Every Boat Ramp on Columbia River (Oregon)

About Columbia River (Oregon)

The Columbia River forms the entire northern border of Oregon and stands as one of the greatest salmon rivers on Earth. Stretching 309 miles of shoreline across ten Oregon counties from the Pacific Ocean at Astoria to the high desert near Boardman, this massive waterway reaches depths of 200 feet and drains an area larger than France. The Columbia's legendary salmon runs have drawn anglers from around the world for generations, and its diverse fishery includes everything from trophy Sturgeon to hard-fighting Walleye.

Chinook Salmon fishing on the Columbia River is a Pacific Northwest tradition, with spring, summer, and fall runs providing year-round opportunities for anglers trolling herring and spinners in the main channel. Steelhead fishing heats up from late fall through winter, while Sturgeon attract catch-and-release enthusiasts targeting these prehistoric giants in the deeper pools below Bonneville Dam. Walleye and Smallmouth Bass have established thriving populations in the warmer waters east of the Cascades, and the annual Shad run each May brings fast-paced action near the dam faces.

Boat launches are abundant along the Oregon side of the Columbia, with major facilities in Portland, Hood River, The Dalles, and Astoria providing convenient access to different sections of the river. Whether you are chasing fall Chinook in the Buoy 10 fishery near the river's mouth, battling Steelhead in the Columbia Gorge, or casting for Smallmouth Bass in the John Day Pool, the Columbia River delivers an unmatched diversity of fishing experiences across the entire breadth of Oregon.

Nearest towns: Portland, Hood River, The Dalles, Astoria, Boardman