“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. Refer to the fishing license types and fees webpage for more information.
Eulachon, commonly known as Columbia River smelt, have been listed as a threatened species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) since 2010, due to a sharp decline in returns that began in the 1990s. Absent a fishing license requirement, limited recreational smelt fisheries have produced compliance issues that impact the state’s ability to conduct the fishery.
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.
In late January, WDFW announced a tentative schedule for the Cowlitz River smelt fishery, proposing 14 tentative dipping opportunities on Wednesdays and Saturdays from Feb. 5 through March 22. WDFW evaluates commercial fishery landings, or catch reports, weekly to determine if the smelt run size is large enough to support a recreational harvest.
“Until this week, commercial catches did not provide enough data to approve a smelt-dipping opportunity,” said Heironimus. “While it’s unlikely the peak of the run has entered the Cowlitz River, recent smelt landings in the mainstem Columbia River have exceeded the 250-pound threshold, which is required to open a recreational fishery for ESA-listed smelt.”
Fishers are reminded that even if commercial fishery or WDFW test fishery landings indicate a run size large enough for sustainable harvest, natural factors – such as water conditions, timing, and unpredictable migration patterns – can affect smelt availability on days open for dip-netting.
With potentially strong river levels and flows on the Cowlitz River, dip-netters are strongly advised to exercise caution. WDFW recommends the use of personal flotation devices.
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.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.