The Columbia River offers some of the best fishing in the Pacific Northwest, with opportunities to catch salmon, sturgeon, walleye, steelhead, and shad throughout the year. From Portland, Oregon to Astoria and the famous Buoy 10 fishery, all the way through the Columbia River Gorge, this river system produces consistent action and trophy fish.
At Marvin’s Guide Service | Fast Action Fishing, we guide anglers across the entire Columbia River, targeting the right species at the right time to give you the best chance at success.
If you’re planning a trip, here’s what you can expect to catch on the Columbia River.
🐟 Chinook Salmon Fishing on the Columbia River
Chinook salmon (King salmon) are the most popular and prized fish on the Columbia River.
- Spring Chinook (March – May)
Prime fishing near Portland and the lower Columbia River - Summer Chinook (June – July)
Strong runs moving upriver toward the Columbia River Gorge - Fall Chinook (August – October)
Peak fishing in Astoria and the world-famous Buoy 10 fishery
Chinook are known for their size, power, and incredible table quality, making them one of the top targets for guided fishing trips.
👉 Book a Columbia River salmon fishing trip to experience this fishery at its peak. 503-314-5087
🐟 Coho Salmon Fishing (Silver Salmon)
Coho salmon offer fast-paced action and are perfect for anglers looking for steady bites.
- Best time: August through October
- Top locations: Astoria and Buoy 10
- Aggressive strikes and great eating
Coho fishing often pairs perfectly with fall Chinook trips, creating action-packed days on the water.
🐟 Sturgeon Fishing on the Columbia River
The Columbia River is home to giant white sturgeon, one of the largest freshwater fish in North America.
- Available year-round
- Best fishing near Portland and the Columbia River Gorge
- Catch-and-release trips targeting trophy fish over 6–10 feet
Sturgeon fishing is all about big fish and unforgettable fights.
👉 Book a Columbia River sturgeon fishing trip for a true bucket-list experience. 503-314-5087
🐟 Walleye Fishing in the Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge, including The Dalles and Rufus, is one of the top walleye fisheries in Oregon.
- Best time: March through June
- Consistent action and great eating fish
- Ideal for anglers looking to take home fillets
Walleye trips are some of the most productive trips we run each year.
👉 Explore Columbia River Gorge walleye fishing trips.
🐟 Steelhead Fishing
Steelhead are known for their hard fights and acrobatic runs.
- Seasonal opportunities throughout the Columbia River system
- Found in both the main river and nearby tributaries
- Great option for anglers who enjoy light tackle fishing
🐟 Shad Fishing (Non-Stop Action)
If you’re looking for fast-paced fishing, American shad provide incredible action.
- Peak season: May through June
- High numbers = constant bites
- Perfect for beginners, families, and kids
Shad fishing is one of the most fun and consistent fisheries on the Columbia River.
📅 Best Time to Fish the Columbia River
The Columbia River offers year-round fishing opportunities:
- Spring: Chinook salmon, sturgeon
- Summer: Walleye, shad, summer salmon runs
- Fall: Chinook & Coho salmon (Astoria & Buoy 10 peak season)
- Winter: Sturgeon fishing
No matter when you book, there’s always something to target.
📍 Columbia River Fishing Locations We Guide
We fish the most productive stretches of the Columbia River, including:
- Portland, Oregon – Spring Chinook and sturgeon
- Astoria, Oregon – Fall salmon fishing
- Buoy 10 – One of the best salmon fisheries on the West Coast
- Columbia River Gorge (The Dalles & Rufus) – Walleye and sturgeon
Each area fishes differently depending on the season, and we’ll put you where the action is best.
🎯 Book Your Columbia River Fishing Trip
If you’re looking for a Columbia River fishing guide in Portland, Astoria, or the Gorge, we’ve got you covered.
At Fast Action Fishing, we specialize in putting clients on fish and creating memorable days on the water.
📞 Call or text now to book your trip 503-314-5087
Peak seasons—especially Buoy 10 salmon fishing and spring Chinook—fill up fast.
🔗 Columbia River Fishing Trips
- Portland Oregon Fishing Guide
- Astoria Salmon Fishing (Buoy 10)
- Columbia River Gorge Walleye Fishing
- Columbia River Sturgeon Fishing
This is a picture of a sturgeon jumping out of the water in the Columbia River in Portland, Oregon.
