Lot's of talk about a slow start to this years wintersteelhead, but it looks like the hatchery returns on the Cow and Lewis aren't off much from last year.
Found this info on WDFW's web page....


Cowlitz River winter steelhead returns to date are fairly similar to last year. At the Trout Hatchery, 415 hatchery winter steelhead have been reported through December 18. This compares to 487 fish through December 12, 2001. At the Salmon Hatchery, 110 hatchery winter steelhead have been reported through December 18. This compares to 134 fish through the same time last year.


Kalama River - Through December 18, a total of 145 hatchery winter steelhead had returned to Kalama Falls Hatchery. This compares to 560 fish at the same time last year.

Lewis River - Through December 17, a total of 266 hatchery winter steelhead had returned to Merwin Dam. This compares to 233 fish through December 12, 2001.

Fished the Kalama last week at the 2 dollar hole, beginner's hole, and in the canyon. Water looked great but still real slow for steel. Look for a big push soon hopefully.

Yep, my little Lewis River is still running good and strong! Now if only I could get one of them NF fish to bite.

Fished the Kalama on yesterday for a few hours, the guy I went with started to complian because he didn't hook a fish after a couple hours so I had to leave early. The river looked great and there were a few people out there. I have been fishing it as much as I can but have not had success yet. I have heard that some are doing well. I have started doing jig fishing to try something new but have not had success yet... that is yet. I have great plans but am looking for a longer rod. Currently I am fishing a 8'6'' that works fine but want to try a longer one. Good luck and happy new year.