Tips for Winter Fishing in Portland Oregon
Winter fishing can be a rewarding and peaceful experience, especially in a place like Portland, Oregon, where the abundance of rivers, lakes, and streams provide ample opportunities. While the colder months may require a bit more preparation, the rewards—ranging from serene landscapes to catching prized species like steelhead and sturgeon—make it worthwhile. In this guide, we’ll share some essential tips for winter fishing, answer the question “Is fishing good in the winter?”, and explore where to fish in the winter around Portland.
Don’t wait—the best winter fishing opportunities are waiting for you now!
Why Winter Fishing is Worth Your Time
Many anglers wonder, “Is fishing good in the winter?” The answer is a definitive yes, especially in Portland. Winter is the prime time to catch species like steelhead and sturgeon, which thrive in cold water. Here’s why winter fishing is worth considering:
✅Reduced Crowds: Popular fishing spots tend to be less crowded in the winter, offering a peaceful and quiet fishing experience.
✅Active Fish Species: Many fish, such as steelhead, are more active during the colder months, increasing your chances of success.
✅Scenic Beauty: Portland’s winter scenery, with misty forests and snow-dusted mountains, creates a breathtaking backdrop for your fishing adventures.
Tips for Winter Fishing: How to Prepare for Success
Proper preparation is crucial for a successful winter fishing trip. Here are some tips for winter fishing to help you make the most of your time on the water:
1. Dress for the Weather
Winter fishing in Portland means facing cold temperatures, rain, and even occasional snow. Dressing in layers is essential to stay warm and comfortable. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add insulating layers, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer shell. Don’t forget waterproof gloves, thermal socks, and a warm hat.
2. Choose the Right Gear
Winter fishing requires gear that’s suited to cold conditions. Use rods and reels that can handle heavier fish like steelhead and sturgeon. Make sure your fishing line is durable enough to withstand freezing temperatures and strong fish. Bring a variety of lures and bait, such as jigs, roe, and spinnerbaits, as fish behavior can vary depending on the weather.
3. Target the Right Species
Knowing which species are active during the winter months is key. In Portland, steelhead, sturgeon, and trout are popular targets. Steelhead are particularly prized for their size and strength, while sturgeon fishing offers the thrill of catching massive, prehistoric fish.
4. Understand Fish Behavior
Fish are often less active in colder water, so patience is essential. Focus on slower presentations and use bait that mimics the natural food sources available during winter. Pay attention to water temperature, as fish tend to congregate in slightly warmer areas.
5. Time Your Trip Right
Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times for winter fishing, as fish tend to be more active during these low-light periods. Check local weather and tide charts to plan your trip for optimal conditions.
Where to Fish in the Winter Around Portland
If you’re wondering “Where to fish in the winter?”, Portland has plenty of excellent spots to explore. Here are some top recommendations:
1. Columbia River
The Columbia River is a favorite destination for winter fishing in Portland, especially for targeting sturgeon and steelhead. This expansive river offers ample opportunities for both boat and bank fishing. Winter is also a great time to book a guided fishing trip, as local guides can take you to the most productive spots.
2. Sandy River
Just a short drive from Portland, the Sandy River is renowned for its winter steelhead runs. The river’s clear waters and accessible fishing spots make it a top choice for anglers of all skill levels.
3. Clackamas River
The Clackamas River is another excellent spot for steelhead fishing in the winter. Its mix of slow-moving and faster currents provides diverse opportunities to catch fish.
4. Willamette River
The Willamette River, which runs through Portland, is a convenient and productive spot for winter fishing. You can target a variety of species here, including steelhead and trout, while enjoying the stunning urban and natural scenery.
5. Local Lakes
Several lakes near Portland, such as Henry Hagg Lake and Timothy Lake, are stocked with trout and remain accessible during the winter months. These locations are ideal for family-friendly fishing trips.
Is Fishing Good in the Winter?
