Experience world-class fishing in The Dalles, Oregon, where the mighty Columbia River offers legendary angling opportunities. This premier destination is renowned for its abundant salmon runs, trophy-sized sturgeon, and exceptional walleye action. Anglers can target three distinct salmon seasons: spring Chinook from April through June, summer "June Hogs," and peak fall Chinook in September and October.
The Dalles provides year-round fishing diversity, with sturgeon reaching up to 12 feet (mostly catch-and-release) and walleye biting consistently despite winter challenges. Smallmouth bass thrive April through October, particularly in the Columbia River and nearby John Day River, where 100-fish days are possible. Panfish enthusiasts find bass, perch, crappie, and catfish throughout the system, while Clear Lake and other stocked ponds deliver reliable trout action.
Local guides specialize in navigating these fertile waters, leveraging generations of knowledge to position you where salmon stack at tributary mouths, sturgeon patrol deep holes, and walleye ambush baitfish along rocky points. The Dalles Dam's Lake Celilo reservoir expands fishing access, with its 24-mile stretch offering diverse structure and current breaks.
After your charter, explore the historic Columbia River Gorge while swapping tales at local breweries like Sedition Brewing Co or savoring Columbia River walleye tacos. Whether you seek heart-pounding sturgeon battles, technical walleye fishing, or the thrill of chrome-bright salmon, The Dalles delivers unforgettable Pacific Northwest fishing adventures.