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Columbia River fishing reports

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Channel catfish

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Channel catfish

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Smallmouth bass

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Chinook salmon

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Mountain whitefish

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Smallmouth bass

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General info

Columbia River is a stream located in Franklin County, Washington, United States. It is most popular for fishing Smallmouth bass, Chinook salmon, and Walleye.

Location

46°14′22.6″N 119°12′23″W
Directions

Amenities

Fishing regulations at Columbia River, WA

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Washington can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Below you will see fishing regulations for catching Smallmouth bass as of April 1st, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.

Smallmouth bass

Seasons

Open

Bag limit

10

Memorable

1 > 14

Measurement

Total Length

No min. size in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. Only 1 smallmouth bass over 14" may be retained. Daily limit 10. No size restriction/daily limit in rivers, streams, and beaver ponds.

For more information please see State of Washington Fishing Regulations

Micropterus dolomieui

ESQUATZEL COULEE

  • All game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.

ESQUATZEL COULEE, WEST BRANCH

  • All game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.

RINGOLD SPRINGS HATCHERY CREEK

  • All species
  • CLOSED WATERS.

SOUTH COLUMBIA BASIN IRRIGATION PE 16.4 SPILLWAY

from the South Columbia Basin Irrigation PE16.4 spillway at the Ringold Springs access downstream 400' towards the Columbia River (46°30'20.0"N 119°15'28.7"W)

  • All species
  • CLOSED WATERS.

POWERLINE LAKE

  • Trout
  • Year-round
  • Min. size 14". Daily limit 2.
  • Other game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.

PALOUSE RIVER

from mouth to the base of Palouse Falls CRC (652)

  • All species
  • June 16-Aug. 31
  • Two-Pole allowed. Except: It is not permissible to fish with two poles for steelhead.
  • Trout
  • Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial Day
  • Closed.
  • Steelhead (hatchery)
  • Apr. 16-July 31
  • Closed.
  • Aug. 1-Apr. 15
  • Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.
  • Other game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.

upstream of Palouse Falls, including tributaries (Washington waters only) except Rock Creek and Hog Canyon Creek CRC (652)

  • All game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.

SNAKE RIVER

A W fisa hsh din owgt no sn rl eic ae mn s Se i as r ee q Ru (ir we ed State Hwy. 128 95 to t n k . s t o A i In Def n /tt WhI Ih ud dee Ara eCs h bdt lo oa e tt al uoe i rc w fieb dsn ao ahatsu re e ytn r i d ws R ena .r Sr e ty ntq ol rui sn ki .r ee le ) Rd. t no efi s ish Cla r Wk 1s 2Aton , e k a n SI I I I I I II eI I I I I I I I II I I II C 1le a mrw ia l,t ee Ir DRiver R A n a h o r W s h i g n i c e s v i L w i s t o n r q i o n h a e a . r e 0

from the Burbank to Pasco railroad bridge at Snake River mile 1.25 to the down- stream end of Goose Island CRC (640)

  • All species
  • Barbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).
  • Trout
  • Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial Day
  • Closed.
  • Steelhead (hatchery)
  • Apr. 1-June 30
  • Closed.
  • July 1-Aug. 31
  • Catch-and-release.
  • Sept. 1-Mar. 31
  • Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.
  • Other game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Sturgeon
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.

from the downstream end of Goose Island to 400' below Ice Harbor Dam CRC (640)

  • All species
  • Barbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).
  • Trout
  • Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial Day
  • Closed.
  • Steelhead (hatchery)
  • Apr. 1-June 30
  • Closed.
  • July 1-Aug. 31
  • Catch-and-release.
  • Sept. 1-Mar. 31
  • Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.
  • Other game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Sturgeon
  • May 1-Aug. 31
  • Closed.
  • Sept. 1-Apr. 30
  • Catch-and-release. Night closure.

within 400' of the base of Ice Harbor Dam

  • All species
  • CLOSED WATERS.

Ice Harbor Dam to 400' below Lower Monument Dam CRC (642)

  • All species
  • Barbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).
  • Trout
  • Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial Day
  • Closed.
  • Steelhead (hatchery)
  • Apr. 1-June 30
  • Closed.
  • July 1-Aug. 31
  • Catch-and-release.
  • Sept. 1-Mar. 31
  • Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.
  • Other game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Sturgeon
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.

400' below Lower Monument Dam

  • All species
  • CLOSED WATERS.

