Columbia River Fishing Guide

Why Choose Pacific Drifter Guide Service for Your Columbia Fishing Charter?

Pacific Drifter Guide Service offers expert Columbia River fishing charters, prioritizing safety, success, and unforgettable experiences. My top goal is to get you on as many fish as possible while ensuring a safe trip with high-quality equipment, including life vests and the latest EPIRB technology. I cater to all anglers, from beginners to seasoned pros, and I’m known for my passion and dedication. As an expert Portland fishing guide, I work tirelessly to provide a memorable fishing experience, often going beyond the typical 6-8 hour trip to maximize your chances. While I can’t guarantee catches, I can guarantee my hard work and commitment to your success. I only book trips when conditions are favorable and always keep you informed about the fishing outlook. My strong reputation and repeat clients reflect my dedication to providing the best fishing experience possible.

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What Columbia River Fishing Has To Offer

Spring Chinook Salmon

When it comes to Columbia River salmon fishing, spring Chinook should be at the top of your list. These are some of the Northwest's most sought-after fish. Spring Salmon are known for being the best table fare of all salmon species—especially the upper river spring Chinook.

Due to their hundred-mile travel back to their home waters, spring Chinook store extra fat on their bodies to make the long haul. This makes them the finest fish to eat. They are also loaded with oil and high in omega-3 fatty acids, making them easy on the palette and great for the body!

Two distinct strains of spring Chinook salmon enter the Columbia River system:

One is the Willamette strain, also known as “white bellies” or “snow bellies,” these fish are very distinct when fresh from the ocean. They have purple backs and snow-white bellies.
The second strain, called “Black Cheek” or “Black Mouth,” is known for its blackish mouth and cheeks and greyish bellies. They are broken up into two different subsets, one being mid-Columbia River spawning fish and upper Columbia River spawning fish that spawn as far up as Idaho and throughout the Snake River system.

Every year, Columbia River salmon fishing guides flock to the river from late March through June to target these salmon during their annual migration up the Columbia River. The peak of the run is from early April to late May, but great fishing is available through June.

We can target these fish from the mouth of the Columbia to the Portland area past Bonneville and beyond, which makes it very convenient to fish for these salmon without having to make a massive trip into the Pacific Northwest wilds.

Tactics change as these fish enter the Columbia system. In the lower river's early season, we will target them using flashers and herring. As the season progresses and the water warms, we will switch to pro trolls using shrimp and spinners. As well as some anchoring methods in high water. I know exactly what to use based on the run's location, timing, and conditions. Depending on the timing of the run, the weather can be cooler in March and April, with warmer weather in May through June.

This is one of my favorite times of the year. Don't miss out on the best-eating salmon we offer and an experience like no other chasing spring salmon on the Columbia River. I'm excited to get you out chasing the world-renowned spring salmon of the Columbia River.

Summer Salmon

Columbia River Summer salmon fishing is also known as “June Hogs.” This species of salmon has been known to be some of the biggest salmon we had in the Columbia System. No, we don't get the size of salmon we once had, but any given year, a few lucky anglers get the privilege to put their hands on a massive fish that could weigh up to 40-50lbs. This is a very unique fish that only the Columbia River system offers.

As their nickname implies, this is a June fish. They start entering the system in late May and continue through July. The Columbia season varies every year. The fish and wildlife departments from Oregon and Washington get together to set the dates for each season. On average, we are given two weeks to fish for these beauties, so June 15 onwards is prime fishing time if you are seeking to reel in a June Hog. However, this is subject to change yearly, and the season is based on the projected fish run size.

The tactics for these fish differ from spring Chinook, as anchor fishing is one of the most popular ways to target these summer salmon. The weather is warm, and these summer salmon will take your breath away by their sheer beauty and power. The summer salmon pound for pound is the most exciting fighting salmon of all the salmon species (spring, summer, and fall). I've had some of my most memorable experiences fishing for these “June Hogs,” having them rip hundreds of feet of line off the reel as they blaze across the water into the middle of the Columbia. It is an experience you will never forget. If you can fish for these extraordinary species, I highly recommend doing so. I would be thrilled to show you what I know and how to fish for this magnificent salmon species.

