The WILLAMETTE RIVER SPRING SALMON SEASON will start after the Columbia season ends which is normally some time in the second week of April. The published date to close the Columbia to Spring Salmon fishing in 2019 is April 10th but we are hearing that they may be extending the season.
The 2019 Springer run has been a bit of a surprise this year. The runs were expected to be much lower than normal but we are seeing a fair amount of fish being caught. This could be a much better year than anyone projected.
We should be fishing the Willamette into the first week of May. The run size is expected to be roughly 40,200 un which is more than last years return!
We generally fish the Multnomah Channel all the way to the Oregon City Falls. Around the falls we will be using eggs and shrimp with divers and back-bouncing. If you have never fished this way you are in for a treat.
Closer to the Columbia we will be trolling, this is a more relaxed way of fishing but very effective.
The Spring Salmon in the Willamette are about the same size as the salmon in the Columbia with most being in the 15 pound range with an occasional fish over 20 pounds.