Lower Monument Dam to Little Goose Dam CRC (644)

  • All species
  • Barbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).
  • Trout
  • Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial Day
  • Closed.
  • Steelhead (hatchery)
  • Apr. 1-June 30
  • Closed.
  • July 1-Aug. 31
  • Catch-and-release.
  • Sept. 1-Mar. 31
  • Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.
  • Other game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Sturgeon
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.

400' radius around the fish ladder entrance at Lyons Ferry Hatchery

  • All species
  • CLOSED WATERS.

an area 1,200' downstream from the base of the west lock gate at Little Goose Dam on the south bank of the Snake River and 100' out into the river from said river bank

  • All species
  • CLOSED WATERS.

400' below Little Goose Dam

  • All species
  • CLOSED WATERS.

Little Goose Dam to Lower Granite Dam CRC (646)

  • All species
  • Barbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).
  • Trout
  • Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial Day
  • Closed.
  • Steelhead (hatchery)
  • Apr. 1-June 30
  • Closed.
  • July 1-Aug. 31
  • Catch-and-release.
  • Sept. 1-Mar. 31
  • Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.
  • Other game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Sturgeon
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.

400' below Lower Granite Dam

  • All species
  • CLOSED WATERS.

Lower Granite Dam to Washington/Idaho state line in Clarkston CRC (648)

  • All species
  • Barbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).
  • Trout
  • Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial Day
  • Closed.
  • Steelhead (hatchery)
  • Apr. 1-June 30
  • Closed.
  • July 1-Aug. 31
  • Catch-and-release.
  • Sept. 1-Mar. 31
  • Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.
  • Other game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Sturgeon
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.

200' radius upstream of the fish ladder exit above Lower Granite Dam

  • All species
  • CLOSED WATERS.

from WA/ID state line in Clarkston to Bridge St. Bridge (Blue Bridge) in Clarkston CRC (650)

  • All species
  • Barbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).
  • Trout
  • Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial Day
  • Closed.
  • Steelhead (hatchery)
  • Apr. 1-June 30
  • Closed.
  • July 1-Aug. 31
  • Catch-and-release.
  • Sept. 1-Mar. 31
  • Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.
  • Other game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Sturgeon
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.

from Bridge St. Bridge (Blue Bridge) in Clarkston to OR/ID border CRC (650)

  • All species
  • Barbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).
  • Trout
  • Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Nov. 1-Fri. before Memorial Day
  • Closed.
  • Steelhead (hatchery)
  • Apr. 1-June 30
  • Closed.
  • July 1-Aug. 31
  • Catch-and-release.
  • Sept. 1-Mar. 31
  • Min. size 20". Daily limit 3.
  • Other game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Sturgeon
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.

COLUMBIA RIVER - where the river coincides with the boundary between Washington and Oregon, the license of either state is valid. Anglers must comply with the laws of the state in which they are fishing. An angler licensed only in Oregon may not fish on the Washington shore or in Washington sloughs or tributaries, except Camas Slough, where the license of either state is valid from a floating device. An angler fishing the Columbia River is restricted to one daily limit even if licensed by both states. Salmon and steelhead anglers may not possess in the field, fish mutilated so that size, species or fin clip cannot be determined, until the angler has reached their automobile or principle means of land transportation and has completed their daily angling. Anglers may fish with either a saltwater, freshwater, or combination license in the waters of the Columbia River between a line from Rocky Point, on the Washington shore, to Tongue Point, on the Oregon shore, and the Buoy 10 line described below. For sturgeon rules in the Columbia River tributaries, see rules for adjoining mainstem waters.


from the I-82/Hwy. 395 Bridge to a red and white marker on the Oregon shore on a line that intersects the downstream end of the wingwall of the boat lock near the Washington shore CRC (531)

