The Columbia River is one of the premier salmon and steelhead fishing destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Anglers from across the region flock to its waters every year in hopes of catching a prized Chinook salmon or steelhead. However, the fishing seasons and regulations on the Columbia can be complex and change frequently. So a common question asked by anglers is “Is the Columbia River open for salmon fishing right now?”
The simple answer is that it depends on the time of year and specific location you want to fish. The Lower Columbia below Bonneville Dam, closest to Portland, generally has the most consistent salmon seasons. But even here the seasons, limits, and rules adjust rapidly in response to fish returns and quotas.
To determine if the section of river you want to fish is currently open, the Oregon and Washington fishing regulations are the ultimate authority The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife provides a Fishing Report for the Columbia Zone that includes current regulations and updates You can also call ODFW for the latest info.
In Washington regulations are set by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Check their fishing hotline for seasonal changes. There are also useful forums like the Columbia River Fishing Reports site to see what’s biting.
To give you a general idea, here’s a breakdown of recent salmon fishing seasons and opportunities:
Spring Chinook Salmon
The first big salmon fishery of the year on the Columbia targets spring Chinook returning to hatcheries like Bonneville and The Dalles. These salmon migrate upriver from March through July.
Lower River: From Buoy 10 upstream to Beacon Rock, springer seasons fluctuate but often open in March and run through April or even early May in the Portland area. Daily limits allow 1-2 salmon.
Bonneville Pool: Opens in late April/early May with quotas and short seasons.
The Dalles Pool: Opens on limited days in May and June with quotas.
Summer Chinook Salmon
Summer Chinook start entering the Columbia in June and peak in August. Fishing is centered in the Lower River near Portland and downstream of there.
Lower River: Season is open June 16 through July 31 with a daily limit of 2 salmon, only one of which can be a Chinook.
Bonneville & The Dalles Pools: Closed to Chinook retention in summer but other salmon may be kept.
Fall Chinook Salmon
The huge run of fall Chinook builds from mid-August through September. These salmon migrate all the way upriver and provide opportunities in multiple areas.
Lower River: Open August 1 through December 31 with daily limits of 1-3 salmon, one of which can be a Chinook. Fishing peaks at Buoy 10 in August.
Bonneville Pool: Opens late August with non-selective seasons for 1-3 salmon daily.
The Dalles & John Day Pools: Open late August through October with non-selective seasons for 1-3 salmon daily.
Coho Salmon
Beginning in late August, fin-clipped hatchery coho enter the Columbia River in big numbers, providing great action into October.
Entire River: Opens late August/early September for hatchery coho, with daily limits around 3-6 salmon which can include wild coho in some zones. Seasons extend through October.
Steelhead
Both winter and summer run steelhead provide year-round fishing, with peak seasons in summer and winter.
Entire River: Open all year for hatchery steelhead. Limits range from 1-3 per day. Best seasons are November-April (winter steelhead) and May-October (summer steelhead).
Key Things to Know
-
Seasons and regulations change frequently, especially in spring. Always check current rules before fishing.
-
Many areas are open to salmon or steelhead fishing year-round, but the limits and retention rules for specific species vary by time of year.
-
Fall salmon seasons from August-October are the most consistent opportunity for both Chinook and coho.
-
Hatchery salmon and steelhead can be kept but wild fish must be released in most cases. Know how to ID them.
-
Stretches near Portland usually have the longest seasons and best access for bank anglers.
-
Upstream of Bonneville, boat angling provides the best success as access is limited.
-
Don’t wait too long once salmon seasons open – the best fishing is usually early in each season.
BANK Fishing For Columbia RIVER SALMON (Plunking Triple Wobblers)
FAQ
FAQ
Is the Columbia River still open for salmon?
Salmon and steelhead fishing is open daily through March 31 from the mouth of the Columbia River to the Interstate 5 bridge under permanent regulations. However, spring Chinook typically don’t arrive in large numbers until late March or April.
Where can I fish for salmon right now?
Lake Shasta, CA.
With a surface area of 30,000 acres, Lake Shasta hosts some of the best Salmon fishing in California.
Is salmon season still open 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.
Is the Multnomah channel open for salmon fishing?
Multnomah Creek
Open for Chinook salmon, hatchery coho salmon, and hatchery steelhead consistent with regulations for the Columbia River from I-5 bridge up to Bonneville Dam except closed Aug 16 – Nov 30. Open all year for trout from Benson Lake downstream to the culvert under Hwy 84.