Ok,

May I'll get some replies maybe not. I'm wondering about the chances of Flyfishing the Cow in the Winter? Any assistance would be help full. I have a DB so floating is an option, not looking for an secret spots (are ther any on the Cowlitz). Just yeah there are some gradual banks and 3-7 ft water w/o too much pace.

I am familar with the river in the fall for Cutts in the BC ramp area.

thanks

thick

Hey Thick, we were down there last weekend doing the BC to Mission drift, and there is LOT of water in the river right now (compared to this summer). There are some nice gravel bars downstream of the Blue Creek "SLOT" that gets hammered by all the guides, but this weekend they were pretty well underwater. These might be an option to float flies through when the river level isn't rip'roaring high.
Greg

The flow rates for the Cowlitz are pretty nominal for this time of year, it has been runnin' 7500 CFS or so for a few weeks and was just lowered to 6300 CFS yesterday. Rip roarin' is when it really starts rainin' and TPU will take it up to between 14,000 and 16,000 CFS. Might as well stay home and watch TV if that happens or find a different river to go to. The level will stay like this or higher til' at least next spring sometime. For winter steelhead 6000 to 9000 CFS is pretty darn good water. The best you will be able to do for fly fishing (which you don't see very much of on the Cow) is to drift it and try to find some water that you can fish it out of your drift boat.
Hey Greg,
On a side note what unit are you in and what building are you stationed in??? I work in PW on the post.
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff

Thick,

I haven't done well on the Cowlitz during winter. The high flows haven't been conducive to fly fishing, altho, frankly I haven't tried it much. There is some fly water, but it's few and far between compared to most winter steelhead rivers.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

Jeff, I'm the first sergeant of the 18th Engineer Company, in 3rd Brigade. We're in 3745A, right next to the Arrowhead Inn and the shoppette. Stop in and see me sometime, and we'll tell lies and drink coffee.
Greg

[This message has been edited by greg (edited 12-06-2000).]

Thanks for the scoop, I think I'll watch the flows and call it from there. I've had some great days C&Ring cutts and fall steelhead in the OCw and have wondered about its winter possiblilites.

thick