Columbia River Walleye Fishing Guide in Oregon & Washington
If you’re looking for a professional Columbia River walleye fishing guide, Marvin’s Guide Service offers fully guided walleye fishing trips on one of the best walleye fisheries in the Pacific Northwest. The Columbia River forms the border between Oregon and Washington and is home to excellent numbers of walleye, giving anglers a real shot at catching both great-eating fish and trophy-size walleyes.
May through September is prime Columbia River walleye season, and popular dates can fill quickly. If you want a fun, productive day on the water with fresh fish to take home, call or text 503-314-5087 or use my trip inquiry form.
Many anglers believe the next world-record walleye could come from the Columbia River. While we do catch some big fish, most of the walleyes we target are in the perfect eating-size range, usually around 3 to 5 pounds. These fish are outstanding table fare and, in my opinion, some of the best freshwater fish you can eat.
Happy clients with a great catch of Columbia River walleye on a guided trip with Marvin’s Guide Service.
I strongly believe in protecting this fishery for the future. We generally release the large female walleyes we catch, especially fish that can push 8, 10, or even close to 20 pounds. Those big females are important to the health of the fishery, and the smaller walleyes are usually the best ones to keep for the table.
Best Columbia River Walleye Fishing Areas in Oregon & Washington
Marvin’s Guide Service offers guided walleye fishing trips on some of the best-producing stretches of the Columbia River in Oregon and Washington. One of my favorite places to fish for walleye is near Rufus, Oregon, east of Portland on the Columbia River.
I also fish productive water in the Columbia River Gorge, especially between The Dalles and Rufus, including areas below John Day Dam.
Walleye fishing can also be productive in parts of the lower Columbia River and the Willamette River, including Multnomah Channel near Portland.
One of the launches where I often meet clients for walleye trips is Celilo Park.
Best Time for Columbia River Walleye Fishing
The best Columbia River walleye fishing usually begins in late April or early May and stays good through September. During this stretch, the upriver sections of the Columbia often provide some of the best walleye fishing in the Northwest.
Spring, summer, and early fall are prime times to target eater-size walleyes as well as bigger fish. If you want the best mix of action, good weather, and fresh fish to take home, this is the time of year I recommend most for a guided walleye trip.
May and June are especially popular months, so booking early is recommended.
How We Catch Walleye on the Columbia River
When we start a Columbia River walleye trip, we usually begin by trolling crankbaits or worm harness rigs. Trolling is one of the best ways to cover water, dial in the right depth, and locate active fish because walleye are constantly moving in search of food.
One of my favorite methods is trolling spinner blades with a worm harness. As soon as we hook a fish, I mark the spot on my GPS so we can make another pass through the same area. Many times, where you catch one walleye, there are more nearby.
Once we locate a school of feeding fish, we may switch to jig heads tipped with nightcrawlers, curly-tail grubs, or swimbaits. Fishing for walleye on light tackle is a lot of fun and often gives anglers steady action.
Walleye trips also produce some bonus fish from time to time, including bass and perch, which are generally released unless regulations allow otherwise.
Why Book a Walleye Trip With Marvin’s Guide Service?
Marvin’s Guide Service offers experienced, hands-on guided fishing trips on the Columbia River. My goal is to help you have a fun, productive day on the water whether you’re looking to catch your first walleye, take home a fresh fish dinner, or simply enjoy a day fishing in the Columbia River Gorge.
- Over 20 years of full-time guide experience
- Fully guided trips with boat, gear, and tackle provided
- Some of the best Columbia River walleye locations
- Great option for families, beginners, and experienced anglers
- Fresh keeper fish professionally filleted after the trip
- Easy booking by phone, text, or online inquiry
Walleye are not only fun to catch, but they are excellent to eat. If you like fish tacos, you’ll love Columbia River walleye. In my opinion, walleye fillets make some of the best fish tacos you can get from any freshwater fish. They are also outstanding fried, grilled, or pan-seared.
At the end of your trip, Marvin’s Guide Service will fillet your keeper walleyes and package the meat into bags so you’re ready to head home with fresh fish.
Portland Area Walleye Fishing Trips
Many anglers from Portland choose a Columbia River walleye trip as an easy day trip with great action and fish to take home. Depending on conditions and season, trips may launch within driving distance of Portland or farther upriver where the bite is strongest.
If you are visiting Portland and want another option, you can also see my Portland salmon fishing guide page.
Book a Columbia River Walleye Fishing Trip
If you want to experience some of the best walleye fishing in Oregon and Washington, now is the time to plan your trip.
Call or text Marvin’s Guide Service today: 503-314-5087
You can also use the trip inquiry form, and I will get back to you quickly.
Walleye season also lines up with other great Columbia River opportunities. Ask about Columbia River sturgeon fishing or seasonal salmon fishing trips.
Website: FastActionFishing.com
