Every year the Columbia River draws thousands of anglers to its banks and waterways to chase incredible numbers of salmon and steelhead. This blog post exists to provide tools you can use through the 2023 season to keep track of the runs of salmon and steelhead, monitor the forecasts and be dialed into fishing reports and in some cases detailed how-to pages.
The Columbia River is one of the largest rivers in the United States, and even the world. Beginning in the remote mountainous regions of British Columbia and picking up tributaries as it winds south and west draining a massive portion of water from the western side of the rocky mountains and everything in between.
Even visiting the Columbia River near Kettle Falls, WA you are presented with a massive river and that’s before many of the larger tributaries contribute their flows.
There are many pages of internet content dedicated to the topic of Columbia River salmon and steelhead fishing, so why create this post? It’s honestly kind of intimidating to write about the Columbia River.
One of the biggest tools missing from every angler’s arsenal is consolidated and condensed information that we need for fishing trip planning. I’m aiming to make that far easier for (selfishly) myself and others looking to spend time on the Columbia River chasing our favorite runs of salmon and steelhead.
One of the unique aspects of the Columbia River is that there are many dams that carve the river up into sections and create reservoirs as it flows towards the Washington and Oregon State lines and eventually dumps into the Pacific Ocean.
One of the coolest aspects of these dams from a trip planning perspective is that there are fish counting stations that report the daily numbers of fish traveling through the ladder system to navigate the dams. I’m not a fan of dams in general, but using this information to help plan trips and time salmon and steelhead runs is pretty cool.
The fishing regulations are also split into many sections based on a number of factors, often times related to which tributaries are in those sections. The tributaries alone of the Columbia River, taken together represent a major portion of the river fishing opportunity in the entire PNW!
So let’s get started, unpacking all this Columbia River salmon and steelhead information for 2023!
First of all, use the Table of Contents below to jump to each section of the Columbia River you are most interested in. Each dam separated section has:
- Dam / fish counts relevant to it.
- Fishing reports from WDFW creel surveys where applicable.
- Key Tributary list
- Salmon and Steelhead run / season forecasts that we have access to
- Current permanent fishing regulations
- Link to emergency regulations.
Latest fishing blog posts and news on the Columbia River:
- Washington salmon fishing seasons tentatively set for 2023-24
- Spring Chinook fishing extended on Columbia River below Bonneville Dam
- 2023 Washington Coast Salmon Forecast
- Lower Columbia River Fishing 2023
- 2023 salmon forecasts released as annual season-setting process begins
The above graphic does a decent job depicting where the dams on the Columbia River are, and we will use this along with some hopefully helpful naming of sections to break up this massive river system.
Lower Columbia River
Checkout our page on the lower Columba River fishing in 2023 for a complete rundown of what to expect.
Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge area or “Bonneville Reservoir” is considered to be the 46 mile stretch of river between Bonneville Dam and The Dalles Dam. The Gorge is aptly named based on the cliffs and Cascade mountains on either side of the river. The Gorge is the exact location where the Columbia River cuts through the Cascade Mountain range which extends north into Washington and south into Oregon.
Columbia River Gorge Fishing Reports
No recent WDFW Creel Surveys
Columbia River Gorge Fish / Dam Counts over Bonneville Dam
The below graphs of fish counts directly impact how many fish are available to catch as if they aren’t counted going over Bonneville Dam, they won’t be in this stretch of the river to catch.
Columbia River Gorge Fish / Dam Counts over The Dalles Dam
While fish counted going over the Dalles Dam are not available to catch in the gorge stretch of the Columbia River, it does tell you about the trend and what’s still headed that way.
Columbia River Gorge Key Tributaries
- Wind River
- Drano Lake / Little White Salmon River
- White Salmon River
- Hood River
- Klickitat River
Columbia River Gorge Salmon and Steelhead Forecasts
Spring Chinook forecast for 2023 in The Gorge
The returns in 2022 and the 2023 forecast for spring chinook headed over the Bonneville Dam are fantastic and a very positive trend relative to recent years. One of the great things about fishing The Gorge section of the Columbia River is that all of these fish have to swim through these waters, making it an excellent place to target Spring Chinook when it’s open.
