The post-4th of July report:
Since the last report, the game department has decided to close King Salmon retention on the Skykomish River—which is terrible news, especially when we were catching so many. All we can hope for is a major surge of fish into the Hatchery before July 31st that prompts a re-opening. Now it’s Steelhead time . . . until the Pink Salmon invasion of the Snohomish River system starts August 16th. If you want to have a lights-out fish-catching experience on your local rivers, this is the run you’ve been waiting for (Pinks only return in fishable numbers on odd years). Call me before my calendar is full!
The local rivers are starting to get quite low, so switch your terminal gear and tactics accordingly. Low, clear water means it’s time to be a little more stealthy, and fishing in the early mornings and evenings will usually be your best bet. With overcast days in the forecast, the fishing should be good this week.
The Cowlitz is slowly but surely starting to see more summer-run steelhead. I am going to be running most of my trips through July out of Blue Creek on the Cowlitz River. Historically, July is the month to be on the river. See you and everyone else with a summer-run fix on the Cow!
Sincerely,
Bonner Daniels
425-281-8772