What the Washougal River offers and when to fish it

The Washougal River is a 30-mile tributary of the Columbia River in southwestern Washington, flowing north from the Cascade foothills near the town of Washougal. It holds winter steelhead, fall Chinook, and coho salmon, with smaller runs of spring Chinook and summer steelhead. The river is accessible year-round, but the best fishing windows are November through March for winter steelhead and September through October for fall Chinook. The lower river near Washougal town is the most productive section for salmon; the upper river above the falls holds steelhead but requires more effort to reach.

The Washougal is a medium-sized river — roughly 60 to 100 feet wide in most sections — with a mix of pocket water, runs, and deeper pools. Current is moderate to fast depending on recent rainfall. The river is less crowded than the nearby Sandy River but more accessible than backcountry tributaries, making it a practical choice for anglers based in the Portland metro area or traveling through southwest Washington.

Key Takeaways

  • Winter steelhead run November through March; fall Chinook peak September through October; both are the primary targets on the Washougal.
  • The lower river near Washougal town and the Washougal River Wildlife Area hold the most consistent fish and the easiest public access.
  • A Washington fishing license and a Puget Sound Steelhead Endorsement are required for steelhead; Chinook and coho require the base license only.
  • Spoon casting, drift fishing with roe, and swinging flies all work depending on water conditions and the season.
  • Water levels rise quickly after rain; check the USGS gauge near Washougal before driving to confirm fishable conditions.

Access points and where to fish

The Washougal River Wildlife Area, managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, provides the most reliable public access. The main parking area is on State Route 14 near milepost 28, about 2 miles west of Washougal town. From the lot, trails lead to multiple access points along the lower river. Bank fishing is allowed throughout the wildlife area; the river here is 60 to 80 feet wide with a mix of runs and pools that hold both steelhead and salmon.

Directly in Washougal town, the Washougal Park offers walk-in access from the parking area near the town center. This section is shorter and more crowded on weekends but can be productive early in the season and during low-water periods when fish concentrate in the deeper pools.

Above the town, the river becomes steeper and more technical. Access is possible via private land with permission or via Forest Service roads in the upper drainage, but these require a vehicle suitable for rough terrain and knowledge of the local road network. Most visiting anglers fish the lower sections.

Steelhead fishing from November through March

Winter steelhead enter the Washougal in November and remain through March, with peak numbers typically in December and January. These fish average 8 to 12 pounds, though 15-pounders are not uncommon. The run is smaller than the Sandy River's but consistent enough to make the trip worthwhile during the peak months.

Spoon casting with 1/4- to 3/8-ounce spoons in silver, gold, or chartreuse is effective in moderate to high water. Cast quartering downstream and retrieve with a steady pace or slight twitch. Drift fishing with roe or roe bags works in slower pools and deeper runs, particularly in the early morning. Fly anglers use 6- to 8-weight rods with sink-tip lines and dark streamers — black, purple, or orange patterns — swung through the deeper water.

Water temperature matters: steelhead are most active when the river is between 38 and 48 degrees Fahrenheit. After heavy rain, the river rises quickly and turns brown; wait 24 to 48 hours for it to clear before fishing. Check the USGS stream gauge near Washougal (station 14105500) to confirm the river is dropping and clearing.

Salmon fishing in fall

Fall Chinook enter the Washougal in August and peak in September and October. These fish average 25 to 40 pounds and are aggressive on spoons and plugs. Coho follow in October and November, averaging 8 to 12 pounds and responding well to small spoons and flies.

For Chinook, cast larger spoons (3/8 to 1/2 ounce) in silver or chartreuse in the deeper runs and pools. Retrieve steadily or with a slight twitch. Plugs like Kwikfish or Hot Shots also work, particularly in slower water. Coho are less selective and will hit small spoons, flies, and even spinners in the faster sections.

Fall salmon fishing is best in clear to slightly stained water. If the river is high and brown from recent rain, wait for it to drop. Once the water clears, fishing can be excellent for a week or two before the fish move upstream or the run tapers off.

Regulations and licensing

A current Washington fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older. For steelhead, you must also purchase a Puget Sound Steelhead Endorsement. Chinook and coho require only the base license.

Catch limits and gear restrictions vary by season and species. As of the most recent regulations, the Washougal typically allows retention of steelhead and salmon, but check the current Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Fishing Rules Pamphlet or the WDFW website before you fish — rules change annually and sometimes mid-season. Barbless hooks are often required for catch-and-release fishing.

The Washougal River Wildlife Area has specific rules: no motors, no camping, and bank fishing only — wading is not permitted in most sections. Respect posted closures and stay off private land.

Gear and tackle recommendations

For steelhead, a 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 8- to 12-pound monofilament or braided line is standard. Spoons, small plugs, and drift rigs with roe or yarn all work. Fly anglers use 6- to 8-weight rods with sink-tip lines and 8- to 12-pound tippet.

For salmon, a 7- to 8-foot medium-heavy spinning rod with 12- to 15-pound line handles larger spoons and plugs. Bring a net — Chinook and coho are strong fish and a net prevents lost fish and injury to the angler.

Waders are useful for steelhead fishing in winter, though bank fishing is possible without them. Felt-soled wading boots provide better grip on the slick rocks. A headlamp is essential for early-morning sessions in winter.

When water conditions make fishing difficult

The Washougal responds quickly to rain. After 1 to 2 inches of rainfall, the river rises 2 to 4 feet and turns brown within hours. Fishing is poor until the water clears and drops back to normal levels — typically 24 to 48 hours after rain stops, depending on the intensity and duration of the storm.

In summer (June through August), the river is low and warm, and fishing is closed or severely restricted. Spring (April and May) sees some steelhead and spring Chinook, but numbers are lower than in fall and winter. Plan your trip for November through March for steelhead or September through October for salmon.

Drought years can reduce flows significantly, concentrating fish in deeper pools but also making them more selective. High-water years can push fish through the system quickly, shortening the productive window. Check the USGS gauge and recent catch reports before committing to a trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a guide to fish the Washougal?

No. The lower river near Washougal town and the Wildlife Area are straightforward to fish from the bank, and public access is clearly marked. A guide is useful if you want to learn the upper river or improve your technique, but many anglers fish the Washougal successfully on their own.

What is the closest town with lodging and supplies?

Washougal town, about 30 miles east of Portland, has a few small motels and a grocery store. Portland is 45 minutes away and offers full services. Tackle shops in Troutdale and Portland carry Washougal-specific information and can update you on recent catches.

Can I fish the Washougal in summer?

Summer fishing (June through August) is closed or restricted due to low water and high temperatures. The river is best from September through March. Spring (April and May) can produce fish but is less reliable than fall and winter.

What happens if the river is too high to fish?

Wait 24 to 48 hours after rain stops for the water to clear and drop. Check the USGS gauge online to confirm the river is dropping. If you are traveling from a distance, call a local tackle shop for current conditions before driving.

Are there other rivers nearby if the Washougal is not fishable?

Yes. The Sandy River is 20 minutes away and often fishes well when the Washougal is high. The Kalama River and Lewis River are also within an hour's drive and hold steelhead and salmon. Having a backup option is useful when water conditions are poor.