If you’ve ever dreamed of catching a hard-fighting sturgeon or bringing home fresh Columbia River salmon for the grill, there’s no better place than the mighty Pacific Northwest. Specifically, Astoria, Portland, and the Columbia River Gorge offer some of the best fishing in the country—especially during peak salmon and sturgeon seasons.
Whether you’re booking a guided Columbia River fishing trip, or you’re a weekend angler looking for tips, this article dives into everything from hooking trophy fish to grilling that perfect fillet. Let’s explore what makes this fishery special—and delicious.
🐟 Salmon Fishing in the Columbia River Near Astoria & Portland
The Columbia River is famous for its Chinook (King) and Coho (Silver) salmon runs. Every year, tens of thousands of salmon migrate through the river, making stops in key hotspots like Astoria, Buoy 10, and areas upriver toward Portland and The Dalles.
Top Times to Fish:
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Astoria/Buoy 10: Mid-August through early September is prime for fall Chinook.
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Portland to Bonneville Dam: Spring Chinook typically peak in April and May.
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Coho: Run strong from late August into October.
Why It’s Epic:
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Big, powerful fish
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Scenic backdrops from the coast to the gorge
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Easy access to fish from either bank or a guided boat
🦖 Don’t Forget the Giants: Sturgeon Fishing on the Columbia
If you’ve never fought a sturgeon, imagine hooking a prehistoric river monster that can weigh hundreds of pounds. These fish are abundant near Astoria and Portland, and even though much of the fishing is catch-and-release, the experience is unforgettable.
Best Seasons:
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Keeper sturgeon seasons open intermittently depending on regulations.
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Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is available nearly year-round in many zones.
Pro Tip: A guided sturgeon trip out of Astoria or Portland can give you access to deep channels and big fish that bank anglers rarely reach.
🔥 Cooking Columbia River Salmon: Easy & Delicious
You’ve caught your salmon—now what?
Here’s one of our go-to recipes that works great with Chinook or Coho salmon straight from the Columbia:
🧄 Cedar-Plank Garlic Butter Salmon
Ingredients:
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1 Columbia River salmon fillet (skin-on)
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1 cedar plank (soaked in water for 1+ hour)
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
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Salt, pepper, lemon slices
Instructions:
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Preheat your grill to medium-high.
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Melt the butter in a small pan, then stir in garlic and parsley.
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Place the salmon skin-side down on the cedar plank.
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Brush the fillet generously with garlic butter.
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Lay lemon slices across the top.
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Grill with the lid closed for about 15–20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily.
Serve with: Roasted red potatoes, grilled veggies, or just eat it straight off the plank with your fingers. We won’t judge.
🎣 Ready to Fish the Columbia?
At Double M Outdoors, we offer guided salmon and sturgeon fishing trips departing from Astoria, Portland, and everywhere in between. Whether you want to chase spring Chinook or wrangle monster sturgeon, we’ve got the gear, the boat, and the local know-how to get you on fish.
Book your adventure today—and don’t forget to bring a cooler. You’re gonna need it.
Columbia River Chinook
