Columbia River Fishing Report
This Columbia River fishing report is updated regularly from real guided fishing trips with Marvin’s Guide Service. I fish throughout the Columbia River system, including Portland, St. Helens, the lower Columbia River, Astoria, Buoy 10, the Columbia River Gorge, The Dalles, Rufus, John Day Dam, and the Willamette River system.
If you’re looking for the latest Columbia River fishing report, Columbia River salmon fishing report, sturgeon fishing report, walleye fishing report, or Buoy 10 fishing update, this page is based on what I’m seeing on the water during actual guided trips.
Current Focus: Oversized Columbia River sturgeon and walleye fishing in the Columbia River Gorge, The Dalles area, and below John Day Dam.
Want to fish? Call or text Marvin at 503-314-5087, or book your Columbia River fishing trip here.
Latest Columbia River Fishing Report
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Over the last two weeks on the Columbia River, I have been guiding clients for both oversized sturgeon and walleye, and the fishing has been excellent.
Catch-and-release oversized sturgeon fishing has been awesome in the Columbia River Gorge. We have been fishing the The Dalles area and below John Day Dam, targeting giant sturgeon between 7 and 10 feet long. These are the kind of fish that make memories for a lifetime.
For bait, we have been using shad and squid, and both have been producing fish. When the bite is on, this is some of the most exciting freshwater fishing you can experience anywhere in Oregon or Washington.
Walleye fishing below John Day Dam has also been consistent. On walleye days, we have been trolling worm harnesses with spinner blades, and also jigging when the current and wind conditions set up right. The Gorge can change fast with wind and current, so we adjust each day based on conditions.
Right now, if you want steady action, good-eating fish, or a chance at a true giant Columbia River sturgeon, this is a great time to get on the water.
Salmon season and Buoy 10 are also getting closer, so now is a good time to start planning summer and fall Columbia River fishing trips.
I still have openings available for upcoming sturgeon, walleye, salmon, and Buoy 10 fishing trips. Call or text Marvin at 503-314-5087 or book your Columbia River fishing trip online.
What’s Fishing Good Right Now on the Columbia River?
- Oversized Sturgeon: Excellent catch-and-release action in the Columbia River Gorge, The Dalles area, and below John Day Dam.
- Walleye: Consistent fishing below John Day Dam using worm harnesses, spinner blades, and jigs.
- Salmon: Summer and fall salmon seasons are coming, with Buoy 10 approaching fast.
- Astoria and Buoy 10: August salmon fishing near Astoria, Hammond, and the mouth of the Columbia River is one of the biggest fisheries of the year.
Fishing changes quickly on the Columbia River. Wind, current, water temperature, salmon movement, and fishery regulations can all change the plan from day to day. That is why I update this report based on what is actually happening on the river.
Check available fishing dates here
Columbia River Guided Fishing Trips
Marvin’s Guide Service offers guided Columbia River fishing trips for salmon, sturgeon, walleye, and seasonal fisheries throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. Depending on the time of year, I guide trips near Portland, St. Helens, Astoria, Buoy 10, Hammond, Warrenton, Hood River, The Dalles, Rufus, John Day Dam, and other productive areas of the Columbia River system.
With more than 27 years of professional guiding experience, I know how fast this river can change. Some days the best fishing is near Portland. Other times we shift to the Columbia River Gorge, Astoria, Buoy 10, or the lower Columbia depending on the season and fish movement.
For trip availability, call or text 503-314-5087 or visit my trip inquiry page.
Helpful Columbia River Fishing Pages
If you’re planning a Columbia River fishing trip, these pages can help you learn more about the areas and seasons I fish:
- Astoria Oregon Fishing Guide
- Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing
- Columbia River Sturgeon Season
- Oregon Crabbing Report
- My Columbia River Fishing Guide Boat
- Book a Guided Fishing Trip
Previous Columbia River Fishing Reports
The older reports below are kept on this page so anglers can look back at past Columbia River fishing conditions. These reports show how the river changes through spring Chinook, summer salmon, Buoy 10, fall Chinook, coho, sturgeon, walleye, and crabbing seasons.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Another exciting update for Columbia River spring Chinook anglers — Oregon and Washington fisheries managers added a few more open days after updated run numbers came in better than expected.
