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Fishing Guide Booking Inquiry: We’ll Hook You Up

Here’s What Our Clients Have to Say:

Fishing charters for every season and every fish on the Columbia River.

We have decades of experience fishing the Columbia River. From Chinook to Silvers, June Hogs to Upriver Brights, we know where and when the salmon of the Columbia are biting. And if sturgeon or walleye fishing is on your bucket list, we’ve got you covered there, too.

a boy and a columbia river fishing guide in a boat

The Columbia River offers World-Class Fishing

A man stands beside fish on the ground, showcasing his successful catch with the help of Columbia River fishing guides.

Charter Fishing in Portland Oregon and Rufus Oregon

Columbia River Fishing Charter

When it comes to Columbia River fishing guides, we offer world-class Oregon guided charter trips for salmon, sturgeon and walleye. We share some of the most exceptional guided fishing experiences Oregon offers! Our guides have decades of experience leading charter fishing on the Columbia. We are a father-and-son fishing guide team.

Our Oregon charter fishing trips run from the mouth of the Columbia River near Astoria Oregon to as far up the Columbia River as The Dalles dam, and Rufus, Oregon. Most of our guided salmon and sturgeon trips start just minutes from Portland, Oregon. Our walleye and sturgeon charter fishing trips are typically within an hour’s drive.

Columbia River Salmon Fishing Guide

We are one of this region’s most experienced Columbia River fishing guide. It’s one of the reasons our Columbia River guided salmon fishing charters are some of the best in the world! With five big runs and over a million salmon entering the Columbia River every year the salmon fishing is Oregon’s biggest fishing attraction and a staple of many Oregon fishing guides. The Columbia River gets three runs of Salmon: spring chinook, summer chinook, fall chinook, and provides anglers with fishing opportunities throughout the calendar year. The Columbia River also gets a good run of coho and sockeye salmon each year. The areas we fish are Bouy 10, near Astoria; Portland, Oregon; Bonneville dam; Hood River; and the mouth of the Klickitat River.

Salmon Fishing in Portland, Astoria, and Bonneville Dam

Salmon Fishing in Portland, Astoria, and Bonneville Dam

Spring Salmon are also Known as “Springers”

Spring Salmon are also Known as “Springers”

Spring Chinook Salmon Fishing Guide

Spring Salmon, otherwise known as “Springers,” are the prize of the Columbia River Salmon. With their dark red flesh and a taste that’s second to none, they rival that of Alaska’s Copper River Salmon. Many of these amazing fish began their lives at the White Salmon National Fish Hatchery.  Though not as abundant as some of the Columbia’s other salmon runs, Columbia River springers see a lot of angler effort due to their absolutely amazing table fair. The Springers start entering the river early March, with the peak of the run usually showing mid-April through mid-May. If you are looking to catch what is considered by many the best-tasting salmon in the world, this is your opportunity! Here at Columbia River Fishing Adventures, we split our season between the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, both conveniently located just minutes of the Portland airport. FlyPDX – www.pdx.com

Summer Chinook Salmon Fishing Charter

Summer Chinook also commonly Referred to as “June Hogs”. Once growing to over 100 pounds, the summer Chinook originated in the upper reaches of the Columbia River. They were some of the biggest salmon in the world and defiantly the biggest, most powerful salmon to ever migrate up the Columbia River. Unfortunately, in 1933 with the construction of the Grand Coulee Dam, the once legendary summer Chinook salmon run was destroyed. In the mid-90s through a combined effort, much of that coming from the local tribes and the Chief Joseph Hatchery, the runs have been slowly restored to an annual return of 50,000 to 90,000 salmon. These fish are some of the biggest, brightest, and hardest fighting salmon to enter the Columbia today! These guided salmon fishing trips on the Columbia River start mid-June, and close July 1st. If you are looking to catch some of the Columbia River’s biggest salmon while enjoying Oregon’s sun and temperatures in the 80s, this is the trip for you!

