Thanks in large part to Tacoma Power’s Cowlitz Trout Hatchery, the Cowlitz River is consistently ranked as Washington State's number one winter steelhead river.

The hatchery, located about six miles downriver from Mayfield Dam, produces and releases about 1.5 million fish each year. This includes summer and winter steelhead, and sea-run cutthroat trout.

Tacoma Power built and maintains the Cowlitz Trout Hatchery and provides funds to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for staffing and operation.

Public facilities
Near the trout hatchery is the popular Blue Creek boat launch, provided free of charge by Tacoma Power. You’ll find a large parking lot, vault toilets and a boat launch. There is a wheelchair accessible fishing area where wheelchair-bound anglers may fish in an area otherwise closed to public fishing. Informal camping is allowed in part of the parking lot for up to three days.

How to get there
To get to the trout hatchery and the boat launch from Interstate 5, take State Highway 12 east about 6.5 miles to the community of Ethel. Turn right (south) on to Tucker Road. Go straight on Classe Road where Tucker Road bends to the right at a Y.  At the end of the road turn left on to Spencer Road. Watch for the signs directing you to turn right for the Cowlitz Trout Hatchery and the Blue Creek boat launch.