It’s waaaaay too early to get that long-handled net down, but the 2026 Columbia River smelt forecast at least holds out the potential for an opener and tentative dipping dates for the Cowlitz have been set.

Many Washington and Oregon anglers will see new fees to fish starting January 1, 2026. That’s the day a pair of endorsements go into effect for certain waters – the Columbia and its tributaries in the former state, the Pacific Ocean in the latter. They’re not blanket requirements, however.