I plan on going smelt dipping tomorrow on the cowlitz near Castle Rock.
Anyone hear anything? Is there any there?

This is a post from another message board

Posted By: Stacie L. Kelsey <kelsyslk@dfw.wa.gov>
Date: Wednesday, 16 February 2000, at 9:30 p.m.

In Response To: Re: smelt weekend (Walt)

One of our samplers did a test dip in the Cowlitz and got 75 fish. So there are still some lurking. Let's just hope they stick around for a few more days!!!!!

you shoulve been ther last friday, we started at 12:00 am and 8 ppl were done by 12:45 am, we only had 2 dip nets with us..........

Dipped smelt last night and this morning near Highway 4 bridge. It was not hot but I got my limits. Friday night took 1hr and a half. Saturday morning took an hour. Did not
see anyone get a fast limit where I was but
still worth the work for sturgeon bait. Also the WDFW extended the season 2 days the 25th and 26th.

Are smelt what we call hooligan up here? If so I have a great recipe for them.Get a shovel go to the yard dig a big hole put the hooligan in the hole cover with dirt,now eat the shovel!!!

I heard that smelt dipping has been extended?
Is this true? Where is the best place to go dipping? Would appreciate any responses.
Thanks

HI FF ... the smelt down here are different than the Hooligan that are dipnetted in Turnagain arm or other locales up north. The smelt down here are not nearly as oily and eat up okay ... whereas, I think the fish from my summer haunts (up north) are best done up just as you describe.