Damn Good Columbia Fishing Guides

Fishing the Columbia River is like stepping into a living, breathing piece of the American West—wide, wild, and unapologetically rugged. Stretching over a thousand miles from the Canadian border to the Pacific, the Columbia isn’t just a river—it’s a force of nature. And for anglers, it’s a year-round invitation to chase something legendary. You’ve got everything from salmon and steelhead to sturgeon the size of small cars. It’s the kind of place where a day on the water feels less like a hobby and more like an adventure.

In the spring and fall, the river lights up with some of the best salmon runs in the Pacific Northwest. Chinook and coho cut through the current like torpedoes, and if you're lucky enough to hook one, you’ll feel it all the way in your bones. Whether you're trolling from a boat out of Astoria or casting from the rocky banks near The Dalles, there’s no wrong way to fish the Columbia—just a thousand ways to do it right. And if you’re into sturgeon, this river is your playground. These ancient giants lurk in the deep channels, and wrestling one to the surface is like grappling with a dinosaur.

But beyond the big fish and the bragging rights, the Columbia is about the quiet in-between moments—the fog lifting off the water at sunrise, the distant hum of a tugboat, the rhythm of casting into water that’s seen generations come and go. It’s about respecting a river that’s as moody and magnificent as the landscapes it cuts through. Fishing the Columbia isn’t just a day trip—it’s a return to something elemental. And for those who keep coming back, that’s more than enough.

Fishing seasons on the Columbia River move like the river itself—steady, powerful, and always changing. Spring hits with a shot of adrenaline as the first runs of spring Chinook, or “springers,” start to push upriver. These fish are prized not just for their fight, but for their rich, buttery flavor, making them the kind of catch folks talk about all year. It’s the season where die-hards bundle up before dawn, launch their boats into chilly water, and chase that one perfect fish. The bite might be slow, but when it hits, it hits hard.

Summer turns the Columbia into a full-blown playground for anglers. The weather’s warm, the river’s alive, and the fish keep coming. Sockeye and summer Chinook join the mix, and the sturgeon action stays hot—catch-and-release for the big ones, keeper slots for the perfect grill-sized fighters. There’s nothing like a day on the Columbia in July: rod in one hand, cold drink in the other, and a wide stretch of water ahead of you. Evenings bring glassy water, orange skies, and a solid chance to hook into something big.

Then fall rolls in and changes the whole mood. Coho salmon flood the system, aggressive and willing, while steelhead sneak through the current in glints of silver. The air cools, the crowds thin out, and the Columbia settles into a slower rhythm. It’s a season for waders and thermoses, casting under fiery leaves and foggy mornings. And just when it seems like things are quieting down, winter steelhead show up—proof that the Columbia never really rests. Out here, every season has a story, and the best ones always start at the edge of the river.

Fishing the Columbia River isn’t just a pastime—it’s a full-blown adventure steeped in grit, patience, and the kind of satisfaction you earn with wet boots and a strong cast. This mighty river stretches for over a thousand miles, and with that kind of distance comes a wide spread of fishing styles. You’ll find folks jigging for walleye near the Tri-Cities, back-trolling for salmon around Bonneville, or casting crankbaits for bass in glassy backwaters. It’s the kind of water that rewards those willing to try new techniques and chase different seasons.

One of the most iconic methods on the Columbia is plunking—an old-school, no-fuss technique that’s all about setting up from shore with a heavy rig and waiting for that unmistakable strike. Perfect for spring Chinook or fall Coho, it’s a slow burn that often ends in a fast fight. For the more mobile angler, trolling is the name of the game. Using downriggers and plug-cut herring, boats creep along current seams where salmon like to hold, offering a shot at some of the biggest fish the river has to offer.

And let’s not forget the finesse techniques. Drop-shotting for smallmouth bass on the Columbia’s rocky banks has exploded in popularity, especially during the warmer months. These fish might not be as big as the river’s salmon or sturgeon, but pound-for-pound, they’re fierce and relentless. Add in the ever-popular sturgeon fishing—where you might battle a prehistoric monster longer than your boat—and it’s clear: fishing the Columbia isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of river, and the fish here are more than happy to play along.

