Updated: Thursday, October 15, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, October 22, 2026
This Pacific Northwest fishing report covers mid-October, the heart of the season for returning salmon and steelhead. Fall salmon push in from salt water: coho are the lead target in Puget Sound and the rivers, and Chinook return on the Columbia and coastal rivers. Steelhead are entering the rivers as well. Rain and river levels are the main conditions to plan around, since they decide where fish hold and when they move, and seasons vary by area, so check closures first.
What’s Hitting
Coho are in Puget Sound and the rivers, Chinook are returning on the Columbia and coastal rivers, and steelhead are entering the rivers. Salmon seasons vary by area, so checking current closures is part of planning any trip.
Expect the rains of late fall to bring more salmon and steelhead into the rivers, with river levels shaping the action.
Where to Find Them
Fish the river mouths and the lower rivers for coho, work the Columbia for Chinook where open, and cover the runs and tailouts for steelhead. Tailouts are where a pool shallows before the next riffle, and migrating fish often pause there to rest before pushing upstream.
The Pacific Northwest fall season depends on which rivers and saltwater areas are open, and rules change often as run sizes become clear. The Columbia and its tributaries, the rivers of the Olympic Peninsula and the streams feeding Puget Sound each have their own seasons and gear restrictions. Check the latest emergency regulations before you go.
Tides & Conditions
With the moon heading toward first quarter, tides are easing, but rain and river levels are the main factors. Use a tide chart in the salt and a river gauge upstream.
Fall rain can raise rivers fast, so keep a close eye on flow gauges before you commit to a trip.
Tackle & Tactics
- Spinners, plugs and cured roe for salmon and steelhead.
- Medium-heavy gear with 20 to 30 pound line.
On the rivers, check flow and clarity, and fish the edges where fish rest. Dress for rain and cold water, and carry a wading staff for the runs and tailouts.
Local Intel This Week
Use the launches around Puget Sound and the Columbia River to match the water that is open. Shilshole Bay Marina and the Des Moines Marina Pier serve the sound, with the pier giving shore anglers a shot at coho without a boat. Westport Marina and Hammond Marina serve the coast and the lower Columbia for Chinook where open. Washington and Oregon salmon and steelhead rules vary by river and date. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish.
This Week’s Tip
Watch river levels. Fish enter rivers on rising water, so time your trip after a rain. Fresh flow and a bit of color give salmon and steelhead the cover and the signal to move, and the days as a river drops back into shape are often the most productive.
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