The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has approved a one-day recreational smelt fishery on the Cowlitz River from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18. The decision, announced in a Feb. 13 agency release, follows recent commercial and test fishery results indicating that this year’s Columbia River smelt run is strong enough to support limited recreational harvest. The full announcement is available through the WDFW news release at Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

According to WDFW, dip‑netting from shore will be permitted between the Highway 432 Bridge near Kelso and the Al Helenberg Memorial Boat Ramp in Castle Rock. Smelt may not be harvested from vessels. The agency emphasized that water conditions, temperature, and smelt migration timing could affect catch success on the approved date.

A valid Washington fishing license is required for all participants except children 15 and under. Each dip‑netter may retain up to 10 pounds of smelt and must keep all smelt caught until reaching that limit. WDFW Enforcement officers plan to be present to monitor compliance with licensing, catch limits, and container requirements.

The Feb. 18 opening is part of the state’s tentative Wednesday/Saturday smelt schedule, which is confirmed weekly based on run‑size assessments. As of Feb. 13, WDFW updated its season status and confirmed consideration of the Feb. 18 and Feb. 21 tentative dates, with details available on the agency’s smelt fishing page at Cowlitz River Smelt Fishing – WDFW.