Portland Sturgeon Fishing
FISHING TRIP DATES
November – May
CHARTER OPTIONS
Fishing charters for groups and individuals. Private fishing guide available.
Portland Sturgeon Fishing Trips
Portland sturgeon fishing takes place on both the Columbia and Willamette River, with opportunities from November through May. This fishery is catch-and-release, but provides some great action since all of the fish are returned unharmed to the river. More fish in the water means more fish to wrangle to the boat. Anglers of all ages and abilities enjoy spending the day on the river targeting the largest freshwater fish in North America. During the Spring Chinook season, we offer trips where we fish for both species during the same trip, which is a favorite fishing trip for families.
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!
FAQ’s about Portland Sturgeon 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 sturgeon in Portland?
We fish for sturgeon in the Portland area from November through May, whether on the Columbia River or Willamette River. During April and May we can sometimes run combo trips where we fish for spring chinook salmon and sturgeon on the same day.
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 this trip. 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.
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. When we’re sturgeon fishing, sometimes the fish outweigh the kids. Talk about some great photo ops and bragging rights! 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’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 sturgeon 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.