Southwest Washington Fishing Reports
2002 Report Archive
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WDFW Sport Sampling Results:
November 25, 2003

Salmon/Steelhead -

Cowlitz River - During the past week, Tacoma Power and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife employees recovered 6,258 coho adults, 976 coho jacks, 62 fall Chinook adults, 107 summer-run steelhead, 24 winter-run steelhead and eight cutthroat trout during seven days of separator operations at Tacoma Power's Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery.

Tacoma Power personnel released 1,224 coho adults and 210 coho jacks into the Cowlitz River near the Franklin Bridge in Packwood , Washington . A total of 2,612 coho adults and 265 coho jacks were released into Lake Scanewa above Cowlitz Falls Dam, and 851 coho adults and 190 coho jacks were released into the Cispus River .

Tacoma Power personnel released a total of 1,259 coho adults, 226 coho jacks, 34 fall Chinook adults, two fall Chinook jacks, six cutthroat trout and two winter steelhead into the Tilton River at Gust Backstrom Park in Morton , Washington during the week. A total of 178 steelhead were recycled downstream to the I-5 boat launch during the week.

River flows at Mayfield Dam are approximately 10,000 cubic feet per second on Monday, November 24. Water visibility is three feet.

2004 Adult Spring Chinook Forecasts for Lower Columbia Tributaries:
	2004 Forecast	2003 Actual	2003 Forecast
Cowlitz River	15,900	13,400	4,900
Kalama River	6,000	5,100	3,600
Lewis River	5,400	4,200	3,100
Total	27,300	22,700	11,600
Comments: The forecast for returns to the Kalama River would be the largest since 1982, Cowlitz since 1987, and Lewis 1993. The total return would be the largest since 1987.

Trout -

South Lewis County Pond - 1 bank angler released 3 rainbows. A two-foot tiger muskie was reported observed there.

Kress Lake near Kalama - 2 bank anglers had no catch.

Battle Ground Lake - No fishers there today. The ranger reports most would-be anglers turn around after being asked to pay the $5 entrance fee. Some steelhead observed around the dock.

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