Looking for an experienced Columbia River fishing guide for salmon, sturgeon, walleye, steelhead, or another seasonal fishery? Marvin’s Guide Service offers professionally guided fishing trips across some of the most productive areas of the Columbia River in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Depending on the season, I guide trips near Portland, Vancouver, St. Helens, Astoria, Hammond, Buoy 10, Cascade Locks, Hood River, The Dalles, Rufus, John Day Dam, and throughout the Columbia River Gorge.
The Columbia River is one of the greatest fishing rivers in the Pacific Northwest. Its fisheries include spring Chinook, summer Chinook, fall Chinook, coho salmon, steelhead, white sturgeon, walleye, American shad, smallmouth bass, and other species.
I’m Marvin Henkel, owner and operator of Marvin’s Guide Service and Fast Action Fishing. With more than 27 years of professional guiding experience, I work hard to give every group a safe, enjoyable, and productive day on the water.
Call or text Marvin at 503-314-5087 or send a Columbia River fishing trip inquiry online.
Popular trips include Columbia River salmon fishing, Columbia River sturgeon fishing, Columbia River walleye fishing, Astoria fishing charters, and Buoy 10 salmon fishing.
Happy clients with salmon after a successful guided fishing trip with Marvin’s Guide Service.
Guided Columbia River Fishing Trips
The Columbia River travels through an enormous range of water, scenery, and fishing conditions. The lower river near Astoria is affected by tides and the Pacific Ocean. The Portland and Vancouver sections offer convenient salmon and sturgeon fishing near the metro area. Farther upriver, the Columbia River Gorge provides productive walleye, sturgeon, salmon, steelhead, shad, and bass opportunities.
The best location is not always the same. I choose where to fish based on:
- The species you want to catch
- Current fishing regulations
- Recent fishing results
- Seasonal fish movement
- Tides and current speed
- River flow and water temperature
- Wind and weather
- Boat ramp and marina access
- The experience level and goals of your group
Some clients know exactly what they want to target. Others simply want the strongest available fishing opportunity for their dates. I am happy to give you an honest recommendation based on the season and current conditions.
Visit my Oregon fishing calendar for a general look at what we fish for throughout the year, or check my Columbia River fishing report for recent updates.
Columbia River Salmon Fishing Guide
Salmon fishing is one of the most popular guided trips on the Columbia River. Depending on the season and current regulations, we may target spring Chinook, summer Chinook, fall Chinook, coho salmon, and other available salmon runs.
These fish travel through many different sections of the Columbia River. My salmon season may begin near Portland and the lower river, move toward the Columbia River Gorge during certain openings, shift to Astoria and Buoy 10 during late summer, and return to the Portland-area river as fall salmon continue upriver.
Every salmon fishery is different. Tides can be extremely important near Astoria and the lower river, while current speed, river flow, depth, and salmon travel lanes often become more important farther upriver.
Learn more on my main Columbia River salmon fishing guide page.
Spring Chinook Fishing Near Portland and Vancouver
Spring Chinook are among the most highly prized salmon in the Pacific Northwest. They are known for their strength, bright appearance, and excellent table quality.
Spring salmon opportunities generally develop during late winter and spring, with popular fishing taking place on portions of the Columbia River and Willamette River near Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington.
Depending on river conditions and regulations, trips may take place near Portland, the lower Willamette River, Multnomah Channel, the lower Columbia River, or another productive area.
Common spring salmon techniques include trolling herring, prawns, spinners, and other proven presentations. The exact method depends on water clarity, current, temperature, fishing pressure, and where salmon are moving.
Learn more about my Portland Oregon salmon fishing charters and Vancouver Washington fishing guide trips.
Summer Chinook and Columbia River Summer Fishing
Summer can provide several Columbia River fishing opportunities. Depending on current seasons and river conditions, available trips may include summer Chinook, sockeye, steelhead, sturgeon, walleye, shad, and smallmouth bass.
Summer Chinook move through the river toward upriver destinations. Available seasons and retention rules can change quickly, so trip locations are selected around the current regulations and strongest realistic opportunity.
The Columbia River Gorge can be especially beautiful during summer. However, Gorge wind can build quickly, so I watch the weather closely and adjust launch areas or fishing plans when necessary.
Fall Chinook and Coho Salmon Fishing
The Columbia River fall salmon run is one of the most exciting fishing seasons of the year. Chinook and coho salmon enter the Columbia from the Pacific Ocean and travel upriver through Astoria, the lower Columbia, Portland, Vancouver, and the Columbia River Gorge.
I often begin the fall season near Astoria and Buoy 10. As salmon continue upriver, fishing opportunities may develop around St. Helens, Portland, Vancouver, the Gorge, and other Columbia River locations.
