Columbia River (Oregon/Washington)

The Columbia River, the mightiest salmon and steelhead river in the lower 48, drains 259,000 square miles from the Rockies to the Pacific. Spring Chinook are the most prized, with fat content from their long upstream journey making them the finest-eating salmon in the world—30% higher oil content than the average Pacific salmon. The river also holds giant white sturgeon exceeding 10 feet, outlasting #5 Chesapeake Bay in ancient species. Anglers catch 50+ pound Chinook annually, and the steelhead run averages 20,000 fish, offering a unique trophy experience.