Columbia River Spring Chinook Season Gets More Days

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Anglers on the Columbia River will get more chances to retain spring Chinook after fishery managers extended the 2026 recreational season across several sections of the river.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced the extension Wednesday after Washington and Oregon managers approved the action May 12. The added days apply to stretches of the Columbia River from Rocky Point and Tongue Point upstream to the Washington-Oregon border.

Additional Chinook Retention Days Added

Managers added six retention days from Rocky Point and Tongue Point upstream to Bonneville Dam. They also added five retention days from Bonneville Dam upstream to the Washington-Oregon border.

Several areas near Bonneville Dam still prohibit fishing from boats during salmon and steelhead fisheries. Those sections allow only bank fishing with hand-cast lines.

Lower Returns Still Allow More Fishing Days

The Columbia River Technical Advisory Committee lowered the upriver spring Chinook forecast to 126,200 fish. The preseason estimate had projected 147,300 fish.

Even with the lower return, managers said enough fish remain available within recreational harvest limits to support additional fishing days. WDFW confirmed the fisheries still meet allowable catch limits for upriver spring Chinook and other protected fish stocks.

Nevertheless, managers warned they may still change the season if catch totals or fish returns shift during the run.

WDFW encourages anglers to review emergency fishing rules before heading out and to check the 2025-26 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for permanent regulations and closure areas.

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