Columbia River Smelt Season Set For February 7 & 14th

2015 recreational smelt season set in the Cowlitz River

Action: Opens smelt fishing in the Cowlitz River.

Species affected: Eulachon smelt.

Effective dates: Open Saturday Feb. 7 and Saturday, Feb. 14 (2 days).

Open hours: 6:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. (noon) (6-hour periods).

Location: Cowlitz River (bank only).

Daily Limit: 10-pound daily limit. Possession limit is equal to one daily limit.

Gear: Dip net.

Reason for action: The regulations are consistent with a reduced Level One fishery as described in the "Washington and Oregon Eulachon Management Plan" for the Columbia River. Returns of eulachon to the Columbia River have improved since 2010, with a large return expected in 2015. The minimal fishing season adopted is designed to be consistent with recovery of eulachon smelt. The fishery serves as an important test fishery to monitor run strength and timing and to collect biological data.

Information contact: Region 5 Office (360) 696-6211

Ted's hopes to have smelt nets in stock by the end of next week. Give us a call and we'll tell you if they have made it here. (425) 743-9505