Columbia River
Oregon and Washington, United States · Large river and tidal estuary
The largest river on the west coast of North America, with salmon and steelhead runs that define the region's fishing calendar and a catch-and-release sturgeon fishery holding genuinely enormous fish.
Fishing Columbia River
Columbia River sits in Oregon and Washington and fishes as large river and tidal estuary. The headline species are Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Steelhead, White Sturgeon, Walleye, and the productive window is spring chinook mar–may; autumn run aug–oct.
Access: Numerous ramps from Astoria to the Gorge; both Oregon and Washington banks offer access. If you are travelling to fish here, build flexibility into the trip — weather, water clarity and run timing move around every season, and the anglers who do best plan around conditions rather than dates.
Local tactics
- ▸Fish the tide on the lower river; salmon move on the incoming through the estuary.
- ▸Anchor and back-bounce in the Gorge where current concentrates fish through the channel.
- ▸Seasons open and close by river section at short notice — check the emergency rule updates.
Licences and rules
An Oregon or Washington licence with a Columbia River Basin endorsement is required; salmon and steelhead need a harvest card. Seasons, bag limits and closures change through the year, so confirm the current rules with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife before you fish Columbia River.
Frequently asked questions
What fish can you catch at Columbia River?
Columbia River holds Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Steelhead, White Sturgeon, Walleye. The largest river on the west coast of North America, with salmon and steelhead runs that define the region's fishing calendar and a catch-and-release sturgeon fishery holding genuinely enormous fish.
When is the best time to fish Columbia River?
Spring Chinook Mar–May; autumn run Aug–Oct. As everywhere, the hours either side of first light, last light and a moving tide or current change produce the most fish.
How do you get to Columbia River?
Numerous ramps from Astoria to the Gorge; both Oregon and Washington banks offer access.
Do you need a fishing licence at Columbia River?
An Oregon or Washington licence with a Columbia River Basin endorsement is required; salmon and steelhead need a harvest card. Confirm the current position with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife before you fish.
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