Fish aficionados and casual dippers alike take note: The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has unfurled a new strategy for this year's Cowlitz River recreational smelt fishery, laying out tentative dates to help anglers plan. This comes with a caveat, however. As WDFW's Columbia River smelt lead Laura Heironimus highlighted, "This approach represents a significant step forward in how we manage the Cowlitz River smelt fishery," adding that it will "give fishers more time to plan, while maintaining the flexibility to adapt based on real-time data" to ensure smelt population health, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Heironimus pointed out, "In 2025, it is unlikely that the fishery will be open for all tentative dates, but we expect some fishing days to be approved based on current run size projections." One should be equally prepared for the unpredictabilities, as she explained that natural factors such as "water conditions, timing, and unpredictable migration patterns could mean smelt are not present in large numbers during days open to recreational dip-netting," as per WDFW.
When the green light is given for dipping, fishers will have to comply with specific rules. Licenses are required for all but the youngest enthusiasts — kids under 14 fish for free. Anglers are allowed to quickly net up to 10 pounds of smelt and must store their catch in separate containers, labeled with their names if not within arm's reach. It's worth noting that taking smelt from a vessel is a no-no. To keep things orderly and safe, WDFW Enforcement officers will be out in force, ensuring that the fishing guidelines are strictly adhered to. They'll be on the lookout for proper licenses, adherence to the 10-pound limit, and the separate container rule. Furthermore, given the river's strength, flip the safety switch on; personal flotation devices are highly recommended when out getting your smelt on.
