Go guided to get the best fishing trip experience on the Columbia River and Mt. Hood's rivers and streams

Fishing trips offer wonderful ways to connect with the beautiful natural surroundings that abound in the Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge region—and that’s a benefit you get to enjoy before you even put your line in the water! Whether you’re a novice just learning the craft or a savvy veteran with years of experience, going with a guide is a surefire way to get the most out of your trip. Guides’ experience, how-to knowledge, and handy tips can make a challenging, sometimes frustrating endeavor more exciting, relaxing, and enjoyable.

Please note that many of these fisheries are seasonal, particularly on the Columbia River, and can have special rules in regulations in place. For all the information, including details on licenses, be sure to check out the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website.

Thankfully, there’s so many amazing guide options to choose from that are headquartered in the Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge region. For an adventure on the mighty Columbia River, join Ed Chin from All About Adventure Excursions. With more than 30 years of experience, All About Adventure Excursions’ guides are great choices to help you reel in salmon, sturgeon, or small-mouth bass from the lower Columbia River, to Bonneville and The Dalles’ Dams, and beyond. Fishing these stretches of the Columbia offers beautiful views of the rugged landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge, and the majestic waterfalls and rock formations. From this unique vantage point, you can appreciate the high rocky cliffs of Cape Horn, waterfalls like Multnomah Falls and Horsetail Falls, as well as Beacon Rock, Rooster Rock and Crown Point. Chin knows the history of the area as well as he knows the fishing, so you can trust that “fish tales” won’t be the only stories you’ll enjoy on your adventure.

Cascade Locks & Hood River

• Just up the Columbia River in Cascade Locks, Always Catchin Columbia River charter is a superb option if you’re looking for walleye, salmon, steelhead and sturgeon.
• In Hood River, be sure to check out Hood River Adventures for guided trips for smallmouth bass, sturgeon, as well as salmon and steelhead.
• Steelhead Outfitters is another great option for guided steelhead trips on the Deschutes, John Day, and Sandy Rivers.
• Bischof’s Fly Fishing Shop also has guide services available by calling 541-977-2796.
• Big Fish Guide Services offers full-day fishing trips on the Columbia for salmon and steelhead.

Chenoweth & The Dalles

• In Chenoweth, try Rivers Bend Outfitters by calling 541-296-5949.
• The Dalles is the headquarters for Bob Toman Guide Services, which can connect you with experienced guides for salmon and steelheading trips on the Clackamas and Deschutes Rivers.
• Fly By Nyte Fishing Guide Services can take you out on the Columbia River in search of walleye, sturgeon, and steelhead.
• Walleye Willies Guide Services covers the Columbia from Hood River to Umatilla fishing for walleye, steelhead, salmon, and bass.
• Outcatching and Captain Charles Whitt are another surefire bet to enjoy fishing for walleye and sturgeon.

Fly fishing on the rivers that flow off of Mt. Hood is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some of Oregon's best waters for steelhead, salmon, and trout fishing.

Sandy & Welches

• The fishing experiences are quite different away from the massive waters of the Columbia, but still offer plenty of opportunities for a day of thrills. In Sandy, check out Harris Anglers for guided trips looking for steelhead and trout on the Deschutes River, and steelhead on the Clackamas River.
• In Welches, the Fly Fishing Shop and owners Patty Barnes and Mark Bachmann are celebrating their 40th anniversary of being in business in 2021. The store offers guided trips on the Sandy and Deschutes Rivers.
• Also headquartered in Welches, Anderson’s Outdoors features guide services for salmon and steelhead, and have been providing professional guiding services on Oregon rivers since 1997.