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Toss hardware to Lewis River summer-runs
Washington fishing map feature
By Terry Otto
Fishing and Hunting News
WOODLAND, Wash. — Throwing Stee-Lees on the Lewis River is always a good bet
when bank fishing for steelhead, but the bright summer fish that hammered my
second cast caught me off guard.
With that big lure in its mouth, it took to the sky and then charged downstream too fast for the plunkers below to react. It raced under their lines and jumped again. Somehow, it avoided all the lines in the river and eventually came to the bank. A chrome bright summer steelhead is always a pretty fish, and this 10-pounder was no exception.
Fish managers expect a good run this year, although last year's three-fish limit won't be happening again. Although it may seem slow compared to last year's bumper crop, returns are already on pace for an above-average run. Fish culturists at the Lewis River are seeing lots of returning fish, including a lot of big three-salt fish. These are the remaining fish from the last year-class of steelhead, and you should catch some of these. Lewis fish run much bigger on average than summer-runs returning to streams further up the Columbia River, but those three-salt fish will be rod-busters into the upper teens. Two-salt fish will run from 8 to 12 pounds. Independence Day fireworks Aaron Roberts of the Lewis River Hatchery said that the peak of the return is Independence Day, but the fishing will remain hot all through September. In fact, as the river levels drop later in the year, fishing can actually heat up as fish concentrate in the riffles and faster water, making them easier to find consistently. However, in June and July, the fish are spread through the system, mostly from the Lewis River Golf Course to Merwin Dam. It's easier to get a strike from these fresh fish, but they are tougher to land as well. Tee it up Kevin Clark, WDFW fish culturist, said that lots of anglers will look for these fish at the Golf Course Hole. "It's probably the most productive hole on the river," said Clark, "and it's good from the bank or from a boat." You can launch at the golf course itself, although the ramp is a rough one. Most guys put in at the Island Ramp and run up. Most popular method is boondogging, or free-drifting roe. Sand shrimp also account for a lot of fish. There are good areas for pulling plugs as well. Clark said that the most popular plugs include Hot Shots and Brad's Wigglers; he prefers the mini sizes. Good patterns include blue pirate and the Michael Jackson. On foot you can access this reach by taking the gravel trail that is at the eastern end of the golf course. There is good water for drifting or bobber fishing, but please pack out your trash. If fishermen abuse the privilege of access here, it could be closed. Also be aware that on busy weekends there will be a lot of passing boat traffic, and that can make for tough fishing.
Other productive runs Additional good access points include the Lewis River Hatchery, or Cedar Creek, and Merwin Dam. Both points have boat launches, and the run from Merwin down to Cedar Creek is popular with drift boaters. There is some excellent steelhead water along the 4 miles of river that separate the two. With the springer run winding down, you can expect to see a drop in pressure at the hatchery, both from boat and bank, although on weekends it gets busy. If you're walking the bank, concentrate your efforts at the hatchery and the dam. Both locations can get crowded at times, but the river is big enough to accommodate. Fish a jig and bobber, or drift bait and yarn. There is a long glide just upriver from the boat launch site that is excellent steelhead water. In high water (more than 3,000 cfs), it's difficult to fish, but it's very productive. As water levels drop this section can provide fast action. Locals prefer to drift this section with Cheaters and yarn or bait, and they do very well. Favorite colors are red, pink, orange and pearl. The best baits are roe and sand shrimp. When levels drop, try hardware in this reach. I've taken a lot of fish there on green or blue Stee-Lees and Blue Fox spinners in sizes 3 or 4. Silver blades seem to do the best, although bronze can be a good color on really sunny days. Although spring Chinook are winding down on the Lewis, there may be a few bonus springers taken here as well. As summer progresses and water levels bottom out, target the deadline at Marmot Dam. You can do well from shore and boat here. Many boaters tie up to the deadline cable itself and fish plugs. Many of them also throw a jig and bobber, which is a very successful tactic in this water. I've taken quite a few steelhead here by floating small pink jigs in the current. There is good water for drifting Cheaters with bait or yarn, and plunkers score well too. The bait of choice for the plunkers is sand shrimp and a Spin-N-Glo. Once again, bring some hardware with you. It may come in handy when the fish get finicky. Late in the year these fish really pile up in here, and the action can be fast. Conditions on the Lewis are pretty stable, thanks to the three reservoirs upstream. However, water levels can change often, and that can change the way steelhead respond to offerings. It's a good idea to call ahead and get an idea of river levels before you go.
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Copyright © 2007 Last Modified 8-21-07
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