The Cowlitz River Salmon Derby runs each fall and draws anglers from across the region to fish for chinook and coho salmon
The Cowlitz River Salmon Derby is an annual fall fishing event held on the Cowlitz River near Longview and Kelso, Washington. The derby typically runs for several weeks in September and October, with exact dates announced each year by the event organizers. Anglers fish for chinook and coho salmon, and the event awards prizes for the largest fish caught in each category.
The derby is open to the public, and you do not need to pre-register to fish. You do need a valid Washington State fishing license and a Puget Sound Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement to fish for salmon in the Cowlitz River. The event is free to enter — you pay only for your license and endorsement, which you would need anyway to fish legally in Washington.
Most anglers fish from the bank or from boats. The Cowlitz River has public access points and boat launches along its length, and the derby organizers publish a list of recommended fishing locations each year. The river is tidal in the lower sections, so tide timing affects where fish hold and when they bite.
Key Takeaways
- The Cowlitz River Salmon Derby runs for several weeks each fall, with dates and prize categories announced before the season begins.
- You need a Washington State fishing license and a Puget Sound Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement to fish legally, but the derby itself is free to enter.
- Chinook and coho salmon are the target species, and prizes are awarded for the largest fish in each category.
- The Cowlitz River has public access points and boat launches, and tide timing matters for where and when fish bite.
- Fish are typically cleaned and weighed at designated weigh stations run by the derby organizers or local tackle shops.
When the Derby Runs and How to Enter
The Cowlitz River Salmon Derby typically begins in mid-September and runs through October, though the exact dates shift slightly each year depending on salmon runs and river conditions. The event organizers announce the opening and closing dates in late summer, usually by early August. You can find the current year's dates through the Cowlitz River Salmon Derby website or by calling local tackle shops in Longview and Kelso, which often serve as information hubs for the event.
Entry is simple: you show up with a valid Washington State fishing license, a Puget Sound Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement, and your fishing gear. There is no registration fee and no entry form to fill out. When you catch a fish you want to enter, you take it to one of the official weigh stations — usually located at tackle shops or community centers near the river — where staff record the weight, species, and your name. Prizes are awarded based on the largest fish in each category, and results are typically posted weekly during the derby.
What You Need to Fish Legally
A Washington State fishing license is required to fish anywhere in the state, including the Cowlitz River. Licenses are available online through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) website, at sporting goods stores, and at many tackle shops. A one-year resident license costs a set amount and is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Non-residents can buy a one-year license or a shorter-term option.
In addition to the base license, you need a Puget Sound Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement. This endorsement is specific to salmon and steelhead fishing in Puget Sound and its river systems, including the Cowlitz. You can add it to your license when you purchase it, or add it later if you already have a license. The endorsement is required whether you fish from the bank or from a boat.
Check the WDFW website or call their office before you fish to confirm current regulations for the Cowlitz River. Regulations can change year to year and sometimes mid-season based on salmon populations. The WDFW publishes a detailed fishing pamphlet each year that lists daily catch limits, size restrictions, and any special rules for specific rivers.
Where to Fish and How Tides Affect Your Success
The Cowlitz River has several public access points and boat launches between Longview and the confluence with the Columbia River. Popular bank-fishing spots include areas near Mint Farm Park, Cowlitz River Park, and various pullouts along Highway 411. If you fish from a boat, the WDFW website lists public boat launches on the Cowlitz and nearby rivers. Arrive early during peak fishing times, as popular spots fill up quickly during the derby.
The lower Cowlitz River is tidal, meaning water level and current change with the tides of the Columbia River. Salmon tend to move and feed more actively during incoming tides and slack water (the period between tide changes). Outgoing tides can slow fishing. Local tackle shops and experienced anglers often know which spots fish best at different tide stages, so asking for advice when you buy your license is worth the time.
The river can be cold and fast, especially in fall. Wear a life jacket if you fish from a boat, and be aware of your footing on slippery banks. The Cowlitz can rise quickly after heavy rain, so check river conditions before you go.
