Post by: Navyhunter on December 29, 2009, 12:49:03 PM
I've been fishing the cowlitz frequently since October when the silvers came in. (I caught 1, my wife caught 1 and then we went with a guide and she caught a king)
I need help and I'm wondering if anyone is willing to teach me some things. It's one thing to type a response to posts and have someone try to learn to fish in that manner (I'm thankful for all the responses and comments, don't get me wrong), but it's quite another to physically SHOW someone the "correct" way to do things. I say "correct" because there are so many different ways fishermen do business out there.
So, if anyone is planning a trip to the Cowlitz (because I live 10 minutes from it) and doesn't mind showing a beginner a few things, send me a PM. I just want to learn to fish this river, and the easiest way for me, personally to learn, is to see someone/something.....I haf a hord tym reedin instructions on how to do things. ;)
Thanks!
Aaron
Post by: huntnphool on December 29, 2009, 08:38:56 PM
Post by: Hangfire on December 29, 2009, 08:56:38 PM
I am assuming that you are wanting to catch steelhead. The best areas are below the steelhead hatchery/Blue creek and Barrier dam. Both crowded when fishing is good.
If you have a boat there are isolated spots that can produce, otherwise fight the crowds.
Winter steelhead do not hit the plugs like summers do, bait is best.
Most of the guides use light leaders, eggs with light lead and free drift.
I lived on the Cowlitz for 14 years, but left in 2001. I used a drift boat had little winter steelhead success myself, so many jet sleds and I would not fish with the crowds. My wife and riders caught winters while I worked the boat.
You might get hold of DadBear, he is familiar with the river, but I can not speak for him.
This used to be the peak of the winter fishing. The program has been changing to more of the late winters. They are bigger, but also in, spawn and out rapidly.
In the fall don't bypass the searun cutts excellent fishery, nice fish and you will pick up a summer fishing for them.
Post by: Navyhunter on December 29, 2009, 10:34:33 PM
Talked to a guide tonight, gave me a pretty good deal because I've used him before, but can't go out with him until the funds are in the budget.... in 15 days. Not sure how good it'll be by then but at least he'll be able to show me a few things and maybe catch a fish or two.
Thanks again, fellas! I appreciate any and all advice.
Post by: Hangfire on December 29, 2009, 11:21:51 PM
Post by: Navyhunter on December 30, 2009, 10:31:21 AM
Post by: WASHBCBOOK on January 02, 2010, 02:14:21 PM
really know how to fish he`ll take your$$ and no fish
by the way did youcatch fish with him not a god guide
Post by: Navyhunter on January 03, 2010, 08:51:06 AM
Post by: kbyers on January 07, 2010, 04:30:50 PM
Post by: Navyhunter on January 07, 2010, 05:45:41 PM
Post by: snocohunter on January 09, 2010, 01:36:50 PM
Post by: Hangfire on January 09, 2010, 10:29:45 PM
The guide catch more fish per hour than nonguides but they have there off days also. I have seen plenty of guides get skunked. Sometimes, but rare I have seen regular fisherman catch more.
There is a big difference between guides, some very good and some almost criminal.
Clancy Holt and crew used to be very productive. I don't know if he is still fishing. They come and go.
Post by: Bigshooter on January 10, 2010, 02:00:18 AM
Up until the last few years the bulk of the winter steelhead catch was before Jan. 15Th. There has been a change to more late winters planted. These fish are Feb.-March fish. The catch on them was never close to the December- 1st part of Jan. fishery.
The guide catch more fish per hour than nonguides but they have there off days also. I have seen plenty of guides get skunked. Sometimes, but rare I have seen regular fisherman catch more.
There is a big difference between guides, some very good and some almost criminal.
Clancy Holt and crew used to be very productive. I don't know if he is still fishing. They come and go.
Clancy is top notch, but i'm not sure if he guides anymore or not? Andy Coleman is a helluva guide on the cowlitz right now.
Post by: ppodpearson on January 10, 2010, 08:50:03 AM
Navyhunter - sending you an e-mail on info source.
Post by: Navyhunter on January 12, 2010, 06:17:43 PM
Post by: huntnphool on January 16, 2010, 05:29:50 PM
Post by: fishcrazy on January 16, 2010, 07:51:29 PM
Anyone been fishing it? With all this rain its about the only river that you can still fish.
Might want to add the Lewis to that.
My guide buddy has been doing very well with nearly 10 fish hooked per trip on the Lewis. The otherday he sent me pics of the 2 biguns of the day. A solid 21# and a 16#. Water is up and few boats know how to get them but he's on them. He's slow right now and looking to book some trips.
Kris
Post by: SW Blacktail on January 22, 2010, 07:17:58 AM