ATLAS › PACIFIC & AK-HI › OREGON
Columbia River - The Gorge
Legendary salmon and steelhead runs, catch-and-release sturgeon and a top walleye fishery in the Gorge.
Depth & Structure
Broad powerful river corridor below dams in the Gorge; walleye on 20-40 foot breaks, sturgeon on bottom in deep channel holes, salmon/steelhead in travel lanes below dams, main channel and mid-river flats with rapid level changes from dam operations
Best Lures
Trolling herring, spinners and plug-style baits for Chinook/coho, anchor fishing with wobblers/spinners, back-trolling in current, trolling worm harnesses and jigging for walleye, small darts/spoons for shad in heavy current below dams
Best Baits
Shad is top sturgeon bait near Bonneville/The Dalles per guides, herring for salmon, salmon roe and sand shrimp for salmon/steelhead; sturgeon baits also include whole/cut herring, shad, lamprey and squid fished on bottom
Gear to Bring
Medium-heavy 7-8 ft rods with 15-20 lb line for salmon drift fishing, heavier trolling rods for Chinook, heavy bottom rods with 30-50 lb line for sturgeon (heavier braid in detailed sturgeon guides), lighter spinning 8-10 lb for walleye
Local Tips
['Gorge is notoriously windy - check conditions, and check USGS flow and ODFW Columbia Zone updates because openings and dam-driven levels change rapidly', 'Spring brings spring Chinook and first walleye push; summer shad stack below The Dalles Dam for fast…
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Related Water
Fish photos: Chinook salmon — Wikimedia Commons · steelhead — Wikimedia Commons · white sturgeon — Wikimedia Commons · walleye — Wikimedia Commons
Fishing regulations, seasons and limits change — always check the current rules for this water before you fish. Spot pins are approximate area markers, not launch or access coordinates.