Half Day Fishing Trip - Portland
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing trips targeting salmon, steelhead, trout, sturgeonSmall group experience with maximum two guests per charterAll fishing equipment and gear provided by professional guide service
Looking for a top-rated fishing experience without burning your whole weekend? You've found it. Our half-day Portland fishing trips put you right in the heart of some of Oregon's best fishing waters, where you can tangle with everything from hard-fighting salmon to prehistoric sturgeon. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who just wants to get their line wet, this trip delivers the goods. We keep it simple - just you, a buddy, and four hours of solid fishing action on waters that consistently produce fish year after year.
This isn't your typical put-around-the-lake kind of fishing. We're talking real deal Pacific Northwest fishing where every cast has potential and every hookup gets your heart pumping. The Portland area gives us access to some seriously productive water, and depending on when you book, you might find yourself battling chrome-bright salmon fresh from the ocean or wrestling with a massive sturgeon that's been cruising these waters since before your grandparents were born. The half-day format works perfectly for folks who want quality time on the water without the full commitment of an all-day trip. You'll have enough time to dial in your technique, land some fish, and still make it home for dinner. Everything's provided - rods, reels, tackle, bait, and most importantly, the local knowledge that makes the difference between going fishing and actually catching fish.
We fish smart, not just hard. Depending on the season and what's biting, we'll be running everything from drift fishing setups to trolling gear. For salmon and steelhead, we're often working the current seams and deeper holes where these fish like to hold. When sturgeon's the target, we're anchoring up over known feeding areas and putting down some serious bait. The gear we use is built for the job - medium to heavy action rods that can handle the fight these fish bring, quality reels with smooth drags, and terminal tackle that won't let you down when it matters. We read the water, watch the electronics, and adjust our approach based on what the fish are telling us. Some days they want movement, other days they want bait sitting still. That's where experience pays off, and it's why our clients consistently hook up while others are still wondering where all the fish went.
White Sturgeon are the real monsters of these waters, and hooking into one is like connecting with a living submarine. These prehistoric beasts can live over 100 years and grow massive - we're talking fish that can stretch 8-10 feet and weigh hundreds of pounds. Peak season runs spring through fall, and they feed heavily on everything from anchovies to salmon eggs. What makes sturgeon fishing so addictive is the anticipation - you might sit for 20 minutes without a bite, then suddenly your rod doubles over and stays that way for the next 20 minutes. The fight is pure power, and even smaller sturgeon in the 4-5 foot range will test your arms and your patience.
Rainbow Trout might seem tame compared to sturgeon, but don't let that fool you. The rainbows in our area are scrappy fighters that jump, run, and generally do everything they can to throw your hook. Best fishing typically happens in cooler months, and these fish are opportunistic feeders that will hit everything from spinners to bait. What anglers love about rainbows is their unpredictability - they might be holding in shallow water one day and deep the next. When you hook a good one, expect multiple jumps and some serious line-peeling runs.
Coho Salmon, also called silvers, are pure dynamite on the end of a line. These fish are built for speed and acrobatics, and they use both when they feel the sting of a hook. Peak runs happen in fall, and cohos are aggressive biters that will smash lures, hit bait, and generally make life interesting for anyone with a rod in their hands. They're also excellent table fare, which makes them a customer favorite. A typical coho runs 6-12 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size.
Steelhead Trout are the holy grail for many Pacific Northwest anglers, and for good reason. These are ocean-run rainbows that have spent time in salt water, building muscle and attitude. They're strong, smart, and absolutely relentless when hooked. Winter runs peak from December through March, while summer runs show up May through October. Steelhead fishing requires patience and skill, but when you connect with a fresh fish, you'll understand why people become obsessed with these chrome rockets.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of the salmon world, and the biggest ones we encounter can push 40+ pounds. These fish are powerful, deep-bodied battlers that make long runs and use their weight advantage to stay deep. Spring and fall offer the best chances, and chinooks are notorious for subtle bites that can fool inexperienced anglers. When you set the hook on a big king, be ready for a fight that can last 15-20 minutes or more. They're also world-class eating, with rich, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill or smoker.
