Time to get dipping again—let’s just hope the third time’s a charm. Today, smelt dipping is once again open on the Cowlitz River from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It was open twice last week, but on both occasions, little to no smelt were running.

Dip-netting is only allowed from the Harry Morgan Bridge over Tennant Way upstream to the Al Helenberg Memorial Boat Ramp, which is about a quarter of a mile from the PH-10 Bridge in Castle Rock.
The daily limit for smelt is 10 pounds, which fills about a quarter of a 5-gallon bucket. Each dipper is required to have their own bucket with their name on it. Also, remember, a license is now required for people over age 15.