Portland Oregon Fishing Guide — Salmon, Sturgeon & Walleye Trips on the Columbia & Willamette Rivers
Looking for a Portland, Oregon fishing guide who truly knows these rivers inside and out?
I’m Marvin Henkel, and I’ve been guiding anglers on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers as an Oregon fishing guide licensed since 2000, helping clients catch salmon, sturgeon, and walleye year after year.
Whether you’re visiting Portland or you’re a local angler looking for a productive day on the water, my guided fishing trips are designed to give you the best possible chance at success, with a relaxed and professional experience from start to finish.
📞 Call or text to book your Portland fishing trip today 503-314-5087
🌐 Serving Portland, Vancouver, Hood River & surrounding areas
2027 Season Update — November 2, 2026
Now booking 2027 Portland fishing trips. Spring Chinook typically starts in March on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers — see our 2027 Portland spring Chinook page for the spring outlook — with prime April dates going first every year. Summer and fall salmon follow, Buoy 10 fishing runs August through September, and winter brings walleye and select sturgeon. 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.
Why Hire a Local Portland Fishing Guide?
Fishing around Portland isn’t just about dropping a line — it’s about timing, river conditions, and knowing where the fish actually move.
As a full-time Portland fishing guide, I offer:
- Oregon fishing guide licensed since 2000
- Daily knowledge of river flows, tides, and fish behavior
- Proven techniques for salmon, sturgeon, and walleye
- A fully equipped 27-foot Alumaweld Intruder with top-tier electronics
- A safe, comfortable ride for up to six guests
I don’t just fish these rivers — I work them, season after season.
Portland Fishing Charters on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers
🎣 Salmon Fishing Charters
Portland is perfectly located for access to some of the best salmon fisheries in the Northwest. I guide for:
- Spring Chinook (Springers) on the Columbia & Willamette
- Summer Chinook and Coho
- Fall Chinook
- Buoy 10 salmon fishing trips
Spring through fall offers excellent opportunities, depending on the run timing and current conditions.
🐟 Sturgeon Fishing on the Columbia River
The Columbia River is world-famous for sturgeon — and Portland anglers are right in the middle of it.
My sturgeon trips focus on:
- Legal retention seasons (when open)
- Catch-and-release trophy sturgeon
- Family-friendly and beginner-friendly trips
- Proven anchoring and bait techniques
These trips are perfect for anglers who want big fish action close to Portland.
⚡ Walleye Fishing Trips
Walleye fishing has become extremely popular in recent years. I offer guided walleye trips on the Columbia River featuring:
- Winter and spring fisheries
- Jigging and trolling techniques
- Excellent table-fare opportunities
A great option for anglers looking to try something different than salmon fishing.
Columbia River vs. Willamette River Fishing
Columbia River
- Larger river
- Strong salmon and sturgeon fisheries
- Buoy 10 access
- Big water, big fish
Willamette River
- Excellent spring Chinook fishery
- Convenient access near Portland
- Great option during specific seasons
I choose the river based on current conditions and what gives you the best chance to catch fish.
What’s Included in Your Guided Fishing Trip
When you book with Marvin’s Guide Service, your trip includes:
- Fully guided fishing trip with instruction
- Rods, reels, bait, and tackle
- Fish cleaning (where legal)
- Covered and heated boat for comfort in any weather
- Safety equipment and top-end electronics
What you need to bring:
- Valid Oregon fishing license
- Required tags (I’ll tell you exactly what you need)
- Food, drinks, and weather-appropriate clothing
Best Time to Book a Portland Fishing Charter
Seasonal overview:
- March – May: Spring Chinook (Columbia & Willamette)
- June – July: Summer Chinook, early walleye
- August – September: Buoy 10 salmon fishing
- Fall: Fall Chinook, coho, sturgeon
- Winter: Walleye and select sturgeon opportunities
Not sure when to go? Just ask — I’ll give you an honest recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need fishing experience?
No. Beginners are welcome, and I’ll walk you through everything.
How many people can go?
Trips are available for individuals or groups, up to six guests.
Do you clean the fish?
Yes, when retention is legal.
Where do Portland fishing trips launch?
I use several boat ramps in the Portland area on the Columbia and Willamette rivers. The launch depends on what we’re fishing for, the time of year, and the weather and river conditions. I’ll confirm the boat ramp and meeting time with you before your trip so you know exactly where to go.
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.
Do you provide rods, reels, and bait?
Yes. Rods, reels, tackle, and bait are all provided, and your catch is cleaned when retention is legal.
What should I bring?
Your fishing license with Columbia River Basin endorsement, weather-appropriate clothing, food and drinks, and a cooler for transporting your catch.
Can kids come along?
Yes. Trips are family-friendly and beginner-friendly — no experience is needed, and I’ll walk you through everything.
Do you guide year-round?
Yes. Spring Chinook runs March through May, summer and fall salmon follow, Buoy 10 fishing runs August through September, and winter brings walleye and select sturgeon opportunities.
How do I book and hold a date?
Call or text 503-314-5087 or send a trip inquiry. A deposit holds your date, and prime dates go first every year.
Book Your Portland Oregon Fishing Guide Today
If you’re searching for a Portland fishing charter that combines experience, local knowledge, and a laid-back atmosphere, I’d love to take you fishing.
📞 Call or text now to check availability 503-314-5087
🌐 Visit FastActionFishing.com for current fishing reports and updates
Let’s put you on fish. 🎣
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