Walleye

Walleye fishing near Rainier, Washington, primarily centers around the Columbia River. This section of the Columbia provides ideal walleye habitat, with deep channels, rocky structure, and fluctuating water levels. Spring and fall are generally considered the best times to target walleye here, as they migrate and congregate in certain areas. Focus on areas near the mouths of tributaries or along submerged ledges. A crucial local tip is to pay attention to the current; walleye often hold in areas where they can ambush prey in the current seams. Several boat launches in the Rainier area provide access to the Columbia River. Walleye in this section of the Columbia are known for their good size, with fish over 10 pounds possible. Jigging with lead-head jigs tipped with nightcrawlers or plastic trailers is a popular and effective technique. Trolling crankbaits can also be productive, especially when covering larger areas.