Introduction

Fishery managers from Washington and Oregon have formally approved the 2026 Columbia River recreational spring Chinook salmon fishing season during a joint state hearing, according to an announcement published by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife in a release featured on Oregon Fish Reports. The decision sets the stage for early-season angling opportunities along the lower Columbia River corridor, a region closely connected to communities in Longview, Kelso, and the wider Cowlitz County area.

Season Structure and Forecast

Officials project an upriver spring Chinook return of 147,300 fish—slightly lower than last year’s return of 154,703 but above the 10‑year average of 126,248. The improved forecast allows for expanded early-season opportunities. Ryan Lothrop, Columbia River fisheries manager with WDFW, stated that the stronger projection supports sustainable access while maintaining conservation obligations.

Under the approved plan, salmon and steelhead fishing remains open daily through March 31 under permanent regulations from the river mouth to the Interstate 5 bridge. The targeted spring Chinook run typically peaks in late March or April.

Key 2026 Fishing Dates and Areas

The Columbia River will be open on the following dates and stretches:

• March 1–April 8: Buoy 10 to Beacon Rock, with bank-only angling from Beacon Rock to Bonneville Dam (hand-cast only on the Washington side). Daily limits include six salmonids, with no more than two adults and only one adult Chinook. Retention applies only to hatchery Chinook; all wild fish must be released.
• April 1–26 and May 2: Tower Island power lines to the Washington/Oregon border, with corresponding bank-only rules from Bonneville Dam to Tower Island. The same retention limits apply.

Fishery managers anticipate a recreational harvest of approximately 5,800 adult Chinook below Bonneville Dam and 700 fish upstream prior to the annual run-size update.

Local Relevance for Cowlitz County

Based on preseason projections, anglers can expect spring Chinook opportunities not only in the mainstem but also within key tributaries feeding communities in Southwest Washington. The WDFW announcement notes likely harvest prospects in the Cowlitz, Kalama, and Lewis rivers—important waterways for local residents and businesses connected to recreational fishing activity.

Regulatory Notes and Monitoring

State agencies will monitor dam counts, hatchery returns, and fishery performance throughout the season and may adjust regulations as needed. The river’s conditions and run-size estimates are typically updated in mid-May by the U.S. v. Oregon Technical Advisory Committee.

Additionally, anglers must obtain a Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement for 2026, which became a requirement on January 1 of this year.

Conclusion

The 2026 spring Chinook season promises a cautiously optimistic outlook for Southwest Washington anglers, backed by a stronger-than-average run forecast and expanded early-season openings. As the season approaches, local residents along the I‑5 corridor—from Longview to Woodland—can expect both new opportunities and close regulatory oversight designed to balance access with conservation.

Sources

Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife via Oregon Fish Reports: 2026 Columbia River spring Chinook seasons announced

Yahoo News: Columbia River Chinook fishing season predicts lower numbers, but stronger returns