Fall Chinook fishing has been nothing short of phenomenal this year! We started our season in Astoria Oregon for the world class fishery known as “Buoy 10” and it started off with fantastic fishing from start to finish. Our season projections for fall chinook and coho salmon were just decent, but dam counts and fishing success has proved to be above the original predictions.
Many Columbia fishing guides agree that catch rates, and Bonneville Dam counts are proving the fact that we are in for a big season for catching our prized Fall Chinook. Fishery managers have been very cautious this year with season setting, but now they are seeing the light that this is truly a big run of fall fish! Tomorrow a compact meeting is set to take place discussing reopening the Columbia River till the end of the year.
Due to dam counts, I predict the Columbia will most likely reopen this Friday the 17th. Despite what happens on the compact meeting though, the season on the Columbia is set to reopen on September 23rd. Being able to fish on the Columbia for Chinook and Coho is always a real treat anytime during mid September- Mid October. Historically, fishing has always been best out there from September 12 onward, and with the dam couns remaining strong, we all predict a major beat down when the Columbia reopens.
This has definitely been the best fishing we have seen since 2014 when 1.2 million Fall Chinook passed over Bonneville Dam! We are so excited to get have the opportunity to fish on these Fall Chinook during the peak of the season! The good news also is we are still early in our season as it will be good through early November.
When fishing on the Columbia slows down, fishing on the tributaries of the Columbia heats up! We will target Fall Chinook and Coho salmon on Sw Washington’s small rivers with great success every day!
This is a season of fishing you don’t want to miss! With the fires getting put out and the smoke clearing from SW Washington, now is the time to get out and catch some Chinook. We still have a great season ahead of us, but don’t wait to long to book. See you on the water!
