The Columbia River is the most iconic Pacific salmon fishery in the Lower 48 \u2014 the river that produces more sport salmon angler-days than any other in the contiguous United States. From the river’s mouth at Astoria and Ilwaco upstream to the Hanford Reach in eastern Washington, the Columbia supports five distinct salmon sub-fisheries plus year-round steelhead fishing on its tributaries. Spring Chinook, summer Chinook, fall Chinook, Coho, and sockeye all return to the Columbia. Trophy potential is real: Buoy 10 produces 40-50 pound Chinook every season; Hanford Reach produces upper-Columbia fall Chinook that approach 60 pounds.<\/p>\n\n
This guide covers Columbia River salmon fishing \u2014 the major sub-fisheries (Buoy 10, lower Columbia, Bonneville pool, Hanford Reach), the seasonal calendar across multiple runs, the techniques each section demands, and the access points for boat and bank fishing. Pair with the Pacific salmon fishing guide<\/a> for broader context and the safety guide<\/a> for the bar crossing and river hazards specific to the Columbia.<\/p>\n\n\n The Columbia is too large and too diverse to fish as a single destination. Five distinct sub-fisheries, each with its own techniques, timing, and access:<\/p>\n\n
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\n\n\nColumbia River Sub-Fisheries<\/h2>\n\n