Went out to the cowlitz near blue creek hatchery and boat launch to try my hand at some steelies for the first time. No luck! It was still a great day fishing even though the heat was relentless. Lots of boats on the river and people fishing from shore. Saw a few nice bucks brought in from people fishing downstream of the launch. Talking to some locals they said that it is unusually slow for this time of year. They say it should pick up any time now. I started off with my fly rod but didn't try long due to the large amounts of brush limiting my back cast. After trying to anchor myself off on some tree branches about 15 ft up with my fly I decided I had enough. Switched over to my casting rod using corkies and yarn. Orange was the color of the day according to the locals. Moved up and down the river casting mid river and shallow. Nothing. This is one of the better rivers I have found for shore access and I will be back again (maybe with a little more experience). All in all a good day. Good luck all!

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