Kalama River Fishing Guides

Kalama River One of the most pleasant and productive rivers in the state is the Kalama, in lower Cowlitz County. It joins the Columbia River about two miles above the city of Kalama. It has superb access, with five boat ramps and nearly a dozen public access fishing spots strewn along about 17 miles of cool, deep, green fish-filled water that delivers catches all year around.

Steelhead and salmon are the most-sought Kalama River species and there is scarcely a month when an angler cannot try for and expect to see fresh, bright fish. Steelhead catches number from hundreds of fish to over 1,000 each month, with July the peak of good summer angling and December/January supplying the cream of winter fishing. (See regulations for summer wild steelhead release and fly- fishing only area.) Rodsmen can greet anadromous species by boating from a ramp half a mile above the mouth of the Kalama, west of 1-5, reached by taking the Kalama Road (Exit 32) west, or pursue the same road up the river by exiting to the east. There are two large camping areas on the lower Kalama, Camp Kalama Campground and Mahaffey's Campground, which serve as excellent bases for a week or weekend of fishing the Kalama.

Powered boats may be used below Modrow Bridge, about 31/4 miles upriver, and drift- boats have three launch sites spread farther upriver, plus at Modrow Bridge. Boats are not needed to share in the Kalama's topnotch angling. Bank access is diminishing, as private homes sprout along the river's banks, but there still are long stretches of riverbank open to fishermen. Chinook and coho salmon charge into the Kalama in two waves; spring and fall. Regulations should be carefully read, as salmon fishing is open all year except there is a fly- fishing only period of time in fall, a size limitation on Chinook salmon in early winter, the Kalama from Summers Creek down to the salmon hatchery is open only from the Saturday before Memorial Day to Nov. 30 for all- tackle angling, and the stretch from Summers Creek upstream to Road 6420 is open the same time period, but only to fly-fishing. Your daily salmon bag limit is six fish over 10 inches, not more than two of which may be adults (see regs). There are some rainbow trout and sea-run cutthroat caught from the Kalama, but most fishermen are looking for steelhead, and the Kalama seldom disappoints them. There is steady, good angling. July generally tops the summer catches and December is a good choice for winter steelheading. From Modrow Bridge down, powered boats can plug or troll, but the majority of trolling occurs below I-5. Mint-bright steelhead and many nirror-sided salmon are taken on Flatfish, Hot Shot and Tadpolly plugs, some thin trolling spoons and an assortment of spinners. Cluster egg baits, bobber drifting ties, and shrimp/yarn combos all deceive large numbers of Kalama steelies. This river also is excellent for summer fly-fishing or for rodsmen who go to tiny No. 12 and 14 Corky/yarn rigs on No. 4 gold Eagle Claw hooks and share the bite on artificials. Excellent catches also can be made on spoons and spinners, with nickel blades a fine choice. No. 2 and No. 3 spinners such as Mepps, Metric, Rooster Tail, Shyster or comparable makes will hang the Kalama's aggressive biters. Nickel and brass 3/8 ounce spoons, especially those with fire orange spots on their backs, are good selections for the quiet pools and runs.