Oregon · Washington · Fall and winter
Hard-fighting steelhead, from fall into winter, fished from a fully enclosed, heated boat.
The fish
They are the same species. What sets them apart is the journey: steelhead migrate between the ocean and the river, and rainbow trout do not.
Steelhead are a highly sought game fish, and pound for pound one of the best fighters you can catch.
When to fish
Steelhead are in the Columbia for much of the year, and our windows are fall into winter. The bars show them, and what else is running beside them.
October: Steelhead is in season, alongside Walleye, Sturgeon (fall–winter), Salmon (fall).
| Species | Window | Typical months | Fishing now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | Year-round | All year | Yes |
| Sturgeon | Keeper | January to March | No |
| Sturgeon | Spring | April to May | No |
| Sturgeon | Oversize | June to August | No |
| Sturgeon | Fall–winter | September to December | Yes |
| Salmon | Spring | April to May | No |
| Salmon | Summer | June to July | No |
| Salmon | Fall | August to October | Yes |
| Steelhead | Winter | January to March | No |
| Steelhead | Fall–winter | September to December | Yes |
| Shad | Run | June to July | No |
Trips and rates
Rods and tackle are provided, and both boats are fully enclosed and heated.
Steelhead fishing follows the run and the water, so we set each day up with you. Call or text, tell us your dates and how many are coming, and we will find the right day.
Steelhead questions
Short answers to what people ask us most about steelhead.
Still unsure? Call or text (541) 357-6577
Plan the trip
Field notes
A short read for anglers new to steelhead. You do not need any of it to fish with us: the tackle and the know-how are ours.
Columbia River steelhead and rainbow trout are the same species. Steelhead migrate between the ocean and the river, and rainbow trout stay in fresh water.
Steelhead run from about 8 to 40 pounds, with most fish between 12 and 20 pounds. The winter runs, called B run steelhead, tend to be larger than the summer runs.
Steelhead can be found in the Columbia at most times of year, and they are most plentiful from November through February. Our own steelhead windows are fall into winter.
Seasons, limits and what you may keep are set by ODFW and WDFW and can change during the year. We tell you the current rule when you book, and you should check the agencies as well.
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Questions about your trip? Call or text (541) 357-6577.
