For those seeking a premier salmon fishing guide or charter in Portland, Oregon, look no further. With a lifetime of salmon fishing experience and over 25 years as a professional fishing guide and charter, I have honed my expertise in identifying prime fishing locations, utilizing effective techniques, and selecting the optimal times for fishing. I am well-versed in the best spots along the Columbia, Willamette, and Oregon Coast rivers. For travelers’ convenience, my guided tours are easily accessible, just a short drive from Seattle or Southern Oregon, with some excursions starting only 10 minutes from Portland International Airport.
Custom made guide and charter boat.
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.
Portland, Oregon salmon fishing guide Marvin stands beside a satisfied client holding a Chinook salmon caught on the Columbia River near Portland, Oregon.
Spring Salmon fishing charter and fishing guides.
As winter ends and spring approaches, the Spring Chinook salmon start their journey up the Columbia River, continuing well into the season. From mid-February through March, when the spring king salmon runs are at their peak, Marvin’s Guide Service boat hits the water. We focus on these vibrant and highly sought-after spring salmon in the Columbia River stretch between Portland and Vancouver, where fish typically weigh between 10 to 25 pounds. Despite the unpredictability of the Columbia’s fishing seasons, there’s no need to worry. The lower Willamette River, nestled in the heart of Downtown Portland, boasts one of the world’s premier spring salmon runs, and I know the prime spots to catch them.
Columbia River Fall Salmon Fishing charter or guide.
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 charter and guide.
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 an experienced salmon fishing guide and charter operator based in Portland, Oregon, I diligently monitor the salmon runs and regulations of the Pacific Northwest. I meticulously plan your fishing excursion to maximize your chances of catching a sizable salmon. In addition to selecting prime fishing locations, I provide high-quality equipment, including my boat, tackle, and bait. Please feel free to contact me—I am passionate about salmon fishing and eager to customize the perfect guided trip for you.
After a day of salmon fishing in Portland, Oregon, I take pleasure in dining at the many restaurants that offer exquisite cuisine. Some of my favorite establishments are located along the waterfront, allowing me to enjoy the scenic views as I dine. Others are situated in the downtown district, where I can stroll and appreciate the city’s lively sights and sounds.
Here is a small list of restaurants I enjoy in and around Portland Oregon area.
For those seeking to book a fishing guide or charter in Portland, Oregon, or along the Oregon coast, more information and reservation are the link provided below.