Summer Chinook Salmon are also known as “June Hogs”

Summer Chinook Salmon are also known as “June Hogs”

A family of people proudly holding up their fish caught with the help of Columbia River fishing guides

Fall Chinook Salmon Fishing Trips

Fall Chinook Salmon Fishing Trips

The Columbia River Fall Chinook runs are the largest run of salmon on the Columbia River. Typically numbering over 800,000 salmon, it is the Columbia River’s busiest and most successful salmon fishing season. The action usually starts in early August at the mouth of the Columbia River — often referred to as the Bouy 10 fishery. It’s the norm to see hundreds of boats and thousands of anglers getting in on the action. This fishery draws anglers and fishing guides from all over the country. It’s a popular fishery for Oregon fishing guides and Washington fishing guides, too. If you are interested in booking a fishing guide for the Fall salmon fishing season, we recommend booking early to beat the rush. Typically around mid-August, the Salmon will have filled the river from the mouth to well beyond the Portland Oregon stretch of the river and will continue migrating upriver through October. If you are looking for a day filled with action and some salmon in your freezer, this is the best Salmon fishing trip of the year!

Sturgeon Fishing Trips in Portland

Guided sturgeon fishing trips are where fishing expectations are shattered! Columbia River Fishing Adventures offers two different options for some truly world-class Columbia river sturgeon fishing trips! With a population of over 2 million sturgeon, Oregon has the best sturgeon fishing in the world! Sturgeon can be caught year-round and provide a great fishing trip for everyone. These fishing trips provide non-stop action averaging from 30 to 50 fish a day. The white sturgeon is the largest freshwater fish in the world and can grow to over 13 feet. Some sturgeon weigh over 1000 pounds!

four individuals holding sturgeon fish

Sturgeon Fishing Trips

six person holding sturgeon

Sturgeon Fishing Catch & Keep

Columbia River Sturgeon Fishing “Keepers”

The Columbia River offers two excellent “keeper” sturgeon fishing seasons. The first takes place in the Bonneville pool. The lower end of the pool starts at Bonneville Lock & Dam, the upper end 45 miles upriver marked by The Dalles Lock & Dam. The sturgeon fishing “keeper” season opens January 1st and is managed on a quota of around 500 fish; and fishing usually stays open until mid-February. Our other Columbia River “keeper” sturgeon season takes place 100 miles downriver near Astoria. This is an epic fishery as Columbia River fishing guides catch these fish in less than 15 feet of water. Nothing is more exciting than going on a Columbia River guided sturgeon fishing trip and catching a 100 lb sturgeon in 10 feet of water. The sturgeon can’t go down, so they make a lot of long runs and become very acrobatic! This season opens mid-May and runs until mid-June.

Sturgeon Fishing Trips Catch & Release

Oregon guided sturgeon fishing trips during the catch and release season offer over 150 miles of river with two million sturgeon and rarely another boat it sight. These sturgeon fishing trips are truly one of the best fishing experiences the world has to offer. These sturgeon fishing trips fall into two different groups of anglers: those who want to catch a lot of fish and those who are looking to catch the biggest fish in their lifetime. Oversized sturgeon fishing is quite the thrill. If you are looking to have a fantastic action-packed day catching fish, an average day will usually see 30 to 50 fish per day in the 3 to 6-foot range. If you are looking to catch that fish of a lifetime over 8 feet, you will commonly catch 4 to 8 fish a day many in the 10-foot range. We catch sturgeon year-round with April through June being the best fishing of the year. If you are looking for big numbers, 30 to 50 fish days are very common. If you are looking to catch the big ones, then June through September is your best opportunity.

expert columbia river fishing guides lead sturgeon fishing trips on the Columbia River

Sturgeon Fishing Catch & Release

Four men proudly display their catch of Walleye fish on a boat during a fishing trip on the Columbia River

Walleye in the Columbia River are Flourishing

Walleye Fishing on the Columbia River

Walleye fishing has quickly become one of the hottest fisheries on the Columbia River. The Columbia is known for big walleye. With lots of structure, unlimited food sources, and a big female laying over 10,000 eggs, walleye have flourished since their introduction to the upper Columbia River in the early 60’s. The river is full of 1 to 3-pound Walleye that are best known for their fantastic table fare. Most anglers hire Oregon fishing guides in search of the trophy walleye, hoping they will be the one to catch the new world record many believe will come from the Columbia River walleye fishing.

