Salmon fishing is a popular recreational activity in Oregon that attracts anglers from across the country. With multiple species and seasonal runs, knowing when salmon are running in Oregon can be complex. This complete guide breaks down everything you need to know about salmon seasons in Oregon.
Overview of Salmon Species in Oregon
There are five species of Pacific salmon that can be found in Oregon:
- Chinook (King)
- Coho (Silver)
- Sockeye
- Chum
- Pink
The most abundant and targeted by anglers are Chinook and Coho salmon,
Chinook Salmon Runs in Oregon
Chinook salmon runs occur in Oregon rivers from March through November. There are three distinct runs:
Spring Chinook
- Timeframe: March – June
- Peak: May – June
- Location: Lower Columbia River and Willamette River
- Average Size: 10-25 lbs
Spring Chinook begin entering freshwater in late winter. Fishing peaks in May and June when fish migrate into the Columbia and Willamette systems. These salmon average 10-25 lbs but can reach over 40 lbs.
Summer Chinook
- Timeframe: June – August
- Peak: July
- Location: Columbia River, coastal bays and estuaries
- Average Size: 15-30 lbs
Summer Chinook arrive in June and peak in July. Good summer fishing can be found in the Columbia River near Astoria and in coastal estuaries. These salmon weigh 15-30 lbs on average.
Fall Chinook
- Timeframe: August – November
- Peak: September – October
- Location: Columbia River, Willamette River, coastal rivers
- Average Size: 15-40 lbs
From late summer through fall, Chinook migrate up the Columbia and enter the Willamette until November. Average size is 15-40 lbs.
Coho Salmon Season
- Timeframe: Late summer – winter
- Peak: September – November
- Location: Coastal rivers, Columbia River, Willamette River
- Average Size: 8-12 lbs
Coho runs occur from late summer through winter, peaking from September to November as fish migrate inland to spawn Prime coho fishing is found in coastal rivers, the lower Columbia, and Willamette. Average size is 8-12 lbs
Other Salmon Seasons in Oregon
Chum – Limited seasons exist mainly in the Columbia River in November.
Sockeye – Very sporadic runs in the Columbia River in July and August.
Pink – Odd year runs occasionally caught incidentally when targeting other salmon.
Peak Salmon Fishing Seasons in Oregon
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Spring – Target spring Chinook in the Willamette and Columbia Rivers from March to June.
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Summer – Fish for summer Chinook in the Columbia River and estuaries from June to August.
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Fall – Fish for fall Chinook and Coho in coastal rivers and the Columbia/Willamette from August to November.
Top Salmon Fishing Locations in Oregon
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Columbia River – Home to massive spring, summer, and fall Chinook runs. Also has significant Coho runs.
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Willamette River – Hosts a great spring Chinook fishery and good fall runs of Chinook and Coho.
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Coastal Rivers – Prime spots like the Nehalem, Siletz, Umpqua, and Rogue Rivers offer seasonal runs of Chinook, Coho, and sometimes Sockeye.
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Estuaries/Bays – Tillamook Bay, Winchester Bay, and Coos Bay hold summer/fall runs of Chinook and Coho.
Tips for Salmon Fishing Success in Oregon
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Time your trip around peak run periods.
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Fish early and late when salmon are most active.
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Troll with herring or plugs to cover water and locate fish.
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Use heavy tackle – 15+ lb test line and 8-10 foot rods.
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Watch for baitfish activity to find salmon holding spots.
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Know the fishing regulations and bag limits.
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Be mobile and fish multiple spots until you find biters.
With its diversity of salmon species and runs, Oregon offers world-class salmon fishing opportunities. This guide summarizes the prime seasons and techniques for targeting trophy Chinook, feisty Coho, and other salmon species in the rivers, estuaries and offshore waters of Oregon. Using this information will help you plan an epic salmon fishing adventure!
Salmon surge upriver to spawn | Mt. Hood National Forest | Oregon
FAQ
FAQ
What is salmon season in Oregon?
Every year, the Oregon Salmon fishing season and regulations are defined in mid-April. The season usually opens on May 16 and runs through April the following year. This means that Salmon fishing is possible year-round, however, the exact regulations on species and area will vary.
Where is the salmon run in Oregon?
Coho salmon spawn in late November through early December. Moderate to difficult walking along these tributaries can reward viewers: South Umpqua River at Deer Creek (Roseburg), Myrtle Creek, and the Upper South Umpqua below Tiller. Island Creek Day Use Area and Long Fibre Park on Cow Creek are also excellent.
What months are best to catch salmon?
- Spring – April, May, June. Spring is truly some of the best fishing chinook salmon fishing of the entire year! …
- Summer – July, August. …
- Fall – September, October. …
- Winter – November, January , February , March.
What time of year do the salmon run on the Columbia River?
Historically, salmon runs in the Columbia River Basin consisted of 16% fall chinook, 12% spring chinook, 30% summer chinook, 11% coho, 23% sockeye, 8% steelhead, and less than 1% chum. These runs generally extended from March through October, though steelhead runs extended through the winter.
When do coho salmon run in Oregon?
The fall run extends through October and November in the Willamette River. The average size is 15-40 lbs. Coho salmon runs occur from late summer through winter in Oregon. Fishing peaks from September to November as the fish enter the Columbia River and migrate inland to spawn.
Do salmon run in Oregon?
Let’s dive in…. A lot of people in Oregon love to fish for salmon, and they go to the state’s rivers, lakes, and coastal waters to catch these valuable fish. But because there are different kinds of salmon and different runs at different times of the year, it can be hard to tell when the salmon are running in Oregon’s waters.
When do Chinook salmon run in Oregon?
Chinook salmon runs occur in Oregon rivers from March through November. There are three distinct seasonal Chinook runs: The spring Chinook run begins as early as March on the lower Columbia River. By May the run is in full swing with fish entering the Columbia and Willamette River systems.
When is salmon season in Oregon?
The Pacific Ocean off the Northern Oregon Coast provides a variety of salmon options from May through October. Whether you prefer Chinook, Coho, or are just looking for a fun day on the ocean, there are options to choose from. We’ll be offering guided fishing trips during the Oregon ocean salmon seasons out of Astoria and Tillamook.
Are there pink salmon runs in Oregon?
Sockeye – Sockeye runs are extremely limited in Oregon. Anglers occasionally intersect with Sockeye in the Columbia River in July and August. Pink – Sporadic Pink salmon runs occur in odd years. When found, Pinks are generally caught incidentally by anglers fishing for other salmon species. Time your trip to match the peak of the target salmon run.
Are there guided fishing trips during Oregon ocean salmon seasons?
We’ll be offering guided fishing trips during the Oregon ocean salmon seasons out of Astoria and Tillamook. May 15th, 2025: Today the NOAA announced the 2025 Pacific Ocean Salmon seasons. Check out all of the details in our descriptions below.