  • All species
  • Night closure and barbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).
  • Feb. 15-June 15
  • Salmon, trout, and steelhead handling rules apply when fishing from vessels less than 30' in length.
  • Aug. 1-Dec. 31
  • Each angler aboard a vessel may deploy salmon/ steelhead angling gear until the daily salmon/ steelhead limit for all anglers aboard has been achieved.
  • Trout
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.
  • Other game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Salmon and hatchery steelhead
  • Jan. 1-June 15
  • Closed.
  • June 16-June 30
  • Salmon min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 1 hatchery steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery jack Chinook.
  • July 1-July 31
  • Salmon min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adult salmon or 1 adult salmon and 1 hatchery steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.
  • Aug. 1-Aug. 31
  • Salmon min. size 12". Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adult salmon including no more than 1 Chinook or 1 adult salmon and 1 hatchery steelhead may be retained. Release all salmon other than Chinook and coho. Anti-snagging rule in effect. Only fish hooked inside the mouth may be retained.
  • Sept. 1-Oct. 15
  • Salmon min. size 12". Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adult salmon including no more than 1 Chinook may be retained. Release all salmon and steelhead other than Chinook and coho. Anti-snagging rule in effect. Only fish hooked inside the mouth may be retained.
  • Oct. 16-Dec. 31
  • Salmon min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adult salmon. Release all salmon and steelhead other than coho.
  • Sturgeon
  • Jan. 1-Apr. 30
  • Daily limit 1. Min. size 43" fork length. Max. size 54" fork length. Check the WDFW website wdfw.wa.gov for in-season retention changes. Catch-and-release allowed if closed to retention.
  • May 1-Aug. 31
  • Closed.
  • Sept. 1-Dec. 31
  • Catch-and-release.

from a line across the river from the red and white marker on the Oregon shore on a line that intersects the downstream end of the wingwall of the boat lock near the Washington shore to the upstream line of McNary Dam

  • All species
  • CLOSED WATERS.

from McNary Dam to Hwy. 730 at Washington/Oregon border CRC (533)

  • All species
  • Night closure and barbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).
  • Feb. 15-June 15
  • Salmon, trout, and steelhead handling rules apply when fishing from vessels less than 30' in length.
  • Aug. 1-Dec. 31
  • Each angler aboard a vessel may deploy salmon/ steelhead angling gear until the daily salmon/ steelhead limit for all anglers aboard has been achieved.
  • Trout
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.
  • Other game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Salmon and hatchery steelhead
  • Jan. 1-June 15
  • Closed.
  • June 16-June 30
  • Salmon min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 1 hatchery steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery jack Chinook.
  • July 1-July 31
  • Salmon min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adult salmon or 1 adult salmon and 1 hatchery steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.
  • Aug. 1-Aug. 31
  • Salmon min. size 12". Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adult salmon including no more than 1 Chinook or 1 adult salmon and 1 hatchery steelhead may be retained. Release all salmon other than Chinook and coho. Anti-snagging rule in effect. Only fish hooked inside the mouth may be retained.
  • Sept. 1-Oct. 15
  • Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adult salmon including no more than 1 Chinook may be retained. Release all salmon and steelhead other than Chinook and coho. Antisnagging rule in effect. Only fish hooked inside the mouth may be retained.
  • Oct. 16-Dec. 31
  • Salmon min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adult salmon. Release all salmon and steelhead other than coho.
  • Sturgeon
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.

from Hwy. 730 at the Washington/Oregon border to the Hwy. 395 Bridge at Pasco CRC (533)

  • All species
  • Night closure (salmon, steelhead and sturgeon only). Two-pole allowed, except sturgeon.
  • Trout
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.
  • Other game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Salmon and hatchery steelhead
  • Jan. 1-June 15
  • Closed.
  • June 16-June 30
  • Salmon min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 1 hatchery steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery jack Chinook.
  • July 1-July 31
  • Salmon min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adult salmon or 1 adult salmon and 1 hatchery steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.
  • Aug. 1-Aug. 31
  • Salmon min. size 12". Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adult salmon including no more than 1 Chinook or 1 adult salmon and 1 hatchery steelhead may be retained. Release all salmon other than Chinook and coho. Anti-snagging rule in effect. Only fish hooked inside the mouth may be retained.
  • Sept. 1-Oct. 15
  • Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adult salmon including no more than 1 Chinook may be retained. Release all salmon and steelhead other than Chinook and coho. Antisnagging rule in effect. Only fish hooked inside the mouth may be retained.
  • Oct. 16-Dec. 31
  • Salmon min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adult salmon. Release all salmon and steelhead other than coho.
  • Sturgeon
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.

from Hwy. 395 Bridge at Pasco to Columbia Point (1/3 mile downstream of the I-182 Bridge) CRC (534)

  • All species
  • Night closure (salmon, steelhead and sturgeon only). Two-pole allowed, except sturgeon.
  • Trout
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.
  • Steelhead
  • Year-round
  • Closed to fishing for or retaining.
  • Other game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Salmon
  • Sept. 1-Oct. 31
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 1 adult. Release all salmon other than Chinook and coho.
  • Sturgeon
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.

