Spring Salmon Season is Here: Columbia & Willamette River Guide
As we shake off the winter blues, one of the most anticipated fishing seasons in the Pacific Northwest is upon us—spring Chinook on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers! These are the prized kings of the Northwest, fresh from the ocean, packed with fat and flavor, and ready to challenge anglers from Astoria to Rufus, Oregon.
If you’re looking to hook into a hard-fighting, high-quality springer, here’s everything you need to know for the 2025 season.
Season Dates & Run Predictions
- Columbia River: Open March 1 – April 7
- Willamette River: Open year-round
- Run Forecast: Better than 2024, meaning more opportunities for anglers this season!
The best fishing on the Columbia tends to heat up in late March and runs strong until the season closes in early April. If you’re looking for the best shot at a fish, now is the time to get your gear ready.
Where to Fish: Key Hotspots
Springers can be found throughout the Columbia, but some areas consistently outproduce others. The best sections for boat anglers are:
✅ Astoria to Portland – This stretch is where the biggest waves of fish push through.
✅ Bonneville to Rainier – Great for both boat and bank anglers.
✅ Willamette River – Offers a longer season and more relaxed fishing pressure.
If you’re a bank fisherman, you’re not out of luck! There are great access points from Rainier to Bonneville Dam. With a little research, you can find excellent shoreline opportunities to land a spring Chinook.
Springer Tactics: What Works Best?
Spring Chinook fishing is all about bait early in the season. Here’s what works best:
🎣 Herring & Flashers – Troll slow and close to the bottom. Some days, removing the flasher can make a huge difference. If running six rods, a mix of four with flashers and two without is a great strategy.
🎣 Rod & Bite Strategy – Use a light rod with a soft tip. Springers don’t always hammer the bait; they’ll chew on it before fully committing. Be patient and let them hook themselves before picking up the rod!
🎣 Color Experimentation – Flashers and brined herring can be color-dependent on light conditions. Don’t be afraid to play with blue, green, purple, and other colors to dial in the bite.
Regulations & Fish Identification
📌 Columbia River: 1 fish per person, hatchery only (adipose fin must be clipped).
📌 Willamette River: Usually 2 fish per person, but always check regulations.
📌 Be sure to confirm season dates and rules with ODFW!
Weather & Gear Prep
Spring fishing in Oregon isn’t always sunshine and calm waters. Cold, wet, and miserable conditions are common—right up until that first bite changes everything!
✅ Layer up – Dress in warm, waterproof layers.
✅ Good rain gear – Nothing ruins a trip faster than getting soaked.
✅ Stay prepared – Conditions change fast, so bring gloves, extra clothes, and hot coffee!
Guides & Local Resources
If you’re new to spring Chinook fishing or want to maximize your success, hiring a local Portland fishing charter like Double M Outdoors can be a game-changer. Local guides know the latest bite patterns and are happy to share tips to help sport anglers be more successful.
Bait shops, tackle stores, and even fellow fishermen on the water are also great resources—don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Reward
Spring Chinook are the best eating salmon in the Northwest—rich, fatty, and fresh from the ocean. They’re a bucket list fish for many anglers, and nothing beats the feeling of landing a chrome-bright springer after hours of grinding in tough conditions.
So, gear up, watch the weather, and hit the river before the season closes April 7th on the Columbia! Whether you’re fishing from a boat or the bank, this is the season to chase the king of spring.
