Discover the Kalama to Woodland: Fishing & Recreation

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Just off I-5 a little north of Kalama on Old Pacific Highway, Kress Lake is an old gravel pit acquired by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in 1981. It is a popular trout and warm water fish lake.

Fishing Opportunities:

• Species: Catchable Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout are planted from January to May and then again in November. Channel Catfish were recently introduced again.  Bass and small bluegill are also present.
• Fishing Report: The lake has a year-round open season.  During the summer months Kress lake is full of weeds, making fishing very challenging.  Spring time is the best when trout stocking occurs.  Steelhead from the Kalama river are also transplanted during the winter time.
• Regulations: General rules apply
• Features: Easily accessible boat ramp for small boats and kayaks.  Gasoline motors are not allowed.  Their are some fishing piers with access points for those with disabilities.

Horseshoe Lake is located just off I-5 in the city of Woodland. It's a popular spot for sun seekers in the summertime and provides excellent stocker trout fishing in the spring and winter months.  Horseshoe Lake was a part of the Lewis River until it was cut off from the river in 1940 during the construction of HWY 99. Water is pumped into the lake from a 16" culvert. The lake is managed as a catchable trout and warm water species lake.   

Fishing Opportunities:

• Species: Horseshoe Lake is open year-round and known for stocker trout, recycled Steelhead, Largemouth Bass, Crappie and other pan fish.
• Fishing Report: Rainbow trout are caught from shore with worms and powerbait bring the technique of choice.  I personally like to take my kayak out there and troll wooly bugger flies. Bass fishing is best in late spring on the southern side of the lake.  Look for crappie and pan fish in this area also, as there is lots of aover along the shoreline. 
• Regulations: Check WDFW for specific limits It's a year round lake. 

Recreational Opportunities:

• Boating and Water Sports: There is one boat launch.  Speeds are limited to 5mph, but gas motors are allowed.  It's a popular place for SUP's and other kayak activities.
• Day Use: At this time there are no fess to use the facility, its ideal for swimming and picnicking.  A great place for kids with a loaner life jacket station.  There porta potties and a picnic area with skatepark abd swings.

Merwin Reservoir is located near Ariel, approximately 10 miles north of Woodland, formed by Merwin Dam on the Lewis River. 

Fishing Opportunities: 

• Species: Merwin Reservoir is open year-round, offering kokanee, rainbow trout, coastal cutthroat, Muskellunge, and northern pikeminnow. 
• Fishing Report: The reservoir provides consistent fishing for kokanee and rainbow trout, with spring and early summer as prime seasons for kokanee. Larger rainbow trout are stocked regularly, making it a favorite for both shore and boat anglers. 
• Trolling with dodgers and small lures tipped with corn is the most productive.  As the sun rises, the fish tend to go deeper, upt to 60ft, so adjust weight accordingly.  Fishing at the dam from shore is an option using a mini mallow with worm on a 4ft sliding sinker leader can be an effective technique during the colder months.  This is a popular swimming location during the warm months. Regulations: Adhere to WDFW rules for salmon retention and gear. Check for updates via the Fish Washington app, as emergency closures may occur (e.g., for low salmon returns).  

Recreational Opportunities: Boating and Water Sports: Cresap Bay Park, on the south shore, offers a boat launch for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, during the summer months.  The other boat launch at Speelyai Bay is open year round. Combustion engines are permitted, making it ideal for a variety of water activities. 

Camping: Cresap Bay Park provides 56 campsites (23 with full hookups), restrooms, showers, and a picnic area. Reservations are recommended (call 360-225-8053). The park’s proximity to Merwin Reservoir makes it a convenient hub for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. 

Hiking and Wildlife: Trails around Cresap Bay Park offer scenic lake views and opportunities to observe wildlife, such as osprey, eagles, and deer. The park’s 200 acres include forested areas and shoreline access.

Yale Reservoir is located near Ariel, approximately 30 miles east of Woodland, formed by Yale Dam on the Lewis River.

Fishing Opportunities:

• Species: Yale Reservoir is open year-round, offering kokanee, rainbow trout, coastal cutthroat trout, bull trout, bass, panfish, and northern pikeminnow.
• Fishing Report: The reservoir is renowned for kokanee fishing, with peak seasons from April to August, particularly in spring and fall when shallow trolling is effective. In summer, kokanee move deeper, requiring trolling with downriggers at 1.2–1.8 mph using squid hoochies or wedding ring lures (pink, green, or orange) tipped with corn. Coastal cutthroat trout are often caught near Siouxon Creek, while rainbow trout provide consistent action year-round. Bull trout must be released unharmed, as they are protected under state regulations. Northern pikeminnows are common in shallow waters but are not prized. Shore fishing for kokanee is poor, making boat access essential for success.
• Regulations: Adhere to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) rules, including a maximum size limit of 15 inches for salmon. Bull trout and Dolly Varden must be released. Check for updates via the Fish Washington app or WDFW website, as emergency closures may occur due to low salmon returns or other factors.

