Best Fish to Catch on a Columbia River Fishing Charter

Did you know that the Columbia River is the biggest river around the American West? Because of its size, it’s safe to assume that there are a ton of fishing opportunities.

Well, that is true! There are a ton of fish species you can chase when out here, and it’s best that you do so with a Columbia River fishing charter. That way, you have a guide to take you to the best places for fishing and all you need to worry about is how to fight off a large game fish!

But wait, what are the best fish to catch on a Columbia River fishing charter anyway? Learn what to expect when on a fishing charter and see what fish you can catch (and show off) when in the Columbia River.

Best Fish to Catch on a Columbia River Fishing Charter

There are so many fish to catch on a Columbia River fishing charter, but which ones are the best to focus on? Here are the most popular ones that will leave your friends impressed!

Chinook Salmon

This salmon variety would return to Columbia River in three runs during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. They are also known as springers, which is the most prized variety when we talk about the salmon. Plus, chinook are the largest in the Pacific Ocean, also called the king salmon!

While the spring Chinook run a bit smaller compared to the ones coming in summer and fall, this Chinook is the tastiest and best to eat. It’s said that the chinook is comparable to the Copper River in terms of flavor.

The spring Chinook begin returning during the late winter, though you’ll want to head to the waters from Match to June in the lower river.

If you’re eyeing to get big salmon, then you’ll want to fish for salmon during the summer. This isn’t only the most popular time for Chinook, but expect large fish! They are known as June Hogs because of their size.

As for the fall Chinook, they are also just as big as the ones you’ll find during the summer season, and it’s best to target them from August to September in the lower river.

Summer Steelhead           

Also known as ‘summers’, the Summer Steelhead would arrive during long periods of spring and summer season. They head upriver to their natural spawning grounds, as well as the artificial hatcheries located in Oregon and Washington.

Usually, beach anglers would catch summer steelhead as they stay close to fairly shallow waters of 6-12 feet in depth. However, boaters in fishing charters that anchor in steelhead travel lanes will also have a lot of opportunities.

That said, they are pretty challenging to catch, which is why it’s best to be on a charter. You will want to catch summer steelhead in the lower river area between May to June.

River Trout

While Columbia River would run too warm during the summer to catch a lot of trout, you can still find sizable rainbow trout around the river reservoirs. They are still worth looking out for and make a great gamefish for beginners.

Plus, trout is a delicious fish you’ll want to take home for dinner! When targeting trout, you’re better off going farther downriver.

River Sturgeon

River sturgeon are huge fish that some people may see as great white sharks! Columbia is home to some of the biggest sturgeon species around, which includes the great white sturgeon.

These are awesome gamefish to catch and release, and with their huge size, you’ll want to snap a photo to share with friends. Just prepare your strength. While sturgeon aren’t aggressive, they are heavy, so a strike will have you feel like you were hit by a truck!

Northern Pikeminnow

How is Northern Pikeminnows part of this list? They aren’t best known for being awesome gamefish or for eating.

However, they are the best for beginners and pretty fun to catch when you come across them. They are small, might be worth eating, and they are the best to target if you’re a complete beginner or if you’d like to teach your little ones to fish.

Plus, did you know that you can trade in Northern Pikeminnows for cash? The Bonneville Power Administration has a sport-reward program paying anglers who catch pikeminnows to help with the salmon and steelhead population. Some anglers have caught enough pikeminnows to earn a few thousand dollars every season, so why not get paid to do what you love?

If you would like to catch pikeminnows, find them below dams or in areas where they can lay outside the strong current, ready to eat any smaller fish they come across. You can use bait and lure techniques when catching them.

Before you set out to the waters, take note that Washington and Oregon issued advisories regarding the fishing limit for anglers, as well as what fish to avoid eating or catching. This is for your health and for the sake of the overall fish population in the Columbia River.

A Columbia River fishing charter will keep you up to speed in regards to the rules and regulations set by the local departments. Furthermore, they can guide you on what fish to catch and where to find them in the area.

Wrapping It Up

There’s no denying that the Columbia River offers some of the best fishing opportunities worldwide. That’s why you need to know the type of fish to expect so you can prepare your gear (and strength) to catch some of the biggest game fish. Don’t stress too much, though. Fishing charters will guide you to the best spots and even provide the appropriate fishing gear.

Hopefully, you are now well-informed on the best fish to catch on a Columbia River fishing charter. If you haven’t found the best fishing charter to work with yet, feel free to contact us and see what services we have to offer for you when fishing in the Columbia River.