Columbia River Fall Fishing
We’re currently fishing for Chinook and/or Coho salmon on the Columbia River and its tributaries. There are fish throughout the system, giving us guided fishing trip options for anglers of all ages and abilities. We’ve had some great days on the water and we’re not done yet. Fall options include Astoria, the Portland/Vancouver area, and the Columbia River Gorge, near Lyle and Hood River.
Update: Columbia River Fall Salmon Season Extended
September 23rd, 2026: Today fishery managers announced some changes to our 2026 Columbia River Fall salmon seasons. The entire Columbia River will be open for Chinook retention this weekend, September 26th and 27th. This includes Buoy 10 out of Astoria. All daily bag limits may include 1 Chinook, native or hatchery, over the weekend.
On Monday, September 28th, the entire river will remain open for Coho retention. Only hatchery fish may be kept at Buoy 10 in Astoria, where there is still a 3 fish daily bag limit. For the rest of the river, all Coho (native and hatchery) may be retained through October 15th. Above the Hood River bridge, only hatchery Coho may be retained in the Columbia River Gorge beginning October 1st.
Columbia River Gorge Fall Salmon
The Columbia River Gorge has been providing some nice fall salmon opportunities near Hood River. The river above Warrior Rock is open for through September 15th. It will be closed for salmon retention through September 30th and will reopen on October 1st for Coho retention. This fishery is my favorite of the year for so many reasons. Although we’re only about an hour east of Portland, the landscape and climate change as we move east of the Cascades. The Columbia River Gorge is well known for its waterfalls, hiking trails, various water sports, and multiple fishing opportunities. Hood River is a great place to stay. Experience a fall day of salmon fishing and create memories with your family or friends.
Astoria Fall Salmon and Crab
The Buoy 10 salmon fishery is still open and going strong. We had a phenomenal Chinook season, but all good things must come to an end. September 3rd was the start of our hatchery Coho season on the Columbia River out of Astoria and it’s been a really nice season. Dungeness crabbing is just getting started and we’ll be running crabbing only trips into December. We have pulled up some heavy pots loaded with oversized crab, which is always fun. We’ll make sure your crab and cooked at the end of the trip so all you have to do is enjoy a crab feast!
Portland Area Fall Salmon
In the Portland area we’ll be fishing on the Columbia on any days retention is allowed. Fall salmon trips on the Lewis River are also a favorite this time of year and we’ll be fishing there while the Columbia is closed and beyond. Fishing has been good so far, with beautiful fish tugging on the lines. Beginning October 1st, we can keep any Chinook and hatchery Coho on the Lewis River, making it a very popular fishery clear into November. Which river we fish depends on the conditions on any given day. Our goal is to give you the best opportunity to take home fish at the end of the day.
Fall fishing is in full swing and there are many days of fishing ahead. Contact us with any questions you may have or to book your trip. We’re always happy to help.