Ultimate Fishing for Chinook & Sockeye Salmon at Chelan Falls

A Salmon Fishing Paradise at Chelan Falls

angler holding up a large chinook salmon near wells dam washington

The Ultimate Fishing Spot for Chinook and Sockeye Salmon Fishing at Chelan Falls, Washington

Nestled along the Columbia River, this location offers exceptional opportunities for both chinook and sockeye salmon fishing

Fishing enthusiasts, rejoice! If you’re looking for the best salmon fishing experience in Washington State, look no further than Chelan Falls. Nestled along the Columbia River, this location offers exceptional opportunities for both chinook and sockeye salmon fishing. Not only does Chelan Falls boast impressive catch limits, but it also provides stunning scenery to enhance your fishing adventure. Key Highlights:

High catch limits for chinook (2 per-person) and sockeye salmon (4 per-person).

Variety of fishing spots, including the nearby Wells Dam and Brewster Pool.

Expert guides like Reel Time Fishing to help you maximize your experience

Best Time to Fish for Salmon

Timing is everything when it comes to salmon fishing. The peak season for chinook salmon is from July 1st through August, while sockeye salmon are most plentiful from mid-July to the end of August. Make sure to check local fishing reports and regulations to plan your trip accordingly.

Call (208) 790-2128

Must-Try Fishing Spots on the Columbia River

Chelan Falls

Chelan Falls is the go-to location for salmon fishing. With its easy access and rich fish population, it’s no wonder anglers flock here year-round. In past years the catch limit has been two fish per angler. Current salmon runs seem to be increasing from year to year and with Wenatchee and Chelan nearby there is plenty to see and do.

Wells Dam

Just a 20-minute drive upriver from Chelan Falls, Wells Dam offers another excellent fishing spot. Known for its productive waters, Wells Dam is a fantastic alternative or addition to your fishing itinerary. This amazing spot is well protected from high winds and is a great fishing experience for families with young kids with lots of fish action.

Brewster Pool

Sockeye fishing near Brewster, Washington at Lake Pateros is currently the highlight of Central Washington’s fishing scene. This year at Brewster Pool, we’ve seen a record number of sockeye making their way upstream through the Bonneville Dam, continuing a trend from the past few years. These impressive runs are expected to persist, bringing excellent numbers of sockeye into our area and making the fishing experience fantastic.

Why Choose Reel Time Fishing Guides for Your Next Fishing Adventure?

Reel Time Fishing boasts expert captains who know the Columbia River like the back of their hand. Owner Toby Wyatt personally trains each captain to ensure they know the best fishing spots and use the right gear. The result? Our guides consistently help anglers reach their limits on almost every trip. Come join us at Reel Time Fishing for a fishing experience like no other.

A Salmon Fishing Paradise

Make the most of the stunning Columbia River with expert fishing captains from Reel Time Fishing. Enjoy every picturesque moment as you fish in one of Washington State’s premier spots. Anglers from across the Northwest are flocking here to experience some of the best salmon fishing around.

Ready to plan your next fishing trip? Book with Reel Time Fishing today and experience the thrill of salmon fishing like never before.

anglers showing off some salmon at chelan falls

angler holding a large chinook salmon at wells dam

Have a question?

