Columbia River Fishing Report

This Columbia River fishing report is based on 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 a Columbia River fishing report, salmon fishing report, sturgeon fishing report, walleye fishing report, or Buoy 10 fishing update, the dated trip reports below describe what I have seen on the water. Fishing conditions can change from one day to the next.

Regulation update: September 24, 2026. ODFW has added Chinook retention for September 26–27 in the Columbia River from Buoy 10 upstream to the west Puget Island line. My latest firsthand fishing observations on this page are from September 9.

Want to fish? Call or text Marvin at 503-314-5087, or send a Columbia River fishing trip inquiry.

Latest Columbia River Fishing Report

September 24, 2026: Buoy 10 Salmon Regulation Update

These rules apply from the Buoy 10 line upstream to the west Puget Island line:

September 12–25: The daily adult limit is three fin-clipped hatchery coho. All Chinook and wild coho must be released.
September 26–27: Chinook and fin-clipped hatchery coho may be retained. The daily adult limit is three salmon, but only one may be a Chinook. Wild coho must be released.
September 28–October 31: Under the rules currently posted, the daily adult limit returns to three fin-clipped hatchery coho. All Chinook and wild coho must be released.

Between Buoy 10 and the Tongue Point/Rocky Point line, the minimum adult coho length is 16 inches through September 30, and jack salmon retention is prohibited through September 30. Regulations differ in other sections of the Columbia River.

Check the official ODFW regulation updates before fishing. ODFW also published an announcement about the added September 26–27 fishing days. In-season rules can change.

Wednesday, September 9, 2026: My Latest On-the-Water Report

We left Hammond Marina and started fishing near Buoy 20 around low tide. The bite was slow at first, so when the incoming tide began moving, we headed down toward Buoy 10.

Once we reached Buoy 10, it turned into another coho rodeo. Coho were spread throughout the lower Columbia River, and the fishing improved quickly. The fish we were catching averaged approximately 8 to 12 pounds.

We also hooked and released Chinook salmon. Chinook retention was closed in the Buoy 10 area on the day of this trip. See the September 24 regulation update above for the newly added September 26–27 Chinook opening.

More coho were moving into the river with the tides. At the time of this report, I expected hatchery coho fishing near Buoy 10, Hammond, Astoria, and above the Astoria-Megler Bridge to continue improving.

September Salmon and Crab Combo Trips

During September, I offer lower Columbia River salmon-and-crab combo trips when fishing conditions and regulations allow. We can drop the crab pots in the morning, fish for salmon while the pots soak, and pull the pots on our way back to Hammond Marina.

On my early September trips, three pots near the lighthouse produced approximately 8 to 12 legal male Dungeness crab, although we also encountered many females. At that time, the crab were approximately 40% full of meat. The Social Security Beach area produced fewer females and a better percentage of legal males.

Those are dated observations, and crab quality should be checked on the day of a trip. I plan to begin dedicated Astoria crabbing trips around the middle of October as conditions and crab quality improve.

To ask about available salmon-and-crab dates, call or text Marvin at 503-314-5087 or send a trip inquiry online.

Current Columbia River Opportunities and Recent Observations

Hatchery coho: My latest lower Columbia River trip report, from September 9, describes good coho action near Buoy 10, with fish averaging approximately 8 to 12 pounds.
Chinook: ODFW added retention days for September 26–27. From Buoy 10 to west Puget Island, the daily adult limit on those two days is three salmon, but only one may be a Chinook. Rules vary farther upriver.
Dungeness crab: My early September pots showed improving crabbing near the Columbia River mouth. Salmon-and-crab combination trips may be available when conditions allow.
Fall salmon: Coho and Chinook move through different sections of the Columbia River during fall. I choose fishing areas based on conditions and the regulations in effect.
Walleye and sturgeon: Guided trips are available when seasonal conditions and regulations are favorable.

Wind, tides, current, water temperature, fish movement, and fishing regulations can change the plan from day to day. I’ll add another firsthand report after I have fresh information from the river.

Check available Columbia River fishing dates here.

Columbia River Guided Fishing Trips

Marvin’s Guide Service offers guided Columbia River fishing trips for salmon, sturgeon, walleye, steelhead, and seasonal fisheries throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. Depending on the time of year, I guide trips near Portland, Vancouver, St. Helens, Astoria, Buoy 10, Hammond, Warrenton, Cascade Locks, 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 River depending on the season, regulations, 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:

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. Any dates and limits mentioned in these archived reports describe those earlier seasons. Check current regulations before fishing.

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Over the previous two weeks on the Columbia River, I guided clients for both oversized sturgeon and walleye, and the fishing was excellent.

Catch-and-release oversized sturgeon fishing was awesome in the Columbia River Gorge. We fished near The Dalles 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 used shad and squid, and both produced 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 was also consistent. On walleye days, we trolled worm harnesses with spinner blades and jigged when the current and wind conditions set up correctly. The Gorge can change quickly with wind and current, so we adjust each day based on conditions.

