What Hathaway Park offers anglers
Hathaway Park sits on the Columbia River just outside Washougal, Oregon, and gives you access to one of the most consistent smallmouth bass fisheries in the region. The park is a day-use facility with a boat launch, parking, and bank access — nothing fancy, but everything you need to get on the water or fish from shore. The Columbia here runs slower and deeper than it does upstream, which means the fish hold in predictable spots and the water stays fishable even when the main channel gets rough.
The smallmouth are the main draw. They run 10 to 16 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing into the 18-inch range. The park also holds some shad and the occasional walleye, but most anglers come for the bass. Spring and fall are the strongest seasons — water temperatures in the 55 to 65 degree range trigger aggressive feeding — but the park fishes year-round if you adjust your approach to the season.
Key Takeaways
- Hathaway Park has a boat launch and bank access on the Columbia River, with parking and basic facilities available during day-use hours.
- Smallmouth bass are the primary species, averaging 10 to 16 inches, with spring and fall offering the most consistent action.
- The slower, deeper water near the park holds fish in defined zones rather than scattered throughout the channel, making it easier to locate them.
- A valid Oregon fishing license is required; check current regulations for bass size limits and daily catch limits before you fish.
How to reach Hathaway Park and what to bring
From downtown Washougal, head east on State Route 14 for about 3 miles. The park entrance is on your right, marked clearly. Parking is free and usually has space even on weekends, though summer Saturdays can fill up by mid-morning. The boat launch is a single-lane concrete ramp in decent condition — no fees, but it gets crowded during peak hours.
Bring a valid Oregon fishing license. If you're launching a boat, make sure your registration is current and your trailer lights work — the ramp is close enough to town that enforcement is regular. Bank anglers should wear polarized sunglasses and bring a headlamp if you plan to fish early or late; the parking area has minimal lighting. Water access is good from the bank near the launch, but the best holding water is 50 to 150 yards out, so a boat or kayak gives you a real advantage.
Where the fish hold and how to fish them
The Columbia near Hathaway Park has three main zones. The first is the shallow bank water from the launch area upstream about a quarter mile — this is 4 to 8 feet deep and holds fish early and late in the day, especially in spring. The second is the deeper channel water 100 to 200 yards out, where the bottom drops to 15 to 25 feet; this is where fish retreat during midday heat and where you'll find the most consistent action in summer. The third is the rocky point about 300 yards downstream from the launch, where the current picks up slightly and baitfish concentrate.
Smallmouth here respond well to crankbaits in the 2 to 3-inch range, especially shad-pattern lures that mimic the natural forage. Jigs tipped with crawfish or small shad work year-round. In spring, topwater plugs early in the morning can produce explosive strikes. Summer calls for deeper presentations — drop-shot rigs and tube jigs work well in the 15 to 25-foot zone. Fall is a transition period; start shallow and move deeper as the day warms.
Current matters here. Fish position themselves to intercept food drifting downstream, so cast upstream and let your lure drift naturally. The slower water near the park means you can work a lure longer without it getting swept away, which gives you more time to trigger a strike.
Seasonal patterns and timing
Spring (March through May) is when the park shines. Water temperatures climb from the low 50s to the mid-60s, and smallmouth move shallow to feed and spawn. Fish the bank water and the first 50 yards out; you'll catch fish on nearly every cast if you're using the right lure. Early morning and late afternoon are best, but midday can be productive too.
Summer (June through August) pushes fish deeper and makes them more selective. The shallow water warms to 70 degrees or higher, and bass retreat to the deeper channel. You'll need to fish deeper presentations and be more precise with your casting. Early morning and late evening are still the most productive times, but the bite is shorter and more concentrated. Midday fishing is slow.
Fall (September through November) mirrors spring in many ways — water cools back into the 55 to 65 degree range, and fish move shallow again to feed heavily before winter. The bite is strong and consistent. Winter (December through February) is slower, but not dead. Fish hold in the deepest water and respond to slow, subtle presentations. Fewer anglers fish this season, so you'll have the park mostly to yourself.
Regulations and what you need to know
Oregon requires a valid fishing license for anyone 14 and older. You can purchase a one-day license online through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website or at most tackle shops in Washougal. Smallmouth bass have a minimum size limit of 10 inches and a daily catch limit of 25 fish; check the current regulations before you fish, as these can change. There is no closed season on smallmouth in this section of the Columbia.
The park itself is open from sunrise to sunset. Alcohol is not permitted, and you must pack out all trash. Fires are not allowed. The boat launch is first-come, first-served; if it's too crowded, you can fish from the bank without a boat.
Tackle and techniques that work here
A medium-power spinning rod in the 6 to 7-foot range is ideal for bank fishing and works well from a kayak. If you're running a larger boat, a baitcasting setup gives you better distance and control in the deeper water. Spool with 8 to 12-pound monofilament or braided line; the water is clear enough that lighter line works, but the rocky bottom and occasional snags make heavier line a practical choice.
Crankbaits are your workhorse lure. Rapala Shad Raps in the 2 to 3-inch size, Rebel Minnows, and similar profiles catch fish consistently. Jigs in 1/8 to 1/4-ounce weights paired with 2-inch crawfish or shad imitations work in all seasons. Topwater plugs like Zara Spooks and Popping Frogs produce strikes in spring and early summer, especially in low-light conditions. Tube jigs in natural colors — brown, green, and black — are deadly in summer when fish are deep.
When the park gets crowded and what to do
Summer weekends and holidays draw crowds, especially from mid-morning through early afternoon. If you want solitude and consistent fishing, plan to fish early morning or late evening, or visit on a weekday. Spring and fall weekdays are nearly empty, and you'll have the best fishing conditions with the fewest people around.
If the boat launch is packed, you have options. Bank fishing near the launch is productive, especially in spring. If you have a kayak or canoe, you can launch from the bank upstream of the main ramp and paddle down to the deeper water. The walk-in access is always available, even when the parking lot is full.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish Hathaway Park?
No. Bank fishing is productive, especially in spring and early summer. You'll catch fish from shore within 50 yards of the launch. A boat or kayak lets you reach deeper water and cover more ground, but it's not required.
What's the best time of day to fish here?
Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and late evening (last two hours before sunset) are most consistent year-round. Spring and fall can produce all day. Summer fishing is slow during midday heat.
Can I fish here in winter?
Yes. The park is open year-round during daylight hours. Winter fishing is slower, but fish are present in the deepest water. Expect fewer anglers and a more technical bite.
What size fish should I expect to catch?
Most smallmouth run 10 to 16 inches. Fish in the 18-inch range are possible but less common. The park is known for consistent numbers rather than trophy fish.
Is there a fee to launch a boat or fish here?
No. The park is free to use. There are no launch fees, parking fees, or day-use charges.