I’ve included Drano lake forecasts as that’s a key tributary we have forecast data for, and trends are very positive.
Unfortunately, the Klickitat is actually expected to have a decline in spring chinook this upcoming season despite a positive return compared to forecast in 2022.
Sockeye forecast for 2023 in the Gorge section of the Columbia River
Sockeye bound for the upper reaches of the Columbia River can be caught in the gorge section of the Columbia river during summer months, below is the forecast for the 2023 Columbia River Sockeye runs:
Columbia River Gorge WDFW Fishing Regulations for 2022->June 30th of 2023
Here are the “proposed seasons” for 2023 for the summer and fall salmon seasons on the Columbia River, more details and regulations will be included in the 2023-24 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet, which outlines the regulations from July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 and will be available in early summer 2023:
Proposed Summer Salmon Fisheries on the Columbia River
All fisheries are subject to change based on catch rates, run size and other unforeseen circumstances.
The summer Chinook season on the mainstem Columbia River will be open from June 16 through July 31 for waters from the Astoria-Megler Bridge to Hwy. 395 Bridge at Pasco. The daily adult limit is 2 fish; release all wild Chinook.
Proposed Fall Salmon Fisheries on the Columbia River
All fisheries are subject to change based on catch rates, run size and other unforeseen circumstances.
- Bonneville Dam upstream to the Hwy. 395 Bridge at Pasco will be open Aug. 1 through Oct. 15; the daily adult limit is two salmon with no more than one Chinook; release wild coho downstream of the Hood River Bridge. From Oct. 16 through Dec. 31, the daily adult limit is two salmon, release wild coho downstream of the Hood River Bridge and all Chinook.
Permanent Regulations
You should consult the permanent regulations at this location and note that seasons occurring prior to July when the new regulations come out are often managed through the emergency regulations link below.
Columbia River Gorge WDFW Emergency Regulations
The above permanent regulations for the Columbia River Gorge are subject to change at any time and without being updated on this blog. One must consult the WDFW Emergency Regulations before any trips to ensure they are in full compliance with state laws regulating fisheries.
Columbia River Lake Celilo
The Columbia River between the Dalles Dam and the John Day Dam is considered Lake Celilo, which extends about 24 river miles.
Columbia River Lake Celilo Fish / Dam Counts over The Dalles Dam
Columbia River Lake Celilo Fish / Dam Counts over John Day Dam
No recent fish counts
Columbia River Lake Celilo Key Tributaries
- Deschutes River
Columbia River Lake Celilo Salmon and Steelhead Forecasts
Spring Chinook forecast for 2023 in Lake Celilo
When looking at the upriver spring chinook forecast as it applies to Lake Celilo, you have to subtract the key tributaries from the gorge section like Drano Lake, Klickitat River, etc.
Columbia River Lake Celilo WDFW Fishing Regulations for 2022->June 30th of 2023
Here are the “proposed seasons” for 2023 for the summer and fall salmon seasons on the Columbia River, more details and regulations will be included in the 2023-24 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet, which outlines the regulations from July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 and will be available in early summer 2023:
Proposed Summer Salmon Fisheries on the Columbia River
All fisheries are subject to change based on catch rates, run size and other unforeseen circumstances.
The summer Chinook season on the mainstem Columbia River will be open from June 16 through July 31 for waters from the Astoria-Megler Bridge to Hwy. 395 Bridge at Pasco. The daily adult limit is 2 fish; release all wild Chinook.
Proposed Fall Salmon Fisheries on the Columbia River
All fisheries are subject to change based on catch rates, run size and other unforeseen circumstances.
- Bonneville Dam upstream to the Hwy. 395 Bridge at Pasco will be open Aug. 1 through Oct. 15; the daily adult limit is two salmon with no more than one Chinook; release wild coho downstream of the Hood River Bridge. From Oct. 16 through Dec. 31, the daily adult limit is two salmon, release wild coho downstream of the Hood River Bridge and all Chinook.
Permanent Regulations
You should consult the permanent regulations at this location and note that seasons occurring prior to July when the new regulations come out are often managed through the emergency regulations link below.
