How To Make the Most of Spring Salmon Fishing Season on the Columbia River

Cold mornings, fast water, and fish that feel just out of reach. Spring Chinook are moving through the Columbia River, but changing conditions, crowded launches, and complex regulations can make it hard to know where to start.

That is where preparation makes all the difference. When timing and technique line up, Columbia River spring salmon fishing can deliver powerful strikes and some of the best-tasting salmon you will ever bring home.

In this article, we will cover what you need to know to make spring salmon fishing on the Columbia River a success. From when the run begins to where Northwest anglers find the best opportunities, you will get a clear look at what it takes to fish with confidence this spring.

Table of Contents

• What To Expect This Year for Columbia River Spring Salmon Fishing
• Before You Plan Your Fishing Season, Keep This in Mind
• Techniques for Spring Salmon Fishing on the Columbia River
• Pacific Drifter Guide Service: Helping You Make the Most of Spring Salmon Fishing on the Columbia River

What To Expect This Year for Columbia River Spring Salmon Fishing

This year’s spring Chinook forecasts are shaping up with solid numbers that should create good fishing opportunities. Predictions suggest that around 222,300 spring Chinook salmon will return to the entire Columbia River system in 2026, a total close to recent years and slightly below the strong 2025 return. Of that, about 147,300 upriver spring Chinook are expected to move past Bonneville Dam toward tributaries upriver.

Forecasts like these help fishery managers set season dates and limits that protect wild stocks while giving anglers a chance to catch fish. These numbers include fish bound for tributaries across Washington and Oregon, including many that pass by excellent fishing areas below Bonneville and near Portland.

The Columbia River’s location makes it ideal for spring salmon fishing. This great waterway stretches from the Pacific Ocean inland for over 1,200 miles, linking ocean, estuary, and freshwater habitats. 

The river’s geography means:

• Fish arrive early near the river mouth, giving Oregon anglers first access.
• Spring Chinook travel past Portland and Bonneville Dam on the way to spawning grounds far upriver.
• Tributaries throughout Oregon and Washington offer stages where fish stack up and become more available to anglers.

Because the Columbia connects so many different watersheds, fish enter freshwater from late winter through spring, creating a long window for spring salmon fishing on the Columbia River. 

If you are planning your spring fishing season, knowing the forecasts and how the river’s layout influences fish movement sets you up to make the most of Columbia River spring salmon fishing.

Questions To Ask Before You Plan Your Fishing Season

When Is the Best Time for Spring Salmon Fishing on the Columbia River?

Spring Chinook begin arriving in the lower Columbia as early as late winter, but the season usually runs from late March through June, with peak action often in late April and May.  Fish move steadily upriver toward spawning grounds, giving anglers multiple opportunities along the Oregon shoreline. 

Fishing is regulated by Oregon and Washington each year. Areas like West Port near the river mouth open early, while sections upstream of Bonneville Dam may open later as fish move past key staging areas. Bag limits and season dates are updated annually, so it is essential to check ODFW regulations before heading out. 

What Are the Best Spots for Catching Columbia River Spring Salmon?

Northwest anglers have several great options for spring salmon fishing on the Columbia River, but it’s important to stay within legal boundaries. During the spring Chinook run, retention is allowed in specific areas, while other sections are catch-and-release only to protect wild fish.

Key areas for spring Chinook retention include:

• Lower Columbia: West Port and Puget Island is a great area to target early season spring Chinook.
• Portland-area mainstem: From Sauvie Island to the Multnomah Channel, anglers can fish from boats or accessible banks.
• Below Bonneville Dam: Fish often stack in the lower river as they wait to move upriver.

Upstream areas may open later in the season as fish pass key points, so always check current ODFW regulations before heading out. These rules ensure you are fishing legally and help protect wild Chinook populations. 

Fishing in the right spots and at the right times gives the best chance for a successful and enjoyable spring salmon experience.

How Do I Find the Best Guide To Take Me Spring Salmon Fishing on the Columbia?

Spring salmon fishing on the Columbia River can be thrilling, but knowing the river, the timing, and the best spots can make all the difference. That’s where a professional guide comes in.

