Expert-Guided Columbia River Salmon Fishing

Portland's Salmon Fishing Paradise

Ready to chase some epic salmon right in Portland's backyard? Our Columbia River adventure puts you smack in the middle of prime fishing grounds, with easy access to hotspots like the Lewis River mouth and the legendary Bonneville Dam. We'll launch from a private slip at Harbor1 Marina, giving you that VIP feel from the start. This trip is perfect for solo anglers looking to hook into some of the Northwest's most prized catches - Chinook and Coho salmon. No need to worry about packing a lunch, but trust me, you'll want to hit up that Puerto Rican joint on the dock after a day on the water. It's the perfect spot to swap fish stories over a cold one.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising out of the marina as the sun's coming up, mist still hanging over the Columbia. We'll get you set up with all the gear you need - rods, reels, bait, the works. Depending on the day and where the fish are biting, we might head towards the Airport Area for some trolling action, or zip up to the Sandy River confluence where the salmon stack up. If the bite's hot near Bonneville, we'll make the run upstream. The beauty of this trip is the flexibility - we go where the fish are. And don't sweat it if you're new to salmon fishing. I'll show you the ropes, from setting up your gear to reading the water. By the end of the day, you'll be jigging and trolling like a pro.

Techniques That Land Fish

On the Columbia, we've got a few tricks up our sleeves to get those salmon in the boat. Most days, we'll be doing a mix of trolling and jigging. When we're trolling, we'll set up with downriggers to get our lures down where the big boys are cruising. I'm a fan of using flashers with either cut-plug herring or hoochies - these salmon can't resist 'em. If we find a good holding spot, we might switch to jigging with some heavy spoons or rubber-legged jigs. The key is matching our technique to what the fish want on any given day. And here's a pro tip: Keep an eye on your rod tip. These Columbia River salmon hit hard, and you've got to be ready to set the hook fast.

Top Catches This Season

Anglers have been crushing it on the Columbia lately. Just last week, we had a guy land a 30-pound Chinook near the I-5 Bridge - that fish put up a fight for almost an hour! Another regular client of mine has been absolutely slaying the Coho near the mouth of the Lewis. She's been using this purple and silver spoon that the fish can't seem to resist. Even on slower days, folks are still pulling in decent numbers of 10-15 pounders. The key is knowing where to look and having the patience to wait for that big bite. Trust me, when that rod doubles over, all that waiting will be worth it.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook Salmon: These are the kings of the Columbia, and for good reason. Chinooks in this river system can push 50 pounds or more, though a good-sized fish is usually in the 15-30 pound range. They're known for their rich, fatty meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking. Chinooks start showing up in the lower Columbia in early spring, with the main run peaking in August and September. When you're fighting a big Chinook, you'll feel every head shake and run - it's an experience you won't forget.

Coho Salmon: Also called silvers, these are the acrobats of the salmon world. They're typically smaller than Chinooks, averaging 6-12 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight. Cohos are known for their spectacular jumps and blistering runs. They start entering the Columbia in late summer, with the best fishing usually in September and October. Their meat is a bit lighter than Chinook but still packed with that classic salmon flavor. If you're looking for non-stop action, a day targeting Cohos is hard to beat.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've been guiding on the Columbia for years, and I still get excited every time I launch the boat. There's something special about this river. Maybe it's the way Mount Hood looms in the distance as you're reeling in a chrome-bright salmon. Or how you can be fishing in the shadow of Portland's skyline one minute, and surrounded by nature the next. But I think what really keeps folks coming back is the chance at that fish of a lifetime. Every time you drop a line in the Columbia, there's a chance you could hook into a 40-pound Chinook or a limit of hard-fighting Cohos. And even on the days when the fish aren't cooperating, you're still out here, on one of the most beautiful rivers in the country, making memories.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's cut to the chase. If you're itching to get out on the Columbia and tangle with some world-class salmon, now's the time to lock in your date. Remember, this is a solo trip, so you'll have my full attention - perfect if you want to really dial in your technique or just enjoy a day on the water without any distractions. We'll launch from Harbor1 Marina, which means easy parking and a quick run to the fishing grounds. And hey, even if the fish aren't playing nice (which rarely happens), you've still got that killer Puerto Rican food to look forward to back at the dock. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot now, and let's go catch some Columbia River salmon. Trust me, once you feel that first big king on the line, you'll be hooked for life.