The Top Ten Places to Fish for Spring Chinook in the Pacific Northwest

Columbia River Spring Chinook by Dave Mallahan of Dave’s Guide Service

Spring chinook salmon, known for their size, strength, and delicious taste, are a highly sought-after species for anglers in the Pacific Northwest (PNW). As these fish migrate upriver from the Pacific Ocean to spawn in their natal streams, they provide some of the most thrilling and rewarding fishing experiences in the region. If you’re planning to pursue spring chinook in 2025, it’s essential to know where to go. With that in mind, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of the top ten places to fish for spring chinook in the Pacific Northwest, offering prime locations that promise an unforgettable angling adventure.

1. Columbia River

The Columbia River, often referred to as the “King of Salmon Rivers,” is undoubtedly one of the best places to fish for spring chinook. As one of the largest rivers in the Pacific Northwest, it offers ample fishing opportunities for both experienced anglers and novices alike.

Why Fish the Columbia River?

• Accessibility: The river flows through multiple states, including Washington and Oregon, making it accessible to a wide range of anglers.
• High Salmon Runs: The Columbia River supports one of the most significant runs of spring chinook in the PNW, with fish migrating through the system from March to May.
• Varied Fishing Methods: Whether you prefer trolling, drift fishing, or using baited hooks, the Columbia River provides multiple methods for catching spring chinook.
• Prime Locations: Popular fishing spots include the Bonneville Dam, the Astoria area, and the Portland metro area. These locations are known for their productive fishing conditions.

Tips for Columbia River Spring Chinook Fishing:

• Be sure to check local regulations for bag limits and seasonal restrictions, as these can change annually.
• Focus on fishing the river’s main channels, where chinook salmon tend to migrate in the spring.
• Target fish near the dams, as spring chinook often congregate near these areas before they begin their upriver journey.

2. Willamette River

The Willamette River, a major tributary of the Columbia River, is another excellent spot for spring chinook fishing. The river runs through Portland and provides easy access to prime chinook fishing grounds.

Why Fish the Willamette River?

• Strong Spring Chinook Runs: The Willamette has a robust run of spring chinook, with fish typically entering the system from March to May.
• Convenient Location: Located in the heart of Oregon, the Willamette River is easily accessible from Portland and surrounding areas, making it an ideal spot for anglers looking for a close-to-home fishing experience.
• Scenic Beauty: In addition to great fishing, the Willamette offers beautiful scenery, with views of mountains, parks, and wildlife along the way.

Tips for Willamette River Spring Chinook Fishing:

• The lower section of the river near Portland tends to be more productive for spring chinook.
• Focus on fishing deeper pools and fast-moving water, as chinook are often found in these areas as they make their way upstream.
• Trolling and drift fishing are popular techniques in the Willamette River.

3. Cowlitz River

The Cowlitz River, located in southwestern Washington, is one of the top spring chinook fishing rivers in the Pacific Northwest. It is a prime location for anglers looking to hook into some of the region’s largest and most prized salmon.

Why Fish the Cowlitz River?

• Consistent Salmon Runs: The Cowlitz is known for its reliable spring chinook runs, and the fish tend to be large and healthy.
• Accessible for Boat and Bank Fishing: Whether you’re fishing from a boat or the bank, the Cowlitz River offers multiple access points that accommodate both fishing styles.
• Proximity to Major Cities: Located just outside of Longview, Washington, the Cowlitz River is easily accessible from Portland, Oregon, and other nearby urban centers.

Tips for Cowlitz River Spring Chinook Fishing:

• Fish near the river’s mouth, where salmon congregate before entering the river.
• Use heavy-duty tackle, as spring chinook in the Cowlitz can be particularly large.
• Keep an eye on water flows and fish during times of higher water, as this tends to increase salmon activity.

4. Snake River

The Snake River is a remote, scenic river that flows through Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. Known for its pristine wilderness, the Snake River offers an excellent fishing experience for those seeking spring chinook.

Why Fish the Snake River?

• Remote, Scenic Experience: If you’re looking for a peaceful, wilderness-style fishing trip, the Snake River offers that in spades. The river winds through rugged terrain and offers breathtaking views along the way.
• Large Spring Chinook: The Snake River is home to some of the largest spring chinook in the PNW. Anglers often land fish over 30 pounds here.
• Fishing Season: While chinook are typically found in the river from late spring into early summer, the peak season for spring chinook is typically in April and May.

Tips for Snake River Spring Chinook Fishing:

• The area near Hell’s Canyon and the confluence with the Clearwater River is particularly productive for spring chinook.
• Due to the river’s remote nature, make sure you’re fully prepared for your trip with proper gear, food, and emergency supplies.
• Focus on deeper pools and faster currents, as this is where the fish tend to congregate.

5. Deschutes River

Located in central Oregon, here is another of the top ten places to fish for spring chinook in the Pacific Northwest. The Deschutes River is yet another exceptional location for catching spring chinook. Known for its scenic beauty and challenging fishing conditions, it’s a great spot for anglers looking to test their skills.

Why Fish the Deschutes River?