Summer Salmon

Fall Salmon

Columbia River Fall Run Salmon is the pinnacle of salmon fishing in the northwest. Of course, we are talking about the world-famous fall salmon season in Astoria, Oregon, and Ilwaco, Washington. You can call this fishery the Super Bowl of salmon fishing. It's a very special time of the year when thousands upon thousands of hungry Chinook and coho salmon congregate in the estuary of the Columbia River. This mega mass of fish converges here in one location as they stage and prepare for their upriver travel to their spawning grounds scattered throughout the Columbia System. We're talking about more than eight different subsets of fish stock, all entering at the same time for this annual explosion and fish frenzy.

The season in Astoria, Oregon, starts at the beginning of August and goes through early September. The fish and wildlife management for Oregon and Washington set the date each year, and it does vary, but on average, we are given the month of August in the lower estuary to target this fish. From there, we will follow the run upriver near the Portland area for September and October and even further up past Bonneville Dam, fishing out Hood River, Oregon, and the Klickitat area on the Columbia River to continue to target these fall runs of salmon both Chinook and coho salmon.

This is a don't-miss fishery; it's the one I recommend to all my guests, and I make sure they get on my schedule before I fill up. If you haven't experienced Astoria, Oregon, and fishing out of the estuary of the Columbia River, I highly recommend you make this a priority. It's a memorable experience like no other fishery in the northwest. Without a doubt, I am one of the top guides down in Astoria, with the limits of fish being a common theme throughout the season. I can't wait to see you out there and experience the awe-inspiring environment of Astoria, Oregon, and the start of the fall run of salmon.

Steelhead

Steelhead fishing on the Columbia River is quite a rewarding experience. These acrobatic silver bullets are a sight to watch. Steelhead, in general, are known for their high-flying jumps, but summer steelheads are primarily known for the show they put on. Nothing compares to the feeling of using light tackle and hooking one of these chrome lighting bolts full of erratic moves and frantic jumps as they skip along the water, leaving you craving more. These fights will have your heart pumping and adrenaline going. Many will argue that summer steelhead is, pound-for-pound, the most rewarding and most exciting fish to catch.

You can target summer steelhead on the Columbia River from late May and June through July.

Summer steelhead is many people's favorite time of the year. Usually, the weather is excellent this time of year. Summer steelhead is an entertaining fish to target, and I know exactly what to use to get these fish to bite. Summer Steelhead is a great table fare as well. These fish come into the Columbia River angry and ready to bite, with many of these fish traveling hundreds of miles to reach their spawning grounds clear into Idaho.

There are two distinct runs and times of summer steelhead:

A run: The “A run” summer steelhead comes in first and earlier than the “B run” summer steelhead.
B run: The “B run” summer is later and travels farther. Many of these fish travel into the upper reaches of Idaho, and they are known to be bigger than the two runs, with some fish weighing as much as 20 lbs.

If you want to talk about exhilarating, connecting into a giant summer run steelhead is the ultimate experience. I hope to see you out in the sun chasing these extraordinary fish of the Columbia River Drainage.

Steelhead

You can target summer steelhead on the Columbia River from late May and June through July.

There are two distinct runs and times of summer steelhead:

A run: The “A run” summer steelhead comes in first and earlier than the “B run” summer steelhead.
B run: The “B run” summer is later and travels farther. Many of these fish travel into the upper reaches of Idaho, and they are known to be bigger than the two runs, with some fish weighing as much as 20 lbs.

Sturgeon

Sturgeon fishing in the Columbia River is a world-renowned fishery. People will come from around the world to pick a fight with these prehistoric dinosaurs — and they are quite literally dinosaurs (sturgeon have been around for over 200 million years!) If you're looking for an action-packed adventure, playing tug-a-war with one of these creatures is a surefire way to wipe you out for the day, leaving you out of breath with sore arms by the end of your trip.

