The 2025 season was one to remember! We had awesome Winter Steelhead fishing, Spring Chinook fishing, and an unbelievable Fall Chinook and Coho Salmon fishing season! Now we’ve been patiently waiting for the 2026 Winter Steelhead season to start and its just about here!
Historically, Winter Steelhead fishing had been a December and January event, but now, run timings have changed our best fishing further into February and March. Which if you ask me, that’s great! We have less Winter storms and a bit warmer weather when out fishing for our awesome winter steelhead!
We target Winter Steelhead predominantly on the Cowlitz River and Lewis River in SW Washington. The Cowlitz River has a great hatchery return year after year with fish weighing anywhere from 8-18 lbs. While the Lewis River has much more wild fish, which are non retainable, but larger in size on average. The Lewis River also has much fewer crowds along with really great scenery. Both rivers have really great chances of high catch rates year after year.
We all know wintertime can be really really boring, so break up the monotony with a really great fishing trip for Winter Steelhead this season! Shoot me an email or feel free to call to talk fishing anytime. See you on the water!
