One day smelt fishery approved on Washington’s Cowlitz River

Recreational fishers will have a limited opportunity to dip for smelt this week after Washington wildlife officials approved a one-day fishery on the Cowlitz River.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced the fishery will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18.

The opening comes as monitoring shows the returning run is strong enough to support a carefully managed harvest, offering anglers an early-season chance to participate in one of the region’s most anticipated traditions.

Officials said recent commercial and test fishing activity in the Columbia River indicates the smelt population can support a small recreational opening.

The species, also known as eulachon, remains protected under the Endangered Species Act, meaning harvest opportunities are tightly controlled and dependent on run size.

State biologists noted that smelt are still moving into the river system, so catch success may vary depending on timing, water conditions, and migration patterns.

Where are people allowed to fish?

Dip-netting, a type of fishing that involves dipping a net in the water to catch fish, will be permitted from shore along a designated stretch of the Cowlitz River.

The open area runs from the Highway 432 Bridge near Kelso upstream to the Al Helenberg Memorial Boat Ramp, located about 1,300 feet above the Highway 411 A Street Bridge in Castle Rock.

Harvesting smelt from a boat is not allowed.

Do you need a license?

Yes. A valid Washington fishing license is required for anyone age 16 or older. Combination, freshwater, and temporary licenses are accepted, including for nonresidents. Children 15 and younger may participate without a license.

Is there a catch limit?

Each person who is dip-netting may keep up to 10 pounds of smelt for the day. Fishers must retain all smelt caught until reaching the limit and store their catch in separate containers labeled or kept in their presence.

Wildlife enforcement officers will be on site to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Agency staff will also collect biological data to help track the run and guide future management decisions.

Safety reminders and future openings

River conditions may include strong flows and changing water levels. Officials encourage participants to wear personal flotation devices while dip netting.

Since 2025, the Cowlitz River smelt fishery has operated under a tentative scheduling approach. Additional openings may be approved on select Wednesdays and Saturdays through March 21 if monitoring shows the run remains healthy.

Weekly updates and future announcements are posted on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website at wdfw.wa.gov.