At Pacific Drifter Guide Service, we target these Columbia River sturgeon year-round with catch-and-release opportunities. The great thing about this fishery is we don't have to travel far from the metropolitan area to get into some great action. The farthest we would have to travel is less than an hour's drive from the city.

Sturgeon of the Columbia are the hardest fighting fish we have in the river. Ranging from 24 inches to 20 plus feet (if you're lucky enough to get into an oversized one), a sturgeon fishing adventure on the Columbia River involves heavy-duty equipment, energy, and ample elbow grease. These fish are more spectacular if you can get one of them to jump. Most people are exhausted after fighting one or two fish, but if you feel up to the task, the feeling of catching one is enough to make you want to see as many as it would take for your arms to quite literally fall off.

So don’t forget to bring an ice pack when you book and have plenty stocked up for when your charter is over!

Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye Salmon fishing in the Columbia River is quite a treat, and we are privileged to fish for. There are three populations of Columbia River sockeye salmon, and the distinction between them is where they spawn. There are the Wenatchee, Okanagan, and Snake River basin sockeye.

Our Columbia River strain of sockeye is a bit smaller than their Alaskan counterparts. They range from 2-12 pounds, averaging 3-6 pounds. These fish are a blast to catch as they are fast as lightning bolts in the water. Where we are targeting them below the Bonneville dam, they are by far the freshest fish to catch compared to the upper river fishery, where they also target them. The fish we target come in with turquoise backs and chrome fresh fish from the ocean. Sockeye are well known for their vibrant red meat and are many people's favorite table fare. Many will argue they are the best tasting the Northwest has to offer.

We can target the Columbia River Sockeye in June when Oregon and Washington's fish and game departments permit it. As with all Columbia River fisheries, they are regulated, and the season is subject to change every year. If you're interested in targeting these tasty fish, contact me in late May to see what season is permitted for the year.

The best tactic for targeting sockeye salmon is anchoring using light tackle, which makes the fight much more entertaining. Sockeye are sometimes difficult to bite, and you usually need thousands of fish passing by to entice some bitters, but I have just the ticket and recipe for success in getting into these feisty fish. Let's catch some sockeye for dinner!

Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye Salmon fishing in the Columbia River is quite a treat, and we are privileged to fish there. There are three populations of Columbia River sockeye salmon, and the distinction between them is where they spawn. There are the Wenatchee, Okanagan, and Snake River basin sockeye.

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Imagine Your Ideal Columbia River Fishing Adventure

What Satisfied Clients Are Saying About Their Columbia River Fishing Experience With Pacific Drifter

“Jordan is amazing. He grinds until you get your limits! We went out, and he had to come back in to refuel the boat cuz he was determined to get our fish. I have never met a guy who is more dedicated & knowledgeable. I highly recommend Jordan to put you on fish!! He's a straight-up guy.”

– Steve A.

“Jordan’s passion for fishing is apparent in his salmon and steelhead fishing guide service. He is always one of the first out in the morning and last in to ensure his clients have the best chance to limit out. He is an extremely knowledgeable Portland-based fishing guide, and he is well-liked and connected in the guide community, so he knows where the fish are running. It is always an outstanding day on the river with Jordan. FISH ON!!”

– Douglas S.

“If you’re looking for an awesome Oregon fishing guide, call Jordan for available seats. I've been out with him several times and he never disappoints. Unlike other guides, he keeps going and going until everyone on the trip gets some action. He’s always my go-to when I can sneak out for a day on the water.”

– Mike R

“I have fished with Jordan as my Salmon fishing guide many times. This guy gets you on the fish! I used him as my steelhead fishing guide a couple of times, and he knows how to find them. Jordan goes over and beyond to take care of his clients. I've been with other Portland fishing guides, and I feel Jordan just tries harder. He is definitely The man to call if you're looking for an Oregon fishing guide! You will not be disappointed!”

– Shane

“I have salmon fished with Jordan several times! He's one of the best guides I've gone with, and I've never come home empty-handed! Out of the Oregon Fishing Guides, I would choose to go with him again. Very professional, very knowledgeable, and great at communication!”

– Tonya B.

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