Portland Oregon Fishing Guide FAQ

Common questions about Columbia River & Oregon Coast fishing charters

Yes, all guests ages 12 and older need a valid Oregon or Washington fishing license (depending on where we'll be fishing on the Columbia River). You can purchase licenses online at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) or Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) websites. You can also purchase them at most sporting goods stores in Portland, Astoria, and throughout Oregon. Let us know if you need help figuring out which license you need for your Columbia River or Oregon Coast fishing trip!

We provide all fishing gear, tackle, and bait for your Portland fishing trip. You should bring:

  • Valid Oregon or Washington fishing license
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (layers recommended for Oregon weather)
  • Rain gear (Pacific Northwest weather can be unpredictable!)
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Food, snacks, and drinks
  • Camera for photos of your salmon, steelhead, or sturgeon catch
  • Any medications you may need

Absolutely! We welcome anglers of all skill levels, from first-timers to experienced salmon and steelhead fishermen. Caleb will provide hands-on instruction and guidance throughout your Columbia River or Willamette River fishing trip. Many of our guests have never fished before, and they leave with new skills and great memories. We'll teach you everything you need to know to catch salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, or bass on your Portland fishing adventure.

Yes! We love introducing kids to fishing on the Columbia River and Willamette River. Our trips are family-friendly, and we have Coast Guard approved life jackets in all sizes, including for children. We recommend kids be at least 5 years old for the best Oregon fishing experience, but we're happy to discuss your specific situation. There's nothing quite like seeing a child catch their first salmon or bass near Portland!

Safety is our top priority on every Columbia River, Willamette River, and Oregon Coast fishing charter. If conditions are unsafe (high winds, severe storms, flooding, etc.), we will reschedule your Portland fishing trip at no additional cost or provide a full refund. Light rain typically doesn't affect our trips—this is the Pacific Northwest, after all! We'll contact you the day before your charter if weather looks questionable.

Depending on the season and fishing location around Portland, Astoria, Cascade Locks, and the Oregon Coast, we target:

  • Salmon: Chinook (King), Coho (Silver), Sockeye - primarily spring through fall on the Columbia River
  • Steelhead: Winter and summer runs on Columbia and coastal rivers
  • Sturgeon: Year-round on the Columbia River (catch and release during closed seasons)
  • Bass: Largemouth and Smallmouth on Willamette River and Columbia sloughs - spring through fall
  • Trout: Rainbow and other species on Oregon rivers and coastal streams

Contact us to find out what's biting right now near Portland, Tillamook, or Lincoln City!

Booking your Columbia River or Oregon Coast fishing charter is easy! You can:

A $50 per person deposit is required for booking and securing your date. We recommend booking at least 1-2 weeks in advance, especially during peak salmon season on the Columbia River.

We understand plans change. Our Portland fishing charter cancellation policy is as follows:

  • 14 days or more notice: Fully refundable
  • Less than 14 days but more than 48 hours: Deposit is non-refundable
  • 48 hour notice or less: Will be billed the balance due for the trip
  • Weather related cancellations: Will be rescheduled or fully refunded

Yes! You can keep any fish that are legal to keep according to current Oregon and Washington fishing regulations. We'll clean and fillet your salmon, steelhead, or sturgeon catch at no extra charge so you can take it home ready to cook. Some species (like sturgeon during certain seasons) are catch-and-release only, but we'll explain all the Columbia River regulations before we start fishing.

The meeting location depends on where we'll be fishing that day. Common launch points include boat ramps in Portland, Cascade Locks, Astoria, Tillamook, Lincoln City, and Nehalem on the Oregon Coast. We'll provide specific directions and meeting instructions when you book your guided fishing trip. Most locations have free parking available.

Still Have Questions About Portland Fishing?

We're happy to answer any questions about our Columbia River, Willamette River, and Oregon Coast fishing charters

📞 Call: 503-680-1429 ✉️ Email Us