Chehalis River Fishing Report: Fall Salmon, Steelhead, and Grays Harbor Flows

The Chehalis River is one of the longest and largest river systems in Western Washington, flowing over 125 miles from the Willapa Hills and emptying into Grays Harbor at Aberdeen. It supports critical runs of salmon and steelhead that are vital to the ecosystem and the regional economy. Due to its size and rain-fed nature, monitoring the latest Washington river flow data is essential, especially in the winter when the river is prone to large flood events.

River History and Watershed

The Chehalis River drains the third-largest basin in Washington State, making its health fundamental to the coastal region. The river’s character is heavily influenced by seasonal rainfall, resulting in dramatic flow fluctuations between the summer and winter months. The Chehalis River Basin Strategy is a major, ongoing effort focused on flood damage reduction and ecosystem restoration, highlighting the river's importance to both human and fish populations.

The main fishing focus is on the sections below the confluence of the Satsop and Wynoochee rivers, where the majority of the runs enter the lower mainstem and tributaries.

Location and Access

The Chehalis River flows through a varied landscape, offering extensive fishing access, particularly around the main population centers of Centralia, Chehalis, and Montesano. Access points include numerous public boat launches and bank access sites near the river’s main tributaries. The river’s size makes boat fishing and drift fishing the most popular methods for covering water and targeting migratory corridors.

Primary Species and Seasonal Runs (Salmon & Steelhead)

The Chehalis River is highly regarded for its diverse and dependable salmon and steelhead runs, providing a long season of angling opportunities in Southwest Washington.

Fish Run Timing:

• Fall Chinook Salmon: The Chinook run is strong and begins migrating into the estuary and lower river in late summer. Fishing peaks throughout September and October, with the largest concentrations found below the various tributary confluences.
• Coho Salmon: A very dependable run of Coho enters the river, overlapping the Fall Chinook season. Productive fishing runs from October through November, often targeted by plug fishing or twitching jigs.
• Chum Salmon: The river supports a solid run of Chum, providing late-fall action. These powerful fish are targeted from November through December.
• Winter Steelhead: The most important winter fishery in the basin. The robust Winter Steelhead run begins in November and peaks from December through January. Anglers often follow the fish into the major tributaries, like the Wynoochee and Satsop.

Regulations and Conservation

Fishing on the Chehalis River is managed by WDFW, often in consultation with local tribal governments. Regulations are complex and frequently change, particularly regarding the retention of wild-run fish which are a high conservation priority throughout the basin.

Anglers must pay close attention to emergency regulations and specific closures, particularly in tributary mouths and zones designated for wild fish spawning. For the most current rules, seasons, and any emergency closures, always check the official resources from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

WDFW Fishing Rules: Consult the latest WDFW Fishing Regulations.