Draining the southwest side of Mount St. Helens, the Kalama River runs about 45 miles to the Columbia near the town of Kalama, and its clear, green water produces steelhead in nearly every month of the year. Just two hours south of Seattle with access right off I-5, it’s one of Southwest Washington’s most convenient rivers, and its modest size makes it easy to wade and fish from the bank.
Seattle Fishing Company’s guide covers a packed calendar. Spring Chinook peak in April and May, summer steelhead provide the signature fishery from late spring through summer, and fall brings coho and Chinook once October rains raise the river. Winter steelhead then build from January to a peak in early April.
Top spots include the Modrow Bridge Hole, Rainbow Drifts, the aptly named Beginners Hole, the areas around Fallert and Kalama Falls hatcheries, and the more rugged Kalama Canyon upstream. You’ll also find proven tactics for each season, from bobbers with jigs and soft beads to back-trolled plugs, plus notes on the fly-fishing-only stretch and the required Columbia River endorsement. Expect company during peak runs, but the rewards are worth it.
Read the full post here: Fishing the Kalama River
Complete guide to fishing the Klickitat River
