Columbia River Salmon Fishing Guide

Q: Why Book with Marvin’s Guide Service?

Oregon fishing guide licensed since 2000. Top local knowledge of seasonal salmon runs. Comfortable covered and heated guide boat. Great for beginners or experienced anglers. Quality rods, bait, and gear provided. Friendly, hands-on service.

2027 Season Update — November 2026

Now booking 2027 Columbia River salmon trips. Spring Chinook typically starts in March — see our 2027 Portland spring Chinook page for the spring outlook — with prime April dates going first every year. Summer and fall salmon follow, and Buoy 10 runs August through September. Season dates are set by ODFW and can change with quotas and run forecasts, so book now to hold your preferred date. Text or call 503-314-5087.

Columbia River Salmon Fishing Questions

What fishing license do I need?

An Oregon fishing license with a salmon/steelhead/sturgeon tag and Columbia River Basin endorsement. See how to get an Oregon fishing license for step-by-step instructions and current fees.

When is the best time to fish for salmon on the Columbia River?

Spring Chinook runs March through May, with April the prime month. Summer and fall salmon follow, and Buoy 10 fishing runs August through September.

Where do trips launch from?

The departure area depends on the season and where the salmon are moving — trips run near Portland, Vancouver, Astoria, Buoy 10, Bonneville, and the Columbia River Gorge. Confirm your meeting spot when you book.

Do you provide rods, reels, and bait?

Yes. Full-day trips usually last 7 to 8 hours, with rods, reels, bait, and tackle included, and your catch is cleaned for you at the end of the trip.

Can beginners come along?

Yes. Whether you are a first-time angler or an experienced fisherman, trips are structured to give you the best possible opportunity at hooking and landing a salmon.

How do I book and hold a date?

Text or call 503-314-5087, or send a trip inquiry. A deposit holds your date, and prime dates go first every year.

Marvin’s Guide Service offers guided Columbia River salmon fishing trips near Portland, Vancouver, Astoria, Buoy 10, Bonneville, and the Columbia River Gorge. The departure area depends on the season and where salmon are moving.

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.

Trip details: Full-day fishing trips usually last 7 to 8 hours, with rods, reels, bait, and tackle included. Trips normally require two guests; single anglers with flexible dates can ask about joining a group. View pricing and booking details and contact me to confirm your date and trip rate.

For sturgeon, walleye, other species, and locations throughout the river, visit my main Columbia River fishing guide page.

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.

Columbia River spring Chinook trips depend on officially adopted fishing seasons and any in-season changes. Contact me to discuss available spring dates. 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 has a covered and heated seating area 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.

Explore Columbia Gorge Fishing Locations

Planning a trip upriver? Visit my Columbia Gorge fishing guide page for an overview, or explore Cascade Locks, Hood River, The Dalles, and Rufus. These location pages cover the seasonal trips I offer in each area. Contact me to confirm the best fishing area for your dates and target species.

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.

Ocean Salmon Trips Near Astoria

When ocean salmon seasons are open and weather and bar conditions are safe, I may offer July trips near Astoria targeting coho feeding off the Oregon Coast.

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

For anglers staying in the Portland metro area, I offer nearby spring Chinook and fall salmon trips during open seasons.

Learn more about Portland Oregon salmon fishing trips and check my Columbia River fishing report for dated reports from the water.

Why Book with Marvin’s Guide Service?

Oregon fishing guide licensed since 2000
Top local knowledge of seasonal salmon runs
Comfortable covered and heated guide boat
Great for beginners or experienced anglers
Quality rods, bait, and gear provided
Friendly, hands-on service

Salmon Seasons and Fishing Regulations

The timing above is a general planning guide. Open dates, retention rules, limits, and fishing boundaries can change. I confirm the rules for each trip before fishing. Review the ODFW Columbia Zone fishing report and regulation updates and Washington fishing regulations for current information.