The Columbia River is a powerhouse—both in water and in the species that call it home. This river doesn’t mess around, and neither do the fish. First up: salmon. Springers, fall Chinook, and Coho runs are the backbone of the Columbia’s fishing legacy. These fish charge upstream with purpose and power, and hooking into one is like tying your line to a runaway train. They’re the kind of catch that makes a long day on the river worth every soaked sock and sunburnt hour.

Sturgeon are next on the list—ancient, armored, and flat-out massive. These river dinosaurs can grow over ten feet long, and hooking into one will test every bit of gear, grit, and muscle you’ve got. Whether you’re targeting keepers or just going catch-and-release for the fight, a sturgeon trip on the Columbia is a bucket-list experience. They lurk in the deep holes and slow eddies, and when they hit, there’s no mistaking it. You’re in for the ride of your life.

Don’t sleep on the Columbia’s bass and walleye scene, either. Smallmouth bass thrive in the rocky sections of the river and love to put up a scrappy, acrobatic fight. Meanwhile, walleye might not win any beauty contests, but they sure make up for it at the dinner table. With their glassy eyes and sharp instincts, they’re tricky to catch but well worth the effort. Add in the occasional catfish or crappie, and the Columbia turns into a multi-species playground where the next cast could bring just about anything.

If you’re talking fishing in the Pacific Northwest, the Columbia River isn’t just on the list—it *is* the list. Stretching over 1,200 miles from the Rockies to the Pacific, this legendary waterway is a powerhouse of opportunity. And while it touches dozens of towns, a few spots along its path stand out like a sharp hook on a sunny day. Head to the stretch near Bonneville Dam if you’re chasing salmon. This section’s famous for fall Chinook runs that’ll test your tackle and your patience. The current is strong, the fish are stronger, and the payoff? Unforgettable.

Further upriver, around The Dalles and Hood River, you’ll find a different kind of magic. Here, anglers gather in boats at first light to troll for walleye and steelhead, while bank fishermen post up along rocky ledges with coolers, camp chairs, and stories as long as the river itself. This part of the Columbia feels wild—where the desert cliffs rise high and the bite can go from dead calm to red hot in a matter of minutes. It’s a place where every cast holds a little promise, and every bend in the river hints at something big.

Then there’s the Tri-Cities area—Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland—where the river slows down just enough to give bass fishermen their time to shine. Smallmouth here hit hard, fight dirty, and hang out in rock piles and drop-offs like clockwork. And if you’re into sturgeon, the lower Columbia near Astoria is ground zero for some of the biggest prehistoric beasts you’ll ever try to muscle out of the depths. From mountain-fed rapids to coastal tide swings, the Columbia offers it all—and then some.

Is the Columbia good for fishing? That’s like asking if a Swiss Army knife is handy. This river isn’t just good—it’s a living, breathing angler’s paradise that shifts with the seasons and delivers year-round action like clockwork. From the snowmelt-charged headwaters in British Columbia to the wide, brackish mouth near Astoria, the Columbia is a fish highway teeming with opportunity. Salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, bass, walleye—you name it, and chances are it’s swimming somewhere in this mighty river right now.

What makes the Columbia special isn’t just its size—it’s the diversity of the catch and the accessibility. Bank or boat, fly or spin, novice or lifer—there’s a spot and a season for every kind of angler. Spring and fall salmon runs turn quiet towns into bustling hubs of waders and trailers, while the deep pools near the dams hide monster sturgeon that fight like something out of a prehistoric dream. Want to haul in a cooler full of walleye or chase aggressive smallmouth along rocky drop-offs? There’s a stretch for that, too.

But beyond the fish, there’s something about the Columbia that hooks you in a different way. It’s the history, the scale, the way the landscape changes around each bend—from misty pines and high desert cliffs to orchard-dotted valleys and foggy coastline. It’s a river that rewards those who come back season after season, learning its moods, its rhythms, and its legends. So yes, the Columbia isn’t just good for fishing—it’s one of the best there is.