
The preseason forecast for upper Columbia summer Chinook at the mouth of the Columbia River is 85,400 compared to a return of 78,494 in 2022
OLYMPIA – Summer Chinook salmon, sockeye and steelhead fishing on sections of the Columbia River opens from June 16 through July 31 from the Astoria-Megler Bridge to Highway 395 Bridge at Pasco and from Richland to Priest Rapids Dam.
“We wanted to remind anglers of the upcoming summer salmon and steelhead fishing opportunity that begins on June 16 which is the result of the public input received during the pre-season planning process to stay within allowable harvest levels,” said Ryan Lothrop, Columbia River fishery manager with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
The preseason forecast for upper Columbia summer Chinook at the mouth of the Columbia River is 85,400 compared to a return of 78,494 in 2022.
The summer season recreational fishery for sockeye and hatchery summer Chinook opens June 16 on the Columbia River from the Astoria-Megler Bridge to Priest Rapids Dam. In addition, hatchery steelhead re-opens downstream of the Highway 395 at Pasco on June 16.
This action applies summer fishery regulations developed through the 2023 North of Falcon season setting process and is consistent with co-manager agreements.
For full fishery details and regulations, see the emergency rule change at WDFW’s website. Permanent regulations can be found in the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet. To receive regulation updates and other information via email, subscribe to Columbia River fishery notices at WDFW’s website.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
Also read:
- The Study of Sports Podcast, May 8, 2025: Girls flag football is coming to Washington high schools, but how do administrators start a new sport?Reporter Paul Valencia and sports administrators Tony Liberatore and Cale Piland discuss local sports first, and we have fun with other topics, too, including news about a famous burger restaurant coming to Vancouver
- Changing roles: Brian Witherspoon accepts position as head coach of Camas girls basketballBrian Witherspoon has been hired to lead the Camas girls basketball program after serving as interim boys coach last season.
- Former Vancouver sports administrator, now working in Nevada, predicts big things for girls flag footballAlbert Alcantar, now in Las Vegas, says Washington’s new WIAA-sanctioned girls flag football program could mirror the success Nevada has already seen.
- Vancouver selected for National Million Coaches ChallengeVancouver Parks and Recreation has been chosen to participate in the Million Coaches Challenge, a national initiative to train youth sports coaches in inclusive, developmentally focused practices.
- WDFW approves eight days of coastal razor clam digs beginning April 26WDFW has approved eight days of razor clam digs beginning April 26, with tentative final digs set for May 10–15, pending marine toxin test results.