Willamette River

The Willamette River, spanning 183 miles northward, passes through Corvallis, Albany, Salem, Oregon City, and Downtown Portland before joining the Columbia River. Its source is in the mountains to the south and southeast of Eugene, where it originates from three distinct forks at the southern tip of the Willamette Valley.

Formed by the confluence of its Middle and Coast forks near Springfield, the main stem meanders generally north for 187 miles to the Columbia. The river’s two most significant course deviations occur at Newberg, where it turns sharply east, and about 18 miles downriver from Newberg, where it turns north again.

Near its mouth north of downtown Portland, the river splits into two channels that flow around Sauvie Island.The main channel enters the Columbia about 101 miles from the larger stream’s mouth on the Pacific Ocean, and the smaller Multnomah Channel, a tributary, enters the Columbia about 14.5 miles further downstream near St. Helens in Columbia County.

Arising at 438 feet above sea level, the main stem loses 428 feet in elevation between source and mouth, or about 2.3 feet per mile. The gradient is slightly steeper from the source to Albany than from Albany to Oregon City. At Willamette Falls, between West Linn and Oregon City, the river plunges about 40 feet. For the rest of its course, the river is extremely low-gradient and is influenced by Pacific Ocean tidal effects from the Columbia. The main stem of the Willamette River varies in width from about 330 to 660 feet.

What kind of fish are in the Willamette River?

I’ve spent my entire life fishing in the Willamette River, which I consider one of the finest fishing destinations globally. The river teems with a variety of fish, such as salmon, sturgeon, steelhead, walleye, panfish, crappie, bass, and perch. For a fishing adventure that promises both scenic beauty and an abundant catch, the Willamette River is an excellent choice for your next outing.

As a fishing guide, I’ve learned that you can’t beat the Willamette for panfish like bass and crappie. They’re more active, and easier to catch, when the river’s warmer. I’ve always had my best luck in the spring and summer, when the river’s at its warmest. If you want to fish for panfish, the Willamette is the place to go.

Willamette River spring salmon fishing guide

Each spring, I guide my clients on the Willamette River for salmon fishing. Time and again, I marvel at the delectable taste and robust texture of the spring Chinook salmon, which accounts for its popularity among anglers. It’s no wonder that it’s among the most coveted catches in the river. This season is always the highlight of my year.

Generally, people and fishing guides like me will start fishing the Willamette River for salmon in late March. We will continue this fishery all the way through the early part of July. Salmon fishing on the Willamette River is limited to only hatchery salmon may be harvested. When fishing the Willamette River, I like to keep an eye on the turbidity. When the turbidity is down six or seven, it is great fishing. However, it is still fishable at 10 and 12. One of the most popular fisheries on the river is spring Chinook salmon fishing, where the most popular months are April and May.

Sturgeon fishing guide Willamette River.

The Willamette River offers excellent sturgeon fishing opportunities, though it’s important to note that it’s predominantly catch-and-release. Sturgeons are bottom feeders and unlike salmon, their activity is not affected by water turbidity. Therefore, if you’re interested in sturgeon fishing, the Willamette River is an ideal destination throughout the year.

Panfish, like perch bass, are year-round, However, in the spring and summer, when the river is warmer, they offer better opportunities.

Make sure you check with Oregon Department and Fish and Wildlife’s website to see the current regulations before you go fishing.

Marvin’s guide service would be happy to hook you up for salmon, sturgeon or walleye on the Willamette River Give me a call or simply fill out this form, and I’m happy to call you.