Idaho Fish Report

Action: Restores the salmon angling rules for the Cowlitz River to those in the 2021-22 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet; all other permanent rules remain in effect. 

Species affected: Salmon. 

Effective Date: June 17, 2022. 

Location: Cowlitz River (Cowlitz Co.); from the mouth to the posted markers below the Barrier Dam 

Permanent Rule: The salmon daily limit is 6; up to 2 adults may be retained. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and hatchery Coho.  

Reason for action: Salmon retention on the Cowlitz River was closed for portions of the season and, when open, adult retention has been limited to one adult Chinook to help ensure the spring Chinook broodstock collection goal was achieved. Adult broodstock collection is currently on track and goals are expected to be met. Additionally, upstream transport of hatchery adults in excess of weekly broodstock collections targets is occurring for reintroduction purposes. Therefore, returning to permanent rules is warranted.  

Additional information: All other permanent rules published in the Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet remain in effect. The posted fishing boundary markers below the Barrier Dam at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery will be remain at the standard 400-foot boundary downstream of the fish ladder entrance.  

Information contact:  Josua Holowatz, District Fish Biologist, 360-906-6771.