2017 Columbia River Spring Chinook Run

Cowlitz River 2017 Spring Chinook

The 2017 Columbia River Spring Chinook run was originally estimated to be 160,400 fish which would have been in line with the 10 year average and the normal fishing seasons were set, included snake river fisheries, as fisheries managers expected escapement levels to be high enough to allow commercial, tribal and recreational fisheries.

As of May 16th, 2017 the 160,400 pre-season forecast has been slashed to only 83,000.  That is about half of the original forecast and resulted in the closing of the snake river recreational fisheries.  

There has been a lot of talk this season about why the Spring Chinook catches were low.  First the Columbia River was flooded during the most popular time to fish the Columbia Portland fishery from March 15th through the 2nd Saturday in April.  Catch rates were so low that fisheries managers re-opened the lower Columbia Spring Chinook Fishery 2 times!  They opened the river for sport fisherman to catch their quota on the lower river based on the higher 160,400 pre-season forecast.  

The fisheries managers conducted 'test fisheries' where they used nets to fish in the lower columbia river for king salmon to see if there were any spring chinook hanging out in the lower river.  The managers assured everyone that the fish were there and they just weren't moving upriver to where people were trying to catch them.

Then the water flows coming out of the Bonneville Dam got really high.  Historically high water flows, fisheries managers suggested, were keeping the 2017 Columbia River Spring Chinook from heading upstream through the fish passage gates and over Bonneville Dam.

We've been checking the Bonneville Dam Fish Counts DAILY, every morning pressing the refresh button over and over waiting for the thousands of fish we've been expecting to show up.  With over or near a thousand fish a day going over the dam as of May 16th it appears that the fish could all straggle in, but it's probably not very likely.

Lucky for us the Cowlitz and Kalama Rivers have been fair to good for the 2017 spring season so far and we are grateful that we are catching fish.

Hopefully more fish show up and fisheries managers can target the cause of the super low Columbia run and do something to fix it.

To book a fishing trip for Cowlitz Spring Chinook, Summer Sockeye or Buoy 10 King Salmon HERE IS YOUR LINK  Call/txt: 253-389-0359

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The easiest way to catch king salmon on the Columbia River is with a fishing guide.  Fishing guides are licensed by the Oregon and Washington Departments of Fish and Wildlife to operate fishing charters on the Columbia River.  Fishing Guides on the Columbia River are numerous and offer a wide range of skill and experience.

We recommend you always choose a guide who has been legally guiding for several years and has good reviews and good standing with the BBB.

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Columbia River Spring Chinook 2017 Season Under Way!

Two Chrome Bright Spring Chinook Salmon Caught on the Columbia River 

The Columbia River Spring Chinook 2017 Season is well underway.  After a slow start to the season hampered by flood stage waters on the Columbia, the water has receded and it's now time to catch lots of delicious king salmon.

The 2017 Columbia River King Salmon Season has already been extended.  The 2017 Columbia River Chinook Forecast that there would be 6,905 spring chinook that recreational anglers could keep from going above bonneville dam.  

As of April 7th, a day after the season was originally scheduled to close, less than 100 of the 6,905 fish have been caught.

This means that there will likely be another extension past this coming Monday so we will have the opportunity to catch the recreational quota.

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King Salmon Fishing FAQa

Spring King Salmon Fishing: What's all the Hype About Anyway? Cabin Fever after a Long Winter:  We need to get outside on the water! King Salmon:  You live in the best place on the planet to catch Spring King Salmon - take advantage of it! Spring King Salmon Fishing: What's all the Hype About Anyway? Cabin Fever after a Long Winter:  We need to get outside on the water! King Salmon:  You live in the best place on the planet to catch Spring King Salmon - take advantage of it! Long Days!  Long days mean there are more hours in the day you need to find fun things to do and we can offer half day trip! Delicious Fish:  Spring Chinook have the highest fat content of any Pacific Salmon Species - these rich omega 3 fatty acids are healthy promoting good cholesterol and are very delicious

Book Online While Rates are Still LOW!

