Where is the Best Fishing on the Columbia River?
Where is the Best Fishing on the Columbia River?
Are you searching for your next wild fishing expedition destination? If yes, don’t overlook all that the waters in the Pacific Northwest have to offer. Anglers are sure to find the perfect place to drop their lines. And with various wild fish species and locations from which to choose, no two fishing excursions are precisely the same.
But the destination you don’t want to miss is fishing on the Columbia River. This majestic and well-known river offers anglers the chance to catch a wide variety of fish, including Spring Silvers, Chinook (or “King”) salmon, White Sturgeon and Walleye to name a few. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a novice, fishing on the Columbia River promises an unforgettable adventure.
Fish The Same River Of Great Expeditionists And Explorers
The Columbia River is a leading destination for history buffs, outdoor lovers, and anglers alike. After all, it was where expedition greats like Lewis and Clark explored. What’s not to love about that? One thousand two hundred forty-three miles of river run through seven states, including Oregon. By volume, it’s the fourth largest river in the United States. As for fish species, the Columbia River is home to around 90 different species.
Not surprisingly, Pacific Northwest fisheries are among the most productive in the world. The reason is due, in part, to the many different species of fish that call these waters home. Anglers can find everything from salmon to sturgeon to walleye in the Pacific Northwest, making for an exciting and diverse fishing experience.
What’s more, the Pacific Northwest offers a wide variety of fishing locations from which to choose. Anglers can drop their lines in a pristine mountain stream, on the open ocean, or among the many rivers that flow through this beautiful region. So if you’re considering a fishing expedition, don’t forget that fishing on the Columbia River promises a successful trip, ensuring you find a place to enjoy a memorable fishing experience.
⚓Portland Oregon Fishing Trips
In Portland, Oregon, you’ll find some of the best fishing on the Columbia River. Portland is a convenient destination for visitors to fly or drive in and for locals to drop their fishing lines. Among the fish species that call the Portland area of the Columbia River home are Spring Salmon, King salmon, Chinook salmon, and White Sturgeon.
These fish are fun to catch, making Portland the perfect destination for anyone looking for a great day on the water. And each season brings different fish to the area, so you can come back time and again and always have a new and exciting fishing adventure. Let’s explore fishing on the Columbia River options!
🐟Spring Salmon – Also known as Chinook salmon, or “king salmon”, these fish are the most prominent of the salmon family. They are also the most popular and can weigh up to 30 pounds. You’ll find them in the Portland area of the Columbia River from late May through June.
🐟Silver Salmon – Also known as Coho salmon, or “silvers,” these fish are slightly smaller than spring Chinook salmon and average around 5 to 15 pounds. They’re bright, silver and a fan favorite among anglers. You can find them in the Portland area of the Columbia River from late September through November. The Oregon coast Coho salmon is listed as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act.
🐟White Sturgeon – These massive fish are the largest freshwater fish in North America. Sturgeon can grow to 20 feet long and over 800 pounds. They’re dark gray or white and have a long, pointed snout. They are common in the Portland area of the Columbia River from January through October. Columbia River Sturgeon are considered a delicacy and served at very few restaurants.
🐟Fall Chinook Salmon – These fish are the largest salmon in North America. They can reach lengths of over 4 feet and weigh up to 50 pounds. They’re bright silver with black spots and fins. You can find Fall Chinook Salmon in the Portland area of the Columbia River from September through October.
⚓Buoy 10 And The Columbia River
Fishermen in the Pacific Northwest know Buoy 10 is the place to be for some of the best salmon fishing on the Columbia River. The Columbia River, which runs between the border of Oregon and Washington state, is home to numerous species of salmon, and Buoy 10 is one of the most popular fishing spots. Located at the mouth of the Columbia River, Buoy 10 is a great place to fish for Chinook salmon, also known as King salmon.
These massive fish can weigh up to 50 pounds, and fishermen prize them for their fight and delicious meat. Buoy 10 is also a popular spot for fishing for Coho salmon, also known as silver salmon. These smaller fish also put up a good fight and are delicious. So if you’re searching for an excellent spot to go salmon fishing on the Columbia River, Buoy 10 is the place to be early in the Salmon season.
⚓Trophy Walleye Fishing In Rufus, Oregon
If you’re looking for a place to reel in a trophy-size walleye, look no further than Rufus, Oregon. This small town located upstream of Biggs Junction is well-known for its excellent walleye fishery. Anglers from around the nation flock to this small town to try their luck landing one of the large Walleye that call the area home.
Walleye season runs from February through October, so there’s plenty of time to come and wet your line. The average walleye weighs around 1 to 3 pounds, but the fish caught in Rufus have been known to tip the scales at 15 pounds or more. So, this is the place to be if you’re looking for a trophy size fish.
When fishing on the Columbia River for any fish, having suitable bait and tackle matters; for example, you must use a quality jig head with a sharp hook when targeting walleyes. A work harness will work well, too. Click here for more information on how to catch walleye on the Columbia River. Generally, when it comes to bait for walleyes, you want something that looks like the food they are eating to attract the attention of hungry fish.
