Columbia Gorge Fishing Guide | Columbia River Salmon, Steelhead, Sturgeon & Walleye Fishing | Oregon Fishing Guide

The Columbia Gorge is one of the most scenic and productive fishing destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Stretching along the Columbia River between Oregon and Washington, the Gorge offers incredible opportunities for salmon fishing, steelhead fishing, sturgeon fishing, and walleye fishing throughout the year.

At Marvin’s Guide Service, I guide anglers on the Columbia River through some of the best fishing areas in the Columbia Gorge, including Cascade Locks, Hood River, The Dalles, and Rufus.

Whether you’re looking for spring Chinook salmon, oversized Columbia River sturgeon, walleye, or steelhead, the best trip depends on the season, river section, and current fishing openings. I’ve held my Oregon fishing guide license since 2000.

Plan your Gorge trip: Call or text 503-314-5087 or send your preferred dates and group size.

Columbia River Gorge

Cascade Locks Oregon Fishing

Cascade Locks is one of the western gateways into the Columbia Gorge and offers excellent opportunities for salmon fishing, steelhead fishing, and sturgeon fishing on the Columbia River.

This area can be especially productive during spring Chinook salmon season and fall salmon fishing on the Columbia River.

Learn more about fishing this section of the Gorge on my Cascade Locks Oregon fishing guide.

Hood River Oregon Fishing Guide

Hood River is one of the most popular fishing destinations in the Columbia Gorge. Anglers can target salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, walleye, and smallmouth bass in this beautiful section of the Columbia River.

Hood River is also centrally located, making it an excellent starting point for guided Columbia River fishing trips.

Read more about fishing near Hood River here: Hood River Oregon fishing guide.

The Dalles Oregon Fishing

The Dalles is known for excellent Columbia River walleye fishing and seasonal salmon fishing opportunities. This area consistently produces quality walleye and offers excellent fishing throughout much of the year.

The Columbia River near The Dalles also offers opportunities for sturgeon fishing and shad fishing depending on the season.

Check out my The Dalles Oregon fishing guide for more information.

Rufus Oregon Fishing

Rufus is famous for some of the best trophy walleye fishing on the Columbia River. Many anglers travel from all over Oregon and Washington to fish this productive stretch of river.

Rufus can also provide opportunities for salmon fishing, steelhead fishing, and sturgeon fishing depending on river conditions and the time of year.

Learn more about this fishery on my Rufus Oregon fishing page.

What Fish Can You Catch in the Columbia Gorge?

The Columbia Gorge offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities throughout the year. Popular species include:

Chinook salmon
Coho salmon
Steelhead
Sturgeon
Walleye
Shad
Smallmouth bass

The Columbia River changes throughout the seasons, giving anglers multiple opportunities to fish year-round in the Gorge.

Best Time to Fish the Columbia Gorge

Spring and fall are especially popular for Columbia River salmon fishing, while summer offers excellent walleye fishing and sturgeon fishing opportunities.

Walleye can also be a winter and early-spring option near The Dalles and Rufus when wind and river conditions allow. Steelhead trips depend on the run, river section, and current openings; ask me which opportunities fit your dates.

You can also view my Oregon fishing calendar for seasonal fishing opportunities throughout Oregon and the Columbia River.

Departure Locations, Conditions, and Fishing Rules

We choose the meeting place for your specific trip based on the species, river section, wind, and current. See my Gorge boat ramps and fishing trip meeting locations, and confirm your departure details with me before traveling.

Fishing opportunities and retention rules vary by species, season, and pool. Sturgeon trips are catch-and-release unless a specific retention opening allows otherwise. Check the ODFW Columbia River report and regulation updates for the water you plan to fish.

Book a Columbia Gorge Fishing Charter

If you’re looking for a Columbia River fishing guide in the Columbia Gorge, Marvin’s Guide Service offers fully guided fishing trips for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and walleye.

Trips are available throughout the Columbia Gorge depending on the season, river conditions, and fish runs.

Book your Columbia Gorge fishing trip here.