Here's the deal - this half-day trip gives you everything you need for a world-class fishing experience without eating up your entire day. You'll fish proven waters, use quality gear, and have an experienced guide putting you on fish. The two-person limit means personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to fishing or you just want to get out and bend a rod, this trip delivers. The Portland area fishing is renowned for good reason, and this is your chance to experience it firsthand. Don't wait around - the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak seasons when the salmon and steelhead are running strong.
Hit the waters around Portland aboard Caleb's Guide Services motorboat, perfectly rigged for your half-day fishing adventure. This well-equipped vessel comes loaded with GPS navigation and a quality fish finder to help you locate those prime fishing spots where salmon, steelhead, trout, and sturgeon are biting. Built to handle Oregon's diverse waters comfortably with space for 2 anglers, you'll have everything needed for a solid day on the water. The boat's setup lets you focus on what matters most - landing fish and enjoying Portland's fantastic fishing opportunities. All gear and equipment are provided, so just bring yourself and get ready to battle some of the Pacific Northwest's most sought-after species.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon - the kings of our waters - are the biggest salmon species, often reaching 15-30 pounds with some true giants over 40. These powerful fish prefer deeper water and tend to hug the bottom, especially during bright daylight hours. Fall runs from August through October offer the best action as they head upriver to spawn. What makes chinook special is their sheer size and bulldogging fight - they don't jump much but will make long, powerful runs that test your gear. The table quality is outstanding with rich, red meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking. Early morning and evening are your best bets when they move into shallower water to feed. Since they're light-sensitive and stay deep, use weighted lures or downriggers to get down to them. Heavy tackle is essential - these fish will humble light gear quickly.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon are pure excitement on the line - these silver rockets average 8-12 pounds and are famous for their acrobatic jumps that can reach 6 feet out of the water. We target them during their fall runs when they move into rivers from the ocean, typically September through November. They prefer deeper pools and slower water near cover like fallen trees or undercut banks. What makes coho so popular is their aggressive strikes and spectacular aerial displays once hooked. The meat is top-notch too - bright orange flesh that's perfect for the dinner table. They'll hit bright spoons, spinners, and flies, with pink and chartreuse being go-to colors. One tip that works well here is to vary your retrieve speed when using lures - coho often prefer an erratic, stop-and-go action that triggers their predatory instincts.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout in our local waters typically run 12-18 inches and put up a scrappy fight with some nice aerial shows. You'll find them in cooler, well-oxygenated water - think riffles, undercut banks, and deeper pools with good cover. They're most active during spring and fall when water temps are in that sweet 55-65 degree range. Early morning and evening fishing usually produces the best results. What guests love about rainbows is their willingness to hit flies and lures, plus they're beautiful fish with that classic pink stripe. They're also excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. The key trick I share is to look for feeding lanes where current brings food to them - cast upstream and let your offering drift naturally. These fish spook easily, so a quiet approach pays off every time.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are rainbow trout that went to the ocean and came back bigger, stronger, and meaner - typically 24+ inches and built like silver torpedoes. These sea-run fish return to our rivers from late fall through spring to spawn, with winter months being prime time. Look for them in deeper runs, tailouts, and holding water with moderate current. They're incredibly spooky and selective, which makes them one of our most challenging targets. The payoff is worth it though - steelhead are legendary fighters that make long, powerful runs and jumps. The meat is excellent, though many anglers practice catch and release. Fly fishing with spey rods is popular, but drift fishing works great too. My best advice: fish early morning or late evening, and be ready to cover water. Steelhead don't give up their location easily.
Acipenser TransmontanusWhite sturgeon are the giants of our rivers - these prehistoric fish can reach massive sizes, with some pushing 10+ feet and several hundred pounds. They hang out in deeper holes and current breaks along the Columbia, using their barbels to feel around muddy bottoms for food. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavily. What makes them special is that gentle bite - they'll mouth your bait for ages before committing, so patience is key. The fight is more bulldogging power than flashy jumps, but landing one is always memorable. These fish are great eating too. My tip: when you feel that first light tap, resist the urge to set the hook right away. Let them take it and start moving before you tighten up.
Portland, OR