Winter fishing in Oregon does not mean the fishing season is over. When the fall salmon season begins winding down, Marvin’s Guide Service continues offering guided trips for winter steelhead, Dungeness crab, sturgeon, Columbia River walleye, rockfish, and lingcod.
Depending on the weather, river levels, ocean conditions, current regulations, and where the strongest fishing is, winter trips may take place near Portland, on the Sandy or Clackamas rivers, in the Columbia River Gorge, or near Astoria and the Oregon Coast.
I operate two different guide boats so I can use the right boat for the fishery. My large 27-foot Alumaweld Intruder has a covered and heated cabin for many Columbia River, Willamette River, Oregon Coast, crabbing, sturgeon, and walleye trips. My smaller 18-foot Alumaweld jet boat is used for steelhead fishing on rivers such as the Sandy and Clackamas.
Click here to request a winter fishing trip, or call or text Marvin at 503-314-5087.
What Can You Fish for in Oregon During Winter?
Oregon has several excellent winter fishing opportunities. The best choice depends on the month, weather, river conditions, ocean forecast, and the type of trip you want.
- Winter steelhead: Sandy River, Clackamas River, and other productive Oregon waters when conditions are favorable
- Dungeness crab: Lower Columbia River estuary and north Oregon Coast
- Sturgeon: Catch-and-release trips on the Willamette and Columbia rivers near Portland
- Walleye: Columbia River Gorge near Rufus, The Dalles, and John Day Dam when winter conditions line up
- Rockfish and lingcod: Oregon Coast bottom fishing when the ocean and bar are safe
If you are unsure which trip is best for your dates, contact me. I will give you an honest recommendation based on current fishing and conditions.
Oregon Winter Steelhead Fishing
Winter steelhead are among the hardest-fighting fish in Oregon. These ocean-going rainbow trout are known for powerful runs, hard headshakes, and acrobatic jumps.
I offer guided winter steelhead trips on the Sandy River near Portland, the Clackamas River, and other productive Oregon steelhead waters when conditions are right.
Steelhead fishing is heavily affected by rainfall, river height, water clarity, and temperature. A storm can raise and muddy a river quickly, while several dry days can leave the water low and clear. The best opportunity often comes as a river drops back into shape after high water.
For these trips, I use my 18-foot flat-bottom Alumaweld powered by a 115-horsepower Mercury jet outboard. This boat is designed for maneuverability and access to shallower river water where my larger boat cannot go.
Beginners are welcome. I provide the rods, reels, bait, tackle, and instruction. Learn more on my Oregon steelhead fishing guide page.
Winter Dungeness Crabbing Near Astoria
November and December can provide some of the best Dungeness crabbing of the year near Astoria, Hammond, and the lower Columbia River. As fall moves toward winter, the crab often continue filling out with more meat and can provide an excellent meal for the holidays.
I provide the crab pots, bait, measuring equipment, safety gear, and instruction. Clients can help set and pull the pots, sort the catch, measure the crab, and release any undersized or nonlegal crab.
Crabbing success can be affected by tides, current, freshwater runoff, weather, salinity, and recent river conditions. I watch those factors and choose the best realistic location for the day.
Limits of Dungeness crab caught during an Oregon winter crabbing trip.
Learn more about my guided Oregon Coast crabbing trips.
Winter Sturgeon Fishing Near Portland
Winter is also a good time to take advantage of Oregon’s catch-and-release sturgeon fishing. Most of my winter sturgeon trips take place on the Willamette River or Columbia River in the Portland area.
White sturgeon are powerful prehistoric fish that can make long runs and sometimes explode out of the water when hooked. Even smaller sturgeon fight hard, and larger fish can give anglers an unforgettable battle.
Portland-area winter sturgeon fishing is usually catch-and-release unless fishery managers announce a specific retention opportunity. I follow current Oregon and Washington regulations and choose the location based on river conditions and recent fishing.
Oregon sturgeon fishing with Marvin’s Guide Service.
Many winter sturgeon trips are run from my 27-foot covered and heated Alumaweld, giving clients a warm place to get out of the rain and cold between bites.
Learn more about my Columbia River and Willamette River sturgeon fishing trips.
Winter Walleye Fishing in the Columbia River Gorge
Walleye give anglers another winter fishing option on portions of the Columbia River Gorge. January and February can produce walleye near Rufus, The Dalles, John Day Dam, and other productive upriver areas when water and weather conditions line up.
Walleye are excellent eating fish and can provide steady action. Depending on depth, current, water temperature, and where the fish are holding, we may troll crankbaits or worm harnesses, jig near the bottom, or adjust our presentation until we locate active fish.
Winter weather in the Gorge can change quickly, especially the wind. I watch the forecast closely and will adjust the launch area, trip plan, or fishing date when safety requires it.
Learn more about my Columbia River walleye fishing guide trips.
Winter Rockfish and Lingcod Fishing on the Oregon Coast
Rockfish, often called sea bass, and lingcod can provide excellent Oregon Coast fishing during December, January, and February when the ocean is safe and the season is open.
