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Fresh Fishing Reports from Washington

Its Springer Time!
Its Springer Time!
March 19, 2023
Columbia River Spring Chinook Spring Chinook are being caught daily in the Columbia River right now. As the month goes on the fishing will get better by the day as more fish show up. I am sure you have heard they’re the best tasting Salmon found anywhere in the world. The nutritious fat reserve these fish build to make their journey is where they get their delicious, juicy flavor. Why do these fish build up their reserve? Many of these fish will swim up the Columbia and to the Snake River where they will continue into Idaho. They will do this all without eating. Once they get to the spawning grounds they will hold in the rivers until September and October, then begin to spawn. To live that long, and go that far is why the need all of their fat built up. Tributary Spring Salmon The Springer action does not stop when the lower Columbia River closes on April 7th. I will be fishing the Willamette River which is predicted to get a return of over 70,000 Spring Chinook. Here I use the trolling methods used in the Columbia. Prawn Spinners are usually very effective here also. The Lewis and Cowlitz Rivers are supposed to have improved runs over the last few years as well. This is some of my favorite fishing. Hover fishing, back bouncing and bobber fishing are my three most productive methods of fishing here. The absolute best bite in the world is a Spring Chinook chewing on a bait of eggs tipped with shrimp all while holding the rod in your hand. Later in the season, when the bulk of the run is above Bonneville Dam, I will fish the mouth of the Wind River. This place truly can live up to its name. If there’s one thing you can count on here, it’s wind. Prawn spinners behind a Pro Troll style flasher are my go to when fishing here.
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What anglers said about fishing in Washington

Could just be the season but there was a ton of bait fish but also almost an infestation of dog sharks who would grab your bait before most salmon had a chance.
Excellent
4.3 / 5
Could just be the season but there was a ton of bait fish but also almost an infestation of dog sharks who would grab your bait before most salmon had a chance.
David  C.
David C. Seattle, Washington
Take plenty of layers, under your waders, because it can be super cold out there.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Take plenty of layers, under your waders, because it can be super cold out there.
Derick  B.
Derick B. Anacortes, WA
Make sure you are dressed appropriately for the weather, bring rain gear and waders.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Make sure you are dressed appropriately for the weather, bring rain gear and waders.
Daniel  V.
Daniel V. Los Angeles, CA
This is very convenient for those living in the Seattle-area, especially during the Coho run. Not even 10 minutes of sailing and you are on the fish. Very much worth it.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
This is very convenient for those living in the Seattle-area, especially during the Coho run. Not even 10 minutes of sailing and you are on the fish. Very much worth it.
Christopher  M.
Christopher M. Tacoma, WA
Yes, I have had several fishing charters before. for awesome experience Chasing Fin is the way to go.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes, I have had several fishing charters before. for awesome experience Chasing Fin is the way to go.
William  M.
William M. United States
It was fun but once it rained it got very cold. The fish were not biting very much at this time. I believe a later warmer time of year would have been better as far as catching fish. The trip itself was very fun.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It was fun but once it rained it got very cold. The fish were not biting very much at this time. I believe a later warmer time of year would have been better as far as catching fish. The trip itself was very fun.
Lori  R.
Lori R. Seattle, WA
If you are planing to drift the river on your own its advisable to fish with a guide until you learn the river as it does have some rough spots. There is some bank access and the local folks are friendly and fun to fish around.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If you are planing to drift the river on your own its advisable to fish with a guide until you learn the river as it does have some rough spots. There is some bank access and the local folks are friendly and fun to fish around.
Chuck  G.
Chuck G. Port Orchard, Washington