Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Columbia River - Vancouver - Washington

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Winter Stoneflies Morning/Afternoon 12 Black Stonefly Nymph
February Winter Steelhead All Day 6 Pink Worm, Green Butt Skunk
Winter Stoneflies Morning/Afternoon 12-14 Black Stonefly Nymph
March Winter Steelhead All Day 6 Pink Worm, Green Butt Skunk
April Spring Chinook Salmon All Day 4-6 Clouser Minnow, Comet
May Spring Chinook Salmon All Day 4-6 Clouser Minnow, Comet
Blue Winged Olives Afternoon/Evening 16-18 Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph
June Summer Steelhead All Day 6-8 Max Canyon, Street Walker
Caddis Evening/Night 12-16 Elk Hair Caddis, X Caddis
July Summer Steelhead All Day 6-8 Max Canyon, Street Walker
August Fall Chinook Salmon All Day 4-6 Clouser Minnow, Alpha Intruder
Summer Steelhead All Day 6-8 Max Canyon, Street Walker
September Fall Chinook Salmon All Day 4-6 Clouser Minnow, Alpha Intruder
October Fall Steelhead All Day 6-8 Max Canyon, Street Walker
November Fall Steelhead All Day 6-8 Max Canyon, Street Walker
December Winter Steelhead All Day 6 Pink Worm, Green Butt Skunk

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

The Columbia River in Vancouver offers an array of spectacular spots for fly fishing, each providing unique challenges and opportunities:
  • North Bonneville: Located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, this spot boasts exceptional salmon and steelhead opportunities.
  • Drano Lake: This spot off Little White Salmon River is known for its spring and fall Chinook runs, as well as its summer steelhead.
  • The Dalles Pool: Offering diverse species like Walleye and Smallmouth Bass, this spot has a calm, still setting, making it ideal for beginners.
  • Wind River: Known for its spring Chinook salmon, the fisheries here are robust and popular among fly fishers.
  • John Day River: This tributary of the Columbia is particularly famous for its Smallmouth Bass, providing a fantastic option for fly fishers wanting to snag bass.

Best Access Points

The Columbia River in Vancouver, known for its impressive fish populations, is an ideal spot for fly fishing. The best access points for flyfishing on this river include:

  • Giles French Park: Conveniently located near The Dalles.
  • Rooster Rock State Park: Easily accessible via I-84 in Corbett.
  • Steamboat Landing Park: Based in Washougal, offers comfortable fishing platforms.
  • Columbia Park Fishing Pond: Perfect for beginners, with a variety of fish species available.
  • Astoria Waterfront: Known for catchable Salmon, it provides a fine dining view of fishing.

Ensure to have your fishing license and abide by season restrictions for particular fish types. Additionally, make sure to bring your own gear, as rentals may not always be available at these access points.

Local Fish

  • Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these fish are the largest of the Pacific salmon species and make for thrilling fly fishing targets during their spawning runs.
  • Coho Salmon: These silver salmon are particularly aggressive, making them a fun challenge on the fly rod.
  • Steelhead Trout: A sea-going variant of Rainbow Trout, these fish return to the river to spawn, providing excellent fly fishing opportunities.
  • Sockeye Salmon: Known for their striking red hue during spawning, these fish require finesse and skill to catch on a fly.
  • Chum Salmon: Fly fishing for these salmon can be an exciting exercise in skill and patience as they are noted for their strength and endurance.
  • Pink Salmon: These are the smallest of the salmon family but are renowned for their abundance, making them ideal for novice fly fishermen/women.
  • Sturgeon: Although more commonly targeted through bait fishing, some adventurous fly fishers will try their hand at these colossal fish.
  • Shad: An East Coast native, these fish were introduced to the Columbia River and have since exploded in population, offering abundant fly fishing opportunities.

About The River

Marvel at the Columbia River, a striking natural wonder winding its way through Vancouver. Formed about 15 to 17 million years ago during the Miocene Epoch, this majestic river spans over 1,243 miles, making it the fourth largest river in the United States!

Our unique river has played an integral part in both natural and human history. This includes serving as:

  • A path for migrating salmon – Its fertile waters give life to diverse species, most notably the prolific salmon population.
  • A travel route for the indigenous people – Native American tribes have long utilized the river as a source of sustenance and transportation.
  • A conduit for commerce and exploration – in 1805, the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition journeyed down this river to the Pacific Ocean.

Today, the river remains a vital waterway for trade and is a beloved recreation spot for locals and visitors alike.

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