Winter ocean trips always depend on the marine forecast, swell, wind, bar conditions, and safe access. There can be stretches when the ocean is too rough to fish, but calm winter weather windows can produce very good bottom fishing.
Depending on the conditions and departure port, trips may target rocky reefs, jetties, pinnacles, and other productive ocean structure. When conditions and the trip plan allow, we may also set Dungeness crab pots and combine bottom fishing with crabbing.
Learn more about my Oregon Coast rockfish and lingcod fishing trips.
Covered and Heated Winter Fishing Boat
Cold and wet weather is part of winter fishing in Oregon, but that does not mean you have to be uncomfortable all day.
My 27-foot Alumaweld Intruder has a covered and heated cabin and is used for many Columbia River, Willamette River, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Coast, sturgeon, walleye, bottom-fishing, and crabbing trips.
The boat also includes modern GPS, radar, fish-finding electronics, quality rods and reels, required safety equipment, and plenty of room for clients and fishing gear.
The smaller jet boat used for Sandy and Clackamas River steelhead trips is a different style of boat, so steelhead clients should be prepared for more exposure to winter weather.
What Should You Wear for Winter Fishing in Oregon?
Winter weather can change during the day. Dressing in layers is the best way to stay comfortable.
- Warm base layers
- Insulated jacket or fleece layer
- Waterproof rain jacket and rain pants
- Warm hat and gloves
- Waterproof boots or shoes with good traction
- Extra dry socks
- Food, snacks, and drinks
- The correct Oregon or Washington fishing or shellfish license
Bring a cooler and leave it in your vehicle for transporting fish or crab home. Please do not bring a large cooler aboard unless we discuss it before the trip.
What Is Included With a Winter Guided Fishing Trip?
- Professional guide service
- The appropriate guide boat and fuel
- Rods, reels, bait, and tackle for the planned fishery
- Crab pots and crabbing equipment when applicable
- Required boat safety equipment
- Hands-on instruction for beginners and experienced anglers
- Fish cleaning when available for the fishery and location
Fishing licenses, tags, endorsements, food, drinks, lodging, gratuity, and fish processing are not included unless specifically arranged.
Why Fish With Marvin’s Guide Service?
I’m Marvin Henkel, owner and operator of Marvin’s Guide Service and Fast Action Fishing. I have more than 27 years of professional guiding experience and a lifetime of experience fishing Oregon and the Columbia River.
- More than 27 years as a professional fishing guide
- Two guide boats for different types of water
- Covered and heated 27-foot boat for many winter big-water trips
- 18-foot jet boat for Sandy and Clackamas River steelhead
- Licensed, insured, Coast Guard licensed, and CPR/first-aid trained
- Rods, reels, bait, tackle, and safety equipment provided
- Beginner-friendly and family-friendly instruction
- Honest trip recommendations based on current conditions
Book an Oregon Winter Fishing Trip
Winter gives anglers a wide range of choices, from steelhead near Portland to sturgeon on the Willamette River, walleye in the Columbia River Gorge, and rockfish, lingcod, or Dungeness crab near the Oregon Coast.
Tell me your preferred dates, number of anglers, and the type of trip you are interested in. If conditions favor a different fishery, I will give you an honest recommendation.
Call or text Marvin: 503-314-5087
Email: fast2fish@msn.com
Send an Oregon winter fishing trip inquiry online
Oregon Winter Fishing FAQs
What fish can you catch in Oregon during winter?
Depending on conditions, winter opportunities may include steelhead, sturgeon, walleye, rockfish, lingcod, and Dungeness crab.
Where do your winter fishing trips take place?
Trips may take place near Portland, on the Sandy or Clackamas rivers, on the Willamette River, in the Columbia River Gorge, near Astoria and Hammond, or at another productive Oregon Coast location.
Do you offer winter steelhead fishing near Portland?
Yes. I offer guided steelhead fishing on the Sandy River, Clackamas River, and other productive waters when river conditions and fish movement are favorable.
Is your guide boat covered and heated?
My large 27-foot Alumaweld Intruder has a covered and heated cabin and is used for many winter sturgeon, walleye, crabbing, and big-water trips. Steelhead trips on the Sandy and Clackamas rivers use my smaller 18-foot jet boat, which is more exposed to the weather.
Can we combine fishing and crabbing?
Sometimes. When the fishing location, ocean or river conditions, regulations, and trip plan allow, we may be able to combine rockfish or another fishery with Dungeness crabbing. Ask when booking.
Do beginners need fishing experience?
No. Beginners and families are welcome. I provide the necessary fishing equipment and explain how to use it throughout the trip.
What happens if winter weather is unsafe?
Safety comes first. The launch location, target species, departure time, or trip date may need to change if wind, high water, ocean swell, bar conditions, ice, snow, or another weather issue creates an unsafe situation.
How do I book a winter fishing guide?
Call or text Marvin’s Guide Service at 503-314-5087 or complete the online trip inquiry form.
