Steelhead
Summer & Winter runs
Steelhead are widely considered the greatest freshwater game fish in North America. These ocean-run rainbow trout combine the power of a salmon with the acrobatics of a trout, creating a fishing experience unlike any other. The Columbia and Snake River systems support both summer and winter steelhead runs, giving anglers opportunities to target these incredible fish for much of the year. Whether you're swinging flies, pulling plugs, or side-drifting bait, hooking a wild Columbia River steelhead is a bucket-list experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Book This Trip →Best Seasons to Fish Steelhead
Timing is everything. Here's when to target Steelhead on the Columbia and Snake Rivers.
Summer Steelhead
June - October
Summer steelhead enter the Columbia in June and push upriver through fall. These are typically A-run fish in the 6-10 pound range, though B-run fish from the Snake and Clearwater Rivers can exceed 15 pounds. The Snake River and its tributaries are prime summer steelhead destinations. Fishing techniques range from trolling and back-trolling to drift fishing and fly fishing.
- ▸Snake River
- ▸Columbia River Mainstem
Winter Steelhead
December - April
Winter steelhead are the toughest, most coveted fish in the Pacific Northwest. These fish enter Columbia River tributaries from December through April, with peak fishing in January and February. Winter steelhead average 8-12 pounds and are known for their incredible strength in cold water. Side-drifting eggs and pulling plugs are top techniques. Tributary systems off the Columbia provide the best winter steelhead opportunities.
- ▸Lower Columbia Tributaries
- ▸Cowlitz River
- ▸Kalama River
Where We Fish for Steelhead
We guide Steelhead trips across multiple stretches of the Columbia and Snake River systems.
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Snake River
The Snake River is the premier summer steelhead destination in the Columbia system. Strong runs of both A-run and B-run fish provide months of quality fishing through dramatic canyon scenery.
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Lower Columbia Tributaries
Rivers like the Cowlitz, Kalama, and Lewis host winter steelhead runs that draw anglers from across the region. These smaller rivers offer intimate fishing experiences with fish-per-mile ratios that rival anywhere in the world.
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Columbia River Mainstem
While most steelhead fishing happens in tributaries, the mainstem Columbia provides passage fisheries and some direct-targeting opportunities, particularly near tributary mouths and dam tailraces.
On the Water
Real catches from real trips with Fish Intimidators.