Best Places for Fishing Charters Near Portland, Oregon

Oregon fishing charters are a fantastic way of getting some fishing done without the hassle of planning ahead. And if you’re fishing in Portland, Oregon, there are so many choices for fish and locations. Whether you’re interested in ocean fishing, lake fishing, or river fishing, there is a fishing charter for you.

But where you want to fish in Portland will largely depend on the kind of fish you’re planning to catch. Salmon, halibut, lingcod, and other fish all spend their time in different areas. That’s why it’s important that you know where to go and what you can catch while you are there.

If you’re interested in fishing in Portland, these are the best places to check out:

Willamette River Fishing

The Willamette River is the largest tributary of the Columbia River, contributing 12% to 15% of its water. The Willamette River goes through a number of cities, including Portland, Wilsonville, and Eugene. If you’re interested in river fishing but are not sure where to start, the Willamette River is a great choice. This is because it is a well-established place for fishing and there are so many marinas to choose from.

There is a great deal of species diversity among fish in this river. That means that you will be able to catch a large number of fish on the Willamette, both native and non-native species. It all depends on the season and the area you fish in. You will also be able to see a number of incredible local birds that are the pride of the Willamette River. Fishing charters are available to hire from a number of marinas on the river. Fishing charters are an excellent choice for beginners and visitors who want to have some fun fishing for a day.

Fish you can catch: Salmon, sturgeon, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, sucker, carp, sculpin

Columbia River Fishing

As the largest river in the Pacific Northwest, you know you can expect some epic fishing to happen on this river. Luckily, there are a number of ways you can access the Columbia River from Portland and other nearby areas.

For example, the Chinook Landing Marine Park offers a boat launch right into the Columbia River. It also has parking, restrooms, and rest areas that comes with its entrance fee. The Rooster Rock Slough also has a boat ramp and picnic areas, perfect for a day-trip. Fishing charters are accessible all over the Columbia River. The Columbia River fishing charter you decide to hire should depend on what kind of fish you’re looking to catch as well as the equipment you will need.

As you might expect from such a large river, there is an incredible amount of species diversity in those waters. There are several species of anadromous fish that you can catch as they migrate from the Pacific Ocean like the sockeye and coho salmon.

Fish you can catch: Chinook salmon, coho salmon, sockeye salmon, steelhead, white sturgeon, shad

Sandy River Fishing

The Sandy River is another tributary of the Columbia River where you can go fishing. It’s very near to Portland and is thus very accessible to both locals and visitors. The river system also splits into another few tributaries for smaller fishing.

Because of its relationship with the Columbia River, you will notice that there are very similar species of fish in their waters. Most popularly, you can fish for chinook and coho salmon here. Fishing on the Sandy River is often slower than on the bigger rivers. That makes it perfect for small groups and families who want the experience more than the game fish.

To fish on the Sandy River, you have a few choices. Oxbow Park has a picnic area and a wide bank for fishing, but you cannot fish on a boat here. For fishing charters, you might have better chances at the Lewis and Clark Park State.

Fish you can catch: Chinook salmon, coho salmon, rainbow trout, steelhead, cutthroat trout

Why You Should Hire a Fishing Charter

If you’ve never hired a fishing charter before, you may be wondering what its advantages are. Fishing charters are the best way to go fishing without worrying about all the elements that go into fishing. This is especially true if you’re fishing with a group or if you are a beginner.

With fishing charters, you do not have to worry about hiring a fishing boat to use. You also do not have to buy new gear, use your own equipment, or buy bait. All of that will come with the fishing boat you hire with a fishing charter. You will also get a fishing guide all to yourself to help you navigate the waters. That immediately takes the stress out of your trip.

Not sure where to start? Pastime Fishing Adventures is a professional and reliable fishing charter service. With more than 5 locations, we can provide fun and memorable fishing trips for groups all over Oregon.