Pacific Drifter Guide Service offers full-service fishing charters in the Portland area, with years of experience helping anglers of all skill levels catch spring Chinook. Our guides know the Columbia River inside and out, including prime fishing locations, current conditions, and the techniques that put fish in the boat.

Booking a guided trip means you can focus on enjoying the experience rather than worrying about logistics. Our team provides everything from top-notch gear to safety instruction, ensuring your day on the river is productive, safe, and unforgettable.

Whether you’re a first-time angler or a seasoned pro, a guided trip is the best way to maximize your chances of success during the spring Chinook run. For more information or to book a trip, visit Pacific Drifter Guide Service.

Tips and Techniques for Spring Salmon Fishing on the Columbia River

Spring Chinook can be tricky to target, but a few key strategies can make your day on the water much more productive. From choosing the right bait to finding the best spots, a little preparation goes a long way. Working with an experienced guide from Pacific Drifter Guide Service can also help you get on fish faster and make the most of your time on the Columbia River.

Trolling

Trolling is one of the most effective ways to catch spring Chinook on the Columbia River. It involves slowly pulling bait or lures behind a moving boat, allowing you to cover water efficiently and present your bait at the right depth.

This technique works particularly well near river bends, and below dams, where salmon often hold while making their upstream migration. By adjusting your speed and the type of lure, trolling lets you keep your bait in the strike zone longer, increasing your chances of a bite.

Using trolling effectively requires knowing where fish are holding and how they are moving, which is why many anglers rely on guides from Pacific Drifter Guide Service to maximize their success.

Back-Bouncing

Back-bouncing is a popular technique for spring salmon fishing on the Columbia River. It involves letting your bait or lure drift along the river bottom while your boat slowly moves downstream, keeping tension on the line to detect bites.

This method is especially effective near river bends, deeper channels, and below dams, where spring Chinook often hold while resting during their migration. By keeping the bait near the bottom, back-bouncing mimics natural prey and encourages strikes from fish that might otherwise ignore surface lures.

Many anglers combine back-bouncing with guidance from experts at Pacific Drifter Guide Service to find the best locations and get the presentation just right for the season.

Multiple Bait Presentation

Using the right bait is key to a successful day on the Columbia River. Spring Chinook respond well to a variety of natural and artificial options, and presenting multiple types can increase your chances of a bite.

Popular bait choices for spring salmon fishing on the Columbia River include:

• Herring: One of the most effective baits, especially when trolled or back-bounced.
• Salmon eggs: Bright and attractive, perfect for slower drifting or anchoring techniques.
• Shrimp and prawns: Work well when fish are feeding closer to the bottom or in slower water.
• Artificial lures: Plugs, spoons, and spinners can mimic prey and add flash in murky water.

Adaptability

The most successful anglers know that spring Chinook don’t always behave the same way. Reading the water, observing how the salmon are moving, and noticing which bait is getting bites can make all the difference. Being able to switch techniques and presentations quickly keeps you in front of the fish and maximizes your chances for a catch.

Working with a guide from Pacific Drifter Guide Service gives you an edge. Our experience on the Columbia River helps you recognize fish behavior, adjust tactics on the fly, and stay productive throughout the day.

Pacific Drifter Guide Service: Helping You Make the Most of Spring Salmon Fishing on the Columbia River

Spring on the Columbia River is full of promise, but knowing where to go, when to fish, and how to present your bait can make the difference between a long day of frustration and an unforgettable adventure. Pacific Drifter Guide Service brings years of local experience and river knowledge to every trip, guiding anglers through the twists and turns of the Columbia River and helping find the salmon you are after when it matters most.

From the quiet stretches near Portland to the prime waters below Bonneville Dam, our team ensures every outing is safe, fun, and productive. With expert guidance, top-quality gear, and personalized instruction, you can focus on the thrill of the bite, the beauty of the river, and the satisfaction of landing a strong spring Chinook.

Let Pacific Drifter Guide Service turn your spring salmon trip into an experience you’ll remember long after the fish are released or filleted. The river is ready. Are you?