Kalama an Option?

Aleforme

Aleforme

Steelhead
Forum Supporter
I'm heading down to Astoria for the long weekend and thought about taking a little detour to the Kalama on my way back which will be through Portland. This is not a "fishing weekend" but if I'm driving by the exit on I-5, thought I might need to drop a line in?

Just wondering if it's worth the detour east to wet a line? I've read mixed reports.

Thanks, Jim
 
I have a hard time getting motivated to ever fish that river. It gets especially crowded in winter when the fish show up. My few friends who frequent the Kalama due to living close to it haven't given been sending me any fish pics, so my guess is it's quiet.
 
Evan B said:
I have a hard time getting motivated to ever fish that river. It gets especially crowded in winter when the fish show up. My few friends who frequent the Kalama due to living close to it haven't given been sending me any fish pics, so my guess is it's quiet.
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I appreciate the intel. That's kind of what I've been hearing. Never fished it before so I was kind of curious. Time permitting, I might try and spot or two, you know, for science.
 
Since you’ll be down that way, the Cowlitz is another option. A bit early but some late winter fish are starting to show up.
SF
 
Stonedfish said:
Since you’ll be down that way, the Cowlitz is another option. A bit early but some late winter fish are starting to show up.
SF
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Yeah I was thinking of making the same suggestion. I'd fish Blue Creek over Kalama myself. Dunno why but I've just never vibed with the Kalama.
 
Kalama was only ever a summer steelhead destination for me. There are some nice sections to float, and there were enough fish to make it worthwhile. As I haven’t heard anything about it in years, I assume that the fish aren’t there any more.
 
Kalama’s kind of hit or miss these days. If you’ve got the time and want to check it out, go for it, but honestly, I wouldn’t expect much. Cowlitz might be a better option if you’re looking for more reliable fishing.
 
I have a buddy in Vancouver who does very very well on that River. Saw him hook an unclipped in May on the very first cast, and catch a couple others too. I had a bobber down but my eggs were too big for my hook size and it didn't get on. Wasn't super chromy so I imagine he had been there for a while. Might be worth giving a shot
 
speedbird said:
I have a buddy in Vancouver who does very very well on that River. Saw him hook an unclipped in May on the very first cast, and catch a couple others too. I had a bobber down but my eggs were too big for my hook size and it didn't get on. Wasn't super chromy so I imagine he had been there for a while. Might be worth giving a shot
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Well that gives me a little hope.
 
Chucker said:
Kalama was only ever a summer steelhead destination for me. There are some nice sections to float, and there were enough fish to make it worthwhile. As I haven’t heard anything about it in years, I assume that the fish aren’t there any more.
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Good point
 
I've only fished the Kalama once for winter runs that I recall, floating from Pritchard's to Modrow bridge. I think we got skunked. But I fished it fairly regularly in the 70s for summer runs, often camping at the Holy Water. Summer run fishing was good.
 
Sorry for the late report back. I was running low on time so I just hit the Kalama. Saw maybe a dozen anglers (looked like they were fishing jigs and bead under a float with gear). A few drift boats as well. Water was running high and fast and really colored up. Muddy. I pulled over to a couple spots and tried my luck. Did a lot of fishing and no catching. Lost a streamer and thought I hooked up on a good fish that was fighting hard in the fast water. Turned out to be a very lively branch. Called it a day and headed home after that. All in all, still on the water and had fun.
 
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