Spring Chinook are the first migratory return to the Columbia River of the year, and always kick off the fishing season with a ton of participation. Anglers all over the region will make their way to the big river in early Spring to catch, arguably the best tasting salmon available anywhere. Their unique genetics cause them to enter the river early and spawn later, meaning their fat reserves need to be extremely high to survive the migratory and spawning cycle. Catch them early into their upstream journey and you'll put fillets on the barbeque that can't be matched.
There are set seasons published in the regulations pamphlet that allow Springers to be caught in the Lower Columbia through March. The real anticipation happens early in the year for Washington and Oregon salmon managers to determine how many April days will be open, and what the season above Bonneville Dam will be.
Spring Chinook will begin to trickle into the Columbia River in February, however in small numbers. These fish are usually a little challenging to catch early on due to low numbers and cold water. As we get closer to spring, the Columbia River water temperatures rise just enough to really encourage the bulk of the Springer run to start their migration.
Fishing in the Lower Columbia River is a good option for all of March, however fishing really picks up at the end of the month. Traditionally, the peak of the Spring Chinook season is early April.
2026 Columbia River spring Chinook seasons announced
Contact: Southwest Region, 360-696-6211
Media contact: Kelly Hall, 360-742-1820
RIDGEFIELD – Fishery managers from Washington and Oregon approved this year’s Columbia River recreational spring Chinook salmon fishing season during a joint state hearing Thursday.
The 2026 forecast for upriver spring Chinook is 147,300 fish, which is less than the 154,703 that returned to the Columbia River in 2025, but higher than the 10-year average return of 126,248.
“This year’s upriver spring Chinook forecast is improved compared to last year’s forecast and is above the 10-year average, which allows for some additional fishing opportunity early in the season,” said Ryan Lothrop, Columbia River fisheries manager with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). “We're committed to preserving and protecting the resource while providing sustainable recreational opportunities consistent with our management objectives. That balance drives how we set these fisheries.”
Under permanent regulations, salmon and steelhead fishing is open daily through March 31 from the mouth of the Columbia River to the Interstate 5 bridge. However, spring Chinook typically don’t arrive in large numbers until late March or April.
The Columbia River will be open for the following dates and locations in 2026:
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March 1 to April 8: Buoy 10 line upstream to Beacon Rock, plus only the Oregon and Washington banks (by hand-cast only for Washington) from Beacon Rock upstream to the Bonneville Dam deadline marker.
- Salmon and steelhead: The daily limit is six, with no more than two adults, and only one may be an adult Chinook. All wild steelhead and salmon other than hatchery Chinook must be released. Salmon must be at least 12 inches to keep. Shad retention is permitted, with no size minimum or daily limit.
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April 1 to 26 and May 2: Tower Island power lines (approximately six miles below The Dalles Dam) upstream to the Washington/Oregon border, plus only the Oregon and Washington banks (by hand-cast only for Washington) from Bonneville Dam upstream to the Tower Island power lines. Salmon and steelhead:
- The daily limit is six, with no more than two adults, and only one may be an adult Chinook. All wild steelhead and salmon other than hatchery Chinook must be released. Salmon must be at least 12 inches to keep.
In 2026, recreational anglers are projected to harvest approximately 5,800 adult Chinook below Bonneville Dam, and 700 from Bonneville Dam upstream to the Washington/Oregon border prior to the run-size update.
Fishery managers will monitor the fisheries, dam counts, and hatchery returns as the season progresses and adjust as necessary. The U.S. v. Oregon Technical Advisory Committee typically provides an initial run size update in mid-May. Once the fisheries close, WDFW fishery managers will evaluate the spring Chinook in-season data and determine if there is sufficient room to add more fishing dates.
Salmon and steelhead rules and limits in Deep River will be the same as the mainstem Columbia River when the mainstem is open to spring Chinook retention. Based on preseason forecasts, anglers can also expect to harvest spring Chinook in the Cowlitz, Kalama, and Lewis rivers in 2026.
Starting Jan. 1, 2026, anglers are required to get an endorsement to fish for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River and many of its tributaries. Endorsements are available to buy online. Find details about cost and required locations on the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement webpage.
Anglers should review the Washington Sport Fishing rules pamphlet or Fish Washington® mobile app for all permanent rules for the waters they plan to fish, as well as check for any emergency rule changes before heading out. Regulations may be modified in-season as returns materialize.
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.