Fall salmon can be powerful fish. Depending on the area and season, we may troll herring, flashers, spinners, wobblers, Super Baits, SpinFish, or other productive salmon presentations.
The best method changes with current speed, depth, tides, water clarity, fishing pressure, and how the salmon are moving that day.
Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing Near Astoria
Buoy 10 is one of the most famous salmon fisheries on the West Coast. It is located near the mouth of the Columbia River around Astoria, Hammond, Warrenton, the Columbia River estuary, and the Astoria-Megler Bridge.
Every late summer and early fall, Chinook and coho salmon gather near the river mouth before beginning their journey upriver. This concentration of salmon, combined with strong tides and changing current, creates an exciting and challenging fishery.
Buoy 10 trips require careful attention to tides, wind, current, bar conditions, fishing boundaries, and changing regulations. Launch locations may include Hammond Marina, Warrenton Marina, West Mooring Basin, or another lower Columbia River location.
August and September dates are extremely popular and often fill early.
Learn more on my dedicated Buoy 10 salmon fishing guide and charter page and my Astoria Oregon fishing guide page.
Columbia River Sturgeon Fishing Guide
White sturgeon are among the largest and most powerful freshwater fish in North America. Catching one of these prehistoric fish can be an unforgettable experience for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
Most Columbia River sturgeon fishing is catch-and-release unless a specific retention season is announced. Keeper opportunities, legal areas, size limits, and open dates can change, so I plan each trip around current regulations.
Depending on the season and recent fishing conditions, sturgeon trips may take place near Portland, Vancouver, the lower Willamette River, Astoria, the lower Columbia River, Cascade Locks, The Dalles, or near John Day Dam.
Oversized sturgeon fishing in the Columbia River Gorge can give anglers an opportunity to battle truly enormous fish. These trips require strong equipment, careful boat positioning, good bait, and an understanding of current and river structure.
Learn more about my Columbia River sturgeon fishing guide service, Portland sturgeon fishing trips, and Astoria sturgeon fishing charters.
Columbia River Walleye Fishing Guide
The Columbia River is one of the best walleye fisheries in the Pacific Northwest. Walleye are popular because they can provide steady action, fight well on light tackle, and are excellent eating fish.
Some of my favorite walleye water is found throughout the Columbia River Gorge near The Dalles, Rufus, John Day Dam, and surrounding pools.
Depending on current, wind, water temperature, depth, and fish location, we may use several proven methods:
- Trolling worm harnesses
- Trolling spinner blades
- Jigging near bottom structure
- Fishing current seams and depth changes
- Adjusting speed and depth as conditions change
Walleye trips are a great choice for beginners, families, experienced anglers, and anyone hoping to take home fresh fish for dinner.
Visit my Columbia River walleye fishing guide page for more information.
Columbia River Steelhead Fishing
Steelhead are known for powerful runs, jumping, and hard fights. Seasonal opportunities can occur in the Columbia River, Columbia River Gorge, and nearby tributaries.
The best steelhead location changes with run timing, river conditions, water temperature, visibility, and current regulations. Some trips may focus on the main Columbia River, while other seasonal opportunities may be available on Portland-area tributaries.
Learn more about my Oregon steelhead fishing guide trips.
Columbia River Shad Fishing
American shad enter the Columbia River in huge numbers during late spring and early summer. When the run is strong, shad fishing can provide fast action and frequent bites.
Shad are especially fun for kids, families, first-time anglers, and anyone who enjoys light-tackle fishing. They fight hard for their size and can also be used as bait during some sturgeon trips.
Productive shad areas may include the lower river near Troutdale, the Columbia River Gorge, and areas near Bonneville Dam when conditions are favorable.
Read more on my Columbia River shad fishing page.
Where We Fish on the Columbia River
The Columbia River is too large for one launch area to cover every season. I move with the fish and use different boat ramps and marinas depending on the species, regulations, tides, wind, and current conditions.
Portland, Oregon
The Columbia and Willamette rivers near Portland provide convenient opportunities for spring Chinook, fall Chinook, sturgeon, shad, and other seasonal fisheries.
Common Portland-area ramps may include 42nd Avenue, Chinook Landing, Cathedral Park, or another nearby launch.
Learn more about guided fishing trips near Portland, Oregon.
Vancouver, Washington
Vancouver-area anglers have convenient access to Columbia River salmon, sturgeon, and other seasonal fishing. Depending on the trip, Washington clients may meet on the Oregon or Washington side of the river.
Visit my Vancouver Washington fishing guide and charter page.
Astoria, Hammond, and Buoy 10
The lower Columbia River near Astoria is famous for fall salmon, sturgeon, crabbing, and access to nearby Pacific Ocean fisheries when conditions permit.
