Recreation Report
Columbia Zone
Recreation Report
-Photo by Dave Wellman-
Nov. 27, 2024
If there’s not a photo, it didn’t happen
Submit your fishing photo to ODFW and we might use it here or elsewhere on MyODFW.com.
Current and upcoming fishing opportunities
- The fall salmon season is winding down on the Columbia River. See regulation updates for details.
Announcements
For the latest regulations, including in-season changes
See the fishing regulations update page.
Take a friend fishing: Free Fishing Days Nov. 29 – 30
The Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving are Free Fishing days in Oregon. You don't need a license to fish, crab or clam anywhere in Oregon – making it the perfect time to introduce a friend or family member to fishing.
2025 sturgeon retention
The 2025 sturgeon retention dates have been set for above Bonneville. See the news release for details: States set 2025 sturgeon retention seasons
Fish consumption advisories
The Oregon Health Authority has issued consumption guidelines for parts of the Columbia River due to high levels of mercury and/or PCBs. Fish with these chemicals look, act, smell and taste like any other fish, so caution is important.
Sign up for the latest information on boater access
Marine Board's Opportunities and Access Report incorporates information from federal and state agencies, local facility operators and fellow boaters to provide up-to-date information so boaters can decide where to recreate and what to expect this season. Subscribe to receive email updates.
Click here to find Columbia River regulation updates for salmon, steelhead, shad and sturgeon.
Salmon, steelhead and shad
The salmonid creel program on the lower Columbia has ended for the year and will resume February of 2025.
Bonneville Pool (Bonneville Dam upstream to The Dalles Dam):
Weekly checking showed no catch for one boat (two anglers).
The Dalles Pool (The Dalles Dam upstream to John Day Dam):
No report.
John Day Pool (Columbia River above John Day Dam and John Day Arm):
No report.
Sturgeon
Lower Columbia River (below Bonneville Dam):
Closed for retention. No report.
Bonneville Pool:
Closed for retention. Weekly checking showed one under-sized and one legal sized sturgeon released for two boats (six anglers).
The Dalles Pool:
Closed for retention. No report.
John Day Pool:
Closed to retention. No report.
Walleye
Bonneville Pool:
No report.
The Dalles Pool:
Weekly checking showed no catch for one boat (one angler).
John Day Pool:
No report.