Fishing in Oregon first week of April

I might find myself in Portland for the first week of April (I know, rockfish opener, but stuff happens).

Anyone know if there is any good fishing either guided or just self guided that I can do in, or close to Portland at that time?  I will not have my kayak.

Also,  after Portland, we will head to the coast.  I would love to do some surf fishing.  Would be fun to get into something other than Perch as I seem to get my fill of targeting those here in the Monterey bay.  Any beaches that you would recommend I stop at to try to catch fish?

Thanks.

We need to get you in touch with Chris Mayes who is a Yoda-like being in a Keanu-type incarnation. Often imitated but never equaled.  he lives in Oregon now....Also, register on sister board NWKA.org. Tell them bushy sent you.  Lotsa guys will be helpful there they are just like us.  In fact, they ARE us!  Brian Steves and Mark Veary especially. (bsteves; Spot)  I have plans to meet with these guys end of March as I return from the OP.  Spring salmon season is open.  Urban King fishin'

Bushy

I might find myself in Portland for the first week of April (I know, rockfish opener, but stuff happens).

Anyone know if there is any good fishing either guided or just self guided that I can do in, or close to Portland at that time?  I will not have my kayak.

Also,  after Portland, we will head to the coast.  I would love to do some surf fishing.  Would be fun to get into something other than Perch as I seem to get my fill of targeting those here in the Monterey bay.  Any beaches that you would recommend I stop at to try to catch fish?

Thanks.

I got multiple kayaks, 2 propels and a Big Tuna. If I’m free your welcome to hit the Tillamook area. Water still be cold in the rivers and ocean. I got an extra wet suit in Xl or bring your cold water wear? Shoot me a pm for a #

Springers. Every fisherman will be focused on springers in the wilamette. Find a kayak to rent or borrow and get on it. Also consider going Dino fishing at Jurassic park. Portland that time of year is a pretty awesome urban fishery.

On the coast you can perch if you want on most beaches, I’ve done well for retails at barview , go hit up mojo. If there’s decent minus tides then go after Martha Washington’s and cockles in tillamook bay.

Plan on spending the time in Portland tho.  Because springers.

my frend/4mer cowrkr is engineer @ GLoomis, 30 mins N of portland.  wuz ur sorta neighbr, lived near RDM.  I can ax to linkup y'all if intrsted

Go hit up mojo.

This!  The guy's a first rate tutor in his neck of the woods and Tillamook Bay is a fun fishery.

Beach fishing is like 99.9% surf perch up here.  We don't have your multitudes of stripers and the sea-run cutthroat tend to stay offshore until darting in to spawn.

Thanks folks! 

considr hitting up PK Yi.  idk him, only watch his vids ocazzznly

https://www.youtube.com/user/oregonfishingblog

Go hit up mojo.

This!  The guy's a first rate tutor in his neck of the woods and Tillamook Bay is a fun fishery.

Beach fishing is like 99.9% surf perch up here.  We don't have your multitudes of stripers and the sea-run cutthroat tend to stay offshore until darting in to spawn.

Ok to deflate my own head, I’m just a kayak fisherman that likes to fish with company , do I know how to fish? Yes I do , am I good at it? Well likely no, do I enjoy it? He’ll ya! I do sometimes catch fish.

We need to get you in touch with Chris Mayes who is a Yoda-like being in a Keanu-type incarnation.

lol, you just made my new signature line Bushy  .

Anywho, the peak of spring Chinook on the Columbia/Willamette is usually in early April.  Good timing on your part, as I believe the season will close on April 10th this year.  It's not a high yield fishery and this year's run forecast ain't great, but those springers are about the tastiest salmon you're going to find anywhere.  This is a crowded fishery, so if you want to go this route, I'd start looking for a guide and booking dates ASAP.

Unfortunately, if you're looking for surf fishing variety, Oregon ain't the place.  The sandy beaches will kick out redtails and silver perch, and not much else.  There is some shore rockfishing available at Depoe Bay, but it'll be the same rocky species you find in CA and even less diverse.

If I were in your shoes, I'd try the coastal rivers for late winter steelhead.  Some rivers close at the end of March, but others like the Wilson and Nestucca are open year-round.  If you head for Tillamook from Portland, Highway 6 offers all kinds of pullouts along the Wilson River.  I've had some great days fishing for steelhead in late March and early April, especially on the smaller rivers along the coast.  Tons of options for this, but a good place to start is to download a copy of the Oregon sportfishing regulations to see what'll still be open after March 31.

If your coastal trip takes you down near Newport, shoot me a message and I can get you on some good water  .

I was fishing Jurassic Park and we landed 20+ Sturgeon in one day, back in December. I can hook you up with a guide. It was way worth it!