What Fish Can You Catch in the Columbia River?
Columbia River Sturgeon
The Columbia River holds a wide variety of fish species and offers some of the best fishing opportunities in the Pacific Northwest.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, the Columbia River has opportunities for salmon, sturgeon, steelhead, walleye, shad, bass, catfish, and more.
Columbia River Salmon Fishing
The Columbia River is famous for its salmon runs. Anglers target spring Chinook, summer salmon, and the large fall salmon runs every year.
One of the most popular salmon fisheries is the world-famous Buoy 10 salmon fishery near the mouth of the Columbia River around Astoria and Hammond.
Salmon fishing opportunities can vary throughout the Columbia system depending on river conditions, regulations, and the time of year.
You can also learn more on my salmon fishing guide page.
Steelhead Fishing on the Columbia River
If you enjoy steelhead fishing, the Columbia River Gorge and nearby tributaries offer excellent opportunities.
Anglers can target steelhead from both boats and the shoreline in many areas throughout the Columbia River system.
Bonneville Dam is one of the more popular shore fishing locations for salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon.
Walleye Fishing in the Columbia River
The Columbia River also holds outstanding walleye fishing opportunities.
Some anglers believe the next state-record walleye could come from the Columbia River system.
I personally do much of my spring walleye fishing in the Columbia River Gorge near Rufus, Oregon.
You can also learn more on my walleye fishing page.
White Sturgeon Fishing
One of Marvin’s Guide Service’s favorite fish to target on the Columbia River is the giant white sturgeon.
Most sturgeon fishing today is catch-and-release, but the Columbia River still holds massive fish over 10 feet long.
These prehistoric fish are one of the most exciting freshwater species to catch in the Pacific Northwest.
You can learn more on my Columbia River sturgeon fishing guide page.
Shad Fishing on the Columbia River
If you are looking for nonstop action, Columbia River shad fishing during May and June can provide fast-paced fishing and high catch numbers.
Shad fishing is especially popular for families and kids because the action can be constant when large schools move upriver.
Other Fish Species in the Columbia River
The Columbia River also holds:
- Bass
- Crappie
- Catfish
- Perch
- Carp
- Trout in some connected waters
Fishing opportunities can vary greatly depending on river conditions, water temperatures, and seasonal migrations.
Fishing the Columbia River
The Columbia River stretches across a huge portion of the Pacific Northwest and offers year-round fishing opportunities.
From Buoy 10 near Astoria to the Columbia River Gorge and inland fisheries, there is always something to fish for somewhere along the river system.
You can also visit my Oregon fishing calendar to see what species are typically available throughout the year.
Feel free to call or text Marvin’s Guide Service at 503-314-5087 to talk fishing and plan your next Columbia River fishing trip.
“`
is there places to bank fish for sturgeon on the columbia? I live in greasham and would like to find a spot close if there is one.
Thank you.
Hey James,
You can Sturgeon fish at the view point on I 84. I have also see Sturgeon caught at Corbet boat ramp, just cast straight out.
Good luck.
hope you catch fish.
Marv
Marvin thank you for your response on my question.
I was also wondering do you use 3 to 4 lb shad from the bank too? i would think that would be kind of hard to cast lol. any suggestions.
thank you James.
No I don’t use big shad from the bank. If you are fishing on the bank just cut a small strip of shad, great Sturgeon bait.
Good luck.
Marvin
ok i will give it a try thanks again.
Not a problem, come back any time, would be happy to help if I can.
good luck out there.
Marvin
Hey guys im going to Vancouver Washington and am going fishing on the Columbia can you fish pan did around there or is it just sturgeon and salmon oh and I will be fishing from the bank.
Yea you can do some pan fishing around the 205 bridge on the Columbia river,
i live in vancouver, wa and was just wondering where would be the best place to fish for sturgeon on the columbia from the bank in washington?
This time of year I would go fish Sturgeon up around Bonneville Dam!
Come back and let us know how you do!
Where can I find walleye, crappie, or catfish around the Jantzen Beach and Hayden Island area?
are you fishing from a boat?
Behind the island