Best salmon fishing spots near Hillsboro, Oregon
Comprehensive guide to the best salmon fishing hotspots – with seasonal tips, gear suggestions, and local insights.
1. Columbia River (Lower Gorge Area & Sauvie Island)
- Oregon’s prime salmon fishery features strong spring Chinook, fall Chinook, and Coho salmon runs
- Popular access points include Sauvie Island beaches, Government Island, and launches near Troutdale and the Bonneville Dam
- Techniques: trolling with herring or anchovies, using large spinners or plugs near river mouths
2. Willamette River (via Hillsboro to Portland, Oregon City Area)
- Offers consistent spring Chinook runs in March–May, with fish congregating at structures upstream of Willamette Falls
- Bank fishing: Milwaukie Bay Park, Sellwood, and Clackamette/Meldrum Bar parks near Oregon City
- Effective methods include back‑bouncing eggs or spinners from shore or drifting near flow breaks
3. Clackamas River
- Not far from Hillsboro, this scenic tributary produces spring Chinook, Coho (Sept–Nov), and summer steelhead
- Good bank access at Carver Park, Riverside Park, Barton Park, and Milo McIver State Park
- Tactics: drift salmon eggs, plug and spinner setups
4. Sandy River (Troutdale Area)
- Just east of Portland, this river sees spring Chinook (March–June), fall runs, and regular Coho salmon in September–October
- Access: Oxbow Regional Park, Dodge Park, Lewis & Clark, and Dabney for bank and drift fishing
- Angler tips: target deep pools, log-run structure; use spinners, plugs, or bait setups
Salmon Season Calendar
| Season | Species | Recommended Rivers |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Spring Chinook | Willamette, Columbia, Sandy |
| Summer (Jun–Jul) | Summer Chinook | Columbia River |
| Fall (Aug–Nov) | Fall Chinook & Coho | Columbia, Clackamas, Sandy |
Peak salmon fishing near Hillsboro typically spans spring (Chinook) and fall (Coho & Chinook)
Techniques & Gear
- Trolling: Use fresh or flash-frozen herring, anchovies, or artificial bait near river mouths (Columbia, Willamette)
- Plunking / casting from shore: Effective for spring runs along the Willamette at Meldrum Bar and Clackamette Park; use spinners, plugs, or bobber + eggs setups
- Drift fishing: Use cured roe or yarn ties on Clackamas and Sandy Rivers, especially in deeper holding water and tailouts
Licenses & Regulations
- You need an Oregon Angling License plus the Combined Angling Tag for salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon
- Columbia River Basin Endorsement also mandatory for Columbia and tributary fisheries (including Sandy River)
- Be aware of seasonal limits, gear restrictions, and closures (barbless hook rules, catch-and-release rules for wild salmon)
Local Tips & Commentary
- Oxbow Regional Park on the Sandy is a popular bank-fishing choice with good access and family-friendly amenities
- Fall is particularly high-return season for Columbia tributaries like Sandy and Clackamas, often landing hatchery Chinook and Coho
- For less-crowded fall kokanee/Chinook action, Clackamas upstream (Milo McIver or Barton) can be a quieter alternative to busier rivers
Final Summary
From Hillsboro, your best salmon fishing within an easy drive includes:
- Columbia River (Sauvie Island, Strike mouth zones): reliable runs spring and fall.
- Willamette River (listen for springers near Oregon City and Gladstone parks).
- Clackamas River: superb fall Coho & spring Chinook action with excellent bank access.
- Sandy River: scenic, well-stocked, and very fishable in both spring and fall.