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River Sections

Columbia River Fishing Locations

The Columbia River stretches more than 1,200 miles and offers a wide range of fishing opportunities depending on location, season, and water conditions. From tidal waters near the Pacific Ocean to free-flowing desert stretches upstream, each section of the river supports different fish species and fishing styles.

This page breaks the Columbia River into distinct fishing sections to help you quickly find where to fish, what species are available, and the best time of year to plan your trip.

How the Columbia River Is Divided

For fishing purposes, the Columbia River is commonly divided into sections based on geography, dams, and fish migration patterns. Each section has its own characteristics, species mix, and seasonal timing.

Choose a river section below to explore detailed fishing information and connect with local guides who specialize in that area.

Lower Columbia River fishing map
This map shows the Buoy 10 are which is one of the key fishing locations on the Lower Columbia River.

🎣 Lower Columbia River

Astoria → Longview

The Lower Columbia River is heavily influenced by tides and ocean conditions and is one of the most productive fishing areas on the entire system.

Common Species

  • Chinook Salmon

  • Coho Salmon

  • White Sturgeon

  • American Shad

Best Time of Year

  • Spring through Fall, depending on species

👉 View Lower Columbia River Fishing Details

Longview to Vancouver Columbia River fishing map
This section of the Columbia River from Longview to Portland/Vancouver is often overlooked but provides many excellent fishing opportunities.

🎣 Columbia River

Longview → Portland / Vancouver

This section transitions from tidal water into classic big-river fishing and offers consistent salmon and sturgeon opportunities with excellent boat access.

Common Species

  • Chinook Salmon

  • Coho Salmon

  • Steelhead

  • White Sturgeon

Best Time of Year

  • Spring through Fall

👉 View Longview to Portland/Vancouver Fishing Details

Columbia River fishing map in eh section from Vancouver to the Bonneville dam
This section is one of the most populare areas for fishing chinook, sturgeon, and coho.

🎣 Columbia River

Portland / Vancouver → Bonneville Dam

This stretch includes the lower Columbia River Gorge and is famous for powerful fish staging below Bonneville Dam.

Common Species

  • Chinook Salmon

  • Coho Salmon

  • Steelhead

  • White Sturgeon

  • Walleye

Best Time of Year

  • Spring and Summer for salmon

  • Year-round opportunities depending on species

👉 View Portland to Bonneville Fishing Details

Fishing map of the Columbia River from the Bonneville dam to the Dalles dam
This section of the river is known for excellent salmon fishing, sturgeon, Walleye, and Bass.

🎣 Columbia River

Bonneville → The Dalles

Flowing through the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, this section offers technical fishing with strong currents and diverse species.

Common Species

  • Chinook Salmon

  • Steelhead

  • White Sturgeon

  • Walleye

  • Smallmouth Bass

Best Time of Year

  • Spring through Fall

👉 View Bonneville to The Dalles Fishing Details

Fishing Map of the Columbia River in the section from the Dalles Dam to the Tri-Cities
Another section know for great Walleye fishing, Salmon, and Sturgeon.

🎣 Columbia River

The Dalles → Tri-Cities

This section transitions into reservoir-style fishing and is well known for consistent warm-water species alongside migrating salmon and steelhead.

Common Species

  • Chinook Salmon

  • Steelhead

  • Walleye

  • Smallmouth Bass

  • Channel Catfish

Best Time of Year

  • Spring through Fall

👉 View The Dalles to Tri-Cities Fishing Details

Columbia River fishing map. Tri cities to hanford rach
This section is a very productive part of the Columbia River, known for Chinook salmon, Coho and Sockeye, as well as Sturgeon, Walleye, catfish, bass, perch and more.

🎣 Columbia River

Tri-Cities → Hanford Reach

The Hanford Reach is the last free-flowing section of the Columbia River and offers a more remote, wild fishing experience.

Common Species

  • Chinook Salmon

  • Steelhead

  • Walleye

  • Smallmouth Bass

  • Rainbow Trout

Best Time of Year

  • Summer through Fall for most species

  • Year-round trout opportunities

👉 View Tri-Cities to Hanford Reach Fishing Details

🎯 Fish With a Columbia River Guide

Each river section requires different techniques, timing, and local knowledge. Fishing with a professional guide helps ensure:

  • Higher success rates

  • Proper equipment and setup

  • Regulation-compliant fishing

  • Access to productive locations

Whether you know exactly where you want to fish or need help choosing the best section, our guides are here to help.

📅 Ready to Plan Your Trip?

👉 Browse Columbia River Fishing Guides
👉 Compare Fishing Locations by Season
👉 Get Help Choosing a River Section