The Dalles Pool, Columbia River
Welcome to a fisherman’s paradise! With easy access to major waterways and incredible variety, The Dalles offers some of the best fishing in the Pacific Northwest—especially in the stretch of the Columbia River known as The Dalles Pool, which runs from The Dalles Dam upstream to the John Day Dam.
Whether you’re casting from the bank or launching a boat, anglers of all levels will find plenty of action here.
🎣 What You’ll Catch:
- Walleye – Year-round, with the best pre-spawn fishing in March–April
- Salmon – Especially around the mouths of cooler tributaries
- Sturgeon – Catch-and-release and limited retention seasons available
- Smallmouth Bass – Popular in tournaments held throughout the year
🚤 Boat Launches:
- The Dalles Marina
- Heritage Landing State Park
- Rufus
🪣 Fishing from the Bank:
- Allowed on any public land along the river
- Be sure to carry the appropriate state fishing license for the side of the river you’re on (Oregon or Washington)
With stunning river views and world-class angling, The Dalles Pool is a must-fish destination for your next Gorge adventure.
Mouth of the Klickitat
(located near Lyle, Washington)
What: Spring Chinook salmon, Fall Chinook salmon, Coho/Silver salmon.
The Klickitat has 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.
John Day River
What: Trout, 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.
Lower Deschutes River
What: Trout, 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.
Hooked on The Dalles
Daybreak Fishing
Twisted Waters Guide Service
- April – October – Smallmouth bass fishing (Columbia River and John Day River)
- April – October – Salmon fishing in the Columbia River
- June – early July – Shad Fishing on the Columbia River below the John Day Dam
- May – September – Northern Pike Minnow Sport Reward Fishing
- May – Rufus Catfish Derby
- May – Channel Catfish can be caught in the lower part of the John Day from the mouth to the falls
- 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
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, Sedition Brewing Co, Bargeway Pub, Baldwin Saloon, Clock Tower Ales and River Tap. Wine-lovers can head over to Sunshine Mill, Tierra de Lobos, Jacob Williams, or Gorge Wine Library for a post-adventure toast.