Popular lower-river meeting areas include Hammond Marina, Warrenton Marina, and West Mooring Basin in Astoria.
Cascade Locks and Bonneville Pool
Cascade Locks is a scenic Columbia River Gorge fishing destination with seasonal opportunities for salmon, sturgeon, steelhead, shad, walleye, and bass.
Learn more about Cascade Locks fishing guide trips.
Hood River, Oregon
Hood River provides access to productive Columbia Gorge water and can be a convenient meeting area for salmon, sturgeon, walleye, and other seasonal fisheries.
Visit my Hood River fishing guide page.
The Dalles, Oregon
The Dalles area provides access to productive Columbia River walleye, sturgeon, salmon, steelhead, shad, and bass water depending on the season.
Learn more about fishing with a The Dalles Oregon fishing guide.
Rufus and John Day Dam
Rufus and the water near John Day Dam are among my favorite areas for Columbia River walleye and oversized sturgeon fishing. This area can provide excellent action, but current and wind conditions may change quickly.
Visit my Rufus Oregon fishing guide page.
For a broader look at these upriver locations, visit my Columbia River Gorge fishing guide page.
Best Time to Fish the Columbia River
The Columbia River offers fishing opportunities throughout the year, but the best trip depends on the species, location, river conditions, and current regulations.
Winter
- Walleye in portions of the Columbia River Gorge
- Catch-and-release sturgeon where open
- Seasonal steelhead opportunities
Spring
- Spring Chinook near Portland and the lower river
- Walleye in the Columbia River Gorge
- Sturgeon where conditions and regulations allow
- Shad beginning later in spring
Summer
- Summer Chinook and other available salmon runs
- Shad during the main migration
- Walleye
- Oversized catch-and-release sturgeon
- Seasonal steelhead and bass fishing
Fall
- Buoy 10 Chinook and coho near Astoria
- Fall salmon near Portland, Vancouver, and the Columbia River Gorge
- Sturgeon opportunities
- Walleye fishing
This is only a general planning guide. Columbia River openings, retention rules, limits, and fishing boundaries can change during the season.
Always review the current ODFW Columbia Zone fishing report and regulation updates and Washington fishing regulations before fishing.
Columbia River Fishing Techniques
The fishing technique used during your trip depends on the species, season, depth, current, tides, wind, and location of the fish.
Depending on the trip, techniques may include:
- Trolling herring for Chinook and coho salmon
- Trolling spinners, Super Baits, and SpinFish
- Anchor fishing with wobblers or spinners
- Back-trolling or controlled trolling in river current
- Fishing bait on the bottom for sturgeon
- Trolling worm harnesses for walleye
- Jigging for walleye
- Light-tackle fishing for shad
I provide the rods, reels, tackle, bait, and instruction needed for the planned fishery. Beginners are welcome, and I will help each person understand how to use the equipment and respond when a fish bites.
Covered and Heated Columbia River Guide Boat
Most Columbia River trips are run aboard my 27-foot Alumaweld Intruder. The boat is designed for Columbia River, Columbia River Gorge, estuary, and coastal fishing conditions.
The boat includes:
- A covered and heated cabin
- Modern GPS and navigation electronics
- Radar
- Fish-finding electronics
- Quality rods, reels, bait, and tackle
- Required safety equipment
- Room for groups, families, and fishing gear
The covered and heated cabin is especially valuable during cold spring mornings, wet fall weather, and windy days in the Columbia River Gorge.
Learn more on my Columbia River fishing guide boat page.
What Is Included With Your Guided Fishing Trip?
- Professional Columbia River fishing guide service
- Guide boat and fuel
- Rods and reels
- Bait and tackle
- Required boat safety equipment
- Instruction and help throughout the day
- Fish cleaning when available for the fishery and location
Most full-day trips are approximately seven to eight hours, although trip length can vary with the fishery, tides, weather, regulations, and fishing conditions.
Fishing licenses, tags, endorsements, food, drinks, lodging, gratuity, and fish processing are not included unless specifically arranged.
Review current trip pricing on my fishing charter prices page.
What Should You Bring?
- The correct Oregon or Washington fishing license
- Any required salmon, steelhead, or Columbia River tags and endorsements
- Warm layered clothing
- Rain gear
- Non-slip shoes or boots
- Food, snacks, and drinks
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Personal medication
- A cooler to leave in your vehicle for transporting fish home
Do not place a large cooler in the boat unless we discuss it before the trip. Leaving it in your vehicle provides more fishing room.
Oregon or Washington Fishing License?
The license, tag, and endorsement you need depends on where the trip takes place and which species we are targeting.
Some portions of the Columbia River form the boundary between Oregon and Washington. Other trips may take place entirely within Oregon, such as portions of the Willamette River.
