I am going to the Cowlitz R. to float from Mayfield Dam to the Trout Hatchery. I have put it off for a while due to the reputation the river has for it's combat fishing. If anyone has river information: hazards, routes, fishing tips, etc., I would appreciate them very much. Also, is the fishing/float better at the current river levels (4000 cfs) or at higher flows? Thanks!

Smolt,

Go now. The Cowlitz fishes best for me at lower flows. Tacoma will raise the flow even higher next month. The Cowlitz is a fair sized river, and about as easy to navigate as they come. Naturally, the usual precautions that apply to all waterways apply here as well.

Also, you will have a difficult time launching at Mayfield Dam - no access. The boat launch you're looking for is next to Mill Creek, just downstream of the barrier dam at the salmon hatchery.

I stay away from the barrier dam and trout hatchery fishing areas, so have had no experience with combat fishing. It has been very crowded - especially during December for steelhead fishing. But if you don't go there expecting wilderness solitude, you probably won't be disappointed with the experience. At times it's a real nice river to fish. Unfortunately, I haven't found the fishing to be too productive the last couple seasons. But as they say . . . there's always next season!

Good luck.

Salmo g.

Thanks for the correction, I meant to say Barrier Dam.

Have fished the Cowlitz many times, and really only run into combat fishing in a couple of places. If one avoids right at the barrier dam, and blue creek (downstream from the trout hatchery) there is always plenty of river to fish. Good luck!

Just a couple of quick notes: it is illegal to fish from a boat upstream of Mill creek (bank fishing only), also when you float past "the point" just below Blue Creek (the one with all the people on it) keep your boat a good distance from the bank or duck, as you will be pelted with lead and/or rocks. The bank maggots are a bit negative toward boats. On a positive note, once you get below the Clay Bank (The Hinkley drift) the crowds really thin down.