Hanford Reach Fishing

The Vernita/Hanford Reach area is a spectacular fishery that has the longest free flowing stretch of water between dams. The 50-mile stretch has crystal clear water, creating perfect spawning grounds for hundreds of thousands of fall Chinook Salmon. The Hanford King Salmon travel more than 400 miles up the Columbia River which are the same fish that we catch at Buoy 10. The fish go through some color change, mainly due to the long journey in warmer water conditions but still have that nice pink, oily meat.

The Hanford Reach Kings are hard fighting fish and thought to be a tougher strain than Columbia’s down river fish. The medium sized river has 50-foot deep holes, fast runs, trenches, broken water and channeled banks that create perfect habitat for holding fish. Fishing the Hanford Reach is a lot less crowded than some of the lower sections of the Columbia River and the kicker is catching 30-50 lb. fish. We have 3 Stott’s fishing guides that work the Hanford Reach King season starting early September, fishing through middle October. We launch at both, Ringold white bluffs area and the Vernita Bride boat ramps, all depending on fishing success. The most common area is above the Vernita Bridge towards the Priest Rapids Dam. Salmon Holes such as King Hole, China Bar, and Midway drift, Vernita Bar are popular among the guides.

Incredible Fishing on the Columbia River

We really like the Hanford Reach fishing area which is an incredible stretch of the Upper Columbia River that has fantastic fishing. The Ringold water can fluctuate as much as 5 feet in a day due to discharge from Priest Rapids Dam. Our boats have jet pumps so that we can access the right location when rising water and active fish take place. Fishing methods range from trolling Cut Plug Herring, Super Baits, Kwik Fish, Down-Hill Spinners, diver and bait, and back-bouncing eggs.

Fishing changes every year and our guides are sure to keep up with the newest and greatest tackle and techniques. Lodging is available in the Tri Cities area and primitive camping is along the river. Cool mornings, warm days and hot fishing make this Upper Columbia River fishery a real treat.

Looking to Fish

Walleye

Year Around

Hanford Reach Walleye Fishing Trips

Hanford Reach fishing has some excellent walleye and most of the water that hold walleye has not been touched by anglers, mainly due to the popular salmon fishing in the area. When we need to escape the winds of the Tri Cities area, we can head up-river and access the Ringold boat launch for our fishing. There are plenty of current line breaks that walleye tend to hang around to ambush bait. Fishing is really good from February to August and then takes a break for the fall Chinook Salmon run. Fishing can also be really productive above the Vernita bridge up the Priest Rapids Dam pulling crankbaits up or downhill trolling worm harnesses. Our fishing guides know this section of the river very well and are able to catch fish most year around. We can combine a walleye trip with a Hanford Reach fall salmon trip for a complete day of epic fishing.

Lewiston

73°

Mostly Cloudy

4:55 am8:38 pm PDT

Feels like: 73°F
Wind: 0mph NE
Humidity: 58%
Pressure: 29.84"Hg
UV index: 1

FriSatSun

79/61°F
82/63°F
86/64°F

Clearwater River

Steelhead Salmon

The Clearwater River, Lewiston Idaho is one of the top steelhead and salmon rivers in the Pacific Northwest. This is our “Signature” fishery and where we make our home!

Clearwater River

Columbia River

Salmon Steelhead Sturgeon Bass *Walleye

The Columbia River is one of the greatest sport fishing rivers in the world that hosts salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, bass and walleye. We fish year around on the Columbia and provide lots of options to our fishing guests.

Columbia River

Snake River

Steelhead Salmon Sturgeon Bass

There is not, many places in the world you can catch steelhead, salmon, sturgeon, bass while viewing big horn sheep, elk, deer, turkey’s, eagles, and other wildlife that roam the hill sides of the beautiful

Snake River

Grande Ronde River

Steelhead Bass

The Grande Ronde River flows through a 3,000 ft deep canyon lined with basalt and Indian blanket hillsides. This moderate-gradient freestone river supports abundant wildlife and large population of steelhead and smallmouth bass.

Grande Ronde River

Buoy 10 Astoria

Chinook Salmon Coho Salmon

Astoria Oregon is one of the great fishing towns in the world. Great coastal weather and cool local vibe is as special as the world class fishing.

Buoy 10 Astoria

Drano Lake / Wind River

Spring Chinook Salmon

The Drano Lake and Wind River salmon fishery is super special. This section of the Columbia River backs up to the Little White Salmon fish hatchery where 100’s of thousands of salmon return every spring. These fish are considered some of the best eating salmon in the world

Drano Lake / Wind River

Moses Lake

Walleye Crappie Perch Bluegill *Bass

Moses Lake focuses mainly on walleye, but we can’t help but to catch bass, perch, and crappie while targeting walleye. Prime fishing on Moses Lake is in the spring through the month of June.

Moses Lake

Potholes Reservoir