White Salmon River Fishing Guide: Steelhead Recovery and Wild Flows

The White Salmon River is a striking, spring-fed tributary of the Columbia River located near Underwood in Southwest Washington. Historically a dramatic, undammed river, its ecosystem was significantly altered but is now undergoing a recovery following the removal of the Condit Dam. Though famous primarily for its whitewater rafting, the White Salmon supports recovering runs of anadromous fish. Due to its steep, canyon-like sections, monitoring the latest Washington river flow data is crucial for both safety and access.

River History and Dam Removal

The White Salmon River was home to the **Condit Dam** for nearly a century. In 2011, the dam was intentionally breached and removed, making the White Salmon the second major river (after the Elwha) in Washington to undergo a massive dam-removal restoration. This project immediately opened 33 miles of upstream habitat in the river and its tributaries that had been inaccessible to migratory fish since 1913.

Since the dam’s removal, native fish, including Steelhead, have quickly begun utilizing the newly accessible spawning grounds. The river remains one of the state’s most significant wild fish recovery projects.

Location and Access

The White Salmon River flows through a deep, scenic gorge for much of its lower section before reaching the Columbia River. Public access is often challenging due to the steep banks and the river’s fast, powerful nature. Access points are available in the lower sections and near the mouth, but anglers must exercise extreme caution due to the turbulent waters. The upper river sections now within the restored watershed offer more remote, primitive access.

Primary Species and Seasonal Runs (Focus on Wild Steelhead)

Fishing on the White Salmon is focused almost entirely on the recovering wild populations of Steelhead and salmon. Because the fish are wild, the regulations are highly protective, and the fishing experience is geared toward challenging, often catch-and-release encounters.

Fish Run Timing:

• Summer Steelhead: This prized run is the primary focus of the White Salmon. Fish begin entering the river in late spring, with the best fishing occurring throughout the **Summer** and **Early Fall** (June through October). Fly fishing is particularly popular in this clear, powerful river.
• Fall Chinook Salmon: Recovering wild populations of Chinook enter the river in the fall, typically from **September** through **November**. Fishing is extremely limited or prohibited as these stocks are prioritized for conservation and natural spawning.
• Coho Salmon: Coho also return in the fall, with runs extending from **October** through **December**. As with the Chinook, opportunities to fish for this species are limited by tight conservation restrictions.
• Winter Steelhead: A recovering run of Winter Steelhead is also present. If a season is open, it typically runs from **January** through **March**, offering anglers a cold-weather challenge.

Regulations and Conservation

Fishing on the White Salmon River is subject to strict, often year-to-year regulations imposed by WDFW to protect and rebuild the wild anadromous runs following the dam removal. Anglers should assume a catch-and-release status for all protected species unless regulations explicitly state otherwise.

Due to the river’s continuous restoration status, rules change frequently and without advanced notice. 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.