Walleye Fishing Trip Experts

Columbia River Fishing Adventures has been chasing Walleye for over 15 years, and we are committed to putting our clients onto great fish. We often get asked the question, “when is the best time to catch Walleye?” My answer is always the same: pre-spawn you chase trophy-size fish, while catching 10 to 15 nice size fish for dinner. You can catch fish all year around with the best time being February through October. With an abundant population and no catch limit, Columbia River fishing guides catch Walleye all year!

Trophy Size Walleye Fishing on the Columbia

Trophy Size Walleye Fishing on the Columbia

Frequently asked questions.

Here are a few commonly-asked questions to help you be prepared for a great day on the water.

What do I bring during my fishing charter?2021-12-21T04:24:03+00:00

We supply all the fishing gear, poles, tackle, boat and expertise you’ll need to have a great time on the water. To be prepared for your day, we recommend the following:

  • Dress in layers: warm clothing that can be added or removed as the weather changes throughout the day is best.
  • Rain gear: weather on the Columbia can change quickly, so a good rain jacket and rain pants are recommended.
  • Lunch and beverages: please bring a sack lunch and beverages of your choice. Staying hydrated will make your trip enjoyable.
  • Fishing license: be sure to have your printed Washington or Oregon fishing license for the specific species appropriate for your trip.
Where can I purchase my fishing license?2021-12-21T04:24:09+00:00

The easiest way to buy a license in online.

Visit https://odfw.huntfishoregon.com/login

For tips on which license to buy for your trip, call us at (503) 490-3099.

Will you clean the fish?2021-12-22T01:20:05+00:00

Yes, your fishing guide will clean and dress your fish back at dockside, once your trip is over.

Guided Fishing on the Columbia: Stats We’re Proud Of

20+

Years of experience

9k+

Happy clients

100k+

Fish caught

Fishing on the Columbia River

Fishing in Portland, Astoria, and Rufus Oregon

Experienced Fishing Guide

Salmon, sturgeon, and walleye fishing.

Year Round Fishing Seasons

We’ll take you to where they’re biting.

Columbia River guided fishing trips.

We’ll make your adventure a great day on the water!

Meet your fishing guide

Buddy Dupell
Buddy Dupell
Fishing Guide for
Salmon, Sturgeon, Walleye

A Lifetime of Guided Fishing on the Columbia River

Hi! My name is Buddy Dupell. I grew up fishing for salmon and sturgeon in northwest Oregon’s Willamette River. As a kid, I remember seeing a few fishing guides working on the Columbia River and thinking about how lucky they were to have the best job on earth. I was only 8 years old but I knew what I wanted my future to hold.

Well, here I am many years later working as a professional fishing guide. To tell you the truth, after years of guiding, I still think about how lucky I am to go fishing for a living. I must be dreaming! I love what I do, and those who have fished with me will testify about the energy and passion I bring to the river each day. I cannot think of a better way to enjoy the day than hooking into a big sturgeon or salmon.

I know what a lasting and memorable experience landing a big fish provides and after all these years, they still get my heart pounding. Join me on the river and together we’ll make it an adventure!

Salmon Fishing Guide

We’ll hook you up with a great day of Chinook salmon on the Columbia.

Sturgeon Fishing Guide

Catch and keep or catch and release, sturgeon are the biggest fish on the river.

Walleye Fishing Guide

Walleye fishing out of Rufus, Oregon is simply world-class and great eating!

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