Safety Tips for Paddling the Lower Columbia

I have been paddling for 10 years but only ocean and lakes never rivers. I would like to fish the lower Columbia for salmon, steelhead and walleye. Are there conditions or places to avoid? Thanks in advance.

Scott

Keep an eye out for shipping traffic.  Channels 13 and 22 on the VHF will give you some idea of who's doing what, where.
Watch the wind forecast.  The Columbia has a huge fetch and the winds can be furious at times.

Other than that, it's a cake walk.

-Mark-

A lot to consider. Current can be especially strong above Camas depending on how much water Bonneville is dumping. Tides, current, winds, shipping traffic, recreational traffic, and aquatic demons are all things you must consider depending on where and when you plan to fish. Feel free to pm with some specific locales and I can give some advice.

Know your limits and don't breathe underwater and you'll be alright.

Things tend to happen much more quickly on rivers. It's important to be alert to what is happening at all times. Keep your eye on the shore line to know how quickly you're moving if you're heading downriver - sometimes on the Columbia it can be downright surprising how fast you are moving along even though it doesn't feel that way.