Columbia River Salmon Fishing

Columbia River Salmon Fishing is some of the best Salmon fishing in the world. We spend our time fishing from The Dalles to the mouth of the river in the Astoria/Ilwaco area. This 160+ mile stretch of river boasts Spring, Summer, and Fall Salmon runs. Essentially, there are Salmon in this stretch of the Columbia River from March through October.

The year starts with the arrival of the Columbia River Spring Chinook Salmon in March. These fish are known as the best eaters of any Salmon in the world. I know this sounds a little like I’m rooting a little too much for the home team, but tests have shown that the fat content in Columbia River Spring Chinook Salmon is 7-10 times greater than that of other runs of Salmon. These fish regularly go for $25-$35 per pound in the Portland area. I can’t imagine what they would cost in Chicago. Check out the options below and let me know how I can help you set up your trip.

Happening Now – Fall Columbia River Salmon Fishing

The Columbia River is currently open for salmon fishing at Buoy 10 and upstream, including the Portland area and the Columbia River Gorge. Buoy 10 is open for native and hatchery Chinook as well as hatchery Coho retention, with a 3 fish limit! The lower river, from above Buoy 10 to Bonneville is also open for native and hatchery Chinook salmon and hatchery Coho retention. Fishing in all locations, including above Bonneville, has kept us busy so far with more fish to chase! Check out specifics below and contact us to get out on the water this season.

2023 Fall Columbia River Salmon Fishing

Buoy 10 and other Columbia River fall salmon seasons are here. We’ve included the important details below, but feel free to check it all out at WDFW. Each stretch of river has it’s own season dates and while it may seem like a lot of info, don’t worry. We know where and when the best fishing should be. We’re always happy to go over dates and options with you personally. Here’s the breakdown:

Astoria Buoy 10 Fall Salmon

August 1st – September 4th, EXCEPT August 21-23 and August 28-29: Retention of both Chinook and Coho allowed. These two short closures were put in place to avoid an in-season closure like we had last year. There is a 2 fish bag limit, and only hatchery fish may be retained.

September 5th – September 7th: Retention of Coho only, with a 3 fish limit and all native fish must be released. September and October trips can also include Dungeness crabbing, making for a great fisherman’s feast.

UPDATE: September 8th – December 31st: Retention of Chinook (hatchery and native) and Coho, with a 3 fish limit and a daily limit of 1 Chinook. September and October trips can also include Dungeness crabbing, making for a great fisherman’s feast.

West Puget Island to Bonneville, including the Portland area

UPDATE: September 22nd until further notice: Retention of both Chinook and Coho. Daily bag limit is 2 salmon, only 1 of which may be a chinook. Native and hatchery Chinook and hatchery Coho may be retained.

Bonneville to Hwy 395 Bridge at Pasco

August 1st – October 15th: Retention of both Chinook and Coho. Daily bag limit is 2 salmon, only 1 of which may be a chinook. Both native and hatchery salmon may be retained, except wild coho below the Hood River Bridge must be released.

October 16th – December 31st: Retention of Coho only. Daily bag limit is 2 salmon.  Wild coho below the Hood River Bridge must be released.

There are numerous Columbia River fall salmon options to choose from.

• Columbia River Spring Chinook March-April
• Columbia River Summer Chinook June-July
• Columbia River Fall Chinook…Buoy 10 August-September
• Columbia River Fall…Portland Area Upriver Brights September
• Columbia River Fall Chinook….Bonneville Dam September-October
• Columbia River Fall Chinook at the mouth of the Klickitat River September-October

For any questions you might have, or to simply book a trip, feel free to contact us. We’re always happy to help in any way we can.