Baiting Your Curiosity: What Kind of Fish Are in the Willamette River?

Just as the sun begins to rise over the river, a sudden tug on the line breaks the morning silence. For many anglers, moments like this are what make fishing on the Willamette unforgettable. 

Flowing through the heart of Oregon, the Willamette River offers more than spectacular views; it provides some of the area’s most exciting fishing opportunities. 

Home to a wide range of fish species, the Willamette River supports year-round fishing opportunities. 

In this article, we will explore the most popular fish species in the river, provide information about fishing seasons, and explain why particular species appeal to anglers.

Table of Contents

• What To Know About the Willamette River Fishery
• The Willamette River Lineup: 5 Fish Species Every Angler Can Expect To Find
• FAQs About Fishing the Willamette River
• Plan Your Next Willamette River Fishing Adventure With Pacific Drifter Guide Service

What To Know About the Willamette River Fishery

The Willamette River is a year-round fishery home to diverse fish species, both native and introduced. The river begins in the confluence of the Middle and Coast forks near Eugene and Springfield, Oregon, and ends by emptying into the Columbia River near Portland. It is approximately 183 miles long. 

Fish species in the Willamette River include: 

• Spring Chinook 
• Steelhead 
• Sturgeon
• Smallmouth Bass
• And more 

The variety of fish species the river contains, and the fact that it is well stocked in tributary reservoirs and the mainstream, mean there are year-round fishing opportunities for all styles and skill levels. There are many boat and bank access points along the river in both urban locations and wild stretches.

Is the Willamette River Good for Fishing?

Absolutely! The Willamette River is an optimal fishing destination because it is a massive watershed with diverse fish species and year-round opportunities, all easily accessible from the shore or a boat. 

The Willamette River’s strategic location offers many benefits, including: 

• An easy spot for urban anglers, running through downtown Portland
• Connecting with the Columbia River as a migration path for fish
• Reservoirs stocked with hundreds of thousands of trout 
• A multitude of access points and popular fishing areas 
• Plentiful fish species for all seasons 

The water conditions and timing allow anglers to use many fishing techniques, including: 

• Trolling 
• Anchor fishing 
• Bank or boat fishing 
• Casting jigs 
• Drifting techniques 

Whether you are a visiting angler or a Portland native wishing to hit the best spots, Pacific Drifter Guide Service is a Portland fishing guide with over 30 years of experience navigating Oregon’s rivers to give clients an optimal Willamette River experience.

The Willamette River Lineup: 5 Fish Species Every Angler Can Expect To Find

The Willamette River is any angler’s dream. No matter the time of year, you can expect to have an ideal fishing experience there.

Here are the main types of fish you can expect to catch:

1: Salmon

Salmon are oily fish with pink flesh commonly found in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. They are born in fresh water, migrate to the ocean, and return to the river to spawn. 

Two main types of salmon can be found in the Willamette River: Chinook and coho. Chinook have black gums and mouths with spots on both of their tail lobes. Coho have white gums and black mouths with spots on their upper tail lobe. 

When you can catch salmon in the Willamette: 

• Spring Chinook: March–July, with the peak in April and May. 
• Coho: Late summer and early autumn, with the peak in September and October. 

Why anglers love salmon: 

• Incredible fighting power 
• Aggressive and sometimes violent 
• Adrenaline-filled experiences 
• Located near breathtaking scenery 
• High-quality meat 
• February through November, fishing opportunities 

For prime fishing opportunities during salmon season, book an excursion with Pacific Drifter Guide Service. 

2: Steelhead

Steelhead are a type of rainbow trout that hatch in freshwater, migrate to the sea, and return to freshwater to spawn multiple times during their life cycle. They are large, silver fish known for their fighting abilities. 

Steelhead are one of the top five recreational fish species and typically grow between 4 and 12lbs. 