⚓Rise To The Challenge Of Sturgeon Fishing
Sturgeon fishing on the Columbia River is a challenge. It requires patience, skill, and a knowledgeable fishing guide. But once you’ve got a sturgeon on your line, you’ll never forget the thrill of pulling up a big fish from fishing on the Columbia River.
To succeed at sturgeon fishing on the Columbia River, selecting the right spot is essential. While choosing the deepest part of the river seems logical because that’s where the fish live, this might not be the best strategy. The deeper the spot, might not always be holding the fish. The best approach might be a shallow spot where the current isn’t as strong. Your fishing guide will know all the spots where sturgeon are feeding and help you hook one of these great fish.
Sturgeons use this habitat to hide from predators like sea lions. As long as the fish aren’t disturbed by speeding boats or loud sea lions, they tend to remain in the safety of the shallows. For bank anglers, the ideal spot is a sandy area near a rock ledge.
Columbia River Salmon Fishing Is A Great Way To Spend Your Day
Among the main draws of fishing on the Columbia River are the salmon. These fish migrate upstream every year to spawn. And while some die along the way, many make it back to the ocean to grow into very large adults.
Fishing on the Columbia River has two significant runs of Chinook Salmon: Spring and Fall. Spring Chinooks run from March until June, and Fall Chinooks run from September until November. Both runs produce excellent catches.
Chinook salmon have habitats in other rivers throughout Washington state, but the Columbia River is the biggest fishery.
Chinook salmon are popular to catch, making them the perfect fishing opportunity for new or young anglers. They also taste great on your dinner plate. Working with a trusted guide service will help you maximize your chances of landing a fantastic Chinook salmon.
Columbia River Fishing Spots
Depending on the season and which species of fish you’re interested in, your fishing guide will help you find the best spots to cast your line.
The Columbia River and surrounding estuary are home to various fish species, making it a popular destination for anglers worldwide. Some of the most common species include salmon, steelhead, walleye, and sturgeon. The river also supports a healthy bass, catfish, and perch population.
With so many options, it’s no wonder that fishing on the Columbia River is one of the most popular fishing destinations in the country. So whether you’re looking to catch your dinner or enjoy a day out on the water, a Columbia River fishing guide can help you make the most of your time on the river.
From choosing the right spot to bait and tackle, fishing guides have the experience and knowledge to help you make your fishing on the Columbia River trip a success. So whether you’re a seasoned angler or just getting started, be sure to book a fishing charter when planning your next fishing on the Columbia River.
We Support Sustainability
Our fishing guides have been working with local communities since the 80’s. Our guides understand the importance of supporting the environment and our community. We strive to educate our guests about conservation efforts and how we can all play a proactive role in protecting the natural resources of the Columbia River.
At Columbia River Fishing Adventures, we take pride in being stewards of the environment. Our guides work closely with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to ensure that the Columbia River fishery is protected from over-fishing for years to come.
Further, we follow all salmon fishery guidelines to support healthy fish populations for future generations. For example, fish that don’t meet minimum size requirements or exceed catch quota get returned to the water unharmed.
Your Fishing Charter Guide Supplies All The Gear!
Let’s face it. Maybe you didn’t have time or the room to pack your fishing gear. Perhaps you didn’t plan to fish at all. Or maybe you’re new to fishing on the Columbia River and don’t have any equipment! No matter the reason, there’s no need to miss out on the fun.
Booking a fishing charter solves all the problems that might keep you from enjoying a great day of fishing. The charter will provide all the equipment you need for a successful day on the water, including the boat, gear, bait, and most importantly, the experiences and know-how.
Instead of missing out on the opportunity or wasting precious time searching for the hottest fishing spots on the Columbia River, you can cut to the chase with an experienced guide who knows the water of the Columbia and where the fish are biting.
Whether an experienced angler or new to sport fishing, booking a charter is the best way to ensure you have a fun, successful day on the water. Plus, you have more fun connecting with local guides who are passionate about what they do and love sharing their knowledge with others.
With firsthand experience on the water and access to technology that tracks fish movements, monitors weather conditions, and more, charter guides are the experts you want on your team when planning a fishing on the Columbia River adventure. They work hard to ensure their charter guests don’t go home
empty-handed!
Booking A Charter With An Experienced Guide Will Ensure You Have Fun and Safe Day On The Water.
When you book a charter with Columbia River Fishing Adventures, you get more than just a boat ride. From the time you leave the boat launch to when you return, our expert captains care for everything. We provide needed gear, bait, and tackle based on your chosen excursion. Our guides know the waters well, and we always have an experienced Guide running the Boat.
Our Guides are trained professionals with years of experience guiding clients through the Columbia River Gorge. So whether spending an afternoon on the water or going on a multi-day fishing on the Columbia River trip, we work with guests to ensure it is a trip they won’t soon forget.
We specialize in guided trips for beginners and experts alike. So no matter whether you already have experience fishing on the Columbia River or are a novice, our experienced, friendly, and knowledgeable Guides will ensure you have fun and successfully on the water!