Recreation Report
Columbia Zone
Recreation Report
Columbia Fishing
July 16, 2026
Current and upcoming fishing opportunities:
While effort has tapered off a bit since last week, catch rates for summer steelhead are steady in the lower portion of the river. Walleye fishing was good in John Day Pool. For the latest regulations for the summer management season, see the fishing regulation update page.
Announcements
For the latest regulations, including in-season changes see the fishing regulation update page.
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 (7/11) flight, there were 60 boats and 33 bank anglers from Bonneville Dam to Tongue Point.
Gorge:
Weekly checking showed one steelhead kept, and one Chinook, two sockeye, and two steelhead released for 18 bank anglers; and one shad kept for three bank anglers.
Troutdale:
Weekly checking showed no catch for five boats (10 anglers).
PDX to Warrior Rock Lighthouse:
No report.
Warrior Rock Lighthouse to Longview Bridge:
Weekly checking showed two steelhead kept, and three sockeye released for 11 boats (21 anglers); and four steelhead kept for 37 bank anglers.
Longview Bridge to Lower West Puget Island:
Weekly checking showed no catch for two boats (four anglers); and one steelhead kept for 16 bank anglers.
Lower West Puget Island to Buoy 10:
Weekly checking showed no catch for two boats (two anglers).
Bonneville Pool:
No report.
The Dalles Pool
No report.
John Day Pool:
No report.
STURGEON
Lower Columbia River:
Weekly checking showed eight sublegal, 38 legal, and 115 over-legal white sturgeon released for 17 boats (60 anglers).
Bonneville Pool:
Weekly checking five sublegal white sturgeon released for one boat (five anglers).
The Dalles Pool:
No report.
John Day Pool:
No report.
WALLEYE
Lower Columbia River (below Bonneville Dam):
No report.
Bonneville Pool:
No report.
The Dalles Pool:
Weekly checking showed four walleye kept for three boats (10 anglers).
John Day Pool:
Weekly checking showed 94 walleye kept and 22 walleye released for 16 boats (36 anglers).