If you’re searching for a Portland, Oregon fishing guide or charter you might be curious about what’s in season. In the local rivers and streams, you’ll find a variety of fish species, such as Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, white sturgeon, walleye, and assorted panfish.
Rivers in Portland Oregon area
Here is a brief list of rivers located in the Portland area, presented without any specific order.
The Columbia, Willamette, Clackamas, and Sandy Rivers are typically open year-round for panfish. However, for salmon, sturgeon, and steelhead, it’s essential to consult the current regulations to ensure compliance and avoid any issues.
Salmon Fishing Portland, Oregon
In Portland, Oregon’s local waterways, you can find three different species of salmon. The Chinook salmon, often referred to as the king salmon, is one of them. Chinook salmon are among the most prized fish in Oregon. On average, they may weigh between 15 to 30 pounds, but the larger “kings” can tip the scales at up to 50 pounds. I begin offering guided and chartered spring salmon fishing trips on the Columbia River in March, near the Portland Airport area.
Coho salmon, also known as silver salmon, typically weigh between 6 and 15 pounds and are known for their vigorous fight. They usually run in the fall, often coinciding with the fall Chinook salmon run.
Sockeye salmon, typically caught in June and July, usually weigh between 3 to 7 pounds. Not only are they delectable, but they also offer an engaging challenge when fished with light tackle.
Steelhead have a taste similar to some salmon. In fact, a steelhead is an ocean-going rainbow trout. Steelhead typically average between five to fifteen pounds, yet some exceptional steelhead may tip the scales at around eighteen pounds.
The best seasons to catch steelhead in the Columbia, Clackamas, and Sandy Rivers are during summer and winter. Discover more about salmon and steelhead by exploring my additional pages.
Sturgeon fishing Portland
Sturgeon, North America’s largest freshwater fish, inhabit the Columbia and Willamette Rivers year-round. These giants can vary in size from two feet to an impressive 12 to 15 feet in length. However, it is important to note that you are never permitted to retain sturgeon. fishing sturgeon is primarily catch-and-release, but occasionally, there are brief seasons when harvesting a sturgeon is permitted. It’s important to consult with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to ensure compliance with legal regulations. I provide year-round guided sturgeon fishing excursions on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers in Portland, OR, and the surrounding Columbia River Gorge area. You can discover more about a guided sturgeon fishing or chartered trip in the Portland area by following this link.
Giant Sturgeon caught with Marvins’s guide service.
Walleye fishing Portland Oregon
Walleyes can be found in both the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Although walleye fishing is possible year-round, the spring season is ideal for guided walleye fishing trips due to the warmer waters that stimulate walleye activity. While walleyes are accessible in the Portland area, I favor conducting my fishing and guiding services in the Columbia River Gorge, which boasts a higher walleye population. Discover more about my walleye fishing adventures in the Columbia River Gorge by following this link.
Happy client with Walleye caught with Marvin’s guide service on the Columbia River near Rufus.
Panfish in Portland Oregon area
The Columbia and Willamette Rivers are home to a diverse array of panfish, including bass, bluegill, carp, catfish, crappie, suckers, and yellow perch. Pan fishing is optimal in spring, as the warmer waters of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers make the fish more active.
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Last Updated on by Marvin