Columbia River Lake Celilo WDFW Emergency Regulations
The above permanent regulations for the Columbia River Lake Celilo are subject to change at any time and without being updated on this blog. One must consult the WDFW Emergency Regulations before any trips to ensure they are in full compliance with state laws regulating fisheries.
Columbia River Lake Umatilla
Lake Umatilla is the area of the Columbia River upstream from the John Day Dam which extends for 76 miles upstream until we hit the McNary Dam. The surrounding river landscape changes quite a bit from the Gorge to a more arid surrounding.
Columbia River Lake Umatilla Fish / Dam Counts over John Day Dam
No recent fish counts
Columbia River Lake Umatilla Fish / Dam Counts over McNary Dam
The Lake Umatilla portion of the Columbia River is downstream of McNary Dam, however seeing the trend of fish counts over McNary may paint a helpful picture of what’s still on its way through Lake Umatilla waters.
Columbia River Lake Umatilla Key Tributaries
- John Day River
- Umatilla River
Columbia River Lake Umatilla Salmon and Steelhead Forecasts
Spring Chinook forecast for 2023 in Lake Umatilla
When evaluating the upriver spring chinook forecast from the Lake Umatilla perspective, you need to subtract The Gorge and Lake Celilo numbers which aren’t all available but feature stopping points such as Drano Lake, Klickitat River and the Deschutes River.
Columbia River Lake Umatilla WDFW Fishing Regulations for 2022 -> June 30th of 2023
Columbia River, more details and regulations will be included in the 2023-24 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet, which outlines the regulations from July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 and will be available in early summer 2023:
Proposed Summer Salmon Fisheries on the Columbia River
All fisheries are subject to change based on catch rates, run size and other unforeseen circumstances.
The summer Chinook season on the mainstem Columbia River will be open from June 16 through July 31 for waters from the Astoria-Megler Bridge to Hwy. 395 Bridge at Pasco. The daily adult limit is 2 fish; release all wild Chinook.
Proposed Fall Salmon Fisheries on the Columbia River
All fisheries are subject to change based on catch rates, run size and other unforeseen circumstances.
- Bonneville Dam upstream to the Hwy. 395 Bridge at Pasco will be open Aug. 1 through Oct. 15; the daily adult limit is two salmon with no more than one Chinook; release wild coho downstream of the Hood River Bridge. From Oct. 16 through Dec. 31, the daily adult limit is two salmon, release wild coho downstream of the Hood River Bridge and all Chinook.
Permanent Regulations
You should consult the permanent regulations at this location and note that seasons occurring prior to July when the new regulations come out are often managed through the emergency regulations link below.
Columbia River Lake Umatilla WDFW Emergency Regulations
The above permanent regulations for the Columbia River Lake Umatilla are subject to change at any time and without being updated on this blog. One must consult the WDFW Emergency Regulations before any trips to ensure they are in full compliance with state laws regulating fisheries.
Columbia River Hanford Reach / Lake Wallula
The Hanford Reach is one of the most scenic and beautiful sections of the Columbia River, featuring miles of free flowing river which thousands of salmon still return to spawn at. The Columbia River in this section passes through the tri-cities of Pasco, Kinnewick and Richland where it also picks up it’s most important tributary: The Snake River.
Upstream of the confluence with the Snake is the Hanford Reach National Monument where the river forms a sharp bend as it flows from NE to SE over a short stretch. This area offers many varied incredible recreation options I’ve yet to scratch the surface of.
Columbia River Hanford Reach Fishing Reports
No recent WDFW creel surveys
Columbia River Hanford Reach Fish / Dam Counts over McNary Dam
Columbia River Hanford Reach Key Tributaries
- Walla Walla River
- Snake River
- Yakima River
Columbia River Hanford Reach Salmon and Steelhead Forecasts
Spring Chinook forecast for 2023 in Hanford Reach
This is the total upriver spring chinook forecast, not counting fish headed for tributaries between Bonneville and McNary Dam.
Some of the spring chinook swimming between McNary and Priest Rapids Dam will make a sharp right and head up the Snake River. Forecasted returns are expected to be decent in 2023.
