Salmon Fishing Guide

Salmon Fishing in Southwest Washington

Southwest Washington’s river systems produce some of the strongest salmon runs on the West Coast. The Columbia River alone hosts the largest returns of fall chinook and coho in the entire lower 48 states, and tributaries like the Cowlitz, Lewis, and Chehalis Rivers each offer their own distinct salmon fisheries.

Andy targets salmon across all four rivers, adjusting location and technique based on where the fish are running and what the conditions favor. With over two decades of experience reading these waters, he knows when to be on the Columbia’s tidal flats trolling flashers and when to shift to the Cowlitz for side drifting through holding water.

Spring Chinook (“Springers”)

Spring chinook are the most prized salmon in the Pacific Northwest — and for good reason. They’re the best-eating salmon available, with high fat content from their long upriver migration. The Columbia’s tidal waters produce fish from March through June, targeted with cut plug herring and anchovies fished behind a flasher. As springers push into the Cowlitz and Lewis, Andy switches to back bouncing eggs and sand shrimp, and back trolling freshly cut plug herring — a hands-on, technical fishery that rewards skill and local knowledge.

Fall Chinook (“Kings”)

The Columbia River’s fall chinook run is legendary — these are big, powerful fish that test your tackle and your will. Andy targets kings in the Columbia’s tidal waters during August and September, trolling flashers with cut plug herring or spinners. As chinook push into the Cowlitz and Lewis tributaries through October and November, techniques shift to side drifting, hover fishing, back bouncing, twitching jigs, and casting spinners.

Coho (“Silvers”)

Coho are the most aggressive salmon you’ll hook into — they hit hard, fight fast, and are excellent on the table. The Columbia and its tributaries see strong coho runs from September through November. The Chehalis River is particularly known for its exceptional coho fishing, with runs extending into December. Techniques include side drifting, casting spinners, and twitching jigs — an active, hands-on fishery that’s perfect for anglers who like to stay engaged.