I will tell you which license and tags are normally needed when your fishing location is confirmed. Anglers are responsible for purchasing and carrying the correct documents.
Review Oregon fishing license information and Washington fishing license information.
Columbia River Fishing Trip Meeting Locations
Your exact launch area depends on the species, season, tides, wind, river conditions, current regulations, and recent fishing results.
Common meeting areas may include:
- 42nd Avenue Boat Ramp in Portland
- Chinook Landing near Fairview and Troutdale
- Cathedral Park in Portland
- Hammond Marina
- Warrenton Marina
- West Mooring Basin in Astoria
- Cascade Locks
- Mayer State Park
- Celilo Park
- The Dalles
- Rufus
The meeting location is confirmed before your trip. Please do not assume a boat ramp until you receive the final instructions.
See maps and details on my Columbia River fishing trip meeting locations page.
Why Fish With Marvin’s Guide Service?
- More than 27 years of professional guiding experience
- Lifetime experience fishing Oregon and the Columbia River
- Guided salmon, sturgeon, walleye, steelhead, and seasonal trips
- Large 27-foot covered and heated guide boat
- Modern fishing and navigation electronics
- Quality rods, reels, bait, and tackle
- Beginner-friendly and family-friendly instruction
- Licensed, insured, and CPR trained
- Honest recommendations based on current fishing conditions
- Fishing locations from Astoria to Portland and the Columbia River Gorge
I work hard to put clients in the strongest available fishing area and make the trip enjoyable for everyone. Fishing is never guaranteed, but preparation, local experience, quality equipment, and the willingness to adjust throughout the day can make a major difference.
Learn more about my qualifications on my licensed Oregon fishing guide page and read more about me on my meet your fishing guide page.
Helpful Columbia River Fishing Resources
- Columbia River Fishing Report
- Oregon Fishing Calendar
- Columbia River Salmon Fishing Guide
- Columbia River Sturgeon Fishing Guide
- Columbia River Walleye Fishing Guide
- Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing Guide
- Astoria Oregon Fishing Guide
- Vancouver Washington Fishing Guide
- Columbia River Gorge Fishing Guide
- Fishing Trip Meeting Locations
- Fishing Charter FAQs
- Book a Guided Fishing Trip
Book a Columbia River Fishing Charter
Prime Columbia River fishing dates can fill quickly, especially during spring Chinook, oversized sturgeon, summer walleye, and Buoy 10 salmon seasons.
Contact Marvin’s Guide Service to discuss your preferred dates, number of anglers, target species, and the best available fishing opportunity.
Call or text Marvin: 503-314-5087
Book online: Send a Columbia River fishing trip inquiry
Whether you want to fish for salmon near Portland, sturgeon near Astoria, walleye in the Columbia River Gorge, or simply experience the strongest fishery available during your visit, I will work hard to help make your trip memorable.
Columbia River Fishing Guide FAQs
What fish can you catch on the Columbia River?
Depending on the season and location, Columbia River anglers may target Chinook salmon, coho salmon, steelhead, white sturgeon, walleye, American shad, smallmouth bass, and other species.
When is the best time to fish the Columbia River?
The best time depends on the species. Spring is popular for Chinook and walleye, summer provides several salmon, sturgeon, walleye, shad, and steelhead opportunities, and fall is especially popular for Buoy 10 and upriver fall salmon fishing.
Where do Columbia River fishing trips launch?
Launch locations depend on the season and fishery. Common areas include Portland, Chinook Landing, Vancouver, Astoria, Hammond, Warrenton, Cascade Locks, Hood River, The Dalles, and Rufus.
Do beginners need fishing experience?
No. Beginners and families are welcome. Marvin provides the rods, reels, bait, tackle, and hands-on instruction throughout the trip.
How long is a Columbia River fishing charter?
Most full-day guided trips are approximately seven to eight hours. Trip length can vary depending on the fishery, tides, weather, regulations, and fishing conditions.
What is included with a guided fishing trip?
The boat, fuel, professional guide service, rods, reels, bait, tackle, safety equipment, and instruction are included.
Do I need an Oregon or Washington fishing license?
The correct license, tags, and endorsements depend on the trip location and target species. Marvin will explain which documents are normally required when the fishing location is confirmed.
Do you offer catch-and-release sturgeon trips?
Yes. Catch-and-release sturgeon trips are available in several Columbia River and Willamette River areas when conditions and regulations allow.
What happens if the weather is unsafe?
Safety comes first. The launch area, fishing location, departure time, or trip date may need to change if wind, river conditions, bar conditions, or weather create an unsafe situation.
How do I book a Columbia River fishing guide?
Call or text Marvin’s Guide Service at 503-314-5087 or complete the online trip inquiry form.
