Recreation Report
Columbia Zone
Recreation Report
-Photo by Joe Hulsey-
Columbia Fishing
April 16, 2026
Current and upcoming fishing opportunities:
Columbia River regulation changes for the 2026 spring Chinook fishery are posted. Please see the fishing regulation update page for details.
Announcements
For the latest regulations, including in-season changes
See the fishing regulations update page.
An additional extension of the Columbia spring Chinook fishery was announced for Saturday, April 18, 2026, on the lower Columbia River. Please see the regulation update page for details.
Forecasts for 2026 Columbia River Spring Chinook, Summer Chinook and Sockeye are available here.
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.
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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
On Saturday's (4/11) effort count, there were 138 bank anglers and 321boats from PDX to Lord Island.
Spring Chinook fishing was good on the lower river during last weekend's extension period, with the best catch rates occurring in the gorge.
Gorge: Weekly checking showed 17 Chinook kept, and three Chinook released for eight boats (27 anglers); and two Chinook kept for 35 bank anglers.
Troutdale: Weekly checking showed 25 Chinook kept for 97 boats (182 anglers).
Portland Airport to Warrior Rock: Weekly checking showed 76 Chinook kept, and four Chinook released for 128 boats (331 anglers); and three Chinook kept, and one Chinook released for 80 bank anglers.
Warrior Rock to Prescott: Weekly checking showed 47 Chinook kept, and six Chinook released for 85 boats (222 anglers); and one Chinook kept for 14 bank anglers.
Prescott to Wallace Island: Weekly checking showed 21 Chinook kept, and two Chinook and one jack Chinook released for 63 boats (142 anglers); and six Chinook and seven steelhead kept, and one Chinook and two steelhead released for 214 bank anglers.
Wallace Island to Buoy 10: Weekly checking showed 54 Chinook and one steelhead kept, and four Chinook and one jack Chinook released for 132 boats (342 anglers); and four Chinook kept, and one Chinook and one steelhead released for 76 bank anglers.
STURGEON
Lower Columbia River: Weekly checking showed no catch for two boats (five anglers).
Above Bonneville Dam to McNary Dam: No report.