When it comes to Salmon fishing, Portland is a true angling hotbed and it’s easy to see why. With direct access to both the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, you have a clear shot at some of the best Salmon fisheries in the state of Oregon. With as many as five Salmon runs per year, get ready for the time of your life!

What to Expect

Chinook, Coho, and Sockeye Salmon are the main species you’ll be targeting during your stay in Portland. The first run starts around March, and you can count on excellent fishing all the way through to November.

Most anglers are primarily there for the Chinook, also known as King Salmon. In fact, summer fishing in Portland is known as June Hog season because the Chinook get really big this time of year (25+ pounds).

The fall run is also very much worth your time because of the sheer number of Coho and Chinook Salmon you can expect to see in the Columbia River, as well as the Willamette to the south. September and October might be the best time for fishing straight from Oregon.

But as all good things come to an end, so does the Portland Salmon fishing season in November. Local anglers  then set their sights on Steelhead until the spring run next year, and so should you.

Trolling is the main way people catch all kinds of Salmon in Portland. Local guides will also make use of back trolling when it’s windy outside, all to ensure maximum fishing potential.

How to Prepare

The most important thing to keep in mind is that fishing licenses don’t come included in the price of your trip. You’ll need to buy them before the trip itself, either online or through a licensed retailer. Otherwise, make sure to dress for the occasion, especially during windy fall days when layered clothes are a must.

You may come for the sights, but you’ll stay for the fish. It’s just that good.