WORLD CLASS FISHING in the GORGE
The vast Columbia River, mountain streams, wilderness lakes, reservoirs, ponds and rivers make for world class fishing in the Columbia River Gorge. Depending on what kind of fishing you’re after, virtually all water in the Gorge and surrounding area have fish of some sort. Chinook is the largest of all the salmon, reaching weights to over 50 pounds, which is why it is also commonly known as “King” salmon. Steelhead differ from salmon due to the fact they do not spawn and die. They are actually an ocean trout which can be caught in both the Columbia River and tributaries. White sturgeon fishing is available year round both from shore and boats on the mainstem Columbia River. Sturgeon are somewhat of a prehistoric creature and can get to an enormous size of up to 12 feet. Numerous ponds and lakes are home to smallmouth and largemouth bass along with rainbow trout. The Columbia River is also known for some of the best walleye fisheries.
No matter what kind of fishing you are doing in the Columbia River Gorge, it can be a rewarding experience, but don’t miss the boat to catch the royal fish of them all — the KING salmon!
Where to Fish & What to Catch
WASHINGTON
Columbia River: Smallmouth & largemouth bass year-round, sturgeon (catch and release except for a few marked days of catch and retain) and salmon — chinook and cohoe, walleye, and steelhead
Washougal River: Salmon, whitefish, steelhead
Little White Salmon River: Salmon, steelhead
Upper Little White Salmon: Rainbow & brook trout
Wind River: Spring Chinook salmon, summer steelhead
Klickitat River: Summer steelhead, trout, spring & fall Chinook
Spearfish Lake: Rainbow trout
Horsethief Lake: Rainbow trout, bass, crappie
Swift Creek Reservoir: Rainbow & bull trout
Goose Lake: Brook & brown trout
Drano Lake: Chinook salmon, steelhead
OREGON
Columbia River: Smallmouth & largemouth bass year-round, sturgeon (catch and release except for a few marked days of catch and retain) and salmon — chinook and cohoe, walleye, and steelhead
Clackamas River: Spring & fall Chinook, steelhead, trout
Sandy River: Summer & winter steelhead
Salmon River: Steelhead, rainbow & cutthroat trout
Lost Lake: Brown, rainbow & brook trout, kokanee
Laurance Lake: Rainbow, bull & cutthroat trout
Benson Lake: Trout
Lower Deschutes River: Rainbow & brown trout, spring Chinook, steelhead
Hood River: Trout, steelhead, spring & fall Chinook
Spearfish Lake (east of The Dalles bridge): Rainbow trout
John Day River: Smallmouth bass, steelhead
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FISHING, GO TO:
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife — wdfw.wa.gov/fishing
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife — myodfw.com/fishing
For more details about boat ramps, please click on the map below.
