Tag: Pateros Fishing Guides

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Upper Columbia River Chinook Opener!

This is the news we have been waiting for! Due to an initial run prediction that did not provide enough Summer Chinook to provide a recreational fishery for the upper Columbia we have not had our usual Summer Chinook Salmon season here in the Upper Columbia, but last week managers met and due to a better return than anticipated we will see a Summer Chinook Fishery open on July 16, 2025.

Check out the link to the emergency rules here https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/emergency-rules/hanford-reach-and-upper-columbia-river-salmon-fishery-updates-2025-07

Starting Wednesday July 16 and running on the current 4 day a week schedule for salmon fishing we will be able to keep one adult Hatchery Chinook in addition to 2 sockeye. Salmon fishing is currently only open Wednesday – Saturday, and Chinook will only be open from Rocky Reach Dam to Wells Dam.

We are beyond excited to be able to have some Chinook fishing on this section of river, as we have become known for providing the opportunity to catch both Chinook and Sockeye during the same day. Currently we have open dates. Check out the calendar below to see our open dates.

Upper Columbia Chinook and Sockeye
Summer Chinook
Summer Chinook
Summer Chinook
Summer Chinook
Summer Chinook
Summer Chinook
Summer Chinook
Summer Chinook
Summer Chinook
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Hot Columbia River Sockeye Fishing

We have been on the Upper Columbia River fishing Sockeye and Summer Chinook since it opened on July 1st. Fishing has been absolutely amazing, and we are just now starting to see the bulk of the Sockeye run hit the Brewster area.

Due to a later than normal arrival of summer we have been spending most of our time downriver from Brewster in one of our favorite Summer areas near Wells Dam. This area has provided some incredible fishing, but has also lead to a lot of frustration as the high flows are causing some very rough river conditions. Spill from Wells Dam is highly variable, and completely unpredictable, making it necessary on some days to patiently wait for the rollers to subside so we could access the best fishing areas. The upside is that as soon as we have been able to get into the zone we have been in the fish.

We have been having great action on both Summer Chinook and Sockeye pulling 360 flashers and prawn spinners. This set up allows us to very effectively target both species at the same time. If looking for a rundown on how we rig this system up click on the video below.

Summer Chinook and Sockeye Report 7/5/22: Hot tips to catch more fish!
https://youtu.be/fDP3Y6-5A4U

As of this writing it is currently 100 degrees and the Brewster Pool will likely be setting up and fishing very well within the next few day. This is when Sockeye mania will start in earnest. We still have a few dates left to fill so if looking to book a trip make sure to get ahold of our office at 208-669-1569 and Dani will help get you booked.