Largemouth Bass

If you're looking for largemouth bass near Longview, Washington, the sloughs and backwaters of the Columbia River offer excellent fishing. These areas, like the Cowlitz River and its confluence, provide the ideal habitat: plenty of submerged vegetation, fallen timber, and fluctuating water levels that create diverse fishing conditions. The best time to target these bass is during the pre-spawn in late spring (April-May) and again in the fall as they fatten up for winter. Summer can be good, but you'll need to fish early and late in the day to avoid the heat. A local tip: Focus on areas with current breaks or where sloughs connect to the main river channel. These spots often hold the biggest bass waiting to ambush prey. Largemouth in this area can be surprisingly aggressive, so don't be afraid to throw topwater lures or crankbaits to trigger strikes. Be aware of tide fluctuations, as they can significantly impact water levels and bass behavior.