If you love fishing, you need to make the trek to Rufus, Oregon. Located about two hours east of Portland, it’s the perfect weekend getaway. The town is on the banks of the Columbia River, right below the John Day Dam. This prime location makes it easy to catch all kinds of fish, including salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and walleye. I definitely recommend trying a guided fishing trip with someone who knows the area well. Book a guided walleye trip here
Rufus is a city in sparsely populated Sherman County, Oregon. The city’s population was 284 at the 2022 census.
Rufus, Oregon fishing
Rufus is renowned for the excellent walleye fishing provided by the Columbia River. Located on the riverbanks just beneath the John Day Dam, Rufus is ideally situated for various fishing activities, including those for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and notably, walleye. Additionally, the area of the Columbia River near Rufus is abundant with panfish, offering opportunities to catch bass, perch, crappie, and bluegill.
Water sports in Rufus, Oregon
Rufus, Oregon, is also a great spot for water sports. If you prefer warmer water, stick to the shallows, because the Columbia River usually runs in the high 60s and low 70s. If you want to go swimming, jet skiing, kitesurfing, or wakeboarding, there’s no better spot in Oregon.
Walleye fishing Rufus,oregon
Rufus has a reputation among fisherfolk, but it’s not just any kind of fishing—it’s walleye fishing. The Columbia River that runs through Rufus is packed with walleye, and a lot of people have said that the next record-breaking walleye will come right out of there. If you’re looking for a walleye adventure, Rufus is the place to go. Columbia River Walleye are some of the best fish tacos you will ever eat.
Bank fishing Rufus
Fishing from a boat isn’t for everyone, yet there’s ample bank access for fishing near Rufus. After taking the Rufus exit off I-84, proceed toward the John Day Dam. Along this route, you’ll discover an access road that follows the river from the dam, extending beyond Rufus. Certain species, like walleye, may be challenging to hook from the bank. However, bass, panfish, and catfish are often found in the shallows.
Be sure to check the regulations when fishing the Columbia River near Rufus, as salmon, sturgeon, and steelhead are very seasonal fish. As of now, walleye and panfish seasons are year-round, and sturgeon is a catch-and-release fishery year-round. Oftentimes, when the water reaches very high temperatures, they will even close, catch, and release sturgeon. So always check your regulations. You could always stop in the local tackle shop in Rufus and talk to them, or even call them about current regulations.
John Day River
If you’re ever in Rufus, Oregon, you absolutely must visit the John Day River, which is just four miles east of the city. The John Day offers so much more than just fishing, and it’s also a great place to camp and enjoy some water sports. I grew up and fell in love with fishing the John Day River, and it’s still one of my favorite spots for a day out. Check it out, and I promise you won’t regret it!
If you’re unsure what the season is, be sure to call me at Marvin’s Guide Service, 503-314-5087, and I will be happy to hook you up in or around Rufus for salmon, sturgeon, steelhead, or walleye. Read more about walleye fishing here!
When visiting Rufus, Oregon, I would also suggest crossing the river over to Goldendale, Washington, and checking out the Maryhill Museum of Art.
The Dalles Oregon is a cool town in the Columbia River gorge. The Dalles is just a few miles west of Rufus, Oregon, and also offers amazing salmon, sturgeon, and walleye fishing.
Are you looking for a hotel near Rufus, Oregon? I’ve put together a small list, not necessarily in any order.
Hotels and Motels Rufus, Oregon
Tyee Motel 304 1st ST Rufus, OR 97050; phone: 541-739-2310.
Rufus Hillview Inn, 203 Wallace St., Rufus OR 97050, phone: 541-739-82221, website.
Dinty’s Motor Inn, 91581 Biggs Rufus Hwy., Rufus, OR 97065, phone: 541-739-2596, website.
Be sure to check out my Walleye, salmon, Sturgeon and bass page for more information.
father and son with Walley caught on the Columbia River.
Happy client with walleye caught fishing with Marvin’s Guide Service on the Columbia River near Rufus, Oregon.
Last Updated on by Marvin
