Rufus, Oregon, is a cool little fishing town, about two hours east of Portland in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.
Rufus is a city in sparsely populated Sherman County, Oregon. The city’s population was 284 at the 2022 census.
Many people know Rufus because of the great walleye fishing that the Columbia River has to offer. Rufus sits near the river’s banks right below the John Day Dam, putting it in a prime spot for many types of fishing, including salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and, of course, walleye fishing.
This section of the Columbia River near Rufus also offers plenty of panfish, including bass, perch, crappie, and bluegill fishing.
With temperatures in the high 80s and low 90s in the summer, Rufus, Oregon, also offers great opportunities for water sports, such as jet skiing, swimming, kitesurfing, and wakeboarding. In the summertime, the Columbia River will usually run in the high 60s to low 70s.
But walleye fishing is often what brings me and my happy customers here to Rufus.
Many experts believe the next record walleye will come out of the Columbia River near Rufus. I will start my guided fishing trips here in Rufus in the springtime and go through early summer. Columbia River Walleye are some of the best fish tacos you will ever eat.
If you don’t have a boat and you still want to fish near Rufus, no problem. There is plenty of bank access. Take the Rufus exit from I-84, head towards John Day Dam, and look for the access road that runs along the river from the dam to just past Rufus. Some species, including walleye, can be difficult to catch from the shoreline, but bass and panfish catfish species are common in shallow water.
Be sure to check the regulations when fishing the Columbia River near Rufus, as salmon, sturgeon, and steelhead are very seasonal fish. As of now, walleye and panfish seasons are year-round, and sturgeon is a catch-and-release fishery year-round. Oftentimes, when the water reaches very high temperatures, they will even close, catch, and release sturgeon. So always check your regulations. You could always stop in the local tackle shop in Rufus and talk to them, or even call them about current regulations.
Just four miles east of Rufus is one of my favorite rivers. I grew up and fell in love with fishing the John Day River, which offers not just fishing but also camping and water sports. Check it out. You will be glad you did.
If you’re unsure what the season is, be sure to call me at Marvin’s Guide Service, and I will be happy to hook you up in or around Rufus for salmon, sturgeon, steelhead or walleye. Read more about walleye fishing here!
When visiting Rufus, Oregon, I would also suggest crossing the river over to Goldendale, Washington, and checking out the Maryhill Museum of Art.
The Dalles Oregon is a cool town in the Columbia River gorge. The Dalles is just a few miles west of Rufus, Oregon, and also offers amazing salmon, sturgeon, and walleye fishing.
Are you looking for a hotel near Rufus, Oregon? I’ve put together a small list, not necessarily in any order.
Hotels and Motels Rufus, Oregon
Tyee Motel 304 1st ST Rufus, OR 97050; phone: 541-739-2310.
Rufus Hillview Inn, 203 Wallace St., Rufus OR 97050, phone: 541-739-82221, website.
Dinty’s Motor Inn, 91581 Biggs Rufus Hwy., Rufus, OR 97065, phone: 541-739-2596, website.
Be sure to check out my Walleye, salmon, Sturgeon and bass page for more information.
father and son with Walley caught on the Columbia River.
Happy client with walleye caught fishing with Marvin’s Guide Service on the Columbia River near Rufus, Oregon.
Last Updated on by Marvin
