Lance Fisher Fishing | Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge Fishing – Guided Fishing Trips and Fishing Charters

Located just east of Portland, the Columbia River Gorge is home to some of the best salmon, sturgeon, and walleye fishing in the Pacific Northwest. Not only that, the area is renowned for some of the best water sports, scenery, waterfalls, and hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest. This stretch of the Columbia River is very different from the mouth in Astoria or even the Portland area and many of our customers have standing reservations for fall salmon fishing in the Gorge.

Our operation is family, friend, and business-friendly. Our boats range in size from 22-28′ and are clean, state of the art, and equipped with the best fishing and safety equipment. For more information about what our customers think of us, please check out our reviews.

Below you will find summaries for the salmon, sturgeon, and walleye fishing we do in the Columbia River Gorge. Have a look at the various options and don’t hesitate to ask questions. There’s a lot of information to digest and we’re more than happy to discuss the various fishing opportunities with you. Don’t know where or what to fish for? Need help making plans?

We’re here to help! Call us or contact us through our Questions and Reservations form.

Questions & Reservations

2026 Columbia River Gorge Fishing Report:

April 27th, 2026 – We are right in the middle of prime walleye fishing in the Columbia River Gorge. We typically launch near Rufus, OR for these action-packed trips. Since walleye are considered an invasive species in the Columbia River, there’s no limit to what we can catch. Once you’re back home, there are multiple ways to cook your catch. Ask us about our favorite methods and recipes.

We are so thankful for all of the many fishing options we have in the Columbia Gorge each year. Customers are already getting on the calendar for the upcoming seasons. Check them out below and let us know if you want to get on the books for prime dates.

Questions & Reservations

Columbia River Gorge Salmon Fishing

September and early October give us the opportunity to follow Columbia River fall salmon up above Bonneville Dam. These are the same fish we were fishing at Buoy 10 in Astoria just a short time before, and they are still fresh and beautiful. 

2026 Columbia River Gorge Salmon Season

ODFW is in the pre-planning stage for the 2026 Columbia River Fall salmon season. The Columbia River Gorge is a favorite location to fish in September, with its beautiful scenery and Chinook salmon tugging on the line. We’ll release details throughout the process, so stay tuned. In the meantime, get your trip on the books.

EXPLORE COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE SALMON FISHING

Columbia River Gorge Sturgeon Fishing

Sturgeon fishing in the Columbia River Gorge takes place throughout the year because of the pools created by the dam system. The stretch of river above Bonneville Dam is home to some big fish and there’s nothing like the challenge of fighting these prehistoric-looking fish. This is generally a catch-and-release fishery, which just adds to the excitement. Whether you’re young or old, a life-long angler or a rookie, buckle up and enjoy the battle. 

2026 Columbia River Gorge Sturgeon Season

Sturgeon fishing takes place on the Columbia River throughout much of the year. We were given a few retention days this year in the Columbia River Gorge. Other than those days, it’s a catch-and-release fishery, which can be a lot of fun. We also fish in the Portland area throughout the winter and spring, where conditions can be a bit milder. If you’re looking for trophy action, check out our Astoria sturgeon fishing in June and July.

EXPLORE COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE STURGEON FISHING

Columbia River Gorge Walleye Fishing

Walleye fishing provides some action-packed days every year during March and April. The weather is warming up and the fish are biting. We fish with light tackle, trolling and jigging as we target these tasty fish east of The Dalles. We typically launch near Rufus. Since walleye are invasive to the Columbia River, there’s no daily limit to what we can catch. We actually help our Columbia River salmon fisheries by keeping the walleye population in check.

When it comes to size, we prefer to keep fish 15″-24″ as they provide the perfect balance for cooking – big enough for thick fillets but small enough to avoid toughness. Walleye is undoubtedly one of the best-eating options available. The meat is clean, mild, flaky, and incredibly versatile. The white, almost buttery flesh has just the right amount of sweetness to evoke the taste of fresh lake water without any muddiness. People often refer to it as “the king of table fare” for a reason—it surpasses perch or crappie in flavor, lacks the oiliness of salmon, and is significantly less bony than pike.

2026 Columbia River Gorge Walleye Season

The action starts in March and continues through April. Come join us for an early spring day chasing Columbia River Gorge walleye and it might become one of your favorite fisheries. We prefer to fish 4 anglers to the boat as it offers the best fishing opportunity, but can fish up to 6 anglers if needed.

