What Cathlamet Bay Offers

Cathlamet Bay is a tidal estuary on the Washington side of the Columbia River, roughly 60 miles upstream from the Pacific. It sits between Cathlamet and Westport, where the river widens and freshwater mixes with tidal influence. The bay holds sturgeon year-round, chinook and coho salmon in their seasons, and shallower flats that hold walleye and perch. Access is straightforward — you can launch from Cathlamet or fish from the bank — but success depends entirely on understanding the tide and knowing which species run when.

The bay's character changes with the tide. At high water, it spreads across mudflats and into side channels. At low water, it narrows to a deep central channel where fish concentrate. Most anglers fish the slack water around tide changes, when fish move more freely and your boat stays put without constant correction.

Key Takeaways

  • Sturgeon fishing in Cathlamet Bay is open year-round with a two-fish daily limit, but spring and fall produce the most consistent catches.
  • Chinook salmon enter the bay from July through September, and coho follow in August and September; both require saltwater endorsements on your Washington license.
  • Launch from Cathlamet or fish from the bank near town; tidal access means you must plan around slack water and avoid running aground on mudflats.
  • Sturgeon respond to herring, shad, and sand shrimp fished on the bottom in the deep channel; salmon take plugs, spinners, and live bait near structure.
  • Check current Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife rules before you go, as seasonal closures and gear restrictions change annually.

Sturgeon Fishing Year-Round

Sturgeon are the bay's most reliable target. Washington allows two fish per day in Cathlamet Bay, with a minimum size of 42 inches and a maximum of 60 inches. Fish under 42 inches and over 60 inches must be released. The season runs all year, but spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) see the heaviest activity when sturgeon move through the estuary on their way upriver or back to the ocean.

Fish the deep channel with herring, shad, or sand shrimp on the bottom. Use a three-way rig or a simple slip sinker setup that keeps your bait on the mud without snagging. Sturgeon bite slowly — set the hook only after you feel steady pressure, not a tap. Most fish run 4 to 6 feet long, though the bay occasionally produces fish over 8 feet. Winter fishing (December through February) is slower but possible; fewer anglers mean less pressure on the fish.

Salmon Runs and Timing

Chinook salmon enter Cathlamet Bay from mid-July through September, with peak activity in August. These are large fish — 30 to 50 pounds is normal — and they respond to plugs, spinners, and live herring fished near the pilings and structure along the channel edges. Coho follow in late August and September, smaller (8 to 12 pounds) but more aggressive and willing to chase moving baits.

Both species require a saltwater endorsement on your Washington fishing license, even though you are fishing in freshwater. The endorsement costs extra and must be purchased before you fish. Salmon seasons and bag limits change year to year; check the current Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) rules before you go. Some years the bay is open for both species; other years only one is available or the season closes early.

Launch Points and Bank Access

Cathlamet, a small town on the Washington bank, has a public boat launch near the waterfront. The ramp is usable at most tides but becomes difficult at extreme low water when mudflats extend far from shore. Parking is available, and the launch is free. If you do not have a boat, you can fish from the bank along Cathlamet's waterfront or from the dikes and access points nearby.

Westport, across the bay on the Washington side, also has access, though it is less developed for fishing. Bank anglers often have better luck near Cathlamet because the town sits at a bend where fish concentrate. Respect private property and look for posted public access areas before you fish from shore.

Tides, Currents, and When to Fish

Tidal range in Cathlamet Bay is 6 to 8 feet, and the tide controls where fish are and how hard they bite. At high tide, water spreads across the flats and fish scatter to feed. At low tide, the channel narrows and fish stack in the deeper water. Most anglers fish the slack water — the 30 to 60 minutes around high tide or low tide when the current stops — because fish move more freely and your boat does not fight the push.

Incoming tide (flood) is generally more productive than outgoing (ebb) because fish move upriver with the rising water. Plan your trip around the tide tables, which you can find on NOAA's website or through fishing apps. Running aground on mudflats is common if you do not watch your depth, especially in the shallower arms of the bay. A depth finder is essential, and local knowledge about where the channel runs is worth the price of a guided trip if you are new to the water.

Regulations and Seasonal Closures

Washington's fishing rules for Cathlamet Bay change annually. Sturgeon seasons, salmon seasons, gear restrictions, and bag limits are set each year by WDFW. Before you fish, check the current WDFW Fishing Pamphlet or the agency's website for the rules that apply to the Columbia River estuary and Cathlamet Bay specifically.

Common restrictions include barbless hooks for catch-and-release, gear limits (how many rods you can fish), and seasonal closures on certain species. Some years the bay is closed to salmon fishing during parts of the season to protect wild runs. Sturgeon rules are more stable, but size and bag limits can shift. Ignorance of the rules does not excuse a violation, so take five minutes to confirm before you launch.

What to Bring and Expect

Cathlamet Bay is a working estuary, not a scenic mountain lake. The water is often murky, the weather can turn fast, and the mudflats smell like low tide. Bring a tide table or app, a depth finder if you have a boat, and sturdy waders if you plan to fish from the bank. The bay is exposed to wind, so early morning is usually calmer than afternoon.

Expect to share the water with commercial fishing activity, especially during salmon season. The bay is also used for navigation by larger vessels, so stay alert and keep your boat in the channel. Facilities in Cathlamet are basic — a few restaurants and a small grocery store — so plan accordingly. The nearest larger town is Longview, about 30 minutes away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a guide to fish Cathlamet Bay?

No, but a guide is worth the cost if you are new to tidal fishing or unfamiliar with the bay's layout. Local guides know where sturgeon hold, which flats are safe to cross, and how to read the tide. You can fish on your own if you have a depth finder, a tide table, and patience to learn the water.

What is the best time of year to fish here?

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are most productive for sturgeon. If you want salmon, July through September is your window, with August as the peak. Winter is slower but less crowded, and some anglers prefer it for that reason.

Can I fish Cathlamet Bay from shore?

Yes. Bank access is available in and around Cathlamet, and you can fish for sturgeon and salmon from the dikes and waterfront areas. You will have less mobility than a boat angler, but sturgeon and salmon do move close to shore, especially during slack water.

What happens if I run aground on the mudflats?

You will be stuck until the tide rises enough to float your boat again. This can take several hours. Use a depth finder, watch the tide tables, and ask locals which routes are safe at low water. Many anglers fish only during the rising tide to avoid getting stranded.

Do I need a saltwater license to fish Cathlamet Bay?

You need a Washington fishing license. If you fish for salmon, you also need a saltwater endorsement, even though the bay is technically freshwater. Sturgeon fishing requires only the base license. Check WDFW's website to confirm current license requirements.