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Columbia/Cowlitz Smelt
Updates
February 21,
2008
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Conditions:
Smelt have been in the Cowlitz River since last week. However, numbers appear to be declining. WDFW test dipping on Wednesday, February 20th, produced just a few smelt per dip (best dip about a pound) at Lexington. Most were mature males of assorted sizes. Test dipping at Longview (Gearhart Park), Kelso, and Castle Rock produced no fish. Birds and seals were working the east bank just below the Kelso Bridge and the riffle just upstream from the park.
The flow at Castle Rock is about normal for this time of year at 11,500 CFS. The water temperature in the lower Columbia River is 42ºF and the Cowlitz River is 43ºF. Smelt prefer water of at least 40ºF or warmer. Water clarity is reasonable but fish may still be avoiding the shoreline during bright, daylight hours leading to better catchability during early morning and evening hours.
Catches:
Columbia River:
Commercial:
- 430 lbs landed Monday, February 18th.
- 10,128 lbs cumulative landings since late-December (preliminary numbers).
Cowlitz River:
Sport:
- Sport dipping was fairly productive last Saturday, February 16th, with some limits reported.
Commercial:
- 5,200 lbs landed Sunday, February 17th and 1,000 lbs landed Wednesday, February 20th.
- 6,200 lbs cumulative since January 2nd.
Note: The run status was reviewed at the February 15th Compact. Managers made no changes to existing seasons and regulations.
Sport Seasons/Regulations:
Tributaries - Sport dipping is only allowed on the Cowlitz River, from 6 AM to 10 PM Saturdays through March 31st. The daily limit is 10 lbs per person per day. This is equivocal to ¼ of a 5 gallon bucket.
Mainstem Columbia River - daily limit is 25 lbs per person per day and the fishery is open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
Commercial Seasons:
Columbia River – 9 hour periods Mondays and Thursdays.
Cowlitz River – 6 hour periods Sunday and Wednesday nights.
