Salmon Fishing Report
Written by Toby Wyatt
Posted May 13, 2023
Salmon Fishing Report, Be Sure to Save this Page for Recent Updates
Planning a Salmon fishing trip in the Pacific Northwest? Get your latest news where Salmon fishing is hottest with our Salmon Fishing Report.
We’ve got you covered with up-to-date info on King, Chinook and Coho Salmon hotspots from Oregon, Washington to Idaho. Including the legendary Columbia River and its tributaries, along with the Snake River and Clearwater River.
Updated | May 22nd, 2023
Location | Clearwater River, Lewiston
Spring Chinook Salmon Fishing is Hot in Lewiston, Idaho.
Good news for anglers! Although the Spring Chinook Salmon made a late appearance this year, recent counts over Bonneville suggest that the fishing season is about to pick up. We now have solid numbers to go by, and we anticipate a great catch in the next few weeks.
Our guides are locked and loaded and ready to take on some Clearwater River Spring Chinook Trips.
Updated | April 25th, 2023
Location | Drano Lake, Wind River and Mid-Columbia River
Spring Chinook Salmon Trips at Drano Lake, Wind River and Mid-Columbia River
Portland OR Hayden Island fishery is over we are now into our Drano Lake, Wind River and Mid-Columbia. Extended winter water temperature in the Columbia River has remained in the mid to upper 40’s and we are needing those temperatures to move a bit higher to get the Spring Chinook to move upriver.
It appears we are going to hit that mark in the next few days as temperatures rise. If you monitor fish counts at Bonneville dam: https://www.fpc.org/currentdaily/HistFishTwo_7day-ytd_Adults.htm you have noticed an ever-increasing amount of Chinook crossing.
This year’s run is predicted to have over 80,000 Spring Chinook cross Bonneville, 8,000 to Drano (2 fish limit) 4,000 to Wind River. We are expecting 49,000 to cross Lower Granite dam and head to the Clearwater, Snake, Salmon rivers.
These runs are stacking up as one of the larger runs in the last 20 years. Currently, Reel Time Fishing Guides; Jack Apperson, Gabe Julian and Toby Wyatt are setup and guiding Drano and Wind River.
We will stay here until they feel the largest pulse of fish have passed, then we will follow these fish upriver staying on top of them. We expect these fish to enter our home waters on the Clearwater around May 20 and we will guide them until June 20 or whenever the season closes.
July we will be in Brewster WA guiding Sockeye and King Salmon August Astoria, OR at the famous Buoy 10 for King and Coho Salmon.
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?
We do provide a BBQ lunch and drinks on all Clearwater, Snake, and Dworshak trips. Lunch and drinks ARE NOT provided on any of our Columbia River or Grande Ronde river trips.
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.