What makes the Columbia River Gorge so Special?

The Columbia River Gorge is home to a dozen or so small towns. They combine incredible natural scenery with vibrant small-town charm, and act as gateway communities to the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, the largest National Scenic Area in America.

Oregon Side

• Hood River – Known as the “Wind Surfing Capital of the World”. Take a drive or ride through the Hood River Fruit Loop, stopping by wineries, breweries, cideries, flower fields, and numerous orchards of pears, apples and cherries. Hood River is located just across from the mouth of the White Salmon River in Washington.
• Cascade Locks – Visit Bonneville Dam or the Bonneville Fish Hatchery. Drive across the Bridge of the Gods to check out the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge.
• The Dalles – Learn about the rich history of the region, which is one of the continent’s most significant archaeological regions. Celilo Falls was just 10 miles east of the current city of The Dalles, making the area a major Native American trading center. Lewis and Clark stopped at the Rock Fort Campsite traveling to and from the Pacific Ocean. The Oregon Trail ended at The Dalles until the Barlow Road was constructed in 1846. This city packs in a lot of history and you can check it all out at The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center.
• Rowena – Visit Tom McCall Preserve to see the beautiful spring wildflowers and check out the sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge and the Cascade mountain peaks.
• Mosier and Rufus – smaller towns with boat launches that we often use when launching on the Oregon side.

Washington Side

• Stevenson – Just 45 minutes from PDX Airport and a fun little town. Skamania Lodge is the perfect place to play a round of golf, soak in some spa services, or enjoy a delicious meal. Visit the Columbia Gorge Museum or the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center to learn about the history of the area.
• White Salmon – Bike, hike, take a canyoning tour, or enjoy some great wine and local brews.
• Lyle – a small town with a good launch site on the Washington side. Check out Doug’s Beach to do some windsurfing and visit one of the 6 boutique wineries.
• Willard – a small town next to Drano Lake, a 226-acre man-made lake at the mouth of the Little White Salmon River that boasts some nice salmon fishing.

These towns are often based around the tributaries that feed into the Columbia River, giving us ample fishing opportunities on the Columbia itself.

• White Salmon River
• Klickitat River
• Wind River
• Litte White Salmon River
• Deschutes River
• Hood River
• Sandy River

Frequently Asked Fishing Questions When Fishing the Columbia River Gorge:

What is the best month to fish in the Columbia River Gorge?

The best time to fish the Columbia River Gorge depends on your target species, with prime seasons running from March through April for Walleye and September through mid-October for Fall Chinook and Coho Salmon.

• March – April: Peak Walleye season (action-packed, no limits).

• September – October: Peak Fall Salmon run (Chinook and Coho).

• Year-Round: Catch-and-release Sturgeon fishing.

• Winter: Keeper Sturgeon (dates determined by ODFW/WDFW).

Is the Columbia River Gorge a good place to fish?

Yes, the Columbia River Gorge is a world-class fishing destination. Known for its massive salmon runs, the Gorge sees over a million Chinook, Coho, and Sockeye salmon annually. Because it sits east of the Cascades, the drier climate and unique river structure make it a premier location for year-round Sturgeon and trophy Walleye fishing.

Top 3 Reasons to fish the Gorge:

• High Fish Counts: It acts as a natural “bottleneck” for salmon returning to their spawning grounds.

• Scenery: You’ll fish against a backdrop of 800-foot cliffs and waterfalls.

• Variety: It is one of the few places where you can target three major game fish in a single region.

How much do guided fishing trips cost?

Guided fishing trips in the Columbia River Gorge generally start at $250 per person for a full day on the water. This rate includes your professional guide, a seat in a premium jet sled boat, all high-quality rods and reels, and the specialized bait or lures required for your target species.

Factors that influence your trip price:

• Group Size: We offer both shared boat options and private party charters for groups of 4 to 6 people. We even offer multiple boat trips if you have a larger group.

Note: Your fishing license and tags are not included in the guide fee and should be purchased separately prior to your trip.

What should we pack for a day of fishing in the Columbia River Gorge?

To stay comfortable on the water, we recommend dressing in layers as the Gorge is known for its shifting winds. Please bring the following items:

• Layered Clothing: Even on warm days, morning winds can be chilly.

