Washington
Kalama River fishing guide
The Kalama River in Washington holds Bluegill, Cutthroat Trout, Bull Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow Trout, and Chinook Salmon. Anglers can launch boats at Fisherman's Loop Boat Launch or access the river by foot at multiple public bank points including Beginners' Hole, Modrow Bridge, and Prichard.
Current conditions
As of September 1, 2026, Kalama River has cloudy, air around 56°F. No active USGS gage sits on this water, so this shows local weather rather than live flow or water temperature. Conditions look good for fishing right now.
- State
- Washington
- Public access
- Yes
- Access points
- 6
- Species recorded
- 8
These conditions are read from our data about once a day and may not reflect the current moment. For real-time conditions, open Guidepole Fish.
Public access & launches
Extensive public bank access along the Kalama River, computed from public land ownership and hydrography.
- Fisherman's Loop Boat LaunchWashington Department of Fish and WildlifeBoat launch
- Beginners' HoleWDFWFishing access
- Modrow BridgeWDFWBoat access
- PrichardWDFWBoat access
- Fisherman's LoopWDFWBoat access
- HandWDFWBoat access
Regulations
- All speciesCOWLITZ CO. · from the natural gas pipeline crossing to the deadline at the intake to the Fallert Creek Hatchery CRC (603)
- Season
- Apr. 1-Oct. 31
Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
- All speciesCOWLITZ CO. · from the natural gas pipeline crossing to the deadline at the intake to the Fallert Creek Hatchery CRC (603)
- Season
- Sept. 1-Oct. 31
- Gear
- Fly fishing only, except use of barbed hooks is allowed
Fly fishing only, except use of barbed hooks is allowed.
- All speciesCOWLITZ CO. · from mouth to railroad bridge below I-5 CRC (604)
Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE) required for salmon and steelhead fishing (ages 15 and older).
- All speciesCOWLITZ CO. · from the natural gas pipeline crossing to the deadline at the intake to the Fallert Creek Hatchery CRC (603)
Internal combustion motors prohibited. Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE) required for salmon and steelhead fishing (ages 15 and older).
- All speciesCOWLITZ CO. · from 6600 Rd. Bridge (just downstream of Jacks Creek) to Kalama Falls and tributaries
CLOSED WATERS.
- All speciesCOWLITZ CO. · from upstream of the Modrow Bridge to the natural gas pipeline crossing CRC (603)
- Season
- Apr. 1-Oct. 31
Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
- All speciesCOWLITZ CO. · from the railroad bridge below I-5 to Modrow Bridge CRC (604)
CLOSED WATERS - from Modrow Bridge downstream to a set of markers approx. 1000’ below the temporary rack, while rack is installed in the river below Modrow Bridge. Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE) required for salmon and steelhead fishing (ages 15 and older).
- All speciesCOWLITZ CO. · from the railroad bridge below I-5 to Modrow Bridge CRC (604)
- Season
- Apr. 1-Oct. 31
Anti-snagging rule. Night closure.
- All speciesCOWLITZ CO. · from upstream of the Modrow Bridge to the natural gas pipeline crossing CRC (603)
Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE) required for salmon and steelhead fishing (ages 15 and older). Internal combustion motors prohibited.
- All speciesCOWLITZ CO. · from Fallert Creek Hatchery intake to 1,400’ below fishway at Kalama Falls Hatchery CRC (603)
Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE) required for salmon and steelhead fishing (ages 15 and older). Internal combustion motors prohibited.
As of 2026-08-28.Guidance, not legal advice — always confirm current rules with the state.Official Washington regulations
What’s in it
Recorded in/near this water. Occurrence-based unless a higher-confidence source is shown — see it per-species in the app.
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Kalama River fishing — FAQ
Can you fish the Kalama River?
Yes — the Kalama River in Washington has public access (extensive public bank access). Open the guide to see the public access, launches, and current regulations.
Do you need a license to fish the Kalama River?
Yes — Washington requires a valid fishing license for most fishing. The current official state regulations are linked on this page.
What fish are in the Kalama River?
Species recorded in the Kalama River include Bluegill, Steelhead, Bull Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Cutthroat Trout. The full list is on this page.
Where can you access the Kalama River?
Access points include Fisherman's Loop Boat Launch, Beginners' Hole, Modrow Bridge. See every launch and access site on this page.
Get detailed fishing conditions for the Kalama River on your phone
The full access map, live conditions, and an agent you can just ask — on your iPhone.
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