Columbia River Fishing Guides

Columbia River Fishing Guide in Oregon & Washington

Looking for an experienced Columbia River fishing guide for salmon, sturgeon, or walleye? Marvin’s Guide Service offers fully guided fishing trips on some of the best fisheries in Oregon and Washington, including Portland, Astoria, Buoy 10, the Columbia River Gorge, The Dalles, and Rufus.

The Columbia River is one of the top fishing destinations in the Pacific Northwest because it offers incredible opportunities for Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, sturgeon, walleye, steelhead, and seasonal fisheries throughout the year.

I’m Marvin Henkel, owner of Fast Action Fishing and Marvin’s Guide Service. With over 25 years of fishing and guiding experience, I work hard to help every group enjoy a safe, productive, and memorable day on the water.

Call or text 503-314-5087 or send a trip inquiry here to check open dates.

Guided Columbia River Fishing Trips

The Columbia River stretches across Oregon and Washington and provides anglers access to some of the best fishing opportunities in the Northwest. Depending on the season, water conditions, and regulations, guided trips may target salmon, sturgeon, walleye, steelhead, and other seasonal fisheries.

Every trip is planned around the current fishing conditions, river flow, tides, water temperature, fish movement, and what gives clients the best chance to catch fish. Some trips focus on salmon near Portland and Vancouver, while others target sturgeon in the lower Columbia or walleye in the Columbia River Gorge.

If you are not sure which trip is best for your group, visit my Oregon fishing calendar to see what species are usually best by season.

Astoria Oregon fishing guide with limits of salmon

Happy clients with limits all around from a hot morning bite on the Pacific Ocean west of Astoria, aboard the Marvin’s Guide Service boat.

Columbia River Salmon Fishing Guide

Salmon fishing is one of the most popular guided trips on the Columbia River. Depending on the season, we target spring Chinook, summer Chinook, fall Chinook, and Coho salmon.

Spring Chinook are especially popular because they are considered some of the best-eating salmon in the Pacific Northwest. Summer and fall salmon fishing can also be excellent as fish move upriver through Portland, Vancouver, Astoria, and Buoy 10.

Learn more about my Columbia River salmon fishing guide trips and Portland salmon fishing charters.

For current regulations and fishing updates, visit the ODFW Columbia Zone fishing report.

Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing Near Astoria

Buoy 10 is one of the most famous salmon fisheries on the West Coast. Located near Astoria at the mouth of the Columbia River, Buoy 10 gives anglers an opportunity to target powerful Chinook and Coho salmon moving in from the Pacific Ocean.

This fishery is extremely popular because salmon often stack up in the lower Columbia River before heading upstream. Timing, tides, current, and fishing pressure all matter, which is why fishing with an experienced Columbia River guide can make a huge difference.

Learn more about Buoy 10 salmon fishing in Astoria and my full Astoria Oregon fishing guide page.

Columbia River Sturgeon Fishing Guide

Sturgeon fishing on the Columbia River is one of the most exciting fishing experiences in Oregon and Washington. These giant prehistoric fish are known for powerful fights, long runs, and unforgettable action.

Depending on current regulations and location, trips may focus on catch-and-release sturgeon fishing or keeper sturgeon opportunities when seasons allow.

Many Columbia River sturgeon trips are based near Portland, Vancouver, Astoria, and the lower Columbia River where these fish feed heavily throughout the year.

Learn more about my Columbia River sturgeon fishing guide service and Astoria sturgeon fishing trips.

Columbia River Walleye Fishing Guide

The Columbia River is one of the best walleye fisheries in the Pacific Northwest. Walleye are excellent-eating fish and are popular because they fight hard and provide steady action during much of the year.

Some of the best Columbia River walleye fishing takes place near The Dalles, Rufus, John Day Dam, and throughout the Columbia River Gorge.

These trips are a great option for anglers who want both action and fresh fish to take home.

Visit my Columbia River walleye fishing guide page for more information.

Where We Fish on the Columbia River

Portland, Oregon — salmon and sturgeon fishing trips
Vancouver, Washington — lower Columbia River access
Astoria, Oregon — salmon, sturgeon, crab, and ocean fishing
Buoy 10 — world-famous salmon fishing area
The Dalles — productive walleye and salmon fisheries
Rufus, Oregon — excellent Columbia River walleye fishing
Columbia River Gorge — scenic fishing opportunities throughout the year

You can also explore my Hood River fishing guide page for more Columbia Gorge fishing information.

Best Time to Fish the Columbia River

Spring Chinook Salmon: March through May
Summer Salmon: June and July
Buoy 10 Salmon: August through September
Sturgeon Fishing: seasonal opportunities throughout the year
Walleye Fishing: excellent during winter and spring, with opportunities year-round

Fishing conditions and regulations can change, so I recommend checking my Columbia River fishing report for updates.

Fishing Guide Boat

Your trip is run on a 27-foot Alumaweld Intruder built for Columbia River fishing conditions. The boat is equipped with modern electronics, quality fishing gear, safety equipment, and a heated cabin for cold mornings.

You can learn more about my boat here: fishing guide boat information.

What Is Included on Your Fishing Trip?

Professional fishing guide service
Boat and fuel
Rods and reels
Bait and tackle
Safety equipment
Instruction and help throughout the trip

Please bring your fishing license, food, drinks, weather-appropriate clothing, and personal items.

You can purchase Oregon fishing licenses through ODFW. Washington fishing regulations are available through WDFW.

Why Fish With Marvin’s Guide Service?

Over 25 years of Oregon fishing experience
Local knowledge of the Columbia River and Oregon fisheries
Guided salmon, sturgeon, and walleye fishing trips
Large 27-foot guide boat built for Columbia River conditions
Beginner-friendly and family-friendly trips
Focused on safety, hard work, and helping clients catch fish

Learn more about Marvin’s Guide Service on my about page and visit my fishing charter FAQ page.

Helpful Columbia River Fishing Resources

Book a Columbia River Fishing Charter

Prime Columbia River salmon, sturgeon, and walleye dates can book quickly during peak fishing seasons.

Call or text 503-314-5087 to check current availability or send a trip inquiry online.

Whether you want to fish for salmon near Portland, sturgeon near Astoria, or walleye in the Columbia River Gorge, I’ll work hard to help make your trip successful.