I’m also quite excited about the Yakima River Spring Chinook return given my place in Prosser I like to stay at and welcome fisherman at via AirBnB!
Also, checkout our guidebook for other ideas of what to do in Prosser while fishing for spring chinook.
Columbia River Hanford Reach WDFW Fishing Regulations for 2022->June 30th of 2023
| 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. Up to 1 hatchery steelhead may be retained. Release all salmon other than hatchery jack Chinook. | |
| July 1-July 31 | Salmon – min. size 12”. Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adult salmon or 1 hatchery steelhead and 1 adult salmon may be retained. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. | |
| Aug. 1-Aug. 31 | Salmon – min. size 12”. Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained of which up to 1 may be a Chinook and up to 1 may be a hatchery steelhead. 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 adults may be retained of which up to 1 may be a Chinook. 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. Up to 2 adults may be retained of which up to 1 may be a Chinook. Release all salmon and steelhead other than Chinook and 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). Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement, 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. Up to 1 hatchery steelhead may be retained. Release all salmon other than hatchery jack Chinook. | |
| July 1-July 31 | Salmon – min. size 12”. Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adult salmon or 1 hatchery steelhead and 1 adult salmon may be retained. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. | |
| Aug. 1-Aug. 31 | Salmon – min. size 12”. Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained of which up to 1 may be a Chinook and up to 1 may be a hatchery steelhead. 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 adults may be retained of which up to 1 may be a Chinook. 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. Up to 2 adults may be retained of which up to 1 may be a Chinook. Release all salmon and steelhead other than Chinook and coho. | |
| Sturgeon | Year-round | Catch-and-release. |
| from Hwy. 395 Bridge at Pasco to the I-182 Bridge CRC (534) | ||
| All species | Night closure (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only). Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement, 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 | Aug. 16-Oct. 31 | Min. size 12”. Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained. 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 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 | Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement, 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 2. 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. Up to 2 adults may be retained. Release wild adult Chinook. |
| Aug. 16-Dec. 31 | Min. size 12”. Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained. 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 | Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement, 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. Up to 2 adults may be retained. Release wild adult Chinook. |
| Aug. 16-Aug. 31 | Min. size 12”. Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained. 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 | See South Columbia Basin Irrigation PE16.4 spillway at the Ringold Springs access for spillway rules. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement, except sturgeon. Night closure (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only). | |
| Trout | Year-round | Catch-and-release. |
| Steelhead (hatchery) | Apr. 1-Apr. 15 | Min. size 20”. Daily limit 2. 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 2. 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. Up to 2 adults may be retained. Release wild adult Chinook. |
| Aug. 16-Dec. 31 | Min. size 12”. Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained. 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 | Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement, 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 2. 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. Up to 2 adults may be retained. Release wild adult Chinook. |
| Aug. 16-Dec. 31 | Min. size 12”. Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained. 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 | Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement, 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. Up to 2 adults may be retained. Release wild adult Chinook. |
| Aug. 16-Oct. 15 | Min. size 12”. Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained. 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 channel (Jackson Creek) CRC (536) | ||
| All species | Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement, except sturgeon. Night closure (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only). | |
| 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. Up to 2 adults may be retained. Release wild adult Chinook. |
| Aug. 16-Oct. 15 | Min. size 12”. Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained. 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 | Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement, 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. Up to 2 adults may be retained. Release wild adult Chinook. |
| Aug. 16-Oct. 15 | Min. size 12”. Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained. 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. |
Columbia River Hanford Reach WDFW Emergency Regulations
The above permanent regulations for the Columbia River Hanford Reach / Lake Wallula area are subject to change at any time and without being updated on this blog. One must consult the WDFW Emergency Regulations before any trips to ensure they are in full compliance with state laws regulating fisheries.
Columbia River Upper Reservoirs
I’ve named this section simply the “Upper Reservoirs” as there are many, fairly tightly packed together reservoirs that I believe can be grouped for efficiency.
The lowest dam on the river here is Priest Rapids Dam and that extends upstream until Grand Coulee Dam on the higher end of the Columbia River.
This is also the section of the Columbia River that features the popular Brewster pool where thousands of sockeye and chinook will often hold in the summer waiting for cooler water to arrive from fall rains.
