Fishing

Outfitters

Outfitters throughout Portland operate guide services. Few outfitters rent equipment, though, so bring your own or be prepared to buy.

Northwest Flyfishing Outfitters. For all things fly-fishing, including tackle, rentals, and guided outings, head here. Metro Portland destinations for the guided trips include the Clackamas and Sandy rivers, as well as some nearby waterways in southwestern Washington. 10910 N.E. Halsey St., Hazelwood, Northeast, Portland, Oregon, 97220. 503/252–1529; www.flyshopnw.com.

Regulations

Local sport shops are the best sources of information on current fishing hot spots, which change from year to year.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Detailed fishing regulations are available from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. You can purchase nonresident licenses online or in person. The ODFW offices nearest to Portland are on Sauvie Island and in Clackamas. 17330 S.E. Evelyn St., Clackamas, Oregon, 97015. 503/947–6000; 503/621–3488; www.dfw.state.or.us.

The Columbia and Willamette rivers are major sportfishing streams with opportunities for angling virtually year-round. Though you can still catch salmon here, runs have been greatly reduced in both rivers in recent years, and while cleaning efforts are ongoing, the Willamette River is still plagued by pollution. Nevertheless, the Willamette still offers prime fishing for bass, channel catfish, sturgeon, crappies, perch, panfish, and crayfish. It's also a good stream for winter steelhead. June is the top shad month, with some of the best fishing occurring below Willamette Falls at Oregon City. The Columbia River is known for its salmon, sturgeon, walleye, and smelt. The Sandy and Clackamas rivers, near Mt. Hood, are smaller waterways popular with local anglers.