Columbia River Salmon Fishing Guide | Guided Salmon Trips in Oregon & Washington

If you are looking for a top Columbia River salmon fishing guide, Marvin’s Guide Service offers professionally guided salmon fishing trips on some of the best salmon water in the Pacific Northwest. From Portland and Vancouver to Astoria, Buoy 10, Bonneville, and the Columbia River Gorge, I guide anglers to prime salmon fishing opportunities throughout the season.

Whether you are a first-time angler or an experienced fisherman, my goal is simple — put you on fish, keep you comfortable, and give you an unforgettable day on the water.

Call or text 503-314-5087 or book your Columbia River salmon trip here.

Spring Chinook Salmon Fishing on the Columbia River

Spring Chinook are one of the most prized salmon runs in Oregon and Washington. These fish are famous for their incredible eating quality, hard fights, and beautiful chrome color. Most spring Chinook weigh between 10 and 25 pounds, with larger fish caught every year.

Guided spring salmon trips usually begin in mid-March and continue through spring. I fish productive stretches of the Columbia River near Portland, Oregon, Vancouver, Washington, and around the Portland International Airport area.

If Columbia River conditions are not ideal, nearby opportunities on the Willamette River can also provide excellent spring salmon fishing.

Early season weather can bring rain and wind, but my 27-foot Alumaweld Intruder features a fully enclosed heated cabin to help keep you warm, dry, and comfortable.

Top Columbia River Salmon Fishing Spots

The Columbia River offers outstanding salmon fishing opportunities from the lower river near Astoria all the way upriver through Portland and into the Columbia Gorge.

Astoria & Lower Columbia: Great for Buoy 10 and early fall salmon fishing.
Portland & Vancouver: Excellent for spring Chinook and upriver fall salmon.
Bonneville Area: Strong salmon migration zone later in the season.
Columbia Gorge: Scenic fishing with strong salmon movement in season.

Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing Guide in Astoria

During late summer and early fall, I guide salmon trips in the Astoria area during the famous Buoy 10 salmon fishery. This is one of the best salmon fisheries on the West Coast, where huge numbers of Chinook and Coho salmon stack near the mouth of the Columbia River.

I typically keep my boat in the Astoria / Hammond area at Hammond Marina, giving clients quick access to the fishing grounds and an easy launch point.

Many anglers consider Buoy 10 the best salmon fishing opportunity in Oregon and Washington during August.

Ocean Salmon Trips Near Astoria

When ocean conditions allow, I begin offshore salmon trips in July to target aggressive Coho salmon feeding just off the Oregon coast. My boat is fully capable of handling these trips when weather conditions are safe.

You can learn more about my guide boat here.

Fall Salmon Fishing on the Columbia River

As summer turns to fall, the Columbia River becomes one of the top salmon fisheries in the Northwest. Two major salmon species return in large numbers:

Fall Chinook (Kings): Often 20 to 30 pounds, with larger fish possible.
Coho (Silvers): Usually 5 to 15 pounds and excellent fighters.

Some years, over a million salmon return to the Columbia River system, creating incredible fishing opportunities.

As September progresses, I often follow these fish upriver from Astoria toward Portland, Bonneville Dam, and beyond.

Portland Oregon Salmon Fishing Guide

If you are searching for a Portland salmon fishing guide, I offer trips near Portland targeting spring Chinook and fall salmon throughout the season. These trips are popular for anglers staying in the Portland metro area who want quality salmon fishing close to the city.

The Portland area is one of the best places in Oregon for easy-access Columbia River salmon fishing.