400' radius of the Columbia Irrigation District (CID) fish barrier at the mouth of the CID wasteway at Columbia Park

  • All species
  • CLOSED WATERS.

from Columbia Point (1/3 mile downstream of the I-182 Bridge) at Pasco to the I-182 Bridge CRC (534)

  • All species
  • Night closure (salmon, steelhead and sturgeon only). Two-pole allowed, except sturgeon.
  • Trout
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.
  • Steelhead
  • Year-round
  • Closed to fishing for or retaining.
  • Other game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Salmon
  • July 1-July 15
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adults. Release wild adult Chinook. Open only to bank fishing with hand-casted lines from the shore on the Richland/Benton County side of the river.
  • Sept. 1-Oct. 31
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 1 adult. Release all salmon other than Chinook and coho.
  • Sturgeon
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.

from I-182 Bridge to WDFW markers 1/4 mile downstream of the South Columbia Basin Irrigation PE16.4 Wasteway (Ringold Wasteway) outlet CRC (535)

  • All species
  • Two-pole allowed, except sturgeon. Night closure (salmon, steelhead and sturgeon only).
  • Trout
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.
  • Steelhead (hatchery)
  • Apr. 1-Sept. 30
  • Closed.
  • Oct. 1-Mar. 31
  • Min. size 20". Daily limit 1. Steelhead must be both adipose fin clipped and ventral fin clipped to be retained.
  • Other game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Salmon
  • July 1-Aug. 15
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adults. Release wild adult Chinook.
  • Aug. 16-Dec. 31
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 1 adult. Release all salmon other than Chinook and coho.
  • Sturgeon
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.

West Branch Esquatzel Coulee Block 1 Irrigation Wasteway Lagoon located in Sec.12, T10N, R28E CRC (535)

  • All species
  • Night closure (salmon, steelhead and sturgeon only).
  • Sept. 1-Nov. 30
  • CLOSED WATERS.
  • Dec. 1-Aug. 31
  • Two-pole allowed, except sturgeon.
  • Trout
  • Dec. 1-Aug. 31
  • Catch-and-release.
  • Steelhead
  • Dec. 1-Aug. 31
  • Closed to fishing for or retaining.
  • Other game fish
  • Dec. 1-Aug. 31
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Salmon
  • July 1-Aug. 15
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adults. Release wild adult Chinook.
  • Aug. 16-Aug. 31
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 1 adult. Release all salmon other than Chinook and coho.
  • Sturgeon
  • Dec. 1-Aug. 31
  • Catch-and-release.

from 1/4 mile downstream of the South Columbia Basin Irrigation PE16.4 wateway (Ringold wasteway) outlet to 1/2 mile upstream of Ringold Springs Hatchery Creek CRC (535)

  • All species
  • Two-pole allowed, except sturgeon. See South Columbia Basin Irrigation PE16.4 spillway at the Ringold Springs access for spillway rules. Night closure (salmon, steelhead and sturgeon only).
  • Trout
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.
  • Steelhead (hatchery)
  • Apr. 1-Apr. 15
  • Min. size 20". Daily limit 1. Steelhead must be both adipose fin clipped and ventral fin clipped to be retained. Open to fishing from the bank on the hatchery side of the river only.
  • Apr. 16-Sept. 30
  • Closed.
  • Oct. 1-Mar. 31
  • Min. size 20". Daily limit 1. Steelhead must be both adipose fin clipped and ventral fin clipped to be retained.
  • Other game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Salmon
  • July 1-Aug. 15
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adults. Release wild adult Chinook.
  • Aug. 16-Dec. 31
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 1 adult. Release all salmon other than Chinook and coho.
  • Sturgeon
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.

between markers located 100' upstream and 100' downstream of the Ringold Springs Hatchery Creek and extending 100' towards mid-river

  • All species
  • CLOSED WATERS.

from WDFW markers 1/2 mile upstream of Ringold Springs Hatchery Creek to the Old Hanford townsite powerline crossing CRC (535)

