River & Timber

Visual Stories of the Lower Columbia and Beyond

017: Smelt Dipping

Under Grey Skies Smelt Dippers Make Their Pilgrimage, but Raise Empty Nets

Pan fried, deep fried, roasted… The eulachon, or the Columbia River smelt, is a popular delicacy in many cultures. When not caught for consumption, it is frequently brined to be used as a bait for a number of other game fish.

This last April, dip netters on the Cowlitz left for home disappointed. Many knew what to expect by the lack of bald eagles perched high above the shoreline and the absence of barking sea lions, but tried anyway. As we near the turn of the year, many are wondering what 2026 will hold.

Anglers standing along the Cowlitz River in Longview during the 2025 smelt run attempting dip-net fishing, with no catches and visible turnout despite criticism of WDFW’s timing and management.
Anglers standing along the Cowlitz River in Longview during the 2025 smelt run attempting dip-net fishing, with no catches and visible turnout despite criticism of WDFW’s timing and management.
Anglers standing along the Cowlitz River in Longview during the 2025 smelt run attempting dip-net fishing, with no catches and visible turnout despite criticism of WDFW’s timing and management.
Anglers standing along the Cowlitz River in Longview during the 2025 smelt run attempting dip-net fishing, with no catches and visible turnout despite criticism of WDFW’s timing and management.
Anglers standing along the Cowlitz River in Longview during the 2025 smelt run attempting dip-net fishing, with no catches and visible turnout despite criticism of WDFW’s timing and management.

To learn more about smelt and dip netting, visit WDFW’s resource Here.

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