Clackamas River Fishing Guide

Why Pacific Drifter Guide Service is the Premier Choice for Your Clackamas River Fishing Charter

As a leading Clackamas River fishing guide, I am committed to providing you with an unparalleled experience. When you book with Pacific Drifter Guide Service, you can trust that my 30 years of fishing expertise will ensure a memorable and successful trip. I encourage you to check my Google reviews before booking to confirm the credibility of my guide service. You'll quickly see that my clients consistently receive exceptional value for their investment.

I believe in complete transparency, so I am always upfront about fishing conditions, run timing, and what you can expect from your trip. With the highest level of integrity, I will never book a trip if conditions or runs are unfavorable. The Clackamas River is only 30 minutes from my home, and my intimate knowledge of the river allows me to position your fishing presentation precisely where the fish are biting. I’ve spent years honing my skills as a Portland fishing guide, and I am excited to share my knowledge and expertise with you.

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What You Can Catch While Fishing the Clackamas River

Coho Salmon

Clackamas River coho fishing is exceptional from September through October, with the runs continuing into November. We will target coho salmon from a drift boat, fishing from Milo McIver State Park to the mouth of the Clackamas River in Gladstone, Oregon.

The coho run on the Clackamas River is spectacular, and it’s conveniently located near the Portland metro area. With its easy access and fantastic fishing opportunities, I highly recommend this fishery as a fall option.

When coho enter the river, they can be challenging to hook—often jumping and rolling in the water, signaling their presence but making it difficult to land them. However, with my expertise, I know the precise techniques and baits that will get their attention and convince them to bite.

Eagle Creek National Fish Hatchery releases 350,000 coho smolts into Eagle Creek, a tributary of the Clackamas River. With both hatchery and native coho thriving in the system, the river offers abundant fish, ensuring an exciting and memorable fishing experience for all.

Spring Chinook Salmon

Clackamas River salmon fishing offers exceptional opportunities during the spring and summer months. Spring Chinook salmon begin entering the system in April and continue through August. We will be fishing for these prized salmon from Estacada Lake to the mouth of the Clackamas River near Gladstone, Oregon.

Spring Chinook on the Clackamas are known for their robust size and aggressive fighting nature. These salmon typically weigh between 10 to 20 pounds, with the occasional trophy fish reaching up to 30 pounds.

While landing a 30-pounder may be a rare occurrence, anglers can expect to catch some impressive fish every year. Our primary technique for targeting these hardy fish will be bait fishing, using methods like bobber fishing or back trolling with divers. I come prepared with a variety of egg cures, ready to determine which flavor the fish are favoring that day. Rest assured, I'll have your gear dialed in and will position the bait perfectly to maximize your chances of success.

The Clackamas River Hatchery releases 1,050,000 spring Chinook smolts into the river each year. Along with the robust native run, this ensures a steady influx of salmon during the spring and summer months. With abundant opportunities to catch some of the best-eating fish available, I look forward to getting you on a springer this season!

Spring Chinook Salmon

Steelhead

Clackamas River steelhead fishing begins in January and extends into April for the winter run, with the peak season occurring in late February and March. Additionally, the river boasts a strong summer steelhead run, which starts in April and lasts through August.

We will be fishing for steelhead from a drift boat, covering the stretch from Milo McIver State Park to the mouth of the Clackamas River in Gladstone, Oregon.

For steelhead enthusiasts, winter steelhead fishing on the Clackamas should be a top priority. With pristine, green waters fed by the Cascade Mountains and a stunning backdrop of Mount Hood, the Clackamas are teeming with eager, biting steelheads. Following the winter run, the summer steelhead arrives, offering excellent fishing opportunities throughout the summer months. Catching a chrome-bright summer steelhead as it leaps and fights is an experience every angler should enjoy. As an avid steelhead angler for several decades, the Clackamas River holds a special place in my heart—it's where I learned to row a drift boat in my teens. I know this river intimately and can take you to the hidden spots where steelheads are most likely to strike.

The Clackamas River Hatchery contributes 150,000 summer steelhead smolts and 210,000 winter steelhead smolts each year, ensuring a healthy population for both runs. With a robust native steelhead population coupled with an excellent hatchery program, the Clackamas River is a prime destination for fishing, offering exceptional opportunities just outside the city.

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Picture Yourself on a Clackamas River Fishing Adventure With Pacific Drifter

See What Past Anglers Are Saying About Their Fishing Experience with Pacific Drifter on the Clackamas River

“I have fished with Jordan for a few years now; he’s my go-to guide. Always putting us on fish, not only on the nice calm days but in some of the roughest waters I’ve ever fished as well.. One hell of s fisherman in my book!”

– Colt P.

“I love to fish. Like a crazy obsession with fishing. And I was ready to hit the dock before Jordan was! If you’re looking for a guide who isn’t happy until you’re happy with your fishing experience…..this is your man! He’s ready to do the things that the other guides aren’t, and that’s why you want to be on his boat!”

– Mikel L. .

“Jordan is definitely the best fisherman I’ve ever fished with and always puts the guys on the fish! He will outwork any guy on the river to get you a fish. “

– Jeremy W.

“After many charter trips with different guides, I was lucky to run across Jordan!!! The guy consistently works his butt off every trip and is by far the fishiest, friendliest, and hardest-working guide in this area!! I will never take a trip with anyone else and encourage you to give him a try, you will see what I'm talking about!! Thank you for all the amazing trips Jordan!”

– Mark F..

“Great guide! Knows how to get fish in the boat and will grind all day long.”

– Daniel L.

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