The 3 Best Fishing Spots Near Portland, Oregon

The PNW is an outdoor adventurer’s playground, and that holds true for anglers in the region. If you live in or are visiting the Portland area and want to cast your line, we can help. Below, we review three of the best fishing spots near Portland, Oregon. All are a relatively short drive from the city!

Willamette River

You can’t talk about fishing in Portland without mentioning the Willamette River. It flows right through the heart of the city, and it’s a hot spot for all types of water activities, including year-round opportunities for catching salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon. Spring and fall are prime times for Chinook salmon runs. 

You can fish from the bank at spots like Sellwood Riverfront Park or Cathedral Park, or you can launch a boat for better access to deeper channels. Just watch out for the ferries, charters, jet skis, and cruises!

Henry Hagg Lake

Less than an hour west of Portland, Henry Hagg Lake is a fantastic destination for trout and bass fishing. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife keeps the lake stocked with rainbow trout, so it’s a reliable spot for a good catch. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are also plentiful, especially around the warmer months. 

The lake has plenty of shoreline access, fishing docks, and boat ramps. Plus, with over 15 miles of shoreline, there’s always a quiet spot to find. 

Columbia River

The mighty Columbia River offers some of the most diverse fishing in the area. It runs the border between Oregon and Washington and is home to massive runs of salmon and steelhead. The fall salmon run is particularly legendary, with anglers lining the banks to get a piece of the action. Besides salmon, you can also find walleye, bass, and sturgeon. 

Popular access points near Portland include Kelley Point Park and Chinook Landing Marine Park. You might even want to try an overnight fishing trip here, as campgrounds abound along the shorelines in both Oregon and Washington. Campsites are particularly beautiful in the Gorge area, one popular option being Eagle Creek. Staying overnight is the perfect way to soak in all the beautiful scenery and enjoy a peaceful escape from city life.

Whether you live near Portland, Oregon, or are just visiting, consider hitting up these best fishing spots if you want to experience top-notch angling.