Lewis River Fishing

Located only 30 minutes from Portland, the Lewis River offers some of the better Salmon and steelhead opportunities in the region. The Lewis boasts two runs of steelhead and four runs of Salmon, providing anglers with year around opportunities and nearly six months of excellent fishing.

Lewis River Spring Chinook Salmon

Lewis River Spring Chinook Salmon enter the river in April and provide anglers with good fishing opportunities through May. I fish the section of river from Meat Hole down through the Golf Course and into the town of Woodland. Lewis River Spring Chinook tend to be decent biters and can offer clients with some great action on one of the best tasting Salmon anywhere.

Lewis River Summer Steelhead

About the time that the Spring Chinook opportunities dry up, Lewis River summer steelhead begin entering the river. Lewis River summer steelhead are great biters and fighters. We fish the Lewis a lot like we fish the Cowlitz River, by side drifting eggs and casting small spoons. Although, the Lewis River will kick out steelhead well through August, water levels get too low for my 25′ Willie Raptor, so I’ll tend to fish it through June at which time I may move up to guide summer steelhead fishing trips on the Cowlitz River.

Lewis River Fall Salmon

In August, Lewis River Fall Chinook Salmon enter from the Columbia River. I spend most of my time in August down in Astoria at Buoy 10 fishing for upriver brights in the Columbia River. We have some great Washington guides who spend August fishing the Columbia near the mouth of the Lewis, moving into the Lewis when fishing starts to heat up there.

By late September though, water conditions have typically cooled off a bit and river levels have gone up. The end of September also corresponds with the arrival of the Lewis River Coho/Silver run. The Lewis sees two runs of Coho/Silvers. One of the runs starts in September and the other in October. The October fish tend to be the better quality fish and better biters as well, plus we can keep native Chinook beginning October 1st. We typically alternate between the Lewis and the Cowlitz River during this time of year. Both rivers have their weeks and their close proximity allows us to keep tabs on both.

Lewis River Winter Steelhead

2026 looks to be an exciting time for Lewis River winter steelhead. This coming season will be the first year of fish returning from the new WDFW broodstock program. Fishing should be good, with more opportunity to take home fish!

January through March offers some really nice steelhead fishing on the Lewis River. Because of the dam system, the Lewis stays fishable when other rivers may blow out during rainy periods. We always love fisheries that consistently provide a good fishing opportunity. We run 4-person sled trips for the majority of our trips, which gives everyone plenty of room for casting or bobber dogging. In late March and April you may have a chance to chase both steelhead and spring Chinook as the seasons overlap a bit.

For more on fishing for Cowlitz River Salmon and Steelhead, please visit my Cowlitz River Fishing page.

For any questions you might have about Lewis River fishing, or to simply book a trip, contact us on our questions and reservations page.

Lodgings near the Lewis River

MapleRidge House A private one-level BnB on 19 acres just a quick drive from the launch sites. This beautiful local BnB sleeps up to 5 and has a private Finnish Sauna. They provide vacuum packing and flash freezing of your catch. Call (360) 991-8261 and let them know you’re a Lance Fisher customer when you book and get a discount on your rate.

Lewis River Inn Call them directly at (360) 225-6257 and mention Lance Fisher Fishing to receive a discounted rate, which includes a fisherman’s to-go breakfast, which can be ordered at the desk at check in.