Planning Your Fishing Trip: When Is Salmon Fishing Open on the Columbia River Season-by-Season?

Welcome to the ultimate guide for planning your next epic angling adventure on the majestic Columbia River! Here at Columbia River Fishing Adventures, we live and breathe this water. We know that the first and most critical question every single angler asks, from the seasoned local to the first-timer flying in, is always the same: Is salmon fishing open on the Columbia River?

It sounds like a simple question, but the answer is anything but! The Columbia River is a dynamic, massive system governed by two state agencies (Oregon and Washington) and complex biological mandates to protect Endangered Species Act (ESA) listed fish. As a result, seasons can open, close, and change with less notice than a weather forecast.

This comprehensive guide is designed to cut through the confusion. We’ll break down the salmon fishing year on the Columbia into its three primary acts: Spring, Summer, and Fall, giving you the best information available to plan your trip, whether you’re booking a charter or heading out on your own.

 

 

The Golden Rule: Why Regulations Change Constantly

Before diving into the calendar, it’s essential to understand why the answer to is salmon fishing open on the Columbia River is never static.

The opening and closing dates are primarily based on pre-season forecasts for the number of fish expected to return. However, once the season starts, managers track the actual return daily. If fewer fish are returning than expected, or if the quota of impact on protected wild fish (like wild Chinook or Coho) is reached too quickly, regulators issue an emergency closure.

For the angler, this means two things:

1. Flexibility is Key: Always have a Plan B, or be ready to adjust your dates.
2. Stay Informed: Always check the WDFW (Washington) and ODFW (Oregon) emergency regulations the night before you launch your boat.

Spring Chinook – The Columbia River’s Premier Fishery

The Spring Chinook, often called “Springers,” are the most prized fish in the Pacific Northwest. Their flesh is rich with fat, which they store for the long journey upriver, making them unparalleled table fare.

The Typical Spring Chinook Schedule (February – May)

The season focuses primarily on the portion of the river below Bonneville Dam, but occasionally extends into select tributaries and upper river areas.

February to Early March: The Waiting Game

• Status: Generally closed, or only open for very limited periods in specific lower river areas.
• The Vibe: This is when the pre-season forecasts are finalized. Expectations are high, but the river is usually cold, and the fishing pressure is minimal. We use this time to scout and get our boats ready for the coming rush.
• Key Regulation: If there is an early opening, it is almost always mark-selective (Hatchery fish only).

Mid-March to Mid-April: Prime Time Below Bonneville

• Status: This is the most likely time for the mainstem Columbia River season below Bonneville Dam to be open for retention of Spring Chinook.
• The Vibe: This is the peak of the season. Boat ramps are packed, and the weather can be a mix of sunshine and freezing rain. Success rates can be fantastic, but the window is often short—sometimes only 2-4 weeks, depending on the quota.
• Angler’s Tip: If you want a guaranteed spot and expert guidance during this crucial period, securing a booking with an experienced service is vital. 

CTA Columbia River Fishing Adventures specializes in navigating the regulated waters during this high-stakes season. Call us at 503-490-3099 to secure your trip well in advance!

 

Late April to May: Upper River and Tributary Focus

• Status: The mainstem below Bonneville usually closes down as the quota is met, but the season opens in select tributaries (like the Willamette and Cowlitz Rivers) and the mainstem above Bonneville Dam.
• The Vibe: The focus shifts. Boat traffic thins out, and anglers follow the fish migration upriver. The fishing can be slower than the peak, but catching a Springer this late feels like a significant accomplishment.

Summer Salmon and Sockeye – The Brief Intermission

The summer season is the shortest and most volatile. It targets Summer Chinook and the magnificent, hard-fighting Sockeye Salmon.

The Typical Summer Salmon Schedule (Mid-June – Mid-July)

This season is characterized by very tight quotas, specifically due to the need to protect the ESA-listed Snake River Sockeye.

Mid-June: The Summer Chinook Opener

• Status: Limited openings, usually for a few days a week, often mark-selective (Hatchery only).
• The Vibe: It’s a fast-paced, high-pressure fishery. The fish are powerful, and the weather is beautiful.
• Key Regulation: The season is usually held in the area above the Astoria-Megler Bridge to avoid impacting ocean-bound wild fish.

Late June to Mid-July: Sockeye Focus

• Status: If the run forecast allows, there may be limited retention periods for Sockeye, primarily in the upper river above the Priest Rapids Dam. The mainstem often remains closed for retention.
• The Vibe: Sockeye are beautiful, bright red fish that fight hard. This season offers a unique experience, but the answer to is salmon fishing open on the Columbia River for these fish is often ‘no’ in the lower mainstem, requiring a trip much further upriver.

Fall Chinook and Coho – The Columbia’s Biggest Show

The Fall Salmon season is the most reliable, largest, and longest fishery on the Columbia River. Millions of fish return, offering spectacular opportunities for both guided trips and self-guided anglers. This is when the question, Is salmon fishing open on the Columbia River?, often gets the happiest answer!

The Typical Fall Salmon Schedule (August – December)

This massive run is split into several distinct geographical fisheries.

August: The Buoy 10 Phenomenon

• Status: OPEN. This is almost always the first major salmon season to open and usually runs from August 1st through Labor Day.
• The Vibe: Controlled chaos! The Buoy 10 area (the mouth of the Columbia River near Astoria) is arguably the world’s busiest salmon fishery. It’s a bucket-list experience for every angler. Thousands of boaters target the massive schools of Chinook and Coho entering the river from the Pacific Ocean.
• Key Targets: Bright, massive “Tule” Fall Chinook (up to 50 pounds) and fast-fighting Coho (Silver) salmon. Many dedicated Columbia River salmon fishing guides run multiple boats daily here because the action is so intense.

