The Cowlitz River in southwest Washington is the states largest producer of hatchery steelhead. Because of its large runs, there are fish arriving almost all year long. With tens of thousands of steelhead entering this river each year, this is the place to nail a steelhead on the fly. Another reason anglers flock to the "Cow", is because of the numbers of coho salmon that arrive in the river from October through December.
The Cowlitz gets a bad rap as being a gear anglers haunt, and it is, but there are some great runs and pools to fish where most gear anglers are not to be found. From Barrier Dam down, the river winds through tall timber and lush landscapes on its way to the trout hatchery at Blue Creek.
Although winters in Washington can be dreary with gray skies and horizantal rain, the summers can be the exact opposite with blue bird skies and very warm temperatures. On these days choose to swing traditional fly patterns to summer steelhead or toss small dry flies and streamers to the enormous number of cutthroat trout that reside in the river as well.
EWA highly recommends the use of spey rods on this and all the Puget Sound rivers and EWA has a full line of them for you to use from Winston, Scott and Sage. EWA's guides are accomplished spey casters and instructors more than happy to teach you this unique style of fly fishing.
Trip Details
Duration
1/2 Day, Full Day
Location
Southwest Washington
Season
November - February, June - October
Trip Type
Freshwater Fly Fishing
Nearest City
Seattle, Tacoma, Portland
Physical Condition Required
Fair
Destination(s)
Washington, United States
Years of Experience
10 Years
Guest Capacity
2 Per Guide
Species of Fish Caught
Sea Run Cutthroat, Steelhead
Wildlife Observed
Bald Eagles, Deer, Kingfisher, Otter, Beaver, Merganzer
Fishing Equipment & Bait Provided
All fly rods/reels as well as waders/boots, all flies, leaders and tippet are provided and lunch (on full day trips) as well as transportation from Seattle.
Dining
The EWA staff prepares some pretty amazing lunches for full day trips. EWA was featured on the Bobby Flay show on Food Network four years ago. Sample menus include:
Option 1: Fish (Featured on the Bobby Flay Show on Food Network)
Lemon & Garlic Wild Salmon
Tomato & Herbed Couscous
Fresh Grilled Zucchini
Beverage of choice (non alcoholic)
Option 2: Steak
BBQ Marinated Steak
Grilled Red Potatoes and Mushrooms
Green Salad
Beverage of choice (non alcoholic)
Option 3: Chicken
BBQ Marinated Breast of Chicken
Tomato & Herbed Couscous
Fresh Grilled Asparagus
Beverage of choice (non alcoholic)
Option 4: Sandwich Buffet
Turkey, Roast Beef and Ham
Sweet Dark, Wheat, Light Rye breads
Provolone, Swiss and Sharp Cheddar cheese
Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, Avocado
Gourmet Chips or Crackers with complimentary cheese selection
Assortment of fresh fruit
Beverage of choice (non alcoholic)
Accommodations
None, EWA can recommend and work with some very nice B&B's, hotels and boutique properties.
Rates
$247.00 - $495.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
All trips are based on a per guide rate, price being the same for 1 or 2 anglers. Some trips can have 3 anglers and some can't. For the 3rd angler on a trip, it is $50 additional for a half day and $75 for a full day.
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