Our Amazing Fishing Guide Reviews

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 250 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Kimberly Kempton 
 March 28, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I usually fish with Reel Time on the Clearwater River for steelhead.  But this time I fished with them in Baja California.  We started in Magdelena Bay for two days then to Loreto for three days.  Fishing in Mag Bay we caught so many different species of fish and fished in the Pacific and the mangroves in the bay. In Loreto we did two days fishing for yellow tail and one day bottom fishing.   Once again we caught so many species of fish.  We took our fresh catch to the hotel restaurant and had fresh sashimi and ceviche. It was epic.  For your next planned fishing adventure I would suggest Reel Time.  We saw whales and dolphins as well.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ed Chaney 
 March 17, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Reel Time Fishing is a great operation. Plenty of communication ahead of time to make sure everything goes smoothly on arrival, including help with selecting a place to stay. Their boats are roomy and super comfortable. Bryce Wyatt was our guide. We had success fishing for steelhead in the Clearwater near Orofino and the Grande Ronde in the middle of nowhere. Great scenery and great fishing. Bryce worked his tail off for us. I can't say enough about his work ethic. We are going back next year.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Steve Wharton 
 January 26, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Vern and Nick worked hard to get us into fish. And they/we were very successful. I brought my two grandsons (ages 7 and 9) and they had a blast! Thanks again for a great day.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Casey Charbonneau 
 January 21, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went steelhead and sturgeon fishing in Idaho/Washington with Reel Time Fishing and had an absolutely amazing experience. I especially want to single out Bryce Wyatt — he truly made the trip unforgettable. Bryce was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely passionate about what he does. He worked nonstop to put us on fish, made sure everyone felt comfortable, and was always willing to help, teach, and answer questions. On top of that, he was just an awesome person to spend the day with — professional, friendly, and fun. If you’re thinking about booking with Reel Time Fishing, ask for Bryce Wyatt. You won’t regret it. We can’t wait to come back and fish with him again!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Andrew Huber 
 January 19, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gabe is an awesome guide! He worked hard and got us on the fish. My 12 year old son was able to catch his first steelhead and we caught lots of whitefish. I would definitely book another trip in the future.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   mconcrete11 mconcrete11 
 November 25, 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great day, best ever. Limited out last hour. Travis, and Kyle are great guides.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rick Pasta 
 October 24, 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gabe was a very professional and very easy going guide our experience was fantastic. We hooked -20 fish landing 12 steelhead on our trip. I will book with real fishing very soon.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ruby Collins 
 October 16, 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the BEST experience. I went out on Ole Ole and the captain Pepe did an amazing job! The boat brought in 5 species of fish! I was lucky to land a Striped Marlin! A beautiful boat with a great crew! Another person caught a Dorado! Thank you all for a great time! It was "Kiss and Release" This was in Cabo! Ruby October 14, 2025.. My second fishing trip with Captain Pepe and his crew Armando and Luis. The "Tres Amigas", Ruby, Jennifer, and Florence fished for  two days. The first day all three of us hooked up with a Marlin at the same time. We caught and released 5 Stripped Marlin and we each caught and brought home a Dorado. Reel Time Fishing is the best charter in Cabo  I look forward to going back in February! Here are a few photos of our awesome fishing trip!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Skyler Chesnut 
 October 12, 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome trip today on the Clearwater near Lewiston with guides Vern and Nick. Highly recommend!

salmon fishing at buoy 10 in astoria with reel time fishing guides

Frequently Asked Questions about our fishing trips

HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I BRING ON MY TRIP?

The legal max boatload is six anglers, but with six full time guides available we are able to accommodate large groups of more than six people.

IS LUNCH/DRINKS PROVIDED ON MY TRIPS?

Lunch and drinks ARE NOT provided on any of our fishing trips anymore.

HOW MANY HOURS ARE WE ON THE WATER?

Look forward to at least 8 hours of fishing unless you book a half day trip, then look forward to 4 hours of fishing

DO YOU PROVIDE ALL THE GEAR WE NEED TO FISH?

Yes, each guide is fully equipped with top-notch rods, reels and bait to ensure success on your trip.

DO I NEED TO PRE-PAY OR PLACE A DEPOSIT DOWN TO HOLD MY SPOT?

We require a 50% deposit at the time of booking, final payment must be made in full 10 days prior to your trip. We do not offer refunds for cancellations or head-count changes made inside 10 days of your trip.

DO YOU CLEAN AND FILLET OUR CATCH?

Yes, all of our guides will clean and fillet your catch unless otherwise specified.