Well the dog days of summer heat are definitely here…, which corresponds with low and clear river levels.  Time to break out the drift boat until we see the rivers rise again (not including the Columbia, Skagit, Cowlitz, Lewis).  When the water gets low and clear forget about the kicker and big motor, especially on the small streams.  Noise is a no, no!  If you want to put fish in the box that is. 

The overall report for the Sky and Cowlitz  rivers is fair at best on the overall scheme of things.  Those who know and put in their time are doing much better than the part timers, as the fish are spread through out the river systems.  Patience and mental toughness are a virtue at the moment.  Go explore the rivers especially with the low water so you will know where the Steelhead and Kings are hiding when the high water comes back.

If you have not yet heard…, Reiter’s is open!!  The Steelhead are there and so are the fisherman.  Fish small and subtle baits, or show them something different, the Reiter Steelhead are notorious for putting on their hard hats once they start to feel the angling pressure.  The lower river is still holding fish, but beware if you run your jet sled, as the Sky is getting low.

The Potholes reservoir is kicking out some extremely nice bass and the panfish are starting to show as well.  The water is dropping around 4inches a day back in the dunes and the water temperature is reaching into the 80′s by days end.  Summer patterns are definitely in affect.  Fish early and late for the Bass and Walleye and mid-day for the Panfish.

Sincerely,

Bonner Daniels 

Fishonguideservices.com

Ps        ***Save Tokul Creek Fish Hatchery, specifically the Summer Run Steelhead***

                                            Contact your local congressman!!