Columbia River Fishing 2023

Nice mid teens spring chinook from the lower columbia river

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:

Dams on the Columbia from wdfw
Dams on the Columbia from wdfw

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

Columbia river gorge
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

Columbia River gorge map
Columbia River gorge map

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

Columbia river lake celio
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

Columbia River Lake Celio Map
Columbia River Lake Celilo Map

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

Columbia river lake umatilla
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

Columbia River Lake Umatilla Map
Columbia River Lake Umatilla Map

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

Columbia river  hanford reach
Columbia river hanford reach

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 Map
Columbia River Hanford Reach Map

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 2023->June 30th of 2024

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

Columbia river upper reservoirs
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

Columbia River upper reservoirs map
Columbia River upper reservoirs map

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 2023->June 30th of 2024

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

Columbia river upper
Columbia river upper

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 2023->June 30th of 2024

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

Columbia River Upper Lake Roosevelt Map
Columbia River Upper Lake Roosevelt Map
  • Sanpoil River
  • Spokane River
  • Colville River
  • Kettle River