  • All species
  • Two-pole allowed, except sturgeon. Night closure (salmon, steelhead and sturgeon only).
  • Trout
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.
  • Steelhead (hatchery)
  • Apr. 1-Sept. 30
  • Closed.
  • Oct. 1-Mar. 31
  • Min. size 20". Daily limit 1. Steelhead must be both adipose fin clipped and ventral fin clipped to be retained.
  • Other game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Salmon
  • July 1-Aug. 15
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adults. Release wild adult Chinook.
  • Aug. 16-Dec. 31
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 1 adult. Release all salmon other than Chinook and coho.
  • Sturgeon
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.

from the Old Hanford townsite powerline crossing to Vernita Bridge CRC (536)

  • All species
  • Night closure (salmon, steelhead and sturgeon only).
  • Feb. 1-Oct. 15
  • Two-Pole allowed. Except sturgeon.
  • Oct. 16-Jan. 31
  • CLOSED WATERS.
  • Trout
  • Feb. 1-Oct. 15
  • Catch-and-release.
  • Steelhead
  • Year-round
  • Closed to fishing for or retaining.
  • Other game fish
  • Feb. 1-Oct. 15
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Salmon
  • July 1-Aug. 15
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adults. Release wild adult Chinook.
  • Aug. 16-Oct. 15
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 1 adult. Release all salmon other than Chinook and coho.
  • Sturgeon
  • Feb. 1-Oct. 15
  • Catch-and-release.

from Vernita Bridge to 400' downstream of the Priest Rapids Hatchery outlet chan- nel (Jackson Creek) CRC (536)

  • All species
  • Night closure (salmon, steelhead and sturgeon only). Two-pole allowed, except sturgeon.
  • Trout
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.
  • Steelhead
  • Year-round
  • Closed to fishing for or retaining.
  • Other game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Salmon
  • July 1-Aug. 15
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adults. Release wild adult Chinook.
  • Aug. 16-Oct. 15
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 1 adult. Release all salmon other than Chinook and coho.
  • Sturgeon
  • May 1-Aug. 31
  • Closed.
  • Sept. 1-Apr. 30
  • Catch-and-release.

from the marker 400' downstream of the mouth of the Priest Rapids Hatchery outlet channel (Jackson Creek) to the boundary markers 650' below the fish ladder at Priest Rapids Dam CRC (536)

  • All species
  • Two-pole allowed, except sturgeon. Night closure (salmon, steelhead and sturgeon only).
  • All game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Trout
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.
  • Steelhead
  • Year-round
  • Closed to fishing for or retaining.
  • Salmon
  • July 1-Aug. 15
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adults. Release wild adult Chinook.
  • Aug. 16-Oct. 15
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 1 adult. Release all salmon other than Chinook and coho.
  • Sturgeon
  • May 1-Aug. 31
  • Closed.
  • Sept. 1-Apr. 30
  • Catch-and-release.

at Priest Rapids Hatchery outlet channel extending to mid-stream Columbia River between boundary markers located 400' downstream of outlet channel to marker 100' upstream of outlet channel

  • All species
  • CLOSED WATERS.

from boundary markers 650' below the fish ladder at Priest Rapids Dam to the upstream line of the dam

  • All species
  • CLOSED WATERS.

from Priest Rapids Dam to a line from boundary markers 750' downstream of east fish ladder and 500' downstream of west fish ladder at Wanapum Dam CRC (537)

  • All species
  • July 1-Oct. 15
  • Two-Pole allowed.
  • Trout
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.
  • Steelhead (hatchery)
  • Year-round
  • Closed.
  • Other game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Salmon
  • July 1-Aug. 31
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including up to 4 sockeye and no more than 2 adult hatchery Chinook. Release coho and wild adult Chinook.
  • Sept. 1-Oct. 15
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adults. Release all salmon other than Chinook.
  • Sturgeon
  • Year-round
  • Night closure. Catch-and-release.

at Wanapum Dam between the upstream line of the dam to boundary markers 750' downstream of east fish ladder and 500' downstream of west fish ladder

  • All species
  • CLOSED WATERS.

from Wanapum Dam to boundary markers 400' downstream of the fish ladders at Rock Island Dam CRC (539)

  • All species
  • July 1-Oct. 15
  • Two-Pole allowed.
  • Trout
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.
  • Steelhead (hatchery)
  • Year-round
  • Closed.
  • Other game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Salmon
  • July 1-Aug. 31
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including up to 4 sockeye and no more than 2 adult hatchery Chinook. Release coho and wild adult Chinook.
  • Sept. 1-Oct. 15
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including no more than 2 adults. Release all salmon other than Chinook.
  • Sturgeon
  • Year-round
  • Night closure. Catch-and-release.

