Fishing on the Columbia River.
The Columbia River stretches for more than 2000 km, making it the largest river in the Pacific Northwest. The lower section of the river is the perfect spot for anglers to catch fish arriving from the ocean.
Fish Species in the Columbia
The Columbia River is home to several species of fish, some of which are natives and others that have been introduced by humans throughout the years. Salmon and steelhead are the main attraction of the Columbia River. During the summer and fall months, millions of salmon and steelhead come to Washington to spawn.
Here’s a look at all the different types of fish that swim throughout the waters of the Columbia River.
Introduced Fish Species
Herring Species
Salmonid Species
- Lake trout
- Brook trout
- Lake whitefish
Pike Species
- Northern pike
- Grass pickerel pike
Minnow Species
Catfish Species
- Yellow bullhead
- Black bullhead
- Channel catfish
- Brown bullhead
- Tadpole madtom
Killifish Species
Live-bearer Species
Sunfish Species
- Pumpkinseed
- Smallmouth bass
- Largemouth bass
- Bluegill
- White crappie
- Black crappie
Perch Species
- Walleye perch
- Yellow perch
- Fathead minnow
- Grass carp
Native Fish Species
Stickleback Species
Salmonid Species
- Mountain whitefish
- Rainbow trout
- Chinook salmon
- Bull trout
- Steelhead
- Coho salmon
- Cutthroat trout
- Sockeye salmon
Minnow Species
- Peamouth
- Chisel mouth
- Redside shiner
- Leopard dace
- Speckled dace
- Northern pikeminnow
- Tui chub
- Oregon chub
- Longnose dace
- Umatilla dace
Cod Species
Sucker Species
- Longnose sucker
- Bridgelip sucker
- Mountain sucker
- Largemouth sucker
Sturgeon Species
Trout / Perch Species
Sculpin Species
- Reticulate sculpin
- Paiute sculpin
- Margined sculpin
- Torrent sculpin
- Coast range sculpin
- Short head sculpin
- Prickly sculpin
- Mottled sculpin
- Slimy sculpin
Lamprey Species
- Western brook lamprey
- Pacific lamprey
Out of all these species, the most sought-after fish in the Columbia River are of the salmon family, which includes steelhead, Chinook, sockeye, and Coho salmon.
Chinook Salmon
The average weight of a Chinook fish falls within the range of 10 to 45. They are recognized for their green back, silver sides, and speckled stomachs.
Coho Salmon
Also known as “silver salmon” Coho salmon fish are usually around 8 pounds and have silver stomachs and sides.
Sockeye Salmon
Most of the sockeye salmon that are found in the Columbia River weigh 6 to 8 pounds. When young, they have silver sides and stomachs. But as these fish mature, they change colors and become bright red.
Steelhead Salmon
While steelhead salmon are known for their solid gray coloring, you may see this species with a red colored streak on their side while fishing on the Columbia River.
Plunking in the Columbia River
The Columbia River is a wonderful place to travel by boat to navigate through. The best time to fish for salmon and steelhead is during the outgoing and changing tides. Feel like spending some time on the beach as well? Plunking on the Columbia River is an option. With the proper equipment, allow the fish to come to you while enjoying the sun and warm sand.
Reach Out to These Columbia River Top Fishing Guides
Want to make sure you experience all that Columbia River has to offer? Explore the top guides available to help make your fishing trip a memorable one.