Looking for a salmon fishing guide in Portland, Oregon? Look no further. With a lifetime of salmon fishing experience and over 25 years as a professional guide, I’ve mastered the prime locations, effective techniques, and optimal fishing times. I’m well-acquainted with the top spots along the Columbia, Willamette, and Oregon Coast rivers. Convenient for travelers, my guided excursions are a short drive from Seattle or Southern Oregon, with some trips beginning a mere 10 minutes from Portland International Airport (PDX).
My 27-foot Alumaweld Intruder is covered and heated and will get you to the salmon safely and in comfort. Read more about your salmon fishing guide boat here. Here are a few of Marvin’s Guide Service customers’ favorite salmon fishing adventures:
Spring Salmon fishing in Portland, Oregon
Portland Oregon Salmon fishing guide Marvin standing next to a happy client holding a chinook salmon caught on the Columbia River near Portland, Oregon.
The Spring Chinook salmon begin their journey up the Columbia River in the Portland, Oregon area at the end of winter, continuing through spring. From mid-February to March, as the spring king salmon runs grow stronger, my Marvin’s Guide Service boat is out on the water. We pursue these vibrant and highly sought-after spring salmon in the stretch of the Columbia River between Portland and Vancouver. These fish typically range from 10 to 25 pounds. Even when the fishing seasons on the Columbia are unpredictable, it’s not an issue. The lower Willamette River, right in the center of Downtown Portland, boasts one of the world’s finest spring salmon runs, and I know exactly where to catch them.
Columbia River Fall Salmon Fishing
The Columbia River offers some of the highest-percentage catch rates for both types of salmon that return in the late summer and early fall – massive fall chinook salmon (a.k.a. kings) and abundant and feisty coho salmon (a.k.a. silvers). In a good year (and we’ve had some great ones lately), over a million salmon head up the Columbia River. I actually start this season out on the Pacific Ocean in July, when hordes of coho and the occasional chinook are fattening up before making their way into the river. These fish are hungry and aggressive and can’t resist the bait on your hook. In August, as the kings and silvers move into the famous Buoy 10 fishery at the mouth of the Columbia, I will have my customers right there with them. I know the best salmon spots as these fish move in and out with the tides.
This is a picture of a limit of salmon caught at Buoy 10 on the Columbia River. This is a great spot for catching salmon, and I would highly recommend fishing here.
While you’ll want to book early to get the top August dates for chinook salmon, many years, coho fishing can be done well after Labor Day. When the fishing finally cools in the estuary, I often move with the fish into the Portland area and up into the Columbia River Gorge, changing up freshwater tactics aimed primarily at the big kings, which are larger than spring fish and often weigh in the 20- to 30-pound range. Read More About Columbia River Salmon Fishing
Oregon Coast Salmon Fishing
While the Columbia River’s famous salmon runs are all you’ll need most years, I always have a backup plan. When fall fishing is great on the coast, I may also offer trips in October to Tillamook Bay, famous for having some of the Northwest’s largest chinook salmon. While a 25-pounder is pretty typical here as well, Tillamook Bay salmon occasionally tip the scales at 50 pounds. For a modest fee, I also drop off crab pots for my Tillamook Bay clients to go to work catching these tasty crustaceans while you fish for salmon, so coming home with delicious seafood is practically a given. We also offer full crabbing trips in November and December.
Book Your fishing guide
As a seasoned salmon fishing guide based in Portland, Oregon, I meticulously monitor the salmon runs and regulations of the Pacific Northwest. Rest assured that I will meticulously plan your fishing excursion to maximize your chances of catching a sizable salmon. Beyond selecting prime fishing locations, I provide top-notch equipment, including my boat, tackle, and bait. Don’t hesitate to contact me—I’m passionate about salmon fishing and eager to tailor the perfect guided trip for you.
Following a day of salmon fishing in Portland, Oregon, I enjoy dining at the numerous restaurants offering delectable cuisine. Some of my preferred spots are along the waterfront, allowing me to savor the views as I dine. Others are situated in the downtown district, where I can stroll and take in the city’s vibrant sights and sounds.
Here is a small list of restaurants I enjoy in and around Portland Oregon area.
If you are interested in booking a fishing guide in Portland, Oregon, you can find more information and make a reservation by clicking the link below.