Recreational Opportunities:

• Boating and Water Sports: Yale Reservoir offers four boat launch facilities at Saddle Dam, Yale Park, Cougar Camp, and Beaver Bay, managed by PacifiCorp. Note that water levels fluctuate, and some ramps (e.g., Saddle Dam and Cougar Park) may close due to low water levels, as announced for July 27, 2025, onward. Fees are required for weekend launches. Non-motorized paddlecraft can access the reservoir via shoreline portage at Cougar Park. Combustion engines are permitted, supporting fishing, kayaking, and power boating, though summer weekends can be busy with water sports enthusiasts.
• Camping: Yale Park offers day-use facilities with picnic sites and a swimming beach but no overnight camping. Cougar Campground and Beaver Bay Campground provide seasonal camping with modern amenities, though Beaver Bay is closed for 2025 due to renovations. Dispersed shoreline camping is available by reservation for boat-in access at nine designated sites until July 26, 2025, when the program ends for the season due to low water levels. Reservations and information are available through PacifiCorp (800-547-1501).
• Hiking and Wildlife: The area around Yale Reservoir features scenic trails with views of the reservoir and surrounding forests, ideal for observing wildlife like osprey, eagles, and deer. Yale Park and Cougar Park provide access to forested areas and shoreline trails, offering a peaceful retreat for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The reservoir’s proximity to Mount St. Helens enhances its scenic appeal.

Swift Reservoir is located near Cougar, approximately 52 miles east of Woodland, formed by Swift Dam on the Lewis River.

Fishing Opportunities:

• Species: Swift Reservoir is open from the last Saturday in April through November 30, offering rainbow trout, coho salmon, bull trout, and whitefish.
• Fishing Report: Known for excellent boat fishing, Swift Reservoir is stocked annually with tens of thousands of catchable rainbow trout (around 37,000 in 2023, averaging 0.41 lbs). Spring and fall are prime for trolling near the dam and stream inlets, using spinners, jigs, or lures like Apex with white or pink corn bait. Coho salmon (8–15 inches) are caught incidentally and counted toward the trout limit. Bull trout must be released unharmed. Shore fishing is limited due to steep banks, making boats essential for success. Fall fishing yields larger, healthier trout after months of natural feeding.
• Regulations: Follow WDFW rules, including a 5-fish trout limit (including coho 8–15 inches). Bull trout and Dolly Varden must be released. Check the Fish Washington app or WDFW website for updates, as emergency closures may occur.

Recreational Opportunities:

• Boating and Water Sports: Swift Forest Camp offers two concrete boat ramps with a weekend launch fee, though low water levels may affect access. Combustion engines are permitted, supporting fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Caution is advised due to floating debris and high afternoon winds. No personal flotation devices are allowed in designated swimming areas.
• Camping: Swift Forest Camp provides campsites with restrooms, potable water, and picnic areas, ideal for anglers and families. Reservations are recommended through PacifiCorp (800-547-1501). The campground’s proximity to the boat launch makes it a convenient base.
• Hiking and Wildlife: Trails around Swift Reservoir offer scenic views of Mount St. Helens and opportunities to spot osprey, eagles, and deer. The reservoir’s forested shoreline provides a serene setting for hiking and nature observation.

Swift Power Canal is located below Swift Reservoir, accessible from the fishing pier upstream to the access road at Swift Dam, near Cougar.Fishing Opportunities:

• Species: Open from the last Saturday in April through November 30, the canal is stocked with rainbow trout (3,570 in 2023, averaging 2.38 fish per pound) and 1,000 triploid trout annually, which can grow large. Bull trout and Dolly Varden are present but must be released.
• Fishing Report: The canal offers excellent bank fishing, especially from the wheelchair-accessible concrete fishing pier. Triploid trout, stocked by Cowlitz PUD, provide a unique opportunity for larger catches. Anglers use spinners, jigs, or bait like worms or corn. The fast, cold water requires caution, as the concrete-lined canal is difficult to exit.
• Regulations: WDFW rules apply, with a 5-fish trout limit. Bull trout and Dolly Varden must be released. No boats or swimming are allowed due to safety concerns. Check the Fish Washington app for updates.

Kalama River: Kalama River is located near Kalama, flowing through Cowlitz County, and is known for its seasonal salmon and steelhead fishing opportunities.Fishing Opportunities:

• Species: The Kalama River is open year-round for certain species, with prime fishing for spring Chinook salmon, summer and winter steelhead, and fall coho salmon. Cutthroat trout and other resident fish are also present.
• Fishing Report: Spring Chinook salmon arrive in April, peaking through June, with significant returns (though smaller than the Cowlitz, typically thousands annually). Summer steelhead fishing is strong from June to August, particularly below the Kalama Falls Hatchery, with winter steelhead peaking from December to February. Fall coho salmon are abundant from September to November. Popular techniques include drift fishing with bait (eggs or shrimp), side drifting with yarn or beads, or twitching jigs. Bank fishing is effective near the hatchery and public access points, while drift boats excel in the lower river. Check the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) website or Fish Washington app for current regulations, as selective gear rules and seasonal closures may apply to protect wild fish.
• Regulations: Adhere to WDFW rules, including bag limits (typically 2 hatchery salmon or steelhead daily, marked by a clipped adipose fin). Wild fish must often be released. Emergency closures may occur due to low returns, so verify rules before fishing.