Fequently Asked Questions: When is the best time to go? Anytime after March 20th and before June 30th is the best time to specifically target Columbia, Kalama and Cowlitz River Spring Chinook. Where do we meet? Common meeting locations include: 4005 Dike Rd Woodland, WA Lower River Rd Vancouver, WA Kalama River Rd Kalama,WA Cowlitz Falls Day Use Park Randle,WA How big do they get? As you can see from this picture they vary in size from about 8-15lbs but can get as big as 20-30lbs. What's the limit? There is no annual bag limit but the daily limit is usually 1 fish on the main stem Columbia so they can let some fish move to the tributaries for additional sport fishing opportunities and spawning, and usually 2 on the tributaries.  These are daily limits and again their is no annual or weekly limit. What do I have to bring? 1. Fishing license with Catch Record Card and Columbia River Endorsement 2. Dress to be outside for the day - rain gear or waders are recommended always 3. Polarized sunglasses are great if you have them! 4. SUN BLOCK! 5. Hat with visor is always good when you're outside on the water 6. Whatever you want to eat or drink for the day 7. Cooler to get your fish home What if I have to go to the bathroom? On the Columbia you can pee off the side of the boat or use a bucket - I know sounds wild huh? On the Kalama you can squat in the bushes. On the Cowlitz there is an actual restroom and lots of privacy along the edge of the fishing waters. Do you clean the fish at the end of the day? Yes, we always clean your fish at the end of the day.  Filleted ready to bbq, freeze or send to the smoker. How much does it cost? Half days are sometimes available for $150/person. Full days are only $199 now and can go as high as $225-250/person depending on fishery. How many people on the boat? Drift boat trips are for 2-3 people on the Kalama River Big sled trips on the Columbia are for up to 6 people maximum Small sled trips on the Cowlitz are for up to 4 people maximum Big sled trips on the Cowlitz are for up to 6 people maximum We have lots of guides and boats available so we can take larger groups - but most prime dates for Spring are at least partially full - so let me know in advance if you need more than 1 boat so we can find you a good date. Do I need a license? YES.  All Columbia and Tributaries require a Washington State Fishing License and a Catch Record Card for Salmon and Steelhead and a Columbia River Endorsement.  If you're fishing on the Columbia the Oregon License with same cards and endorsements works great too. Where should I stay the night before? For the late March Early April fishery stay anywhere in Portland or Vancouver with north Vancouver being the easiest for travel the morning of your trip due to traffic. For the Kalama North Vancouver is also a very easy place to stay. For the Cowlitz River there is the Seasons Motel in Morton (a bit overpriced for what it is) and then there are several options in Packwood, WA. Any campgrounds nearby? For the Kalama there is Kamp Kalama. For the Cowlitz there is the Cowlitz Falls Campground and the Taidnapum Campground is the 2nd closest. Can I bring kids? Please bring kids!  How else are we going to pass along this amazing culture to future generations? What time do trips start? Morning trips usually start just before sunrise. Late morning trips around 10-11am. Afternoon Trips around 3pm. How much do I tip the guide? The average is $20-50/person to the guide. Leave a review on Facebook, Yelp or Trip Advisor!  That is worth a lot to me :) Who will the guide be? If you have a favorite guide let us know in advance so we can ensure you know what dates he/she is available. Our guides so far for Spring are as follows: Columbia:  Ryan and Chris Kalama:  Aaron and Tommy Cowlitz:  Casey, Ryan and Chris (maybe Aaron too!) Do I need to bring waders? If you're fishing the Kalama waders are a good idea if you have them, but not required. If you're fishing the Columbia rain gear is better than waders. If you're fishing the Cowlitz then either is fine. Other Questions?  Call/txt/email anytime: 253-389-0359   Visit our website at http://www.fishwaterswest.com to learn more about King Salmon Fishing in Portland, Oregon and the Pacific NW.

Columbia River Fishing Guides

The mighty Columbia River is home to millions of returning salmon each year.  With runs for king salmon, coho salmon, sockeye salmon, chum salmon and steelhead and various strains of these fish all headed for different upriver destinations planning the timing of your columbia river fishing trip can seem a bit daunting.

Columbia river fishing guides have you covered.  Our columbia river fishing guides are all seasoned veterans of the river.  Many people think of native american fishers when it comes to salmon expertise and being one with nature.  However, you would be hard pressed to find any native american in Washington or Oregon who spends more hours each year on the river than any of our columbia river fishing guides.

Our columbia river fishing guides are often licensed to fish in both Washington and Oregon.  Washington State gives commercial guide licenses for salmon and steelhead and Oregon gives guide/outfitter licenses.  The reason we obtain Oregon licenses is because there is a moratorium in Washington State on Charter Licenses for salmon.  This means that if we want to take you fishing below the longview bridge on a columbia river fishing trip, we must obtain an Oregon guide/outfitter license which allows us to fish all the way to the mouth of the columbia river.

Columbia river fishing guides must obtain charter captain licenses from the U.S. Coast Guard.  They must provide proof of insurance to the state that licenses them.  

Most importantly by booking a trip with one of our Columbia River Fishing Guides all you have to do is show up dressed for the day with lunch and recreational fishing licences.

Your columbia river fishing guide will take you out on an adventure on the columbia river to fish for king salmon, chinook salmon, sockeye salmon and sturgeon.