The Columbia River reopened for spring Chinook fishing from Thursday, May 14 through Saturday, May 16 below Bonneville Dam. Fish managers reopened the fishery after seeing improved spring Chinook returns moving through the system.
The last several open days showed noticeably better fishing from the St. Helens area up through Portland, with more fish being caught throughout the river system. There were definitely more salmon around than there were a couple weeks earlier, and things finally felt like they were starting to build.
I continued fishing both the Columbia River and lower Willamette River depending on where conditions and fish movement looked best. With added fishing days and improving catches, it was a good time to get on the water while the season remained open.
Book a Columbia River salmon fishing trip
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Exciting update for this Columbia River fishing report — Oregon and Washington fisheries managers opened another short Columbia River salmon opportunity after improved spring Chinook numbers.
The last few open days showed very good salmon fishing, with strong action from the St. Helens area up to Portland. Salmon were moving through the system, and conditions were shaping up well for this short opportunity.
I fished the Portland area and took full advantage of the opener. After that, the plan was to shift back over to the lower Willamette River, which was also producing salmon, especially in the lower stretches and around Oregon City.
With salmon in the system and limited open days, timing was everything.
Book a Columbia River salmon fishing guide
Monday, March 30, 2026
Salmon fishing on the Columbia River near Portland was still on the slow side, which is typical for early spring conditions. A few fish were caught throughout the day, but overall action remained limited as the run was just getting started.
Better reports were coming from the lower river, especially around Kalama, where anglers were seeing more consistent success and a noticeable uptick in salmon being caught.
On the Willamette River, particularly near St. Johns, fishing was spotty with a few fish picked up here and there. Like the Columbia, it was still early, but signs were pointing in the right direction.
As we moved into April, fishing conditions were expected to improve with more consistent action throughout the system.
Book your spring Chinook salmon fishing trip
Fall 2025 Columbia River Salmon Report Summary
Coho fishing held up well in the Portland area around Troutdale, and there were also reports of coho caught around St. Helens. Chinook were still moving through the system, but regulations required release during certain parts of the fall season.
As October weather arrived, the better salmon fishing began shifting upriver toward Hood River and The Dalles. This is common during fall as fish move through the Columbia River Gorge and continue toward upriver tributaries.
The Columbia River reopened for hatchery coho salmon fishing in early October and was scheduled to remain open for the rest of the year. The limit was two fin-clipped coho, while anglers had to release Chinook and steelhead during certain parts of the season depending on the rules in place.
Summer 2025 Astoria, Buoy 10, and Lower Columbia Report Summary
During July, Chinook fishing was extended in the mainstem Columbia River from the Astoria-Megler Bridge upstream, giving anglers more opportunity before the peak Buoy 10 season. This created a great option for anglers fishing out of the Astoria and Hammond area.
Ocean salmon fishing offshore from Astoria was excellent when the Columbia River bar allowed safe crossing. Coho were the main fish, with many running 7 to 10 pounds, and a few Chinook were mixed in.
Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing in the lower Columbia River was also very good during this period. As summer progressed, I transitioned from oversized sturgeon and walleye trips in the Columbia River Gorge down toward Hammond and Astoria for ocean salmon and Buoy 10 fishing.
For more information about this fishery, visit my Buoy 10 salmon fishing page.
Spring 2025 Columbia River Spring Chinook Report Summary
Spring Chinook fishing started slow on the Columbia River, which is common early in the season. Scattered springers were caught near Portland, Bonneville, Multnomah Channel, and the lower Willamette River, but the bite took time to build.
By April, fishery managers added more open days after reviewing the run and catch numbers. The lower Columbia reopened for additional spring Chinook fishing days from Buoy 10 up toward Beacon Rock, with bank opportunities extending farther upriver below Bonneville Dam.
Some of the better action came from the Davis Bar area, the head of Multnomah Channel, the lower Willamette River, and sections of the Columbia River around Portland. As conditions improved, spring Chinook fishing finally started to pick up.
