RIDGEFIELD – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved a one-day recreational smelt fishery in the Cowlitz River from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 18.

The decision follows recent commercial and test fishery landings in the mainstem Columbia River that indicate the smelt run size is large enough to support limited recreational harvest of Endangered Species Act (ESA) listed Columbia River smelt, also known as eulachon.

“Based on what we’re seeing in the mainstem Columbia River, we are able to offer an early season opportunity in the Cowlitz,” said Laura Heironimus, WDFW’s smelt lead. “Fishers should be aware that smelt are still moving into the system, so availability may vary based on river conditions and timing.”  

Natural factors such as water temperatures, river flows, and unpredictable migration patterns can affect smelt availability on days open for dip-netting. WDFW will post general observations on water conditions and smelt presence on the Cowlitz River smelt fishing webpage before the opener.

When the fishery is open, dip-netting from the shore is permitted on the river from the Highway 432 Bridge near Kelso upstream to the Al Helenberg Memorial Boat Ramp, located about 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 valid Washington fishing license is required to dip-net for smelt. A Washington combination or freshwater license, or a temporary license, is valid. Non-residents must also possess a valid Washington fishing license. Children 15 and under do not need a fishing license. Refer to the fishing license types and fees webpage for more information.

Each dip-netter is allowed to retain 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 caught until they reach the daily limit. Each harvester 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 to ensure public safety and 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.

With potentially strong river levels and flows on the Cowlitz River, dip-netters should exercise caution. WDFW recommends wearing personal flotation devices (lifejackets).

Since 2025, the Cowlitz River smelt fishery has been managed under a tentative schedule approach. Under this strategy, WDFW proposes tentative smelt dipping opportunities on Wednesdays and Saturdays from Feb. 4 through March 21. WDFW evaluates commercial landings and catch reports weekly to determine if the smelt run size is large enough to support a recreational harvest.

WDFW updated its smelt management plan in September 2023. The plan identifies current management strategies and makes recommendations for monitoring and evaluation of the population, as well as harvest criteria and communication between state and federal managers. For more detailed information, refer to the Washington and Oregon Eulachon Management Plan.

Fishery managers will continue to monitor the run size and recreational harvest to determine if future tentative dates can be approved, including the Saturday, Feb. 21 tentative date. The season closes after March 21. Weekly updates are available on WDFW’s website.

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.