CHINOOK SALMON GUIDE SERVICE
These hard fighting fish generally range from 10 to 20 pounds with the occasional 30 pounder every now and then. When the daily fish numbers over the dams reach well into the thousands the fishing really turns on and it is common to limit the entire boat in a matter of hours. Generally each person’s daily limit is 6 salmon of which only 2 may be hatchery adults. Spring Salmon fisheries openings and closures are not a set date but information regarding them will be posted on Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website under emergency rule updates.
In March and April trips will usually be based out of the Portland/ Vancouver area and/or lower in the Columbia River system. We will be fishing from a 24’ Alumaweld Super Vee Pro jet boat and be trolling or anchoring, fishing a variety of baits and styles.
In Late April or early May trips move to the lower Snake River and will be fishing minutes from Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland. Generally we will be fishing between the mouth and Ice Harbor dam, but from time to time may move to follow fish all the way up to Clarkston. We will be fishing from a 24’ Alumaweld Super Vee Pro jet boat and generally be anchored fishing plugs and a variety of other baits.
In Late May through end of June trips move to the scenic Icicle River located in Leavenworth WA. This is a drift boat fishery where no motors are allowed. We will be fishing from a 16’ Alumaweld drift boat and generally back troll plugs and anchor and plunk both herring and salmon roe.
Summer run Chinook fishing is available from July until late August or early September. These Fish are still bright and full of fight. They generally run in the 18 to 30 pound range with the occasional 40+ being caught every now and then. Generally each person’s daily limit is 6 salmon of which only 3 may be adults.
We will be fishing from a 24’ Alumaweld Super Vee Pro or in a 20’ Alumaweld if fishing with one of my other guides. This fishing is typically done by trolling flashers or dodgers followed by a variety of different baits or lures, and depth is controlled by electric downriggers.
Fall run Chinook fishing is available from September until mid October. These fish generally run in the 20 to 35 pound range, but 50+ pounders are not uncommon. The majority of this fishing will be done in the Hanford Reach and the Vernita Bridge sections of the Columbia River.
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Fishing Location: Lower Columbia River (Vancouver, Wa)
Fishing Time: March-April:
Fishing Location: Snake River (Tri-Cities, Wa)
Fishing Time: April-May:
Fishing Location: Icicle River (Leavenworth, Wa)
Fishing Time: May-June:
Fishing Location: Upper Columbia River (Wenatchee, Wa)
Fishing Time: July-Aug:
Fishing Location: Upper Columbia River (Vernita/Hanford, Wa)
Fishing Time: Sep-Oct:
