Smelt dipping will return to the banks of the Cowlitz River as Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved recreational fisheries for Wednesday, March 12, and Saturday, March 15.
Dip-netting will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day.
“After careful consideration of this year’s smelt run size, we’re excited to offer multiple dipping opportunities in the Cowlitz River,” said Laura Heironimus, WDFW’s Columbia River smelt lead. “Below average water temperatures delayed this year’s run, though recent fishery data indicates the run size is large enough to support recreational harvest.”
When the fishery is open, fishers can dip-net from the shore of the Cowlitz River from the Highway 432 Bridge near Kelso upstream to the Al Helenberg Memorial Boat Ramp, located approximately 1,300 feet upstream of the Highway 411/A Street Bridge in Castle Rock.
It is unlawful to harvest smelt from a vessel.
A detailed map, including fishing boundaries and popular access locations, is available on the Cowlitz River smelt fishing webpage.
A current Washington fishing license is required to dip-net for smelt. A Washington combination, freshwater, or temporary license is valid. Non-residents must also possess a valid Washington fishing license. Children 14 and under do not need a fishing license.
Each dip-netter is allowed to keep a daily limit of up to 10 pounds of smelt. For reference, 10 pounds of smelt fills about a quarter of a five-gallon bucket, though anglers are advised to bring their own scale to keep track of their catch.
Fishers must keep all smelt they net regardless of size, sex, or condition. Each harvester must be actively participating and is required to use a separate container to hold their catch, which must be in their presence or marked with their name.
WDFW Enforcement will be present for public safety and to enforce smelt fishing regulations, including the license requirement, 10-pound limit, and separate container requirement. Signs will be posted reminding fishers of the license requirement and regulations.
WDFW staff will also be present to collect biological data from smelt harvested during the fishery. Data collected from the recreational fishery provides valuable information that helps WDFW learn more about the run, improve monitoring, and meet conservation goals
Fishery managers will continue to monitor the run size and recreational harvest to determine if future tentative dates can be approved. The next update will occur Friday, March 14 to consider March 19 and March 22 recreational fisheries. The smelt fishing season closes after March 22.