When you can catch steelhead in the Willamette: 

• Summer Steelhead: May–October, with peak season mid-August–October
• Winter Steelhead: December–April 

Why anglers love steelhead: 

• Intense, but rewarding challenge
• Aerial flights after vicious strikes and screaming runs
• The adrenaline rush
• Their beauty 
• Multiple months of fishing with a great opportunity 

If you want to attempt every steelhead angler’s dream of catching an elusive 20 lb winter steelhead or take advantage of the abundant steelhead population on the Willamette in the summer, book a trip with Pacific Drifter Guide Service.

3: Sturgeon

Sturgeon are bottom dwellers that grow 3-20 feet in length. They have dark green to olive green backs and a yellowish or green-white belly, and they can live to be 100 years old. 

Sturgeon migrate between the Columbia and Willamette rivers, with hotspots in areas below the Willamette Falls. They are often found feeding in deep holes.

Sturgeon in this area are protected; therefore, sturgeon fishing is regulated with rules about retention, catch-and-release, and bait. 

When you can catch sturgeon in the Willamette: 

• White Sturgeon:
  • Peak season is March through June 
  • Open to catch-and-release all year
  • Specific seasons for retention are announced in early summer 
  • Spawning sanctuary between May 1 and August 31st 
• Green Sturgeon:
  • Federally protected and cannot be targeted for retention or catch-and-release

Why anglers love sturgeon: 

• The thrill of catching a fish that can weigh over 100 lbs
• Catch-and-release makes fishing for them sustainable 
• Wait-and-watch style fishing can be relaxing 
• Year-round opportunities
• High success rates 
• The adrenaline rush from their unique fighting style (jumping, leaping, and long battles) 

Because they are regulated with strict rules for catch and release opportunities and fishing windows, lining up an expert, like Pacific Drifter Guide Service, can ensure that you adhere to guidelines while having a successful, enjoyable fishing experience.

#5: Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are a popular freshwater game fish. They are bronze-olive in color with black bars and prefer to live in cool, clear lakes or flowing rivers. 

Smallmouth bass reach 12–15 inches long and can weigh 1-2 pounds. They spawn in the spring and aggressively guard their eggs. 

When you can catch smallmouth bass in the Willamette:  

• Late April–October 
• Peak season is in the summer months 

Why anglers love smallmouth bass: 

• Fight harder than smaller fish 
• Frequently jump out of the water when hooked 
• Aggressive hunters
• Strike a variety of baits 
• Feed with intense speed and crash into baits with force 
• Live in clean, scenic environments 

FAQs About Fishing the Willamette River

Is There Salmon in the Willamette River?

Yes, several salmon species reside in the Willamette; however, Chinook and coho are the most popular. Both are found in the river during late summer and early fall, while spring Chinook can be present from March to July.  

Thousands of salmon return to the river annually, and it is stocked with hatchery fish. The most popular salmon fishing areas on the Willamette are the Multnomah Channel, Portland Harbor area, and Oregon City area.

Do You Need a Fishing License or Tags To Fish in the Willamette River?

Yes, everyone is required to have a recreational fishing license and tags.

If you are unsure about licensing or tag requirements, always consult the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website for information about permit and licensing. 

Where Are the Best Fishing Spots on the Willamette River?

There are many places along the upper, middle, and lower river that are popular fishing spots. The lower river near Oregon City and Portland is an ideal area for spring Chinook and sturgeon. The Portland Metro area is known for sturgeon and salmon. The upper river is great for smallmouth bass, but also abundant throughout much of the river.

Plan Your Next Willamette River Fishing Adventure With Pacific Drifter Guide Service

If you are in search of the optimal fishing location, local expertise, knowledge of what type of fish are in the Willamette River, or tips and tricks to make your fishing experience the best, Pacific Drifter Guide Service offers all of these and more. 

With decades of experience, Pacific Drifter Guide Service is a top-rated Portland fishing guide. With up-to-date knowledge on current regulations and fishing season windows, hours of behind-the-scenes preparation, and an exceptional reputation, proprietor Jordan Rose will set you up for success, adventure, and fun. 

Reach out today to book a charter!