Columbia River Fishing Seasons: What Bites in Every Month

The Columbia fishes in every month, but not for the same fish. The easiest way to plan a trip is to pick the fish you want to catch, then the window that fits it. Here is how the year runs on the stretches we guide.

The year at a glance

Walleye are in the river all year, which makes them the safe choice when your date is fixed. The full grid, with a month picker, is on the seasons and runs page.

Winter

Keeper sturgeon run from January to March, and that is the best time to hold one for the photo. Steelhead and walleye round out the winter. Dress warm; our boats are heated and fully enclosed.

Spring

Walleye keep fishing as the river warms. Spring salmon open in April and May, and sturgeon are in the mix. Spring is the most regulated run and can change without much notice, so call before you build a plan around it.

Summer

June and July are the busiest. Summer Chinook arrive, shad run in numbers and oversize sturgeon fish from June through August. A shad day is a good one for beginners and groups.

Fall

Fall salmon fish from August through October, with sturgeon and walleye still on, and steelhead starting to show. It is the season for big Chinook.

What changes the calendar

Water temperature, river flow and run size all move things by a week or two. Rules and seasons are set by ODFW and WDFW every year and can close or open a fishery with little warning. Use the calendar to choose a window, then check the current rules or call us before you book.

Pick a trip

See trip rates, reserve your date or read about the fish we guide: walleye, sturgeon, salmon, steelhead and shad.