Fish The Dalles

Guide Services

Explore The Dalles and enjoy world class Walleye, Salmon and Trout fishing in Columbia River Gorge.

Fin Reaper, LLC

Fin Reaper, LLC

Troutdale, OR 97060
(503) 551-9772
Website

Twisted Waters

Twisted Waters Guide Service

Oregon / Washington
Phone (253) 468-0610
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Fisheng

Fisheng

Eagle Creek OR 97022
Phone (503) 341-8863
Website

The Dalles Pool, Columbia River

The Dalles is a fisherman’s paradise with easy access to several major rivers and the greatest fishing around. The eastern end of the Gorge appeals to anglers of all ages and skill levels.

What: Walleye, Salmon, Sturgeon, Smallmouth Bass

The Columbia River is the Pacific Northwest’s best walleye fishery, and one of the best fishing spots is The Dalles Pool, which stretches from The Dalles Dam upstream to the John Day Dam.

Walleye season is year-round, but most anglers get serious about in March, with pre-spawn fishing best through April. Popular spots for salmon include the mouths of cooler tributaries feeding both pools. Sturgeon fishing can be good, with limited retention fisheries in both pools. Keep your eyes open for the multiple bass tournaments that take place along the Columbia throughout the year.

Fishing The Dalles

Mouth of the Klickitat
(located near Lyle, Washington)

  • Boat Launch Mayer State Park
  • Fishing from the bank – Multiples trails follow the river and make bank fishing easily accessible.
  • What: Spring Chinook salmon, Fall Chinook salmon, Coho/Silver salmon.

    The Klickitat has salmon in it much of the year, however the fall salmon fishing is the main attraction. This takes place the first part of September, at the mouth of the Klickitat on the Columbia River.

    Small Mouth Bass

    John Day River

  • Boat Launches The Dalles Marina, Heritage Landing State Park, Rufus
  • Fishing from the bank – Any public land along the river (please note: you must have the appropriate fishing license for the state in which you are fishing)
  • What: Trout, Salmon

    The Lower Deschutes – which enters the Columbia River just east of The Dalles – is famous for both its trout and its fly fishing. Don’t miss the “Salmon Fly” hatch in May and June. Chinook salmon fishing can be quite good on the Deschutes, but spring seasons are allowed only under special regulations when run forecasts are promising.

    Salmon Fishing

    Lower Deschutes River

  • Boat Launches The Dalles Marina, Heritage Landing State Park, Rufus
  • Fishing from the bank – Any public land along the river (please note: you must have the appropriate fishing license for the state in which you are fishing)
  • What: Trout, Salmon

    The Lower Deschutes – which enters the Columbia River just east of The Dalles – is famous for both its trout and its fly fishing. Don’t miss the “Salmon Fly” hatch in May and June. Chinook salmon fishing can be quite good on the Deschutes, but spring seasons are allowed only under special regulations when run forecasts are promising.

    Hooked on The Dalles

    When To Go ...

    • April – October – Smallmouth bass fishing (Columbia River and John Day River)
    • April – October – Salmon fishing in the Columbia River
    • June – early July – Shad Fishing on the Columbia River below the John Day Dam
    • May – September – Northern Pike Minnow Sport Reward Fishing
    • May – Rufus Catfish Derby
    • May – Channel Catfish can be caught in the lower part of the John Day from the mouth to the falls
    • Sturgeon fishing (catch and release – Year round/ catch and keep – varies)
    • Walleye fishing (Columbia River) – Year round
    • Trout Fishing – Year Round check here for stocked ponds

    After You’ve Reeled In The Big One !

    After a long day on the river, anglers can swap tales about ‘the big one that got away’ at one of The Dalles’ popular drinking holes, such as Zim’s Brau HausRoute 30 Bottles & Brews, Freebridge Brewing, Sedition Brewing Co, Bargeway Pub, Baldwin Saloon, Clock Tower Ales and River Tap. Wine-lovers can head over to Sunshine Mill, Tierra de Lobos, Jacob Williams, or Gorge Wine Library for a post-adventure toast.