September: Mainstem Peak and Mid-River Migration

• Status: OPEN. As fish move upriver, the focus shifts to areas like Woodland, Kalama, and the Willamette River confluence.
• The Vibe: Great fishing continues, but the pressure spreads out. The fishing is more stable than the tight window of Buoy 10. The weather is often perfect.
• Focus: This is prime time for big, heavy Chinook destined for upriver tributaries like the Hanford Reach, often referred to as “Upriver Brights.”

October: Coho Takes Over

• Status: OPEN. While Chinook start to drop off, the Coho (Silver Salmon) fishery heats up, often with better-than-forecast returns.
• The Vibe: Coho are acrobatic and aggressive. Trolling herring or coho-specific lures is the name of the game.
• Angler’s Tip: Many of the best Columbia River salmon fishing charter operators pivot to Coho this month. The fishing can be fast, making it a perfect trip for families or groups of friends.

November and December: Late Coho and Finisher Fisheries

• Status: Varies greatly. Some areas may remain open for a late Coho or “Finisher” fishery on late-returning Chinook.
• The Vibe: Cold, quiet, and often very rewarding. The fish that are still in the river are tough, and the river is nearly empty of boat traffic.

Navigating the Regulations: Essential Terms to Know

To truly answer the question, Is salmon fishing open on the Columbia River?, you need to understand the language of the regulation pamphlet.

Mark-Selective Fishery (MSF)

This is the most common regulation in the Columbia, especially in the Spring. It means you can only keep a salmon that has a clipped adipose fin. This signifies the fish was raised in a hatchery and is not a protected wild fish.

• What to Look For: A scar where the fin should be.
• The Rule: Any salmon without the clip (a wild fish) must be immediately released, unharmed.

The Bonneville Dam Line

The river is frequently split into regulatory zones that use the Bonneville Dam as the dividing line.

• Below Bonneville: Often opens first, is generally closed sooner due to high pressure, and has tighter limits on retaining wild fish.
• Above Bonneville: Often opens later, has different quotas, and might stay open longer into the season.

Season-Specific Quotas

Every major run is allocated a specific number of hatchery and wild fish that can be retained or impacted by the fishery. Once the wild fish impact quota is reached, the season closes—even if there are still plenty of hatchery fish available.

The Guide Advantage: Making Sure Your Trip Counts

We often hear from anglers who drove hours, launched their boat, and then found out the fishery had closed the night before. This is where a professional Columbia River fishing adventures service becomes an invaluable partner.

Three Reasons to Book Your Trip with a Pro

1. Real-Time Regulation Knowledge

We don’t just check the regulations; we’re often in communication with the fishery managers and are the first to know about an emergency closure. When a season opens for just a 3-day window, our guides know exactly where to be and when.

2. Specialized Gear and Techniques

Salmon fishing on the Columbia River requires specific gear that changes based on the season, river current, and depth.

• Spring: Long-lining flatfish lures or back-bouncing eggs.
• Fall: Trolling massive Super Baits or herring in the heavy current.

Our boats are outfitted with the exact setup you need for the highest chance of success for that specific day and location.

3. Maximizing Limited Openings

When the season is only open for 48 hours, you can’t afford a learning curve. A professional Columbia River salmon fishing charter ensures you are on the water, targeting the most productive hole, with the right bait, at the most productive tide change. It eliminates the guesswork so you can focus on the fight.

Your Next Step: Booking Your Columbia River Dream Trip

Understanding is salmon fishing open on the Columbia River is the first step, but transforming that knowledge into a fish in the net is the real goal.

We believe that chasing these incredible fish is about more than just the catch; it’s about the experience. It’s the sunrise over the Cascades, the tug of a 30-pound Chinook, and the memory you create with family and friends.

Don’t let confusing regulations or insufficient gear derail your adventure. Let the pros handle the details.

Ready to fish? Secure your spot for the upcoming season, and let our experienced team put you on the fish. Check our availability and learn more about our specific Spring, Summer, and Fall trip packages by calingl us at 503-490-3099. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard!

FAQ: Quick Answers to Your Columbia River Fishing Questions

H3Q: Is salmon fishing open on the Columbia River year-round?

A: No. While some form of angling (like sturgeon or steelhead) might be open year-round in various sections, the mainstem seasons for Chinook and Coho salmon are highly regulated and only open during the Spring (March-May), Summer (June-July), and Fall (August-October) migration periods.

Q: What is the best month to catch a large Chinook salmon?

A: The best month for the largest fish is usually September for the “Upriver Brights” (Fall Chinook) as they migrate upriver, or March/April for the high-quality Spring Chinook below Bonneville Dam. The fish caught during the Buoy 10 fishery in August are also massive and aggressive.

Q: How can I check the official regulations myself?

A: Always refer to the official state fishery websites. The two primary resources are the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Look specifically for their “Emergency Regulation Updates” or “Sport Fishing Seasons and Rules” pages.

Q: What is the difference between a salmon fishing guide and a charter?

A: The terms are often used interchangeably on the Columbia. A Columbia River salmon fishing charter (or guide) provides the boat, gear, safety equipment, and expertise, taking care of the logistics so you can simply fish.

Q: Why does the river close, even when there are lots of fish?

A: The river closes primarily to protect the protected, ESA-listed wild salmon and steelhead stocks. Fishery managers are required to close the season once the catch/impact quota on these wild fish is reached, regardless of how many hatchery fish are still running.

Q: Do I need both an Oregon and a Washington license to fish the mainstem?

A: No, you only need one, but you must adhere to the rules of the state whose license you hold. Most anglers purchase a non-resident license from the state where they launch the most or book their Columbia River salmon fishing guides through.