from the boundary markers 400' downstream of the fish ladders at Rock Island Dam to the upstream line of the dam

  • All species
  • CLOSED WATERS.

from the upstream line of the Rock Island Dam to boundary markers 400' down- stream of the Rocky Reach Dam fish ladders CRC (541)

  • All species
  • July 1-Oct. 15
  • Two-Pole allowed.
  • Trout
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.
  • Steelhead (hatchery)
  • Year-round
  • Closed.
  • Other game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Salmon
  • July 1-Oct. 15
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including up to 4 sockeye and no more than 2 adult hatchery Chinook. Release coho and wild adult Chinook.
  • Sturgeon
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release. Night closure.

at Rocky Reach Dam between the upstream line of the dam to boundary markers 400' downstream of the fish ladders

  • All species
  • CLOSED WATERS.

from the upstream line of Rocky Reach Dam to boundary markers 400' below the spawning channel discharge (on Chelan Co. side) and fish ladder (on Douglas Co. side) at Wells Dam CRC (543)

  • All species
  • July 1-Oct. 15
  • Two-Pole allowed.
  • Trout
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release.
  • Steelhead (hatchery)
  • Year-round
  • Closed.
  • Other game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Salmon
  • July 1-Oct. 15
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including up to 4 sockeye and no more than 2 adult hatchery Chinook. Release coho and wild adult Chinook.
  • Sturgeon
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release. Night closure.

between the upstream line of Wells Dam to boundary markers 400' below the spawning channel discharge (on Chelan Co. side) and fish ladder (on Douglas Co. side) at Wells Dam

  • All species
  • CLOSED WATERS.

from Wells Dam to Hwy. 173 Bridge at Brewster CRC (545)

  • All species
  • July 16-Sept. 30
  • Two-Pole allowed.
  • Trout
  • July 16-Aug. 15
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 10. Barbless hooks required. Release wild trout.
  • Aug. 16-July 15
  • Closed.
  • Steelhead (hatchery)
  • Year-round
  • Closed.
  • Other game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Salmon
  • July 16-Sept. 30
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including up to 4 sockeye and no more than 2 adult hatchery Chinook. Release coho and wild adult Chinook.
  • Sturgeon
  • Year-round
  • Catch-and-release. Night closure.

from Hwy. 173 Bridge at Brewster to the Hwy. 17 Bridge CRC (545)

  • All species
  • July 1-Oct. 15
  • Two-Pole allowed.
  • Trout
  • July 1-Aug. 15
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 10. Barbless hooks required. Release wild trout.
  • Aug. 16-June 30
  • Closed.
  • Steelhead (hatchery)
  • Year-round
  • Closed.
  • Other game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Salmon
  • July 1-Oct. 15
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including up to 4 sockeye and no more than 2 adult hatchery Chinook. Release coho and wild adult Chinook.
  • Sturgeon
  • Year-round
  • Night closure. Catch-and-release.

from Hwy. 17 Bridge to the Corps of Engineers safety marker on the Douglas County shore to the rock jetty at the upstream shoreline of Foster Creek CRC (545)

  • All species
  • July 1-Oct. 15
  • Two-Pole allowed.
  • Year-round
  • CLOSED to fishing from the Okanogan shore.
  • Trout
  • July 1-Aug. 15
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 10. Barbless hooks required. Release wild trout.
  • Aug. 16-June 30
  • Closed.
  • Steelhead (hatchery)
  • Year-round
  • Closed.
  • Other game fish
  • Year-round
  • Statewide min. size/daily limit.
  • Salmon
  • July 1-Oct. 15
  • Min. size 12". Daily limit 6 including up to 4 sockeye and no more than 2 adult hatchery Chinook. Release coho and wild adult Chinook.
  • Sturgeon
  • Year-round
  • Night closure. Catch-and-release.

downstream of Chief Joseph Dam from the boundary marker to the Corps of Engi- neers safety zone marker

  • All species
  • CLOSED WATERS.

Regulations for

46°14′22.6″N 119°12′23″W
Regulations in the map
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Reviews of Columbia River

4.7
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FAQ about Columbia River fishing

the Columbia River is a stream located in Franklin County, Washington, United States. Its coordinates are:
46°14′22.6″N 119°12′23″W
.
Find the best fishing spots on the Columbia River by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
The most common species in the Columbia River are:
The latest Columbia River fishing reports are:
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