FISHING IN SKAMANIA COUNTY Skamania County is home to 142 lakes, providing a limitless number of fishing opportunities for the experienced or beginning angler. The vast Columbia River, mountain streams, wilderness lakes, reservoirs and ponds make Skamania County a year-round fishermen’s paradise. The season starts out on the Columbia River with the spring run of Chinook salmon, also known as king salmon. Trolling the mouth of the Wind River and Drano Lake during the early part of the run is popular in the springtime, with the fish beginning to show up in mid-March and the run peaking in early May. Spring Chinook are highly prized by Northwest anglers because the early runs contain the highest oil content, which many claim make the“springers” the best tasting salmon. During the latter part of the run when the springers enter the tributaries, the Wind River becomes the hot spot, usually around Memorial Day weekend. As spring turns to summer, steelhead and summer Chinook season kicks in. When the days start to shorten in the fall, coho and fall Chinook fishing picks up. While some say that the fall Chinook are not as tasty as the springers, they are typically much larger and can get up to 50-60 pounds, which is more than enough to fill up most smokers. As winter sets in, the heartiest of local anglers bare the elements for the winter steelhead run.
There's a multitude of other angling opportunities for fishing such as sturgeon, walleye, small mouth bass and wilderness lake trout fishing. Skamania County is abundant with many lakes, streams, rivers and beaver ponds throughout the back country. Kidney Lake, Icehouse Lake and Ashes Lake are all within easy access of Highway 14 between Stevenson and North Bonneville, and are well stocked with huge rainbows, blue gill and largemouth bass. Sturgeon fishing may be the most underrated fishing on the Columbia River. Sturgeon are somewhat of a prehistoric creature and can get to an enormous size of up to 10 feet. Aside from the possibility of hooking into a monster, sturgeon fishing can get quite active at times with frequent strikes and plenty of action. In the north woods of Skamania County, rainbow trout are stocked in the10 mile long Swift Reservoir, which is fed by the beautiful and scenic North Fork Lewis River. Native Bull trout, historically known as Dolly Varden, can be caught here but must be released. Whether you are a first timer or a salty veteran angler, consider going out with a reputable guide service. A good guide will dramatically increase your chances of hooking up. And there is certainly something to be said about having all your gear, bait and boat provided — not to mention a tip to a secret spot!
6 PUBLIC BOAT LAUNCHES WIND RIVER BOAT RAMP Located at the mouth of the Wind River in Home Valley. DRANO LAKE BOAT RAMP Located 14 miles east of Stevenson. CASCADE BOAT RAMP Located in downtown Stevenson on the east side waterfront. BEACON ROCK STATE PARK BOAT LAUNCH Located 13 miles west of Stevenson just past North Bonneville. SWIFT RESERVOIR BOAT LAUNCH Located at Swift Forest Camp. HAMILTON ISLAND BOAT RAMP Located just downstream of Bonneville Lock and Dam.
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2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
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There are six public boat launches in Skamania County; three above Bonneville Dam, two below and one at Swift Reservoir.
www.skamania.org
Catch of the day: White Sturgeon