Cowlitz River: Southwest Washington

Fishing for Steelhead and Salmon on the Cowlitz River – Southwest Washington’s Premier Destination

Welcome to Jones Sport Fishing, your top choice for guided fishing trips on the Cowlitz River, one of the best locations in Southwest Washington for targeting steelhead and salmon. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-time fisherman, we offer the expertise, equipment, and experience to make your fishing adventure unforgettable.

Why Fish the Cowlitz River? The Cowlitz River, known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant fish populations, is a premier destination for anglers seeking steelhead and salmon. Our expert guides provide year-round trips that allow you to fish in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, where runs of salmon and steelhead occur in impressive numbers.

Our Fishing Packages Include:

Expert, friendly guides with years of experience on the Cowlitz River
State-of-the-art fishing equipment, including rods, reels, and tackle
Comfortable, fully equipped boats
Expert advice on techniques for landing your catch
A relaxing day on the scenic Cowlitz River

Booking Your Fishing Trip Booking your fishing trip with Jones Sport Fishing is simple. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your adventure:

Availability & Scheduling: We operate throughout the year, but certain fishing seasons (spring, summer, fall) can be busier due to the salmon and steelhead runs. It’s a good idea to book your trip well in advance, especially during peak fishing seasons.
Group Size & Boat Capacity: Our boats are equipped to handle up to 6 anglers per trip, ensuring a comfortable experience with personalized attention. Larger groups can be accommodated with additional boats.
What to Bring:
- Valid fishing license
- Weather-appropriate clothing (layers are recommended, as temperatures can vary)
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat
- Full body rain gear
- Camera for capturing memories of your catch
- A cooler to bring home your fish

Steelhead and Salmon Runs on the Cowlitz River Understanding the timing of the fish runs is key to booking your trip. Here’s a timeline of the most common steelhead and salmon runs on the Cowlitz River:

Winter Steelhead (January to April): This is the prime season for winter steelhead fishing on the Cowlitz. These steelhead are strong fighters, providing anglers with a thrilling challenge. We see high numbers of fish during this time, so it’s an excellent opportunity to land a trophy fish.
Spring Chinook Salmon (March to June): One of the most sought-after species, Spring Chinook, begins running in early spring. These salmon are known for their size and strength, making them a favorite among anglers. The Spring Chinook run peaks around May, and this season can provide some of the best fishing of the year.
Summer Steelhead (April to September): The summer steelhead season offers a fun, less crowded experience. These fish are often smaller than their winter counterparts, but they are plentiful and still put up a good fight. Fishing typically improves through the summer months.
Fall Chinook Salmon (August to November): The Fall Chinook run is the most popular and exciting time to fish the Cowlitz River. These giant salmon make their way back to the river to spawn, and they are known for their large size and incredible strength. The Fall Chinook season peaks in late September and October, and we frequently see impressive catches during this period.
Coho Salmon (September to November): Coho salmon, or silver salmon, run alongside the fall chinook and can be caught during the same timeframe. These salmon offer fast action and great sport for anglers looking for a challenge.

Fishing Techniques and Tips for the Cowlitz River Our guides at Jones Sport Fishing will provide you with expert tips and techniques tailored to the Cowlitz River’s unique conditions. The most popular fishing technique for steelhead on the Cowlitz is bobber dogging. Our guides are experts at this method and have a knack for teaching and coaching our customers to be better anglers.

Book Your Cowlitz River Fishing Adventure Today! The Cowlitz River offers incredible fishing opportunities for salmon and steelhead enthusiasts. At Jones Sportfishing, we pride ourselves on offering the best guided fishing trips in Southwest Washington. Whether you’re chasing the elusive winter steelhead or the massive fall chinook, our experienced guides will make sure you have an unforgettable experience.

Book online now!

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