Your Guide to Fishing in Hood River, Oregon

For fishing enthusiasts, Hood River, Oregon, is a destination not to be missed. Located on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge and just a 45-minute drive east of Portland, Hood River is renowned for its orchards and vineyards as well as being the windsurfing capital of the world. However, for anglers, it’s the exceptional fishing opportunities that make Hood River an essential visit.

What kind of fish are there around Hood River, Oregon?

Fishing around Hood River on the Columbia River offers all kinds of species of fish, including salmon, sturgeon, steelhead, and walleye Of course, there are plenty of smaller fish, including smallmouth bass and crappie and seasonal runs of shad.

Hood River sturgeon fishing.

Sturgeon fishing in the Hood River area of the Columbia River is available throughout the year. Nonetheless, there’s a brief period in January when retaining a sturgeon is permitted. It’s crucial to consult the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for up-to-date seasons and regulations to avoid any legal issues. Alternatively, if you’re considering fishing in the Hood River vicinity, feel free to inquire with me, as I stay informed about all the regulations.

Also, I offer popular late spring and early summer trips to catch giant sturgeon in The Dalles, which is a short drive east. from Hood River.

Hood River Salmon fishing

Salmon and steelhead fishing in the Columbia River near Hood River is seasonal, yet it frequently offers opportunities for spring, summer, and fall salmon fishing. The spring Chinook, fall Chinook, and coho runs are the most sought-after salmon fisheries in the Gorge area.

As with sturgeon, be sure to check current regulations to see when you’re able to harvest a salmon or steelhead on the Columbia River. Seasons for these fisheries are typically set mid-year and can change quickly, so you’ll need to stay on top of it if you’re not fishing with a guide because our job includes making sure clients are fishing legally.

There’s plenty of opportunity for bass and panfish around Hood River. The Columbia has a renowned fishery for smallmouth bass and hosts many large fishing tournaments. While these fisheries are open year-round, by far the best fishing for these species will be in the spring, summer, and early fall months, when the water is warmer.

Windsurfing Hood River

People call Hood River the windsurfing capital of the world for a reason: wind will blow hard up here and make the Columbia River have wind chops up to 4 to 7 feet high. With wind chop like that, windsurfers from all over the world come to play on the Columbia River in the Hood River area every summer.

When the wind is blowing like that, it is a fisherman’s nightmare. So be careful and watch the forecast if you’re going to go out on the Columbia River near Hood River in a boat. While the wind can blow at any time, the first light often brings the calmest weather.

Wine tasting in the Gorge.

Maybe wine tasting is your thing. Then you may want to travel to where you can enjoy the taste of “Fruit Loop,” with over 40 wineries near Hood River. Apples, pears, cherries, peaches, and many other tree fruits also grow better here than almost anywhere in Oregon.

Check out the following article to learn more about sturgeon fishing on the Columbia River.

Learn more about Columbia River salmon fishing by clicking here.

Check out the National Weather Service’s forecast for the Hood River by clicking here.

The Columbia River Sturgeon season in the Hood River, Oregon area. Will open on January 1st, 2024. You may harvest a sturgeon with legal measurements on Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays until the quota is met. Make sure you check the current regulations with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife before you harvest a sturgeon.