🎣 Current Winter Fishing Conditions

Steelhead
• Winter steelhead remains the main active fishery on the Columbia. Anglers are still reporting winter steelhead being caught in typical holes in mid-winter — clear water, cold temps, and consistent presentations continue to produce fish. Angler reports from early Feb show winter steelhead success in good numbers.

Salmon (Chinook/Coho)
• Most salmon seasons are currently closed or very limited on the Columbia River proper in early February. Salmon are not generally legal or productive until spring runs begin (mid-March to April), and forecast planning for 2026 spring Chinook fisheries is underway with proposals being released around Feb 11.

Sturgeon
• Recent management actions have delayed sturgeon retention in the Bonneville and The Dalles pools for 2026 to improve season duration; this means no widespread retention yet, although a one-day keeper opportunity was approved for Presidents’ Day (Feb 16) in certain pools — Bonneville and The Dalles — with expected allowed size and take limits.
• Long-term sturgeon abundance trends remain a concern, with juvenile recruitment still at historically low levels and retention restrictions continuing.

Smelt & Forage Fish
• Smelt run forecasts for 2026 are expected to be below the recent average, meaning less predictable conditions for smelt-dependent fisheries early this year.

📅 Regulations & Management Updates

Spring Chinook Planning
• Joint state fisheries managers from Washington and Oregon are releasing proposed 2026 spring and summer Chinook salmon fishing seasons on Feb 11 — with public comment periods and meetings scheduled to refine season dates and structure based on adjusted run forecasts.

Oregon Free Fishing Days
• Oregon has designated Feb 14–15, 2026 as free fishing days — no license required — but all other regulations (bag limits, closures, gear rules) still apply. This can be useful if you plan a trip soon but does not change open/closed status for Chinook, steelhead, or sturgeon retention.

Health & Consumption Advisories
• Parts of the Columbia, especially below Bonneville Dam, have fish consumption advisories in place due to PCBs and mercury — pay attention to local health guidance before eating catches.

📌 What’s Biting Right Now (Feb 11, 2026)

• Steelhead – Best current target; drift/swing setups, spinners, and fly gear producing fish in mainstem and certain tributaries (e.g., Klickitat, Wind).

• Sturgeon – Catch-and-release prevailing; retention only on specific date (Feb 16) in limited pools with permit and rules.

• Salmon – Pre-season planning; most areas closed to Chinook and coho until spring management actions are finalized and runs build.

• Smelt – Below average early forecast likely; may influence baitfish availability.

🎯 Tips for Your Trip This Week

✅ Check current river flows, water temps, and visibility before heading out — winter conditions can fluctuate quickly.
✅ Confirm species-specific regulations zone by zone (Washington vs Oregon); Columbia Compact decisions may adjust seasons.
✅ Be aware of fish consumption advisories, especially for women and children.

If you want, I can pull the latest creel report PDFs (weekly catch summaries) and key forecasts from state fishery managers to give you a deeper look at expected runs and fishing opportunities.