The Willamette River

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For most of April – May we will be fishing in the Willamette River and Multnomah Channel for Spring Chinook Salmon commonly known as “Springers”.   The Willamette River is the largest river located entirely in Oregon. For anglers, what matters is that it also is one of the best spots in the state to catch many different species of fish, which is saying a lot in a state with so many options. The Multnomah Channel channel splits from the main river in Portland and eventually joins the Columbia River near St. Helens, forming Sauvie Island. The lower Willamette is on our list of best fishing spots near Portland. Spring Chinook salmon are by far the major salmon fishery throughout the mainstem and in Multnomah Channel. The first springers arrive in late winter and the run peaks from late March into May, with April often producing the best numbers. The upper river is a little later as the run works upstream. Most of these are hatchery runs, but there are wild fish in the mix, so pay attention to fin markings. Chinook salmon must be fin-clipped to keep. We also have an abundance of sturgeon to play catch and release with so if the salmon don’t want to play nice, the sturgeon usually are up for a good game of Tug-O-war! 

Willamette River Walleye: This is an often overlooked fishery that can be a fun and productive day. Walleye are a great table fair and give even the salmon a run for their money in flavor.