World-Class Salmon Fishing on Oregon Rivers

Chinook Salmon Fishing on Oregon's Rivers

Looking for top-rated salmon fishing in Oregon? Matt Halseth Guide Service delivers exactly what serious anglers want – a no-nonsense day chasing Chinook salmon on two of the Pacific Northwest's most productive waters. The Willamette and Columbia Rivers have been feeding Oregon families and fueling fishing dreams for generations, and Matt's got the local knowledge to put you right where the big kings are holding. This isn't about fancy boats or gimmicky presentations – it's about reading water, understanding fish behavior, and putting proven techniques to work in the hands of someone who's spent years perfecting his craft on these legendary salmon runs.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts early, because that's when salmon fishing pays off best. Matt runs intimate trips with just one angler at a time, which means you get his full attention and coaching throughout the entire experience. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to step up your game or someone completely new to salmon fishing, Matt adjusts his approach to match your skill level and goals. The Willamette River offers excellent salmon fishing closer to Portland, while the mighty Columbia provides world-class opportunities with its massive salmon runs. Depending on conditions, timing, and where the fish are showing up, Matt chooses the water that gives you the best shot at success. You'll spend the day working different reaches of river, moving when the bite slows, and staying put when things heat up. Pack layers – Oregon river weather can shift quickly, and you'll want to stay comfortable during those long stretches when the rods are bent.

Trolling Techniques That Work

Matt specializes in trolling and back trolling, two time-tested methods that consistently produce Chinook salmon on Oregon rivers. Trolling involves pulling lures or bait behind a moving boat, covering water efficiently while presenting your offering at the right depth and speed. Back trolling takes a more surgical approach – controlling your drift downstream while keeping baits in the strike zone longer. Both techniques require understanding current breaks, reading electronics, and knowing exactly how salmon move through different water types. Matt provides all the gear you'll need, from heavy-duty rods capable of handling 30-pound kings to the latest fish finders that reveal exactly what's happening below. You'll learn how to feel the difference between bottom contact and a salmon pick-up, how to set the hook properly on these powerful fish, and how to fight them without breaking them off. The Columbia and Willamette both have their own personalities – the Columbia's broader channels and heavier current versus the Willamette's more intimate character and varied structure. Matt knows both rivers like his backyard and adapts his approach accordingly.

Top Catches This Season

The Chinook salmon that run these Oregon rivers are the stuff of fishing legends, and for good reason. These fish average 15-25 pounds, with plenty of 30+ pound kings mixed in during peak season. Chinook are built for power – their broad shoulders and deep bodies make them some of the hardest-fighting salmon you'll encounter anywhere. They typically arrive in the Columbia system starting in spring, with the best fishing often running from late spring through early fall, depending on specific runs and water conditions. What makes targeting Chinook so rewarding isn't just their size – it's their wariness and the skill required to consistently hook them. These fish have seen plenty of lures and baits by the time they reach Oregon waters, so presentation matters. Matt's experience shows in his ability to trigger strikes when other anglers are struggling. Chinook also provide some of the finest eating of any Pacific salmon, with rich, firm meat that's perfect for the grill or smoker. When you hook into a fresh Columbia River king, you'll understand why anglers travel from across the country to fish these waters.

Time to Book Your Spot

Matt Halseth Guide Service represents everything great about Oregon salmon fishing – local expertise, proven methods, and a genuine passion for putting clients on fish. The personalized attention you get with single-angler trips means more than just a better guide-to-client ratio – it means instruction tailored to your learning style, techniques adjusted to your experience level, and the flexibility to focus on what matters most to you. Whether that's learning new skills, landing your personal best Chinook, or simply enjoying a day on legendary Pacific Northwest waters, Matt delivers a customer favorite experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. The Columbia and Willamette Rivers offer world-class salmon fishing right in Oregon's backyard, and there's no substitute for fishing them with someone who truly knows these waters. Don't wait until peak season books up – reserve your date now and get ready to experience why Oregon salmon fishing has such a renowned reputation among serious anglers.