At the time, anglers had an opportunity for steady walleye action, good-eating fish, or the chance to battle a true giant Columbia River sturgeon.

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Another exciting update for Columbia River spring Chinook anglers: Oregon and Washington fishery 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 previous open days showed noticeably better fishing from the St. Helens area through Portland, with more salmon being caught throughout the river system. There were more salmon around than there had been a couple of weeks earlier, and the run finally appeared to be building.

I continued fishing both the Columbia River and lower Willamette River depending on where conditions and fish movement looked best.

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Oregon and Washington fishery managers opened another short Columbia River salmon opportunity after improved spring Chinook numbers.

The previous open days showed very good salmon fishing, with strong action from the St. Helens area through Portland. Salmon were moving through the system, and conditions were shaping up well for the short opportunity.

I fished the Portland area and took advantage of the opener. After that, the plan was to shift back 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.

Monday, March 30, 2026

Salmon fishing on the Columbia River near Portland was still slow, which is typical for early spring conditions. A few fish were caught throughout the day, but overall action remained limited as the run was getting started.

Better reports came from the lower river, especially around Kalama, where anglers experienced more consistent success and a noticeable increase in salmon catches.

On the Willamette River near St. Johns, fishing was spotty, with a few salmon caught 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 as more salmon entered the river system.

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 being caught around St. Helens. Chinook continued moving through the system, but regulations required their release during certain portions 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 that year. The limit at the time was two fin-clipped coho, while anglers were required to release Chinook and steelhead during certain portions of the season.

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 additional opportunities before the peak Buoy 10 season. This created a great option for anglers fishing near Astoria and Hammond.

Ocean salmon fishing offshore from Astoria was excellent when conditions allowed boats to cross the Columbia River bar safely. Coho were the primary fish, with many running between 7 and 10 pounds and a few Chinook 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 to ocean salmon and Buoy 10 fishing near Hammond and Astoria.

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 slowly 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 updated run and catch numbers. The lower Columbia River reopened for additional spring Chinook fishing days from Buoy 10 toward Beacon Rock, with bank opportunities extending farther upriver below Bonneville Dam.

Some of the better action came from Davis Bar, 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 weather 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 trolled productive walleye areas and switched to jigging after locating 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 produced strong fishing in several areas, including Hood River, Bonneville, Scappoose, St. Helens, and the lower Columbia River. Oregon and Washington fishery managers extended multiple salmon opportunities during September and October.

Anglers encountered a mixture of Chinook and coho throughout the river, with strong numbers of salmon moving upriver. Some areas allowed Chinook retention 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 became 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 near Portland, below Bonneville Dam, and around Hood River. We caught a mixture of Chinook and coho, with some days producing fast action and early limits.

Fishing near Hood River was especially strong in October, with many salmon jumping and good numbers of Chinook and coho moving through. We also experienced productive fishing below Bonneville Dam and around Portland when conditions lined up.

Late September and early October produced some of the best stretches, with clients putting salmon in the boat and steady numbers of fish moving throughout the Columbia River 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 overview 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 opportunities in parts of the Columbia River when regulations allow.
Late fall: Dungeness crabbing near Astoria, Hammond, the lower Columbia River, and the Oregon Coast.
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?

I update this report when I have fresh information from guided fishing trips, regulation changes, fish movement, or major changes in Columbia River fishing conditions. The date beside each report tells you when those observations were made.

Where is the best fishing on the Columbia River right now?

My latest firsthand report on this page is from September 9 and describes productive hatchery coho fishing around Buoy 10. Fishing conditions may have changed since that trip. Call or text me at 503-314-5087 to discuss the best current trip option.

What is the current lower Columbia River salmon limit?

It depends on the date and section of river. From Buoy 10 to the west Puget Island line, the daily adult limit is three hatchery coho September 12–25. On September 26–27, the limit is three salmon—Chinook or hatchery coho—but only one may be a Chinook. Under the rules currently posted, September 28–October 31 returns to three hatchery coho, with all Chinook released. Wild coho must be released throughout this area. Check ODFW for changes before fishing.

Can I combine Columbia River salmon fishing and crabbing?

Yes. During September, Marvin’s Guide Service offers salmon-and-crab combination trips when conditions allow. We drop the crab pots in the morning, fish for salmon while they soak, and pull them on our way back to Hammond Marina.

Where is the best salmon fishing near Portland?

The best salmon fishing near Portland changes with the season, river conditions, fish movement, and regulations. Areas I fish include the Columbia River near Portland, St. Helens, Troutdale, and Bonneville, as well as 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. Hatchery coho fishing can continue into September and fall when regulations allow.

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 favorable. 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 send a guided fishing trip inquiry online.

Columbia River Fishing Report for 2026 (Frequent Updates)