Fishing in Cascade Locks

Cascade Locks Oregon Fishing Guide & Columbia River Fishing Charter

Cascade Locks, Oregon is one of the most scenic and productive fishing destinations on the Columbia River. Located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, Cascade Locks offers excellent opportunities for salmon fishing, sturgeon fishing, walleye fishing, steelhead fishing, and shad fishing throughout the year.

As a professional Cascade Locks fishing guide and Columbia River fishing charter operator, I’ve spent years fishing this stretch of the Columbia River and helping clients experience some of the best fishing Oregon has to offer. From spring Chinook salmon to oversized sturgeon and excellent summer fishing opportunities, Cascade Locks is one of my favorite places to guide trips.

If you’re looking to book a guided fishing charter in Cascade Locks, Oregon, visit my Trip Inquiry Page or call or text me directly to check availability.

Why Fish Cascade Locks Oregon?

Cascade Locks sits along a prime stretch of the Columbia River between Bonneville Dam and Hood River. This area is famous for its deep channels, strong salmon runs, incredible scenery, and outstanding fishing opportunities throughout the Columbia River Gorge.

The town itself is small and historic, but the fishing opportunities are massive. Anglers travel from all over Oregon, Washington, and beyond to fish this productive section of the Columbia River.

This area is especially popular for spring Chinook salmon fishing, summer salmon fishing, oversized sturgeon fishing, and seasonal shad and steelhead fisheries.

Visitors can also explore the beautiful Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, one of the Pacific Northwest’s most famous outdoor destinations.

Salmon Fishing in Cascade Locks

Cascade Locks is well known for excellent Columbia River salmon fishing. Spring Chinook salmon move through this stretch of river each year and provide some outstanding fishing opportunities.

Summer Chinook salmon and fall salmon fisheries can also produce excellent action depending on river conditions and current regulations.

Many anglers fishing near Cascade Locks target salmon around:

Bonneville Dam
The Bridge of the Gods
Bonneville Pool
The mouths of nearby tributaries
Current seams and travel lanes along the Columbia River Gorge

If you’re interested in booking a Cascade Locks salmon fishing charter, this area can produce excellent fishing during peak migration periods.

Sturgeon Fishing in Cascade Locks

Cascade Locks is also known for excellent Columbia River sturgeon fishing. Oversized catch-and-release sturgeon are common in this section of the river, and anglers regularly hook into very large fish.

Some of us locals know certain fishing spots in the area simply as “The Wall,” and this section has produced some incredible sturgeon action over the years.

Sturgeon fishing around Cascade Locks can be excellent during much of the year and offers anglers a chance to battle truly giant fish on heavy tackle.

Walleye Fishing Near Cascade Locks

While many anglers think primarily of salmon and sturgeon in the Columbia Gorge, there are also opportunities for excellent walleye fishing on the Columbia River.

Walleye fishing has continued to improve throughout many sections of the Columbia River system, and certain times of year can provide excellent action near Cascade Locks and surrounding areas.

Steelhead & Shad Fishing

Cascade Locks also offers seasonal opportunities for steelhead and American shad fishing. Shad fishing can be especially popular during late spring and early summer when large schools move upriver.

These fish provide fast action and are a great option for anglers looking to catch high numbers of fish.

Guided Fishing Charters in Cascade Locks Oregon

At Marvin’s Guide Service, I offer fully guided Cascade Locks fishing charters targeting salmon, sturgeon, walleye, and other seasonal fisheries throughout the Columbia River system.

My trips are designed for anglers of all experience levels, including:

Families
Beginners
Experienced anglers
Corporate groups
Kids
Tourists visiting the Columbia River Gorge

All rods, reels, bait, tackle, and safety equipment are provided.

Trips are operated from my large heated and covered 27-foot Alumaweld guide boat, designed for comfort and fishing the Columbia River safely in changing conditions.

Hotels, Food & Things To Do in Cascade Locks

Many anglers visiting Cascade Locks also spend time exploring the Columbia River Gorge, local restaurants, breweries, hiking trails, and waterfront parks.

One popular local stop is Brigham Fish Market, a well-known Native-owned seafood restaurant serving fresh salmon, chowder, fish and chips, and other Pacific Northwest seafood favorites.

Visitors staying overnight can also find lodging throughout Cascade Locks, Hood River, and the surrounding Columbia Gorge communities.

Best Time To Fish Cascade Locks

Spring: Spring Chinook salmon, sturgeon, and shad
Summer: Summer salmon, sturgeon, walleye, and shad
Fall: Fall Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and sturgeon
Winter: Winter steelhead and sturgeon opportunities

Current Columbia River fishing regulations and seasons can be found through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fishing in Cascade Locks

What fish can you catch in Cascade Locks Oregon?

Anglers commonly catch salmon, sturgeon, walleye, steelhead, and shad in the Cascade Locks area of the Columbia River.

When is the best time to fish Cascade Locks?

Spring and summer are especially popular for salmon and sturgeon fishing, although fishing opportunities exist throughout much of the year.

Do I need fishing experience?

No. Guided fishing charters are great for beginners, families, and experienced anglers alike.

What is included on your fishing charters?

Rods, reels, bait, tackle, and all required safety equipment are included on guided trips.

How do I book a Cascade Locks fishing charter?

You can visit my Trip Inquiry Page or call or text me directly to check available dates.

Book Your Cascade Locks Fishing Charter

If you’re looking for a professional Cascade Locks Oregon fishing guide or a fully guided Columbia River fishing charter, I’d love to help you experience this incredible fishery.

Whether you want to target salmon, giant sturgeon, walleye, or seasonal fisheries throughout the Columbia River Gorge, Cascade Locks is one of Oregon’s top fishing destinations.

Click here to book your fishing trip or check availability.

You can also learn more about the local area and attractions through the Port of Cascade Locks.

Five anglers hold up keeper sturgeon they caught in the Columbia River Gorge fishing with Marvin’s Guide Service on New Year’s Day.

For more information about salmon fishing, steelhead fishing, sturgeon fishing, and walleye fishing throughout the Columbia Gorge, including Hood River, Rufus, Cascade Locks, and The Dalles, visit my Columbia Gorge fishing guide.