Chinook and Coho Salmon: What to Expect
Chinook salmon (also called king salmon) are the larger of the two species in the derby. Fall-run chinook in the Cowlitz typically weigh 20 to 40 pounds, though larger fish are caught most years. They are strong fighters and require heavier tackle. Chinook are usually darker in color as they move upriver in fall, and their flesh is rich and oily — excellent for smoking or grilling.
Coho salmon (also called silver salmon) are smaller, usually 8 to 15 pounds in the fall run. They are faster and more acrobatic than chinook, and they bite more readily on smaller lures and flies. Coho flesh is milder and leaner than chinook, and they are excellent baked whole or filleted and pan-seared.
Both species are anadromous, meaning they are born in freshwater, migrate to the ocean to grow, and return to their home river to spawn. The fall runs in the Cowlitz are made up of fish returning to spawn, so they are at their peak in terms of size and condition. Once they spawn, their flesh deteriorates and they die naturally — this is normal and part of the salmon life cycle.
How to Handle and Prepare Your Catch
When you land a salmon, kill it quickly and humanely. A sharp blow to the head or a knife through the brain stem are standard methods. Immediately place the fish on ice or in a cooler with ice. The faster you cool the fish, the better the meat quality. Do not let it sit in the sun or in warm water.
At the weigh station, staff will record your fish's weight and species. Ask them whether they will clean it for you — some stations offer this service, others do not. If you need to clean it yourself, a sharp fillet knife and a cutting board make the job easier. Remove the head, gut the fish, and rinse it thoroughly under cold water. Pat it dry and store it on ice until you get home.
At home, fillet the salmon by running your knife along the backbone from head to tail, keeping the blade angled toward the bones. Remove the pin bones with tweezers or a small pliers. Salmon keeps well in the refrigerator for two to three days, or you can freeze it for several months. Smoking, canning, and freezing are all common ways to preserve a large catch.
Tackle and Technique for Cowlitz River Salmon
Most anglers on the Cowlitz use one of three methods: casting with spinners or spoons, drifting with bait, or fly fishing. Spinners and spoons work well because they mimic the movement of small fish that salmon eat. Popular colors include silver, gold, and orange. Cast upstream and let the current carry your lure, then retrieve steadily or with a twitching motion.
Bait fishing with roe (salmon eggs) or herring is effective, especially during the early part of the season. Use a simple setup: a sinker to keep your bait near the bottom, a hook, and fresh bait. Drift your bait along the bottom in deeper holes where salmon rest. This method requires patience but often produces results when other methods are slow.
Fly fishing for salmon requires heavier rods and larger flies than trout fishing. Bright patterns in orange, red, and black work well. Cast across the current and let the fly swing, or strip it back toward you. Fly fishing is less common on the Cowlitz than spin or bait fishing, but it can be very effective and is deeply rewarding.
Ask at local tackle shops for current conditions and what other anglers are catching. Shops in Longview and Kelso have staff who fish the Cowlitz regularly and can tell you which techniques are working, where fish are holding, and what gear to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register for the derby before I fish?
No. The derby is open to anyone with a valid Washington fishing license and Puget Sound Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement. You simply fish and bring your catch to an official weigh station when you want to enter it in the competition.
What happens if I catch a fish that is too small or damaged to weigh?
You can keep it and take it home to eat, but it will not be may be able to access for a prize. The weigh station staff will tell you if a fish does not meet the standards for the derby. Most years there is a minimum size requirement, though it varies by species and year.
Can I fish the Cowlitz River outside the derby season?
Yes. The Cowlitz River is open to salmon fishing year-round under WDFW regulations, though seasons and catch limits change by month and species. Check the current fishing pamphlet or WDFW website for the specific rules that apply when you plan to fish.
Where do I find the weigh stations?
The derby organizers publish a list of official weigh stations before the season begins. They are usually located at tackle shops, community centers, or parks near the river in Longview and Kelso. Call ahead to confirm hours, as some stations may have limited availability on certain days.
What should I do with a salmon after I catch it if I do not want to keep it?
You can release it, though salmon hooked in the mouth often survive and can be released unharmed. If you want to keep it for the derby but are not ready to take it to the weigh station, keep it on ice in a cooler. Do not leave it in the water or in the sun, as the meat will spoil quickly.