Winter 2025 Columbia River Walleye and Sturgeon Report Summary
Winter fishing focused heavily on Columbia River walleye in the Rufus and Boardman areas. The fishing was cold at times, and wind was always a factor in the Gorge, but walleye trips produced healthy numbers of fish when conditions allowed.
We spent time trolling productive walleye areas and switching to jigging once we located schools. These winter Columbia River walleye trips are a great option for anglers looking for good-eating fish during the colder months.
Sturgeon fishing in the Columbia River Gorge was also excellent around New Year’s Day. Keeper sturgeon fishing was very productive, and the quota was reached quickly in some areas. Catch-and-release sturgeon trips remained a great option after keeper opportunities closed.
Learn more about keeper and catch-and-release sturgeon opportunities on my Columbia River sturgeon season page.
Fall 2024 Columbia River Salmon Report Summary
The fall 2024 Columbia River salmon season had strong fishing in several areas, including Hood River, Bonneville, Scappoose, St. Helens, and the lower Columbia. Oregon and Washington fishery managers extended multiple salmon opportunities during September and October.
Anglers saw a mix of Chinook and coho throughout the river, with strong numbers of fish moving upriver. Some areas allowed retention of Chinook during extended seasons, while coho rules varied by location and hatchery marking requirements.
Fishing near Portland was spotty at times, but the Columbia River Gorge and Hood River areas were productive as salmon pushed upriver. This was a good example of how Columbia River fishing can shift quickly from the lower river to the Gorge as fall progresses.
Fall 2023 Columbia River Salmon Report Summary
Fall 2023 produced some very good Columbia River salmon fishing, especially in the Portland area, below Bonneville Dam, and around Hood River. We caught a mix of Chinook and coho, with some days producing fast action and early limits.
Fishing near Hood River was especially strong in October, with lots of salmon jumping and good numbers of Chinook and coho moving through. We also saw productive fishing below Bonneville Dam and around the Portland area when conditions lined up.
Late September and early October were some of the best stretches, with clients putting salmon in the boat and steady reports of fish moving throughout the system.
Columbia River Fishing Seasons
The Columbia River offers different fishing opportunities throughout the year. Seasons and regulations can change, but this is a general idea of what anglers can expect:
- Spring: Spring Chinook salmon near Portland, St. Helens, Bonneville, and the lower Willamette River.
- Summer: Oversized sturgeon, walleye, summer salmon, and early ocean salmon near Astoria.
- August: Buoy 10 salmon fishing near Astoria, Hammond, Warrenton, and the mouth of the Columbia River.
- Fall: Chinook and coho salmon near Portland, Bonneville, Hood River, The Dalles, and the Columbia River Gorge.
- Winter: Columbia River walleye and sturgeon opportunities, depending on conditions and regulations.
Columbia River Fishing Report FAQ
How often is this Columbia River fishing report updated?
This report is updated whenever I have fresh information from guided fishing trips, regulation changes, fish movement, or major changes in Columbia River fishing conditions.
Where is the best fishing on the Columbia River right now?
The best fishing changes by season. Right now, we have been focusing on oversized sturgeon and walleye in the Columbia River Gorge, including The Dalles area and below John Day Dam.
Where is the best salmon fishing near Portland?
The best salmon fishing near Portland changes with the season, river conditions, and fish movement. Common areas include the Columbia River near Portland, St. Helens, Troutdale, Bonneville, and the lower Willamette River.
When is Buoy 10 salmon fishing?
Buoy 10 salmon fishing usually becomes the main focus in August near Astoria, Hammond, Warrenton, and the mouth of the Columbia River. This is one of the most popular salmon fisheries in Oregon and Washington.
Can I book a Columbia River sturgeon or walleye fishing trip?
Yes. Marvin’s Guide Service offers guided Columbia River sturgeon and walleye trips when conditions are right. Call or text Marvin at 503-314-5087 or use the trip inquiry page.
Can I book a Columbia River salmon fishing trip with Marvin’s Guide Service?
Yes. Call or text Marvin at 503-314-5087 or use the trip inquiry page to check available salmon fishing dates.
Ready to fish the Columbia River? Call or text Marvin at 503-314-5087 or book your guided fishing trip online.
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