River

Action: Opens smelt fishing in the Cowlitz River.

Species affected: Eulachon smelt.

Effective dates: Open Saturdays only from Feb. 8 through March 1 (4 days). Open hours: 6:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. (noon) (6-hour periods).

Location: Cowlitz River (bank only).

Daily Limit: 10-pound daily limit. Possession limit is equal to one daily limit.

Gear: Dip net.

Reason for action: The regulations are consistent with a reduced Level One fishery as described in the "Washington and Oregon Eulachon Management Plan" for the Columbia River. Returns of eulachon to the Columbia River have improved since 2011, with a very large return in 2013. The minimal fishing season adopted is expected to harvest less than 1% of the total run size forecasted for 2014. The fishery serves as an important test fishery to monitor run strength and timing and to collect biological data.

Information contact: Region 5 Office (360) 696-6211

metlhead · « **Reply #34 on:** March 01, 2014, 07:22:41 PM »

No definitive answer to another opening, but the bio that checked us from wdfw said one is a possibility and may be considered. If so, lets not get greedy fellas. Let these eulachon regroup. Ten pounds will last me quite a while as gator bait.

Dhoey07 · « **Reply #35 on:** March 01, 2014, 08:28:55 PM »

Quote from: bigtex on March 01, 2014, 03:15:41 PM

So since this was really the first day that the fish were in the Cowlitz on an open day. Anybody think there will be an extension??

Doubt it. This opening was for the commercial guys, it was never about the sportys

ICEMAN · « **Reply #36 on:** March 09, 2014, 08:07:20 PM »

Ok, who else went?

At 630am on Saturday we limited 5 dippers out in 5 minutes. No kidding. The smelt were thick, right at the edge of the river about 1-2 feet deep. Some nets came out full in one pass. Awesome.

On the down side of things, my back is killing me! I spent hours at the sink last night cleaning all 50lbs of them. We ate them for brkfst this morning. Put the hens away for bait (This should make Cohoho happy), put some aside to smoke, froze a bunch for later meals, have some portioned to share with a few coworkers, and have even more raw in the fridge for more meals.

Anyone have a smelt pickling recipe?

Damn fun day yesterday! Kids had a blast. Over way too soon!!!

billythekidrock · « **Reply #37 on:** March 09, 2014, 08:11:28 PM »

Wish I would have gone and taken my son so he can see what it is all about. But instead we ground about 225 lbs of burger.

ICEMAN · « **Reply #38 on:** March 09, 2014, 08:15:01 PM »

Wow, you were busy.

Yeah, if it opens again this weekend, I am all over it again. Can't pass it up. Lost of guys heading into Bobs Sporting goods in Longview buying smelt nets...

billythekidrock · « **Reply #39 on:** March 09, 2014, 08:19:42 PM »

Quote from: ICEMAN on March 09, 2014, 08:15:01 PM

Wow, you were busy.

Yeah, if it opens again this weekend, I am all over it again. Can't pass it up. Lost of guys heading into Bobs Sporting goods in Longview buying smelt nets...

It actually went real quick. We had three ladies wrapping and 4 guys mixing and grinding.

TONTO · « **Reply #40 on:** March 09, 2014, 09:04:23 PM »

I've had some thick apple smoke rolling out of the "Big Chief" for about two hours now

Got my limit in one big dip. Kept the net in the water and kicked out the females, just big smoker males this time. I figure if the native Fish Society can catch and release wild steel after they get the hatcheries closed down, I should be able to net and release ESA listed eulachon, long as I keep the natives I intend to release in the water.

ICEMAN · « **Reply #41 on:** March 09, 2014, 09:07:10 PM »

The ratio was pretty good with the males, probably 3/4 of ours were males...

TheHunt · « **Reply #42 on:** March 10, 2014, 09:06:57 AM »

I did the family thing this weekend. I should have went down early in the morning and left with fish.

I do not think they will extend another Saturday. But if they do I will be heading down.

Slimdog350 · « **Reply #43 on:** March 10, 2014, 10:00:18 AM »

I was working Saturday and every time I turned around someone was getting pulled over by a gamie. I heard from some co workers that were dipping up in castle rock that said they saw several Asian and Russian people dipping loads of smelt. He said the gamie caught them and wrote several tickets. He said one guy was trying to give the " I didn't know" excuse.

bigjohn98591 · « **Reply #44 on:** March 10, 2014, 02:33:52 PM »

My brother B.I.L. and a couple of friends went Sat morning, he took my two oldest daughters. They all limited out and they were dipping at the boat launch in Toledo. My dad went later in the morning and limited out at Masseys Bar boat launch. I've lived in Toledo most all my life and have never seen the smelt much past Castle Rock. A friend of My dads who grew up in Toledo also Said that when he was really young was the last time that the smelt were that far up river, he figured about 60 years. it was cool, except that the lock pin on my net broke and the handel seperated and I lost my net.

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Author Topic: Are the smelt running yet? (Read 9291 times)

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