• Rain Gear: Waterproof jacket and pants if rain is in the forecast.

• Valid Fishing License: An Oregon license with Columbia River Basin Endorsement (or WA equivalent). See details on our fishing license page.

• Food & Drinks: Whatever you would like to eat or drink for the duration of the trip.

• Sun Protection: Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen.

All of the details will be in your trip confirmation email, which we’ll send out once you book your trip.

2026 Fishing License Requirements

To fish the Columbia River Gorge, all anglers aged 12 and older (Oregon) or 15 and older (Washington) must possess a valid license.

Which license do I need?

Because we fish the “boundary waters” of the Columbia River, you can typically use either a valid Oregon or Washington fishing license. We’ll include all of the details regarding licenses in your trip confirmation email and you can also learn about them on our Fishing Licenses page.

Mandatory 2026 Endorsements

In addition to your base license, if we are targeting Salmon or Steelhead, you are now required by law to have the following:

• Oregon License: Columbia River Basin Endorsement.

• Washington L: Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE).

Pro Tip: For most of our 1-day guided trips, the 1-day Daily License is the most cost-effective option as it includes all necessary tags and endorsements for that day.

Where to buy:

• Oregon: Buy online via ODFW MyODFW or the MyODFW app.

• Washington: Buy online via WDFW WILD or the Fish Washington app.

How does the wind affect fishing in the Columbia River Gorge?

The Columbia River Gorge is famous for its wind, but it rarely stops the fishing. Because the river runs East-to-West through the mountains, we can almost always find “lee” spots (protected areas) behind high cliffs or around river bends where the water remains calm.

• Will my trip be canceled for wind? We rarely cancel trips due to wind. Our aluminum boats are specifically designed to handle the “Gorge Chop” safely and comfortably.

• Does the wind affect the bite? Actually, a “light chop” on the water often improves fishing! It breaks up the surface light, making species like Walleye and Spring Chinook less wary and more likely to strike your lure.

• Guide Tip: Even if it’s 80°F in Portland, the Gorge wind can feel 15 degrees cooler on the water. We always recommend bringing a windbreaker or light shell, even in mid-summer.

Which boat launches are used for guided fishing trips in the Columbia River Gorge?

We launch from several different sites depending on the species we’re targeting and where the best fishing opportunity is.should

• Cascade Locks, OR
• Hood River, OR
• Mosier, OR
• Rufus, OR
• Lyle, WA

Do you provide the fishing gear, tackle, and bait?

Yes, we do! Everything you need to fish, from top-notch rods and reels to tackle and bait, is provided for you to use during your guided fishing trip with us. We’ll even clean and filet your catch at the end of your trip!

Can kids fish?

Certainly! Fishing is a sport enjoyed by all ages, and the more the merrier. Kids can be quick to pick up on the motion of fishing, and by the end of your trip the kids may be teaching you a thing or two. Families are always welcome onboard our boats. A guided fishing trip allows you to simply enjoy the day with your kids or grandkids, while leaving all of the details to us. Just let us know how old your kids are and we’ll show you the best options available.

We will be flying home. How do we get our fish home?

We get this question a lot. Enough to make a page to give you all sorts of information about how to get your fish home with the airlines.

We’re from out of town. Where should we stay in the Columbia River Gorge?

When it comes to lodging, there are a variety of options to choose from, whether you prefer the larger chains, the smaller boutique hotels, or Airbnb. Your trip confirmation will include the names of some local hotels that offer discounted rates to our customers, but there are numerous other options out there. If you don’t know the area and you’re trying to build your travel plan, feel free to ask questions. We’re always happy to help you create the best experience possible and part of that is lodging. No matter where you choose to stay, a short drive will get you to your launch location the morning of your trip.

How do we book our trip?

Give us a call or use our Questions and Reservations button. We’ll help guide you through your options, answer any questions, and help get you set for the fishing trip that is perfect for you. A deposit is all that’s needed to hold your date. We’ll send you a trip confirmation email with all of the details. The hardest part of the process is probably waiting for your fishing day to arrive. 🙂

Questions & Reservations

We’re always happy to help. Let us know if you have questions or would like to book a trip.

Are you interested other fishing possibilities? Visit our locations in Astoria, Oregon, Portland, Oregon and Newport, Oregon. You can also see our fishing trips throughout Oregon and Washington.