Northwest Reel Life March 2025 Volume 4 Issue 5 - Flipbook - Page 16
River conditions are also
critical to keep in mind.
When the water is low
and clear, use small
presentations. When it is
high and murky, use large
presentations. I always
recommend having some
hardware in your tackle box.
Spinners and spoons can
sometimes entice fish that
won't bite jigs or beads.
Their flash will attract fish
from far away. It's a quick
and efficient way to work
a large amount of water if
you aren't sure where fish
are holding.
Try fishing seams between
fast and slow water.
Steelhead also love to hang
out around rocks. Read
the water and think like a
fish. Try a variety of angles
and retrieve speeds. If
you're using a bobber, you
can play with the depth
of your presentation. I'd
recommend changing up
your lure often, even if it's
just changing colors. Part of
the fun is just changing up
your strategy.
Locations
Whether you're fishing
from a boat or on shore,
Blue Creek will likely be
your destination. It is the
focus for most steelhead
anglers. Blue Creek Boat
Ramp can launch two
boats at a time and has a
large parking lot.
Like most rivers, the
Cowlitz is best fished from
a boat. It's wide and deep
enough that jet sleds are
very common, but you
will see some drift boats.
That isn't to say that bank
anglers won't have success.
There is plenty of shore
access around Blue Creek.
If needed, there is an ADA
wheelchair-accessible
platform near the fish
hatchery, relocated from its
previous spot in Blue Creek.
If you've never been to
Blue Creek, be warned.
When the fishing is hot, it
gets crowded. Be prepared
to hike or wade a bit if
you're looking to get some
peace and quiet. If you're
traveling from afar and
need accommodations,
Centralia or Mossyrock are
probably your best bets.
There are good restaurants
and hotels in both cities.
As always, check the rules
and regulations before
heading out. The Cowlitz
is subject to emergency
rule changes. It's a good
idea to check Tacoma
Power's website to see
the current water visibility
and flow. Preparation is
key, especially if it's a long
drive for you. Good luck out
there!
