Willamette River Fishing Guide

What Makes Pacific Drifter Guide Service the Best Choice for Your Willamette River Fishing Charter?

When taking a guided fishing trip with Pacific Drifter Guide Service, a top-rated Portland fishing guide, you can rest assured you will be with a top Willamette River fishing guide. The saying “Preparation is the separation” couldn't be truer regarding a fishing guide on the Willamette River. All the hours behind the scenes in preparation for a guided trip pay dividends when on the water. From having various baits and scents to hours tying up leaders for the season, you can be sure the boat and gear will be ready for a full day of fishing adventures. I've built my reputation on working harder than most fishing guides, including bait and gear preparation, and fishing harder and sometimes longer than the average guide. I take my job seriously, safety is first and foremost. Also, I guarantee I will do everything possible to make the trip a successful and enjoyable experience for the crew. I'm very passionate about my job and would be thrilled to have you on the water with me for a day full of fun and an experience that will last a lifetime.

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What You Can Expect To Catch on the Willamette River

Spring Chinook Salmon

Spring Chinook fishing in the Willamette River is a great way to spend some time outdoors. Willamette River salmon fishing guides will start to target these salmon in early March. This makes the Willamette River so unique, as you can catch spring salmon in February and early March. Willamette River spring salmon arrive earlier than most other rivers in the northwest.

Willamette River spring Chinook should be at the top of your list for convenience and action. These are some of the Northwest's most highly prized salmon. Spring Salmon are known for being some of the best-eating fish we have all year. They store extra fat on their body as they go to the spawning grounds. For this reason, they are considered the best quality fish as far as salmon goes in the northwest. They are full of oil and high in omega-3s, making them the best-eating and healthiest salmon of the year.

They start to enter the system as early as January and February, but the fishing doesn't really get good until April and May when the peak of the run is. But what's great about the Willamette River spring salmon run is they also have a late strain of salmon that runs clear into late July. So basically, from late March through late July, there is an opportunity to catch a spring salmon in the Willamette River.

Depending on which section I feel gives my guests the best opportunities; we will target these spring salmon in the Willamette in different river sections. All locations are within a 45-minute drive of downtown Portland. But in general, we will start the early season trolling herring in the lower Willamette near Scappoose, Oregon, or Sauvie Island, Oregon. As the season progresses and the weather and water conditions change, I may choose to fish near Oregon City, Oregon. Near the Oregon City Falls, which is a spectacular sight to see, and Meldrum Bar. We will target these fish with several methods, including diver and bait or pro troll flashers and shrimp with a spinner blade. Also, mid to late July, the head of the Chanel or the mouth of the Willamette will be our best bet for catching the later-season spring salmon.

Whatever the location or timing of the season, you can bet I will be dialed in and ready to be the most effective on the water at any given part of the run. This is one of the closest fisheries to me, so I spend a lot of time on the Willamette River and know it well. I hope to get you guys on the river fishing out of my backyard.

river fishing in willamette river oregon

Steelhead

Steelhead fishing on the Willamette River is an awesome opportunity for enthusiasts. The summer run coincides with the spring salmon run, so many steelhead are caught alongside spring salmon. Catching a summer-run steelhead is quite the experience. Summer steelhead are well sought after for their fight. Many will argue that pound for pound, they are the hardest-fighting and most exciting fish to catch.

Nothing compares to a fresh summer steelhead jumping out of the water, trying to spit your hook. Willamette River summer steelhead is a must-catch for any steelhead connoisseur between the wild jumps and chrome fresh fish. The fights alone will leave you breathless and your adrenaline pumping to the max. We will target these fish alongside spring salmon from April through July. We will be fishing near the Oregon City area in the Willamette River.

Steelhead

Sturgeon

Sturgeon fishing on the Willamette River is, without a doubt, a main attraction to the Willamette. People will come from around the county to catch sturgeon. Sturgeon have been in existence for over 200 million years. If wrestling with a giant fish is your idea of a fun time, then look no further than booking a Willamette River sturgeon trip. Fighting these massive creatures is a game of power and strength. The fights are so powerful, reeling them to the surface just to have them run back out a hundred feet, leaving you exhausted after a few fish. They are such incredible fish for their size and power, and it's something every person who has a passion for fishing should partake in at least once in their lifetime.

Sturgeon of the Willamette River are the best fighting fish we have in the northwest. We have to use specialty rods with oversized reels to tangle with a full-size sturgeon.

Sturgeon size ranges from 24” to 20’ or more. And sometimes you can get a sturgeon to jump, which is quite the sight of a massive fish exploding out of the water. Most folks are wiped out after fighting a sturgeon, sometimes two. But if you’re feeling fit and strong, we can often catch them until you are blue in the face from exhaustion.

You should add an extra day for rest during your trip, as you will be tired after one of these guided adventures.

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Envision Your Willamette River Fishing Experience

What Previous Guests Are Saying About Fishing the Willamette River with Pacific Drifter

“Jordan is a great guide and person. Authentic, caring, and enthusiastic. He knows the river very well and is a patient teacher. I appreciate his expertise and the way he treats clients with respect. Never had a guide with more passion about seeing other people catch fish and be successful. I would recommend him to anyone who wants to learn about steelhead fishing and become a better angler! Truly an unforgettable experience for a Midwesterner like myself.”

– Jacob G.

“This Portland Fishing Guide Jordan is a stud! He is very thorough and means business! He is patient with beginners and most of all can hold a conversation with his clients, a very important part of being a Salmon Fishing Guide making your guests feel welcome! If you’re ever looking for an Oregon Fishing Guide, I highly recommend you check out Pacific Drifter Guide Service.”

– Ryan H.

“Jordan is the best guide out there!!! We had a great time and limited out quickly. His fishing skills are next level and we will definitely be back!!! Always keep it positive and fun!! Highly recommend it!! 5-star guide!”

– Gouhar K. W

“ Jordan is one of the best guides he gets you on the fish. I took my son and daughter on a trip with him, and we had one of the best days on the river. Jordan makes sure you’re taken care of and makes the day about you; he has integrity and patience. Book a trip with him and have the best day ever. My son caught his biggest steelhead ever. Thanks, Jordan, we will be down again for another trip.”

– Chris A.

“I've used Pacific Drifter Guide Services Multiple times for guided salmon and steelhead trips. He is a highly skilled guide who puts you on the fish whether you are fishing the mouth at bouy 10 or at Meldrum bar he will put you on the fish coho, kings, and steelhead and get hooks in their mouths it up to you to land them I've also recommended him to most of my colleagues who think Jordan is a great Guide as well.”

– Doughboy M. D.

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