Walleye
Year-Round
Walleye have exploded in popularity on the Columbia River, and for good reason. These fish are arguably the best-tasting freshwater fish you can catch, with firm, white, mild-flavored fillets that rival any restaurant-quality fish. The Columbia River system supports a thriving walleye population, with fish ranging from solid eaters in the 2-5 pound range to trophy specimens pushing 10+ pounds. Night fishing for walleye on the Columbia is a truly unique experience — under the stars with rods bending and drag screaming.
Book This Trip →Best Seasons to Fish Walleye
Timing is everything. Here's when to target Walleye on the Columbia and Snake Rivers.
Spring
March - May
Spring walleye fishing picks up as water temperatures rise into the mid-40s. Pre-spawn walleye are aggressive feeders, bulking up before the spawn. Fish concentrate along rocky shorelines, riprap, and dam tailraces. Jigging with minnows and slow-trolling crawler harnesses are top producers. March and April are particularly good for numbers, with fish stacking up in predictable locations.
- ▸John Day Pool
- ▸McNary Dam Tailrace
- ▸Tri-Cities Area
Summer
June - August
Summer walleye fishing on the Columbia is all about structure. Fish relate to current breaks, submerged rock piles, and ledges in 15-30 feet of water. Early morning and late evening bites are strongest, though dedicated anglers find fish throughout the day. Bottom bouncers with spinner rigs and jigging spoons are go-to presentations. Fish are spread out but actively feeding.
- ▸John Day Pool
- ▸Columbia River Gorge
- ▸Tri-Cities Area
Fall & Winter
September - February
Fall and winter produce some of the best walleye fishing of the year. As water temperatures cool, walleye feed aggressively to build reserves. Night fishing becomes extremely productive, with fish moving shallow to hunt. The Columbia below McNary Dam and the John Day Pool are top winter walleye destinations. Trophy-class fish are most commonly caught during the colder months.
- ▸McNary Dam Tailrace
- ▸John Day Pool
- ▸Columbia River Gorge
Where We Fish for Walleye
We guide Walleye trips across multiple stretches of the Columbia and Snake River systems.
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John Day Pool
The reservoir behind John Day Dam is one of the top walleye fisheries in the entire Columbia system. Abundant structure, baitfish, and ideal habitat make this a year-round producer.
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McNary Dam Tailrace
The turbulent water below McNary Dam concentrates baitfish and walleye alike. This is a top spot for both numbers and trophy-sized fish, especially in spring and fall.
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Tri-Cities Area
The confluence of the Columbia, Snake, and Yakima Rivers near the Tri-Cities creates a diverse fishery with multiple access points and productive walleye water.
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Columbia River Gorge
Rocky structure and deep pools in the gorge section hold walleye year-round. Night fishing along the gorge riprap is a local favorite for big fish.
On the Water
Real catches from real trips with Fish Intimidators.