• Challenging Fishing Conditions: The Deschutes offers challenging, yet rewarding, fishing conditions for experienced anglers.
• Early-Season Chinook: The Deschutes River is one of the first rivers in Oregon to see spring chinook in the season, making it an excellent choice for early-season fishing.
• High Fish Quality: The fish in the Deschutes are known for their quality, often being large and healthy.

Tips for Deschutes River Spring Chinook Fishing:

• Fishing from a boat is often preferred in this river, as it allows you to cover more ground and target productive fishing areas.
• The river is particularly productive near the mouth, where chinook gather before moving upstream.
• The Deschutes can be a bit challenging, so having local knowledge or hiring a guide can greatly increase your chances of success.

6. Lewis River

The Lewis River, located in southwestern Washington, is a fantastic destination for spring chinook fishing. The river offers a mix of easy access and prime fishing conditions, making it a favorite among local anglers.

Why Fish the Lewis River?

• Reliable Spring Chinook Runs: The Lewis River is known for its reliable and consistent runs of spring chinook.
• Convenient Location: The river is located near Vancouver, Washington, and is easily accessible from Portland, Oregon, making it a great option for both local and out-of-town anglers.
• Scenic and Peaceful Setting: Fishing on the Lewis River offers a peaceful setting surrounded by forests and wildlife.

Tips for Lewis River Spring Chinook Fishing:

• Focus on fishing near the mouth of the river, where chinook are more likely to congregate.
• The Lewis River offers both bank and boat fishing opportunities, so you can choose your preferred method.
• Watch out for changing river conditions, as the water levels can fluctuate quickly, impacting fishing success.

7. Grays River

The Grays River, located in southwestern Washington, is another hidden gem for spring chinook fishing. With a smaller, less-crowded feel, the Grays River is a peaceful yet productive location for catching these prized salmon.

Why Fish the Grays River?

• Lower Pressure: Compared to other popular rivers, the Grays River tends to have lower fishing pressure, offering a more serene experience.
• Healthy Salmon Runs: While smaller than the larger rivers, the Grays River offers healthy runs of spring chinook, making it a great alternative for anglers looking to avoid the crowds.

Tips for Grays River Spring Chinook Fishing:

• Fish early in the season, as spring chinook are typically most active in the months of April and May.
• Focus on fishing deep pools and areas with moderate to fast currents, as these areas tend to hold fish.

8. Alsea River

Located along the central coast of Oregon, the Alsea River is known for its productive spring chinook runs, offering a combination of saltwater and freshwater fishing opportunities.

Why Fish the Alsea River?

• Combination of Saltwater and Freshwater Fishing: The Alsea offers a unique mix of saltwater and freshwater fishing, providing ample opportunities to catch spring chinook as they migrate upstream.
• Prime Spring Chinook Fishing: The river is known for producing strong runs of spring chinook, particularly from March through May.
• Scenic and Peaceful: The Alsea River offers a scenic and peaceful setting with lush forests and the Oregon coastline as a backdrop.

Tips for Alsea River Spring Chinook Fishing:

• Focus on fishing the lower sections of the river, where chinook congregate before migrating upstream.
• The Alsea is particularly known for its spring chinook fishery, so planning your trip during peak season can increase your chances of success.

9. Snohomish River

Located in western Washington, the Snohomish River offers excellent opportunities for fishing spring chinook in both urban and rural settings.

Why Fish the Snohomish River?

• Urban and Rural Access: The Snohomish River is easily accessible from both urban and rural locations, making it a convenient option for anglers in the Seattle area and beyond.
• Good Spring Chinook Runs: While not as large as some other rivers, the Snohomish is known for producing strong runs of spring chinook, particularly from April to May.

Tips for Snohomish River Spring Chinook Fishing:

• Focus on fishing in the estuary and around the river’s mouth, where chinook congregate before heading upstream.
• Trolling and drift fishing are both popular methods used on the Snohomish River.

10. Yakima River

The Yakima River, located in central Washington, is known for its challenging fishing conditions and strong spring chinook runs.

Why Fish the Yakima River?

• High-Quality Chinook: The spring chinook in the Yakima River are known for their size and quality.
• Remote Location: If you’re looking for a more secluded and rugged fishing experience, the Yakima River offers that, with stunning natural landscapes and fewer crowds.

Tips for Yakima River Spring Chinook Fishing:

• The Yakima is a challenging river, so it’s ideal for experienced anglers or those willing to hire a guide.
• Focus on fishing in deeper pools and fast-moving water to increase your chances of success.

In Conclusion

The Pacific Northwest is home to some of the best spring chinook fishing in the world, offering a variety of fishing experiences ranging from the busy, easily accessible rivers like the Columbia and Willamette to the more remote, wilderness-style fishing found on rivers like the Snake and Yakima. In 2025, anglers can look forward to great opportunities in these top ten locations, each offering its unique appeal.

Whether you’re seeking the thrill of a large catch, a serene fishing getaway, or a challenge in a remote setting, the PNW has many places to fish for Spring Chinook. Be sure to check local regulations and plan your trip according to the best times for fishing to maximize your chances of landing these amazing fish. We hope you enjoyed Northwest Fishing News top ten places to fish for spring chinook.

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