Are you searching for an activity for the whole family that is peaceful and stress free, a trip that gets you out in the fresh air and can give you all the thrills of the catch? Look no further than the Columbia River Gorge for incredible sights and year-round fishing! Hood River fishing is a popular activity that will keep everyone entertained! This section of the Pacific Northwest is known for its great fly-fishing, and experts in town are here for the tips, tales, and gear that every fisherman needs! We’ve gathered the experts for you! Listed below are Hood River fishing guides, businesses and information on all things “fishy” in the Gorge. Happy casting!
River Borne Outfitters – Fish for trout, steelhead, or salmon with guided fishing adventures by River Born Outfitters. – HRVR guests get a 10% discount! Call 541-647-2584 to set up your next fishing charter. Your voyage will begin at 7228 US-26, Mardras, OR 97741.
Gorge Fly Shop – Located in Downtown Hood River, Gorge Fly Shop can supply you with everything you need to have a great day of fishing on the water. They have everything from fly reels to wading gear, fly lines, and more. The closeout gear sale is the best way to see which gear is being dropped to an incredible price. Stop by Gorge Fly Shop at 3200 Lower Mill Dr, Hood River, OR 97031. Gorge Fly Shop is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Call 541-386-6977 if you have any questions.
Larimer Outfitters – Guided fly fishing on The Deschutes, Clackamas, Sandy and Hood River. Larimer Outfitters partners with Gorge Fly Shop, making it easy to set up your fishing charter. Guide Tom Larimer will take you to find steelhead fish that are native to the region. Larimer Outfitters operates during the busy fishing season from late November through June. Visit Gorge Fly Shop for additional details.
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife – Seasonal fish and licensing information can all be found on the ODFW website. – Even great fishing spots to try out! A variety of licenses are available to Oregon residents and non-residents. Contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife by calling 503-947-6000 or by visiting 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE, Salem, OR 97302.
Fly-Fishing Done Right
If you’re hoping for a great lesson at a value price, with your Hood River Vacation Rentals by Arrived you’ll get a 10% discount with River Borne Outfitters. This fly fishing guide service in Hood River offers both group and private fly fishing classes with professional hardworking guides that have years of experience on the river. Larimer Outfitters is also a great resource, delivering first class guiding and casting instruction as well as guided fly fishing in the Hood River and other surrounding rivers. Guided trips are usually available in the Hood River area from May to November. Want to go fly-fishing for trout? This season starts in May, and once you get to the summer months anglers will be casting for Steelhead until the chill of fall.
Local Fishing Holes
If you plan on fishing on your own when visiting Hood River, there are a few locations we recommend you check out. The Columbia River is the largest stretch of water in the county and is known for some incredible salmon and steelhead fishing. The Oregon Department of Fishing and Wildlife may announce when fishing is allowed during the winter season on short notice (this is when the fish are biting the most). Stop by Cascade Locks, where you can fish from a nice park that is full of smallmouth bass. Herman Creek can be found just down the road from Cascade Locks and is supplied with summer steelhead and small salmon. The closest location where you can enjoy fishing on your own in Hood River is nearby Punchbowl Falls, where steelhead fishing is available year-round. The West Fork area is highly popular with local fisherman who claim this to be the better spot for catches.
While steelhead can be fished year-round, you will find them biting the most during late winter and early spring. Make sure to pick up live bait for steelhead and salmon for the best bites. Local trout will require artificial lures and flies instead of live bait; just ask any of the local fishing shops in Hood River to set you up right.
Prepare for Your Hood River Oregon Fishing Adventure
If you’re already an expert wanting to update your gear or just want to feel the rod and line in your hand for the first time, Gorge Fly Shop in Downtown Hood River sells a variety of world-class fly fishing gear for your time on the water. It’s also a great idea to talk to locals about finding prime fishing spots! Don’t forget to check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website for required licenses and seasonal fish before you head out!
The Call of the Wild
There’s nothing quite like casting your line in the cool morning air of the Gorge. Every trip brings with it the stories you’ll tell about that time you waited out a shy steelhead while gazing at the sun striped mountains or pulled in that rowdy trout with the sounds of local birds overhead. Grab your waders and wander into a river, or plunk your line into a still afternoon pond, and experience the glories of fishing in Hood River. In between your fishing expeditions, recharge your batteries in one of our beautiful Hood River vacation rentals.
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