Visiting Oregon May 20-25 — Best public salmon and big trout spots within 3 hours of PDX? (Non-resident angler from Georgia)
Hey everyone! First time fishing Oregon and I could use some local knowledge from people who actually know these waters.
I’m flying into PDX on Tuesday May 20th and leaving Sunday May 25th. I’m coming all the way from Georgia specifically to chase salmon and big trout and I’m willing to drive up to 3 hours from Portland to find the right water.
Here’s what I’m looking for:
🎣 King Salmon / Spring Chinook — I know the Columbia is open May 23-25 downstream of Bonneville. Are there any specific bank access spots locals recommend that aren’t completely packed with boats? I was looking at Drano Lake on the Washington side — is it worth it from the bank?
🐟 Big Trout — Rainbow, brown, cutthroat — I don’t care what species as long as it’s a quality fish. I’m used to chasing wild trophy trout in the Georgia mountains so I’m not afraid to hike in or work for them.
🏔️ Willing to travel — I have a rental car and will drive up to 3 hours from PDX. I’m actually interested in more remote less crowded spots over the popular tourist areas
Questions for the locals:
1. Is Drano Lake worth fishing from the bank during the May 23-25 open days or is it too crowded without a boat?
2. Any hidden gem trout streams within 2-3 hours of PDX that don’t get hammered by crowds?
3. Sandy River — worth fishing for steelhead and trout in late May or has the run mostly passed by then?
4. Any local tackle shops you’d recommend stopping at for up to date reports when I land?
I’m an experienced angler, not looking to be spoon fed exact GPS coordinates — just a general push in the right direction would be hugely appreciated. Happy to share reports from Georgia mountain trout fishing in return!
Thanks in advance — can’t wait to experience Oregon fishing for the first time! 🤙