Meet Your Portland OR Fishing Guide

Portland Oregon Fishing Guide

Meet Marvin Henkel, a lifelong Portland native, professional fishing guide, and owner-operator of Marvin’s Guide Service. If you are looking for a trusted Portland Oregon fishing guide for salmon, sturgeon, walleye, or Oregon Coast fishing trips, Marvin has the experience, local knowledge, and passion to help make your day on the water memorable.

Marvin has spent his life fishing the Columbia River, Willamette River, and Oregon Coast. Today, he guides anglers from Portland to Astoria, Tillamook Bay, the Columbia River Gorge, and other productive Northwest fisheries.

Ready to fish with Marvin? Call or text 503-314-5087 or fill out the trip inquiry form.

A Lifelong Portland Oregon Fishing Guide

Marvin grew up in Portland, Oregon and graduated from David Douglas High School in 1991. After high school, he went to work as a welder at Gunderson, building rail cars in the heart of Portland.

During those years, weekends meant one thing — fishing. Marvin spent his free time on the Columbia River chasing salmon, sturgeon, walleye, and anything else that would bite. Those early years helped build the foundation for the guide service he runs today.

One of Marvin’s favorite fishing getaways was taking time off work for trips to Tillamook Bay, where he enjoyed fishing for salmon and crabbing on the Oregon Coast.

When Did Marvin Become a Licensed Oregon Fishing Guide?

Marvin earned his Oregon guide license in 2000 and started guiding part-time on weekends and vacations while still working at Gunderson.

In 2001, Marvin left Gunderson to chase his dream of becoming a full-time fishing guide. He started his guide business in Portland, Oregon and began offering guided fishing trips on the Columbia River, Willamette River, Columbia River Gorge, and Oregon Coast.

Like many small business owners, Marvin worked hard to build his dream. For a short time, he worked part-time at Schwan’s while guiding on his open days. Before long, his reputation grew, and he became a full-time Oregon fishing guide.

Over 20 Years of Full-Time Guiding Experience

Marvin now has more than 20 years of full-time guiding experience and has spent decades learning the best waters, seasons, tides, techniques, and fisheries in Oregon and Washington.

Today, Marvin’s Guide Service runs guided fishing trips for:

Whether you are a first-time angler, a family looking for a fun day on the water, or an experienced fisherman chasing a specific species, Marvin works hard to provide a safe, enjoyable, and productive guided fishing trip.

Father and Son Fishing Team

Over the past several years, Marvin has had the good fortune of having his youngest son, Austin, join him on many guided fishing trips. Austin helps prepare the boat, assist clients, and keep the day running smoothly.

Fishing has always been a family passion, and that father-and-son teamwork is part of what makes Marvin’s Guide Service special. Together, Marvin and Austin enjoy helping clients catch salmon, sturgeon, walleye, and other fish throughout Oregon and Washington.

Maybe someday Austin will take over as captain, but for now, Marvin and Austin enjoy working together and helping clients create fishing memories they will never forget.

Guided Fishing From Portland to the Oregon Coast

Marvin guides fishing trips in several of Oregon’s best fishing areas. Depending on the season, trips may take place near Portland, on the Columbia River, in the Columbia River Gorge, at Astoria, or along the Oregon Coast.

Popular guided fishing locations include:

Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing With Marvin

One of Marvin and Austin’s favorite places to guide is Astoria, Oregon, during the world-famous Buoy 10 salmon fishery. This fishery brings anglers from all over the country to the mouth of the Columbia River to target Chinook and coho salmon.

Trips often begin near the ocean west of Astoria when the bite first starts, then move inside the river near the Buoy 10 marker as the season progresses. It is one of the most exciting salmon fisheries in Oregon.