Fall Chinook Salmon enter the Pacific Ocean as juveniles and return to Oregon’s freshwater as adults late summer to early fall, headed for their spawning grounds in Oregon’s river system from October to early March. Their long journey has transformed the once young salmon into Big Powerful Adult Salmon that is the prize of every Columbia river fishing guide and makes for many successful Oregon fishing trips, including the best salmon fishing in Oregon.
Chinook are sought after in Oregon by fishermen from around the world who relish the challenge of their size and immense fight. “Fishing for Chinook here in Portland on the Columbia River is an exciting, unforgettable experience,” says Buddy Dupell, owner and guide of Columbia River Fishing Adventures. “They can weigh upwards of 40 lbs., but average 10- to 25 pounds and are a favorite of Oregon fishing guides and anglers alike. It truly represents some of the best salmon fishing in Oregon.”
Coho salmon, also called “silvers,” are a spirited, good-tasting fish that also spawns in Oregon rivers in the fall. Their run parallels the Chinook run on the Columbia River, and there are many excellent Coho fisheries located near Portland. They enter the Columbia and its estuaries, like the Willamette, Clackamas, and Sandy rivers, by late September, and their number typically stays plentiful through October, providing some of the best salmon fishing in Oregon during fall.
The spawning run of Winter King Salmon, a lesser-known variety of Chinook, enter Oregon rivers after the area’s November rains and typically peaks in the middle or late part of December. This period is also a notable time for experiencing the best salmon fishing in Oregon.
Salmon returns can be unpredictable, and Oregon’s fishing regulations can change from year to year, or even within the same season. Wild-caught Chinook are sustainably managed and harvested by the ODFW regulations. You can check the timing of seasonal salmon runs at Oregon’s Fishing and Wildlife Department or ask your Oregon fishing guides, who will know the current regulations.
With more than 100,000 miles of river system, including the mighty Columbia, Oregon offers anglers an unequaled, world-class experience. On top of that, one of the best Chinook salmon runs in the world happens every fall in the Columbia, Willamette, and other tributaries near Portland, making it a prime location for the best salmon fishing in Oregon.
Columbia River Fishing Adventures knows how to bring the thrills of a world-class fishing experience to every season in Oregon. You’ll be outfitted with the best equipment, and given the best instruction and advice for having the fishing adventure of a lifetime.
Expert Columbia river fishing guide, Buddy Dupell, of Columbia River Fishing Adventures in Portland, Oregon, knows where to fish the best seasonal runs of every species, including Chinook and other salmon, on the Columbia and its tributaries. For more information, or to book an exciting fall fishing trip, give Buddy a call at (503) 490-3099, or email him at [email protected].