Absolutely! Portland’s mild winter climate and rich aquatic ecosystems make it a top destination for winter fishing. While some anglers may associate winter with less activity, the colder months are prime time for catching certain species. Steelhead and sturgeon, in particular, thrive in the colder water, offering exciting challenges and rewarding catches.
For those new to winter fishing, the combination of active species, fewer crowds, and stunning scenery makes it an experience worth trying.
Additional Tips for Winter Fishing Success
To further enhance your winter fishing experience, consider these additional tips:
1. Hire a Guide
If you’re unfamiliar with Portland’s fishing spots, hiring a local guide can make a big difference. Guides have extensive knowledge of the area’s waters and can help you find the best locations and techniques for winter fishing.
2. Bring the Right Bait
In colder temperatures, fish may be less aggressive, so it’s important to use bait that appeals to their instincts. Live bait, roe, and scented lures can be particularly effective during the winter months.
3. Stay Safe
Winter fishing comes with unique challenges, such as slippery banks and cold water. Always prioritize safety by wearing a life jacket, using non-slip footwear, and letting someone know your fishing plans.
4. Be Patient
Fishing in the winter often requires more patience than in warmer seasons. The key is to stay persistent and adapt your strategies as needed.
Buddy Dupell, guide and owner of Columbia River Fishing Adventures in Portland, has acquired decades of knowledge and experience that help him plan guided fishing trips for his clients to have the most fun and the best possible fishing experiences of their lives.
Here are a few ways he is able to do it:
🐟For Sturgeon fishing – Buddy understands how sturgeon navigate river currents in search of a steady food supply. He knows that their usual patterns of movement don’t always predict where they will be at any given time or season. The timing of good sturgeon fishing is often determined by the water temperature, since sturgeon feed primarily in areas where the water is between 50 to 65 degrees F. In spring or summer, that usually means planning to fish in the early morning or early evening; in fall or winter, depending on the location, he designs fishing trip that takes into consideration when the sun will warm the water enough to accommodate sturgeon feeding in a particular location.
🐟For Winter Steelhead fishing – Oregon Fishing Guides know how elusive and challenging steelhead can be, which is why some anglers call them the “the ultimate game fish.” He knows that in the winter months, winter steelhead, who like dark water to help them stalk their prey, will move only when the sun is off the water. This makes the cooler, darker-water times of the day, and the year, his target times to fish for them. Buddy will also tell you that some of the best steelhead fishing comes when the river water levels start to drop after a high-water event, often during November and December, which makes it easier to locate fish in the water. He recommends a stealth approach, and patience, for increasing your chances of catching one of these spectacular, hard-fighting fish.
🐟For Walleye fishing – Columbia River Walleye Fishing Guides will tell you that it’s always a good time to fish for Walleye on the Columbia River when you have a few “tricks” up your sleeve. Since Walleye have excellent vision, making them good hunters in low light, as well as the ability to speed up to overcome their prey, Buddy suggests anglers use a fishing technique like “power trolling” to take advantage of their aggressive behavior. For more tips on catching Walleye, see our blog titled, “10 Tips for Catching Walleye in Oregon Rivers.”
For exciting guided winter fishing trips in the Portland, Oregon area for Steelhead, sturgeon, Walleye and salmon, contact Buddy Dupell of Columbia River Fishing Adventures, at (503) 490-3099, or email him at [email protected].
Why Winter Fishing in Portland is Unforgettable
Beyond the thrill of the catch, winter fishing in Portland offers a chance to connect with nature in a unique way. The misty rivers, quiet forests, and snow-covered landscapes create a serene atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxation and reflection. Add in the excitement of landing a trophy fish, and you have an experience that’s hard to beat.
Plan Your Winter Fishing Trip Today
With these tips for winter fishing, you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in Portland, Oregon. Whether you’re chasing steelhead in the Sandy River, reeling in sturgeon on the Columbia, or enjoying a peaceful day at a local lake, winter fishing in Portland offers something for everyone.
Ready to make your trip a success?
Our experienced guides will take you to the best spots, provide expert advice, and ensure you have an enjoyable and productive outing.