Experience a traditional Pacific Northwest pastime: fishing!
Visitors may come to Troutdale to learn about The Gorge, but those who like to wet a line know the area presents some of the best fishing Oregon has to offer. The Columbia River itself at Troutdale has some of the greatest variety of fisheries the majestic river has to offer. Boaters can access the Columbia from several Troutdale locations, like Glenn Otto Community Park, the Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site and the Dabney State Recreation Area. Chinook, coho and steelhead dominate the scene, but there are walleye, shad, bass and even sturgeon to seek out in the many islands, inlets and sloughs presented near the Sandy River Delta.
Boats are not needed, however, for a local fishing experience, as bank anglers seek out the Sandy River itself. Beginning from the snowmelt on Mt. Hood, the Sandy River offers the perfect year-round fishery for steelhead. The winter run exceeds summer in terms of numbers, but the fair weather of the summer months makes the overall experience enjoyable for any. May, June and July offer Chinook Salmon runs, while Coho Salmon can be caught in the fall. The most popular stretch is typically from the Delta through Revenue Bridge, with the Sandy Fish Hatchery on Cedar Creek located between.
Many guide and charter services offer trips on the Sandy or the Columbia River, including:
