Winter Steelhead Fishing – Cowlitz and Kalama
Private Trip
River Fishing
Target trophyclass Winter Steelhead on legendary Cowlitz or Kalama RiversFish from specialized 21' Alumaweld boat built for coldweather conditionsAll equipment included with professional guidance for maximum success
When winter settles over Southwest Washington, serious anglers know it's prime time for some of the most rewarding fishing you'll find anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. Our 8-hour guided trips on the legendary Cowlitz and Kalama Rivers put you right in the heart of trophy winter steelhead country. These aren't your average trout – we're talking about chrome-bright fish that'll test your gear, your skills, and maybe your patience too. From our 21-foot Alumaweld SuperVee Pro, you'll fish the proven runs and holes where generations of guides have connected clients with fish of a lifetime. We handle all the technical stuff – rods, reels, tackle, and river knowledge – so you can focus on what matters most: hooking into one of these legendary fighters.
Your day starts early because winter steelhead don't sleep in, and neither should we. We'll launch from either the Cowlitz or Kalama depending on conditions, water levels, and where the fish are showing up best. Both rivers have their own personality – the Cowlitz offers deeper pools and classic drift fishing opportunities, while the Kalama provides more intimate water with excellent sight fishing when conditions align. Our SuperVee Pro handles these winter conditions like a champ, keeping you comfortable while we work through the prime holding water. Expect to cover a lot of river – these fish don't sit still, and we adjust our approach throughout the day based on what we're seeing. Some days they want bright spinners, other days it's all about dead-drifting bait through the deepest holes. That's where having a guide who knows these waters year-round makes all the difference. We read the river conditions, adjust techniques on the fly, and put you on fish when other boats are striking out.
Winter steelhead fishing is all about precision and persistence. We primarily use drift fishing techniques with conventional gear – think medium-heavy rods paired with level-wind reels that can handle long fights and sudden runs. Our tackle boxes are loaded with everything from classic spin-n-glos in hot pink and chartreuse to fresh cured roe and sand shrimp combinations that drive these fish crazy. Depending on water clarity and fish behavior, we might switch between techniques multiple times during the trip. Side-drifting allows us to cover water methodically, keeping bait in the strike zone longer while we work through known steelhead lies. When fish are aggressive, we'll break out the hardware – Spin-N-Glos, Corky and yarn combos, or even bright spinners that trigger reaction strikes. The key is reading each drift, adjusting weights for different depths, and maintaining that perfect presentation that makes winter steelhead commit. We use barbless hooks to protect these wild fish, and we'll teach you proper fighting techniques that tire the fish quickly while maximizing your chances of a clean release.
Rainbow trout in the Cowlitz and Kalama systems are something special – these aren't your typical planted stockers. We're targeting wild and hatchery rainbows that have grown fat and strong in these nutrient-rich waters. Winter months bring the biggest, most aggressive fish as they stage in deeper pools and feed heavily before spawning season. These rainbows average 14 to 20 inches, but don't be surprised when something much larger bends your rod double. They fight like fish twice their size, using the current to their advantage and making screaming runs that'll have your drag singing. What makes these trout particularly exciting is their unpredictability – they might slam a spinner on the first cast or ignore everything for hours before suddenly going on a feeding spree. The cold water keeps them strong and feisty right up until you slide them into the net. Local rainbows have adapted to these river systems over generations, developing the strength and cunning that makes every hookup a genuine battle. They know every rock, every current seam, and every trick for throwing hooks, which is exactly why landing one feels so rewarding.
Winter steelhead season waits for no one, and the best fishing windows fill up fast with returning clients who know what these rivers can produce. Our 8-hour trips give you the time needed to work through different techniques, adjust to changing conditions, and put in the effort these fish demand. With space for up to two guests, you get personalized attention and instruction that makes a real difference in your success rate. We provide all fishing gear, but bring your valid Washington fishing license, catch card, and dress for Pacific Northwest winter weather – layers are your friend out here. Pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up during long stretches between bites. These trips consistently produce memorable fish and the kind of stories you'll be telling for years. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to dial in your winter techniques or someone ready to step up to more challenging fishing, this is your chance to experience what makes Northwest steelhead fishing legendary. Book now and secure your dates before the prime winter season gets fully booked.
Step into our 21' Alumaweld SuperVee Pro, a purpose-built fishing machine designed to handle the Cowlitz and Kalama's winter conditions with ease. This river workhorse seats up to 5 anglers and comes rigged with everything you need to target those legendary winter steelhead—powerful fish finder to locate holding spots, quality rods and reels, and all the terminal tackle. The deep-V hull cuts through choppy water while keeping you stable during those heart-stopping hookups when a chrome-bright steelhead makes its first screaming run. Built tough for Pacific Northwest rivers, this boat gets you to the productive water where trophy-class fish stage before their spawning runs. Whether you're drifting eggs through deep holes or pulling plugs in the current seams, you'll have a solid platform that handles like a dream and keeps you fishing comfortably even when the weather turns nasty.
Cowlitz River