Hooked on The Dalles
Popular Fishing Spots near The Dalles
The Dalles is a fisherman’s paradise with easy access to several major rivers and the greatest fishing around, the eastern end of the Gorge appeals to anglers of all ages and skill levels.
Where: The Dalles Pool, Columbia River
What: Salmon, Walleye, Steelhead, Sturgeon, Small Mouth Bass
The Columbia River is the Pacific Northwest’s best walleye fishery, and one of the best fishing spots is The Dalles Pool, which stretches from The Dalles Dam upstream to the John Day Dam.
Walleye season is year-round, but most anglers get serious about in March, with pre-spawn fishing best through April. Popular spots for Salmon and Steelhead include the mouths of cooler tributaries feeding both pools. Sturgeon fishing can be good, with limited retention fisheries in both pools. Keep your eyes open for the multiple bass tournaments that take place along the Columbia throughout the year.
Access points:
- Boat Launches – The Dalles Marina, Heritage Landing State Park, Rufus
- Fishing from the bank – Any public land along the river (please note: you must have the appropriate fishing license for the State in which you are fishing)
Where: Lower Deschutes River
What: Trout, Steelhead, Salmon
The lower Deschutes – which enters the Columbia River just east of The Dalles – is famous for both its trout and its fly fishing. Don’t miss the “Salmon Fly” hatch in May and June. Chinook salmon fishing can be quite good on the Deschutes, but spring seasons are allowed only under special regulations when run forecasts are promising.
Access:
- Boat Launch – Heritage Landing State Park (camping accommodations available)
- Fishing from the bank – Any public access point along the river.
- Fly fishing – In various locations along the river.
Where: John Day River
What: Smallmouth Bass, Steelhead
The John Day River in northeastern Oregon is by many avid bass anglers’ estimation one of the best places to fish for smallmouth in the world. The smallies on the sunny side of the state are both numerous and large. Most steelhead in The John Day River are wild and must be released. Best catches for these is usually fall and again in late winter and very early spring. satellite world map The John Day flows into the Columbia River just east of the small town of Rufus, a community on Interstate 84 26 miles east of The Dalles.
Access:
- Boat Launch – La Page Park (camping accommodations available)
- Fishing from the bank – Multiples trails follow the river and make bank fishing easily accessible.
Where: Mouth of the Klickitat River (located near Lyle, Washington)
What: The river hosts runs of native and hatchery steelhead, Spring Chinook Salmon, Fall Chinook Salmon and Coho/Silver Salmon.
The Klickitat has steelhead and Salmon in it much of the year, however the fall Salmon fishing is the main attraction. This takes place the first part of September, at the mouth of the Klickitat on the Columbia River.
Access:
Need to know what fishing is good when you will be in town?
- September – November – Steelhead fishing on the Deschutes or Klickitat Rivers
- Sturgeon fishing (catch and release – Year round/ catch and keep – varies)
- Walleye fishing (Columbia River) – Year round
- Trout Fishing – Year Round check here for stocked ponds
- April – October – Smallmouth bass fishing (Columbia River)
- April – October – Salmon fishing in the Columbia River
- June – early July- Shad Fishing on the Columbia River below the John Day Dam
- June-September – Northern Pike Minnow Sport Reward Fishing
After You’ve Reeled In The Big One
After a long day on the river, anglers can swap tales about ‘the big one that got away’ at one of The Dalles’ popular drinking holes, such as Zim’s Brau Haus, Route 30 Bottles & Brews, Freebridge Brewing, Clock Tower Ales and River Tap. Wine-lovers can head over to Sunshine Mill for a post-adventure toast.