Fishing Spots

Fed by glacial melt from Mount Hood, the Sandy is one of the premier steelhead rivers in the Portland metro area. Clear water and accessible runs make it a favorite for fly anglers.

Portland's most accessible salmon river. The Clackamas sees strong fall Chinook runs and good winter steelhead fishing, with multiple public access points from Carver to McIver Park.

The river that runs through Portland's heart is a surprisingly productive bass fishery. Smallmouth stack up on rocky structure under bridges and along the east bank. Sturgeon fishing is exceptional below Willamette Falls.

A 1,100-acre reservoir in the Tualatin Valley foothills. Excellent largemouth bass fishing in the coves and along submerged timber. ODFW stocks rainbow trout in spring.

The Columbia is the big leagues of PNW fishing. The Buoy 10 fishery at the river's mouth is one of the most productive Chinook salmon fisheries in the world. Closer to Portland, the lower Columbia offers excellent sturgeon and walleye fishing.

The world's smallest navigable harbor is home to excellent charter fishing operations. Nearshore reefs hold abundant rockfish and lingcod. In late summer, albacore tuna run within 30-50 miles offshore.