Fishing at Wind River, Skamania County, Oregon

• Overview

  In Oregon, Wind River belongs to Skamania County. The surface lies 62 feet up. The water covers some 47 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. Ground here is low by Oregon standards. Carson lies 1.5 miles from the water. Gresham is the closest city, 34 miles away. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Wind River

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Slack water behind an obstruction is worth more than open current. The head and tail of a pool beat the body of it. On Wind River a short move beats a long cast. Inflows pull fish in whenever water is moving. Sunken banks and old ditches show as changes in surface texture.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 35°F in January and 66°F in August. The swings are modest, so patterns change slowly. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Wind River fishes to that pattern most years. Early and late in the day beat the middle for most of the year.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. The slipway at Home Valley is half a mile away. The nearest mapped parking is half a mile away, so the last stretch is on foot. There is a pier recorded roughly half a mile away. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Failing this one, try Berge Reservoir, 2.4 miles away. For Wind River in particular, ask before you travel.