Fishing charters near Portland, Oregon
Guided Columbia River & Ocean Fishing Charters from Portland, OR
Looking for a world-class fishing adventure without taking a long flight? Escape the Portland metro area for an easy, scenic 1.5 to 2-hour drive down US-26 West or US-30 West to where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean in Astoria.
At River Wanderer Outdoors, led by USCG-licensed Coast Guard Captain Jerad Sorber, we specialize in premier guided fishing trips on the Lower Columbia River and nearshore Pacific waters. Whether you are planning a weekend trip out of Portland, a corporate retreat, or a fun day on the water with your family, we provide all the gear, expertise, and safety needed for a memorable day on the water.
Ready to book your Portland getaway?
All gear, bait, tackle, and fish cleaning included!
Why Portland Anglers Head West to Astoria
While local Portland rivers offer seasonal fishing, heading west to the Columbia River Estuary and Astoria mouth puts you right where salmon enter the river system and ocean species thrive.
Ocean-fresh quality
Salmon hitting the river mouth at Astoria are chrome-bright, hard-fighting, and packed with fat reserves, delivering superior culinary quality compared to fish caught further upriver.
Higher density and variety
The mouth of the Columbia River concentrates millions of migrating Chinook and Coho salmon, massive monster White Sturgeon, aggressive ocean Lingcod, and abundant Dungeness Crab into one expansive saltwater and river system.
Easy day trip or weekend getaway
Leaving early from Portland gets you to our launch spots, such as the West Basin Marina in Astoria or the Hammond Boat Launch in Warrenton, with plenty of time before sunrise.
What Makes River Wanderer Outdoors Unique?
When driving out from Portland, you want full confidence that your day on the water will be safe, professional, and productive.
- Oregon State Marine Board licensed guide
- USCG Merchant Mariner credential
- Child-sized life vests on board
Fishing should be welcoming for everyone. Capt. Jerad caters to all skill levels, from seasoned anglers looking to land a personal best to children catching their very first fish.
As an Oregon State Marine Board licensed guide (License #OG.0003862) and USCG Merchant Mariner credential holder, Capt. Jerad maintains high safety standards. Our custom vessel, “The Good Ju Ju”, carries top-rated safety gear and child-sized life vests.
We fish with premium gear, including custom Talon Rods and Daiwa Lexa line counter reels rigged with high-quality Maxima line.
Our Seasonal Fishing Charters
We run target-specific trips throughout the year based on peak migrations and ocean conditions.
Columbia River & Ocean Salmon
From coveted Spring Chinook (“Springers”) to the world-famous late-summer Buoy 10 Salmon Charter and acrobatic Fall Coho, experience some of the finest salmon fishing in North America.
Salmon chartersTrophy Sturgeon
Target prehistoric giants that put up fights rivaling tarpon or marlin. Our catch-and-release Sturgeon Fishing Trips run in the shallow mud flats near the Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge and lower river estuary.
Sturgeon tripsBottom Fishing: Lingcod & Rockfish
Control your own drop and set the hook on toothy Lingcod and swarms of Rockfish along the sunken jetty and Tillamook Head Lighthouse. Check out our Bottom Fishing Charters for a hands-on action-packed ocean experience.
Bottom fishing chartersDungeness Crab Charters
Add fresh Dungeness crab to your trip or join us for dedicated fall crabbing! Our half-day Dungeness Crab Charters near the mouth of the Columbia yield sweet, heavy coastal crab perfect for a post-trip feast back in Portland. You don’t even have to worry about cooking them, Jerad takes care of that for you as part of the trip!
Crab chartersPlanning Your Trip from Portland, OR
Drive routes and directions
Departure locations
Depending on season and target species, trips launch out of:
- West Basin Marina (Astoria, OR)
- Hammond Boat Basin (Warrenton, OR)
- John Day County Park or Westport County Park
Getting your catch home to Portland
Capt. Jerad cleans, fillets, and bags your catch. He even provides ice for your drive back down US-26 or US-30. If you are flying back through Portland International Airport (PDX) or prefer professional processing, we partner with local processors in downtown Astoria who can vacuum seal, freeze, or ship your catch directly to your home.
Get Ready for Your Adventure
Book Your Portland-to-Astoria Fishing Charter Today
Dates fill quickly, especially during the summer ocean season and August Buoy 10 salmon run. Contact Capt. Jerad to secure your boat seats today!
- Email: [email protected]
- Business office: 91911 Svensen Market Rd, Astoria, OR 97103