Additional SMELT Day Mar 5

[GregE]

Short notice on the one day a week + ago- better opportunity this time and it's 5 hours in the afternoon

I'm not sure I'm physically able to twist and dip but am willing to help someone get started and I have two long handled dip nets.

Additional one-day smelt fishery announced for Cowlitz River on Tuesday, March 5

RIDGEFIELD – There will be another opportunity to dip for smelt in the Cowlitz River as the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has approved an additional one-day recreational fishery from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5.

To increase access opportunity, the upper boundary of the fishery has been extended. Dip-netting is permitted from the shore along the river from the Highway 432 Bridge near Kelso upstream to the mouth of the Toutle River north of Castle Rock, spanning the north end of the mouth to the opposite bank of the Cowlitz River. For more details including a map showing fishing boundaries and popular access areas, visit the Cowlitz River smelt fishing webpage.
"After observing a recent influx of smelt in the river, we're excited to announce this additional fishery," said Laura Heironimus, WDFW's Columbia River smelt lead. "Our data indicates the run can support it without compromising our conservation objectives."
Anglers are reminded to respect private property boundaries when accessing the river, as well as being mindful of road closures, including ongoing construction on the Cowlitz River Bridge in Castle Rock, which may result in significant delays.
As of early 2024, a fishing license is not required to dip-net for smelt. However, harvesters are required to follow all regulations. 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.

[GregE]

bump

still time