If you’re in search of a salmon fishing guide or charter in Portland, Oregon, your search ends here. Boasting a lifetime of experience in salmon fishing and more than 25 years as a professional fishing guide and charter, I have honed my skills in identifying prime fishing locations, employing effective techniques, and choosing the best times for fishing. I am intimately familiar with the premier spots along the Columbia, Willamette, and Oregon Coast rivers. For the convenience of travelers, my guided tours are easily accessible, just a short drive from Seattle or Southern Oregon, and some excursions start only 10 minutes away from Portland International Airport (PDX).
My 27-foot Alumaweld Intruder is covered and heated and will get you to the salmon safely and in comfort. Read more about your salmon fishing guide and charter boat here.
Spring Salmon fishing in Portland, Oregon
Portland Oregon Salmon fishing guide Marvin standing next to a happy client holding a chinook salmon caught on the Columbia River near Portland, Oregon.
The Spring Chinook salmon start their ascent of the Columbia River at winter’s end, continuing into spring. From mid-February through March, as the spring king salmon runs intensify, my Marvin’s Guide Service boat hits the water. We target these vibrant and coveted spring salmon in the Columbia River stretch between Portland and Vancouver, with fish typically weighing between 10 to 25 pounds. Even with the Columbia’s fishing seasons being unpredictable, there’s no concern. The lower Willamette River, nestled in the heart of Downtown Portland, is home to one of the world’s premier spring salmon runs, and I know the prime spots to catch them.
Columbia River Fall Salmon Fishing charter
The Columbia River offers some of the highest-percentage catch rates for both types of salmon that return in the late summer and early fall – massive fall chinook salmon (a.k.a. kings) and abundant and feisty coho salmon (a.k.a. silvers). In a good year (and we’ve had some great ones lately), over a million salmon head up the Columbia River. I actually start this season out on the Pacific Ocean in July, when hordes of coho and the occasional chinook are fattening up before making their way into the river. These fish are hungry and aggressive and can’t resist the bait on your hook. In August, as the kings and silvers move into the famous Buoy 10 fishery at the mouth of the Columbia, I will have my customers right there with them. I know the best salmon spots as these fish move in and out with the tides.
This is a picture of a limit of salmon caught at Buoy 10 on the Columbia River.
Booking your fishing guide or charter early is advisable, as August dates for chinook salmon are quickly reserved. In many years, coho fishing remains productive well beyond Labor Day. As the estuary fishing season winds down, I typically follow the fish into the Portland vicinity and further into the Columbia River Gorge, shifting to freshwater strategies that target the large kings. These kings are generally bigger than the spring fish and frequently tip the scales at over 30 pounds. Read More About Columbia River Salmon Fishing
Oregon Coast Salmon Fishing
As the Columbia River’s salmon runs wind down, guided and charter trips to Tillamook Bay become available in late fall, particularly in October. The bay is renowned for harboring some of the largest Chinook salmon in the Northwest, with a common catch weighing around 25 pounds and some reaching up to 50 pounds. For an additional fee, I offer my Tillamook Bay clients the opportunity to set crab pots, enabling them to catch these succulent crustaceans alongside salmon fishing, thus ensuring a plentiful seafood harvest. We also provide full crabbing trips in November and December.
Book Your fishing guide or charter
As a seasoned salmon fishing guide based in Portland, Oregon, I meticulously monitor the salmon runs and regulations of the Pacific Northwest. Rest assured that I will meticulously plan your fishing excursion to maximize your chances of catching a sizable salmon. Beyond selecting prime fishing locations, I provide top-notch equipment, including my boat, tackle, and bait. Don’t hesitate to contact me—I’m passionate about salmon fishing and eager to tailor the perfect guided trip for you.
Following a day of salmon fishing in Portland, Oregon, I enjoy dining at the numerous restaurants offering delectable cuisine. Some of my preferred spots are along the waterfront, allowing me to savor the views as I dine. Others are situated in the downtown district, where I can stroll and take in the city’s vibrant sights and sounds.
Here is a small list of restaurants I enjoy in and around Portland Oregon area.
For individuals looking to book a fishing guide or charter in Portland, Oregon, or along the Oregon coast, additional information and reservation options can be found through the link provided below.