Columbia River Upper Reservoirs Fish / Dam Counts over Priest Rapids Dam
No recent fish counts
Columbia River Upper Reservoirs Key Tributaries
- Wenatchee River
- Entiat River
- Chelan River
- Methow River
- Okanogan River
Columbia River Upper Reservoirs Salmon and Steelhead Forecasts
Spring Chinook forecast for 2023 in Upper Columbia Reservoirs
Summer Chinook forecast for 2023 in Upper Columbia Reservoirs
Columbia River Upper Reservoirs / Rufus Woods Lake WDFW Fishing Regulations for 2022->June 30th of 2023
| 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 | Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement. |
| 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. Up to 2 adult Chinook and up to 2 sockeye may be retained. Release coho and wild adult Chinook. |
| Sept. 1-Oct. 15 | Min. size 12”. Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained. Release all salmon other than Chinook. | |
| Sturgeon | Year-round | Catch-and-release. Night closure. |
| 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 | Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement. |
| 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. Up to 2 adult Chinook and up to 2 sockeye may be retained. Release coho and wild adult Chinook. |
| Sept. 1-Oct. 15 | Min. size 12”. Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained. Release all salmon other than Chinook. | |
| Sturgeon | Year-round | Catch-and-release. Night closure. |
| 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’ downstream of the Rocky Reach Dam fish ladders CRC (541) | ||
| All species | July 1-Oct. 15 | Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement. |
| 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. Up to 2 adult Chinook and up to 2 sockeye may be retained. 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 | Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement. |
| 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. Up to 2 adult Chinook and up to 2 sockeye may be retained. Release coho and wild adult Chinook. |
| Sturgeon | Year-round | Night closure. Catch-and-release. |
| 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 | Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement. |
| 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. Up to 2 adult Chinook and up to 2 sockeye may be retained. Release coho and wild adult Chinook. |
| Sturgeon | Year-round | Night closure. Catch-and-release. |
| from Hwy. 173 Bridge at Brewster to the Hwy. 17 Bridge CRC (545) | ||
| All species | July 1-Oct. 15 | Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement. |
| 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. Up to 2 adult Chinook and up to 2 sockeye may be retained. 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 | Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement. |
| 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. Up to 2 adult Chinook and up to 2 sockeye may be retained. 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 Engineers safety zone marker | ||
| All species | CLOSED WATERS. |
RUFUS WOODS LAKE – DOUGLAS/GRANT/OKANOGAN CO. – | ||
| from Chief Joseph Dam upstream to State Route 155 Bridge | ||
| All species | Douglas County shore (State license), on the water (either State or Tribal License accepted), Reservation (Tribal permit required or either license accepted at a signed “Designated Fishing Areas” (DFA) located and marked as such on the Colville Reservation shoreline). | |
| Trout | Year-round | Daily limit 2. |
| Other game fish | Year-round | Statewide min. size/daily limit. |
| Sturgeon | Year-round | Closed. |
| from State Route 155 Bridge upstream to Grand Coulee Dam | ||
| All species | CLOSED WATERS. |
Columbia River Upper Reservoirs WDFW Emergency Regulations
The above permanent regulations for the Columbia River Upper Reservoirs area are subject to change at any time and without being updated on this blog. One must consult the WDFW Emergency Regulations before any trips to ensure they are in full compliance with state laws regulating fisheries.
Columbia River Upper / Lake Roosevelt
This portion of the Columbia River upstream of Grand Coulee Dam is considered to be Lake Roosevelt and it extends north all the way to the Canadian border.
While not exactly what salmon anglers are looking for in terms of chasing migratory fish, you won’t find a more scenic and beautiful stretch of river / lake anywhere. I feel like I could say that about many places I’ve visited, but this stretch is truly something everyone should take in and visit at some point, even if it’s just to enjoy the surrounding area and fish for the other species available.
