Why Rufus, Oregon Is Famous for Columbia River Walleye
Why walleye fishing near Rufus, Oregon draws anglers from far away: the water, the seasons, the techniques and how to book a guided day.
Top Columbia River Fishing Spots for Big Fish
The Columbia is a long river, and the best spot depends on the fish and the month. These are the stretches we fish.
The Dalles and the Deschutes mouth
Salmon and steelhead stage where cold Deschutes water meets the Columbia. See our Deschutes guide.
Biggs Junction and Rufus
Wide, slow water with drop-offs and rock. This is walleye country. Read why Rufus is famous for walleye.
John Day Dam
The pool above the dam has structure for walleye, and the water below holds sturgeon.
Umatilla and McNary Dam
Reliable fishing through much of the year for walleye, sturgeon and salmon.
Hanford Reach
The last free-flowing stretch of the Columbia in the US and one of the best fall Chinook fisheries. See the Hanford Reach guide.
The upper Columbia
Brewster Pool and the dams above the Tri-Cities draw summer and fall Chinook anglers. See the upper Columbia guide.
How to choose
Pick the fish first, then the season. The seasons and runs page shows what is on each month, and rules are set each year by ODFW and WDFW. Our where we fish map shows the stretches. When you are ready, reserve your date.
Questions anglers ask
Where are the best salmon spots on the Columbia?
The Deschutes River mouth, Hanford Reach and the upper river around Brewster are well known for Chinook.
Where can I catch trophy walleye?
The pools around Biggs Junction, Rufus and John Day Dam are known walleye water.
Where do the biggest sturgeon live?
The Columbia pools between Bonneville and McNary hold sturgeon, including oversize fish.
Keep reading
More from the river
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Deschutes River Salmon Fishing: Where, When and How It Works
Fall Chinook and steelhead around the Deschutes River mouth near The Dalles, how the fishery works and how a guided day on the Columbia fits in.
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Salmon vs Sturgeon Fishing: Which Columbia River Trip Is Best?
Salmon or sturgeon on the Columbia? How the two trips differ in pace, season, skill and size, and which one fits you, your group or your first trip.