Recreational Opportunities:

• Boating and Water Sports: The Kalama River supports angling-focused boating, particularly with drift boats or small jet boats in the lower river below Kalama Falls Hatchery. Kayaking and canoeing are feasible in calmer stretches near Kalama and downstream, but swift currents and obstacles require caution. Public water access areas, such as those at Modrow Road or near the Beginner’s Hole, provide launch points for small craft, managed by WDFW or local authorities. Non-anglers can enjoy scenic floats, but water levels fluctuate, so check conditions.
• Camping: No formal campgrounds exist directly on the river, but nearby options include Camp Kalama RV Park, offering full hookups and proximity to fishing access points (reservations: 360-673-2456). Dispersed camping may be available on public lands, subject to local regulations.
• Hiking and Wildlife: The Kalama River corridor features informal trails and access points for scenic views and wildlife observation, including deer, eagles, and otters. Areas near Kalama Falls Hatchery offer forested paths and riverfront access, ideal for nature enthusiasts. The river’s proximity to Gifford Pinchot National Forest provides additional hiking opportunities.

North Fork Lewis River: flowing through Woodland and Ariel in Clark and Cowlitz Counties, Washington, is a renowned fishery for salmon and steelhead, offering year-round angling opportunities.Fishing Opportunities:

• Species: The North Fork Lewis River is open year-round, offering spring Chinook salmon, fall Chinook salmon, coho salmon, summer steelhead, winter steelhead, and coastal cutthroat trout.
• Fishing Report: Spring Chinook salmon arrive in April, peaking through May, with thousands returning annually, bolstered by hatchery programs at Lewis River Hatchery. Fall Chinook and coho salmon are abundant from September to November, with coho fishing especially strong in October. Summer steelhead peak in June and July, while winter steelhead are best from November to March, with early returns (November–January) often outnumbering late runs by about 2:1. Techniques include plunking spin-n-glows with coon shrimp in the lower river near Woodland, side drifting with eggs or beads, bobber fishing with jigs, or casting spinners and plugs. Fly fishing with small spinners or bobber-and-fly setups is effective for summer steelhead and trout. Bank fishing is productive near the hatchery and public access points like Cedar Creek, while jet boats excel from the mouth to Colvin Creek. Recent reports indicate steady hatchery steelhead returns, with 100,000–125,000 smolts planted annually, supporting robust fishing.
• Regulations: Adhere to WDFW rules (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026). From the mouth to Johnson Creek, the daily limit is 2 hatchery salmon or steelhead (clipped adipose fin) through July 31, 2025, and 6 hatchery Chinook (1 adult) from May 25 to July 31, 2025. From Johnson Creek to Colvin Creek, bank angling only is allowed through May 31, 2025, with a 3-fish steelhead limit (minimum 20 inches) and anti-snagging rules. Wild fish must be released. Check the Fish Washington app or WDFW’s emergency rules page for updates, as closures may occur due to low returns or weir operations.

Recreational Opportunities:

• Boating and Water Sports: The North Fork Lewis River supports jet boat angling, particularly from the mouth near Woodland to Johnson Creek, ideal for targeting salmon and steelhead. Kayaking and canoeing are feasible in calmer sections near Woodland, but dam-controlled flows from Merwin Dam can change rapidly, requiring caution. Public access points, such as those managed by WDFW near Cedar Creek or the mouth, provide launch areas for small craft. Floating devices are prohibited from Johnson Creek to Colvin Creek during certain periods (e.g., May 25–31, 2025). Always check real-time river levels via USGS gauges before floating.
• Camping: No formal campgrounds exist directly on the North Fork, but nearby options include Paradise Point State Park near Woodland, offering 80 campsites (some with full hookups), restrooms, showers, and picnic areas (reservations: 360-902-8608). Dispersed camping is available on public lands in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, subject to regulations. These sites are convenient for anglers accessing the river’s lower and middle reaches.
• Hiking and Wildlife: The North Fork Lewis River features informal trails and public access points, particularly near Cedar Creek and the Lewis River Hatchery, offering scenic river views and opportunities to observe bald eagles, osprey, elk, and deer. The river’s proximity to Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mount St. Helens provides access to extensive hiking trails, including volcanic landscapes and waterfalls like those in the upper basin. Bank access is limited due to private property, but WDFW-managed sites offer reliable entry for hikers and anglers.