Columbia River Upper / Roosevelt Lake WDFW Fishing Regulations for 2022->June 30th of 2023
| ROOSEVELT LAKE – FERRY/GRANT/LINCOLN/OKANOGAN/STEVENS CO. – | ||
| Grand Coulee Dam to Little Dalles power line crossing including Hawk Creek downstream of the falls at Hawk Creek Campground and the Spokane Arm upstream to 400′ below Little Falls Dam CRC (549) | ||
| Kokanee | Year-round | No min. size. Daily limit 6. No more than 2 with intact adipose fins may be retained. |
| Trout | Year-round | No min. size. Daily limit 5. Only adipose fin-clipped trout may be retained. |
| Walleye | Year-round | Daily limit 16. No size restriction. |
| Other game fish | Year-round | Statewide min. size/daily limit. |
| Salmon | Year-round | Salmon count toward trout daily limit. No catch record card required. |
| Sturgeon | Year-round | Closed. |
| Kettle Arm upstream to Barstow Bridge CRC (549) | ||
| All species | Mar. 1-Fri. before Memorial Day | CLOSED WATERS. |
| Kokanee | Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb. | No min. size. Daily limit 6. Up to 2 with intact adipose fins may be retained. |
| Trout | Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb. | No min. size. Daily limit 5. Only adipose fin-clipped trout may be retained. |
| Walleye | Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb. | Daily limit 16. No size restriction. |
| Other game fish | Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb. | Statewide min. size/daily limit. |
| Salmon | Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb. | Salmon count toward trout daily limit. No catch record card required. |
| Sturgeon | Year-round | Closed. |
| Little Dalles power line crossing upstream 1.7 miles to marked rock point CRC (549) | ||
| All species | Mar. 1-Fri. before Memorial Day | CLOSED WATERS. |
| Kokanee | Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb. | No min. size. Daily limit 6. Up to 2 with intact adipose fins may be retained. |
| Trout | Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb. | Min. size 18″. Daily limit 2. |
| Walleye | Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb. | Daily limit 16. No size restriction. |
| Other game fish | Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb. | Statewide min. size/daily limit. |
| Salmon | Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb. | Salmon count toward trout daily limit. No catch record card required. |
| Sturgeon | Year-round | Closed. |
| from marked rock point 1.7 miles upstream of Little Dalles power line crossing to Northport power line crossing CRC (549) | ||
| Kokanee | Year-round | No min. size. Daily limit 6. Up to 2 with intact adipose fins may be retained. |
| Trout | Year-round | Min. size 18″. Daily limit 2. |
| Walleye | Year-round | Daily limit 16. No size restriction. |
| Other game fish | Year-round | Statewide min. size/daily limit. |
| Salmon | Year-round | Salmon count toward trout daily limit. No catch record card required. |
| Sturgeon | Year-round | Closed. |
| Northport power line crossing to most upstream point of Steamboat Rock CRC (549) | ||
| All species | Mar. 1-Fri. before Memorial Day | CLOSED WATERS. |
| Kokanee | Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb. | No min. size. Daily limit 6. Up to 2 with intact adipose fins may be retained. |
| Trout | Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb. | Min. size 18″. Daily limit 2. |
| Walleye | Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb. | Daily limit 16. No size restriction. |
| Other game fish | Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb. | Statewide min. size/daily limit. |
| Salmon | Sat. before Memorial Day-Last Day of Feb. | Salmon count toward trout daily limit. No catch record card required. |
| Sturgeon | Year-round | Closed. |
| from most upstream point of Steamboat Rock To U.S. Canadian Border CRC (549) | ||
| Kokanee | Year-round | No min. size. Daily limit 6. No more than 2 with intact adipose fins may be retained. |
| Trout | Year-round | Min. size 18″. Daily limit 2. |
| Walleye | Year-round | Daily limit 16. No size restriction. |
| Other game fish | Year-round | Statewide min. size/daily limit. |
| Salmon | Year-round | Salmon count toward trout daily limit. No catch record card required. |
| Sturgeon | Year-round | Closed. |
Columbia River Upper WDFW Emergency Regulations
The above permanent regulations for the Columbia River Upper area are subject to change at any time and without being updated on this blog. One must consult the WDFW Emergency Regulations before any trips to ensure they are in full compliance with state laws regulating fisheries.
Columbia River Upper Key Tributaries
- Sanpoil River
- Spokane River
- Colville River
- Kettle River
