Portland Salmon Fishing
FISHING TRIP DATES
March – June
mid-August – October
CHARTER OPTIONS
Fishing charters for groups and individuals. Private fishing guide available.
Update: Columbia River Spring Chinook Salmon season extended again
May 19th, 2026: The Columbia River Spring Chinook salmon season was extended today. We spend a lot of our time on the Willamette River in the Spring, but always appreciate additional days where the Columbia is an option as well. The Columbia will be open for salmon retention May 22nd-25th. There’s still so much Springer fishing to be done this season and we would love to get you out on the water. Get in touch with us today to book your guided fishing trip.
Portland Salmon Fishing Trips
There aren’t many places where you can do world-class salmon fishing just minutes from downtown, and Portland is one of those few magical locations. Maybe it’s because we have the Columbia, Willamette, Clackamas, Sandy, and Lewis Rivers to choose from. Maybe it’s because the best tasting salmon species moves through the river system on its way to the spawning grounds. Maybe it’s because Portland is in the perfect spot for everything to come together for some of the best salmon fishing in the Pacific Northwest.
Portland provides some nice salmon fishing opportunities during the spring and fall months. The Willamette River runs right through downtown Portland, and from its mouth upstream to Willamette Falls is where we do the majority of our springer fishing. The Willamette feeds into the Columbia River and between these two major rivers, we have a lot of water we can fish. During the fall season, the Columbia is where the majority of the salmon action takes place, with several months of fishing.
Have questions? Need help planning your trip. Give us a call or send us a note at the link below. We’re here to help!
2025 Portland Salmon Seasons
Spring Chinook salmon fishing is currently underway and we’ll be targeting these tasty fish into June. We’ll start fishing for Columbia River fall Chinook salmon when the river opens for salmon retention in August, and will keep on fishing into October. Fall offers some good opportunities for salmon fishing from the Rainier/Longview area clear up to the Columbia River Gorge.
Portland Spring Chinook Salmon Fishing
This is one of the truly unique salmon fisheries in the world and the fishing happens almost entirely right in the Portland-Metro area. Columbia River Spring Chinook, also known as King Salmon or Springers, if you’re a local, are arguably the finest tasting of all salmon species. Along with their cousins from the Willamette River, these fish give us the first opportunity of the year to target salmon in the Pacific Northwest in mid-March with fishing often running through June.
Portland Fall Salmon Fishing
The same Columbia River fall salmon that entered the river during the Buoy 10 season in Astoria will be passing through the Portland area from August through October. We’ll fish first on the Columbia and then follow the fish as they move, either upriver into the Columbia River Gorge or into the tributaries like the Clackamas and Sandy Rivers in the Portland area and the Lewis River in SW Washington.
FAQ’s about Portland Salmon Fishing
How much do guided fishing trips cost?
We have a variety of fishing trip options to choose from and we personally book each trip so we can answer questions and help you find just the right trip. Our pricing depends on whether you prefer a shared or private trip and which boat you’re fishing out of. We have options for all budgets.
When is the best time to fish for salmon in Portland?
We fish for salmon in the Portland area during 3 seasons of the year – spring, summer, and fall. Between the Columbia River and Willamette River, we’re running salmon fishing trips from late March through October.
What safety gear do you have?
We take your safety very seriously. We carry Type I life jackets onboard and have adults wear lightweight, auto-inflatable personal flotation devices (PFDs) to make sure you’re comfortable and safe. Keep in mind that some of this equipment is not required for freshwater boats, but we like to be fully prepared.
How much does a fishing license cost? Do we need tags as well?
You will need an Oregon fishing license for most trips. Oregon day licenses can be purchased online and include your salmon/steelhead/sturgeon tag. Be sure to add the Columbia River Endorsement before you check out. Total cost is about $25 for adults. Annual fishing licenses and tags work great for those who plan to fish more throughout the year, whether with us or on your own. Both can be purchased online or at a local retailer. Kids will need licenses and tags for the species we target. Annual licenses/tags range from $5-$15 for youth up to age 17. 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.
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. Lance has been a G. Loomis and Shimano Pro Staffer for over 12 years. We’ll even clean and filet your catch at the end of your trip!
What do we need to bring?
We provide all of the necessary fishing equipment, tackle and bait. All you need to bring is yourself, dressed in appropriate clothing for possible conditions (layers are always good), your fishing license, and whatever you would like to eat/drink for the day. All of the details will be in your trip confirmation email, which we’ll send out once you book 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 Portland?
When it comes to lodging in the Portland area, there are a variety of options to choose from, whether you prefer the larger chains, the smaller boutique hotels, or Airbnb. Some people love the hustle and bustle of being in town while others prefer to stay in quieter areas. 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 Portland salmon fishing trip?
Give us a call or use our Questions and Reservations link. We’ll help guide you through your options, answer any questions and help get you into 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. 🙂
We’re always happy to help. Let us know if you have questions or would like to book a trip.