Portland Area Spring Salmon Fishing
Shared Trip
River Fishing
Private slip access to Columbia River spring salmon fishingTarget multiple fishing spots from Lewis River to Bonneville DamOnsite restaurant and restroom facilities at Harbor1 Marina
Looking for a primo salmon fishing spot without dealing with crowds? This top-rated Columbia River trip puts you right in the action from Harbor1 Marina. You'll have the whole boat to yourself while targeting some of the Pacific Northwest's most sought-after salmon runs. The Columbia's spring chinook and coho action is legendary around Portland, and this private slip setup gets you to the hot spots faster than most guides can dream of.
Your day starts at Harbor1 Marina, where you'll launch straight into the Columbia River's main channel. This isn't some rinky-dink operation – you're fishing from a private slip that puts prime water within minutes of your departure. The beauty of this setup is the flexibility to chase fish wherever they're biting. Early morning might find us working the Lewis River confluence where salmon stack up before their spawning run. If the action's slow there, we can cruise over to the Airport Area flats or push up toward the Sandy River mouth. On really good days, we'll make the run all the way to Bonneville Dam, where the fish funnel through before hitting the fish ladders. Between fishing spots, you've got Harbor1's Puerto Rican restaurant right at the end of the dock – perfect for grabbing a bite or cold drink when you need a break. Clean restrooms are available too, so you're not roughing it out here.
Columbia River salmon fishing is all about covering water and reading the conditions. We'll be trolling most of the day, running flashers and herring or pulling plugs depending on what the fish are telling us. The key spots like the Lewis River mouth and Sandy River confluence hold fish because that's where the current breaks and salmon pause during their upstream migration. You don't need to bring any gear – everything's provided, from the downriggers to the landing nets. We'll adjust our depth based on water temperature and fish location, typically running anywhere from 15 to 40 feet down. The Columbia's current can be tricky, especially around the dam structures, but that's where local knowledge pays off. Spring flows mean we're dealing with higher, faster water, which actually concentrates the salmon in predictable spots. When we mark fish on the sonar, we'll switch up our presentation until we dial in what they want that day.
Chinook salmon are the stars of this Columbia River show, and spring is when these fish are at their absolute peak. These aren't your average salmon – spring chinook are silver-bright ocean fish loaded with fight and flavor. Most of the fish we're targeting run between 15 and 30 pounds, with the occasional hog pushing 40 plus. They're fresh from the ocean, still carrying that incredible chrome shine and maximum oil content that makes them table fare legends. The run typically peaks from late March through May, with April being absolutely world-class most years. What makes chinook so exciting is their power – when a 25-pound spring salmon hits your line, it's game on. They'll make long runs, jump clear of the water, and test every knot you've got.
Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the Columbia River experience. These acrobatic fighters might be smaller than chinook, averaging 8 to 15 pounds, but they make up for size with pure athletic ability. Coho are jumpers – expect multiple aerial displays when you hook into one. They typically show up later in the spring and extend into early summer, offering consistent action when chinook numbers start to drop. Local anglers call them "silver salmon" for good reason – they're chrome-bright and aggressive. Coho are also more willing to hit a variety of presentations, making them a customer favorite for newer salmon anglers. The best part about Columbia River coho is their willingness to feed actively during the day, unlike some river systems where they shut down after sunrise.
This Columbia River salmon fishing trip offers everything serious anglers want – prime location, flexible fishing areas, and the chance at renowned Pacific Northwest salmon without the boat launch hassles. With capacity for just one guest, you're getting personalized attention and the ability to fish at your own pace. Whether you're after a trophy chinook for the wall or coho for the smoker, Harbor1 Marina puts you in position to succeed. The combination of private slip convenience, multiple fishing zones, and spring salmon timing makes this a best trip choice for anyone wanting to experience world-class Columbia River fishing. Don't wait – spring salmon season moves fast, and the best fishing days fill up quickly.
This 2025 26-foot Alumaweld Pacific is built for serious spring salmon fishing on the Columbia River. The boat comes fully rigged with a FishFighter setup, dual Garmin LiveScopes, and 3D sonar to track those chinook as they move through the current. Six comfortable seats give you and your group plenty of room to work the water, while Edge fishing rods and Folbe rod holders keep your gear secure when fish hit hard. The center captain's console puts all controls within easy reach, and the radar helps navigate when morning fog rolls in off the river. A fleer camera lets you see what's happening below, and the VHF radio keeps you connected to other anglers sharing bite reports. Launch straight from Harbor1 Marina into prime salmon water - you can easily reach hot spots from the Lewis River down to Bonneville Dam, including productive areas near the airport and Sandy River confluence. After a day chasing spring kings, grab food and drinks at the Puerto Rican restaurant right on the dock. Clean restrooms available at the marina make this a comfortable base for your Columbia River salmon adventure.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the prize of the Columbia River system - these giants average 15-20 pounds but can push 30+ in our waters. They cruise deeper sections near structure, especially around the Sandy River confluence and below Bonneville Dam. Spring runs from March through June offer the best action when fish are bright silver and full of fight. What makes kings special is their raw power combined with that rich, orange meat that's perfect for the grill. They're light-sensitive, so we focus on early morning and evening bites using weighted setups to get down where they hold. Pro tip: when trolling plugs through deeper holes, let your gear tick bottom occasionally - that's often when the big ones strike.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon bring the acrobatics to Columbia River fishing. These 8-12 pound fighters love to jump and can clear 6 feet of water when hooked. You'll find them in calmer pockets along current breaks, especially near debris and undercut banks from the Lewis River down to the Airport area. Late summer into fall is prime time when they're staging before their spawning run. Coho are popular because they fight hard, jump often, and their bright orange meat tastes fantastic. Unlike kings, they'll hit closer to the surface and aren't as spooky about light. My go-to trick is twitching bright jigs with long tails in holding water - that erratic action triggers aggressive strikes from these feisty fish.
Columbia River