Best Time for Columbia River Salmon Fishing: Spring, Summer and Fall

Columbia River Chinook run in three waves: spring, summer and fall. Each one has its own fish, its own water and its own rules. The best time depends on what you want out of the day.

Spring: April and May

Spring Chinook are prized for their quality, and the run draws a crowd. It is also the most regulated run of the year, and seasons can open, shorten or close with little notice. If spring fish are your goal, call us before you commit to a date.

Summer: June and July

Summer Chinook are the big ones. The June fish that anglers nickname “June hogs” are the reason many people book this window. The same weeks bring shad and oversize sturgeon, so a summer day can be built around more than one fish.

Fall: August to October

Fall Chinook arrive in large numbers and the fishing tends to be steady. If you want the most dependable salmon window, aim for late summer into fall. See our Hanford Reach guide for one of the best-known fall stretches.

What moves the timing

• Run size. A strong run means longer, easier seasons. A weak one means closures.
• River temperature and flow. They push fish up or hold them back by a week or two.
• Light and weather. Early and late hours and steady weather fish better.

Rules

ODFW and WDFW set seasons and limits each year. We cannot promise an opening, so check the current rules or call us before booking.

Pick your day

Our seasons and runs page shows every fish by month. Then read about salmon fishing trips, check trip rates and reserve a date.