Biting right now — September
Fall runs are in full swing. We see excellent numbers of returning salmon and steelhead. This is a prime month for action on the river.
Steelhead
We drift bait and cast lures for aggressive steelhead in the river's current.
Salmon
We target salmon as they enter the river to spawn, casting plugs and drifting bait.
Sturgeon
Sturgeon are active feeders throughout the river system.
Every species, every month
We fish the Columbia River year-round. Different species move through the system at different times. We track these runs to find the best opportunities.
← Swipe the table to see every month →
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | SepNOW | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steelhead | off | off | good | peak | peak | peak | good | good | peak | peak | slow | off |
| Salmon | off | off | good | peak | peak | peak | good | good | peak | peak | slow | off |
| Sturgeon | peak | peak | good | good | good | good | good | good | good | good | peak | peak |
Fishing regulations change annually. Always check with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for current catch limits and seasons before you fish.
Month by month
What the water's doing, what's turned on, and which trip fits.
January
38-42°FWater temperatures drop. We focus on deep river channels and structure. Sturgeon are active in these cold waters.
February
37-41°FColdest water of the year. We target deep holes and slack water areas. Sturgeon remain our primary target.
March
40-45°FWater begins to warm. We see runs of salmon and steelhead returning. Sturgeon fishing remains good in deeper sections.
April
48-55°FWater temperatures rise. We find steelhead and salmon moving upriver. Sturgeon fishing is good in the main river channels.
May
55-62°FSteelhead and salmon runs continue strong. We target them in the faster water. Sturgeon are active throughout the river system.
June
62-68°FWe continue to catch steelhead and salmon. The fish are strong and healthy. Sturgeon fishing remains consistent in deep water.
July
62-68°FWater temperatures are warming. We find fish holding in deeper, cooler water. We target structure and current breaks.
August
65-70°FSummer conditions persist. Fish are active in the main river channel and near tributary mouths. We focus on areas with good bait concentrations.
September
60-66°FFall runs are in full swing. We see excellent numbers of returning salmon and steelhead. This is a prime month for action on the river.
October
62-68°FWe fish the Columbia River as the water cools. Salmon runs are strong. Steelhead fishing is excellent.
November
55-62°FWater temperatures drop. Sturgeon fishing becomes the main focus. We target big fish in the main river channel.
December
48-55°FWe continue to target large sturgeon. The cold weather brings them into deeper channels. We can still find good action.
Where we fish, and when it's best
Columbia River
Best Mar - Nov — We fish the main river for spring Chinook and summer steelhead. The fall offers excellent opportunities for Coho and fall Chinook.
Cowlitz River
Best Jan - Apr — This river is a prime destination for winter steelhead. We also target spring Chinook as they move upstream.
Olympic Peninsula Rivers
Best Oct - May — We target winter steelhead on these coastal streams. Salmon runs are also strong through the fall and early winter.
Vader
Best Sep - Nov — This area provides excellent opportunities for fall Chinook salmon. Coho salmon also make their strong runs here.
Astoria, Oregon
Best Jun - Dec — We fish the lower Columbia near Astoria for summer and fall Chinook. Sturgeon fishing is also excellent in this zone.
Ilwaco, Washington
Best Jun - Dec — This location offers access to the Columbia River mouth and coastal waters. We target salmon and bottomfish here.
Common questions
What is the best month to fish the Columbia River?
Is it worth coming in the off months?
When do Steelhead and Salmon show up?
What is a realistic day in the middle of the season?
When is Sturgeon fishing best?
Ready to Get on the Water?
Dates fill up fast in season. Reach out to Fishing with Dave to lock in your charter.