Portland Fish Species

Master the Waters: Target Species of the Columbia, Willamette, and Pacific Coast

When you step aboard with JT’s NW Guide Service, you are targeting the most iconic game fish in the Pacific Northwest. Our Oregon guided fishing trips specialize in the "Big Three": massive White Sturgeon, chrome-bright Chinook Salmon, and high-action Dungeness Crab. Whether we are navigating the deep channels of the Columbia River, the productive drifts of the Willamette River, or the rolling swells of the Pacific Ocean, our goal is to put you on the fish. By matching our techniques to the seasonal migrations of these species, we ensure that every trip—whether it's a salmon fishing charter or a trophy sturgeon hunt—is timed for maximum success and heavy coolers.

2026 Seasonal Highlights & Best Times to Fish

Fishing in the Northwest is a year-round pursuit, but timing is everything if you want to land a "June Hog" or a limit of "Springers." For Salmon fishing Oregon, the Spring Chinook run (March–May) offers the most prized table fare, while the legendary "Buoy 10" season in August marks the peak of the Fall Salmon return. Sturgeon fishing Columbia River is a powerhouse year-round opportunity, though May through July is the prime window for "oversize" battles. For those seeking a coastal bounty, our Pacific Ocean crabbing trips peak from October to January. Now is the best time to book your 2026 dates, as peak salmon runs and sturgeon retention windows often fill up months in advance.

Trending Fishing Questions for the Columbia & Willamette Rivers

When is the best time to catch Salmon in the Columbia River?

The "best" time depends on the run you want to target. For the highest quality meat, the Spring Chinook (March–April) are unbeatable. If you want high-volume action and larger fish, the Fall Salmon run at Buoy 10 (August–September) is the premier event of the year. We recommend booking at least 3 months in advance for these peak windows.

What is the best bait for Sturgeon on the Willamette River?

Sturgeon are scent-driven hunters. In the Willamette River, we find that fresh smelt, squid, and sand shrimp are the most effective baits. During the summer, we often switch to shad chunks to mimic the natural forage moving through the system. Our trips include all fresh, high-quality bait to give you the best edge.

Is Sturgeon fishing catch and release only in Oregon?

Currently, much of the lower Columbia and Willamette River is catch and release, allowing for year-round action with these prehistoric giants. However, there are specific "retention windows" (keeper seasons) announced annually by ODFW. We stay on top of these real-time regulation changes to ensure your trip is both legal and successful.

What should I bring for a Pacific Ocean crabbing trip?

Our crabbing trips are all-inclusive, meaning we provide the pots, bait, and boat. You simply need to bring a valid Oregon shellfish license, warm layered clothing (the coast is chilly!), and a large cooler to transport your catch home. We handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on pulling up full pots.

How do I book a guided trip to target specific fish with JT's NW Guide Service?

Booking is simple! You can check our current availability by calling us directly or visiting our Rates Page. Because fish runs are seasonal, we recommend mentioning your target species (like "Spring Chinook" or "Oversize Sturgeon") when booking so we can suggest the optimal dates and river location for your adventure.