Luck and hard work align in success for Cowlitz River smelt dippers

By: Henry Brannan

Outlets: The Columbian

Published: February 20, 2026

Words: 779

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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LONGVIEW — Wednesday’s Cowlitz River recreational smelt dip fishing was cold, windy and overall fruitful — at least for the people who worked hard and were a little lucky.

Sea lion barks at Gerhart Gardens Park boat ramp marked the 8 a.m. start of this year’s first — and potentially only — dip as a line of a few dozen fishers marched into the river with nets cast forward like bayonets.

Fears of another season …

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