First time out this year for summer run steelhead. I noticed there haven't been a lot of reports for this river compared to previous years, but was still surprised by how few people were there. I was the only one on the highway side in the morning, but ended up passing one other person on my side of the river hiking along the river. There were only a handful of folks on the hatchery side at a given time.

I got there at dark and started fishing at first light. Stuck around long enough for the hatchery side to open up and someone over there to catch the obligatory 1 fish of the morning over there.

Hiked along the bank for awhile throwing gear into fishy spots. Had a nice bobber down and about 1 min fight down river before my line broke. I was fishing 6lb maxima FC...so I knew I had to play it carefully. But the second I started dancing around the bank trying to position myself into a decent spot to hopefully land a fish, line broke, heart broke.

That was it for the day. Was a bright sunny morning at that point, so decided to hike back to the car and head home. Overall, it was fantastic just to get out on the river again (it's been awhile for me) and lucky enough to feel a tug.

If I get a chance to get back out there before the summer run ends, I'll probably leave the 6lb at home. Feel more comfortable if I bump it up to at least 8lb...

Sergiu.Antoci

8/1/2016 12:41:00 PM

Just curious..Why you use such light FC line? Why not fish with 10lb & have better chance of fish not breaking the line?

bkawafishin

8/1/2016 3:37:00 PM

Personal preference. In the past, I've had more success going as light as I think I can get away with this time of year. I've had alot of success and landed a lot of fish on 6lb. I still believe if I had more room to play the fish, I would have been fine. But I was trying to pull this one out of some rapid pocket water. I definitely would have had a much easier time if I had taken the time to change out to a heavier test before fishing the pocket water. But that would leave me wondering if I would have hooked up to begin with if I had done so.

I know there are a lot of folks who don't find a difference in the amount of hook up between lighter and heaver FC, but in my experience, it has. There was another person who fished that water right before I did without a bite. Can't say for sure if the line they were using was the difference, but I feel it was one of the factors...

66kma

8/1/2016 8:27:00 PM

Didn't ask yourself why you are alone on this side of the river? You are brave man!
Keep in mind that next time you'll go, you have a big chance to get a ticket, I mean a big ticket for trespassing Railroad .
New rules, no trespassing sign!!! Do not take that chance, unless you want to.
We've met before, and your rod sold by you is serving me good.
Just precaution do not park on that side and go over railroad!
As far as I know troubles are waiting for you.
Ah anyway never liked that fishing over there, C is much better choice in any way, longer drive but more chances and kinda fun.

4steelhead

8/1/2016 9:33:00 PM

Nice report. I'm glad to hear that fish are still being caught. I need to head up there. The highway side is good when it's clear like this. I've never seen or met anybody who received a ticket. It could be just a rumor.

bkawafishin

8/1/2016 11:45:00 PM

I heard rumors of folks getting ticketed by the railroad a year or two ago. But I never heard this confirmed first hand by anyone, nor did I see any no trespassing signs. If I was on fact trespassing glad I didn't end up with a fine...

Any way to confirm the trespass issue? Or has anyone on the board here been ticketed?

I've been to the Cowlitz a few times...but it's a long drive for me compared to just going to the sky. And I usually pull a summer run or two out of there a year which is good enough for me for being able to hit the river in a 45 min car ride.

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