What You'll Find at Kelley Point Park

Kelley Point Park sits at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers in North Portland, giving you access to two major river systems from one location. The park occupies a narrow peninsula where the rivers meet, and the mixing of fresh and tidal water creates distinct fishing zones. You can fish from the bank along both river channels, and the park has a boat launch if you want to work deeper water or reach the main channel.

The species available depend on the season and which river section you target. Chinook salmon move through in spring and fall, steelhead arrive in winter and early spring, and shad run in summer. Smallmouth bass live year-round in the slower backwater areas, and sturgeon inhabit the deeper channels, though sturgeon fishing has specific regulations you need to follow. Walleye and catfish are also present but less commonly targeted by visiting anglers.

Key Takeaways

  • Kelley Point Park offers bank access to both the Willamette and Columbia Rivers at their confluence, plus a boat launch for anglers with watercraft.
  • Spring and fall Chinook salmon, winter steelhead, and summer shad are the primary seasonal runs; smallmouth bass and sturgeon are available year-round.
  • You must have an Oregon fishing license and follow species-specific regulations, including catch limits and gear restrictions that vary by season.
  • The park has parking, restrooms, and picnic areas, but no tackle shop or food vendors, so bring supplies and plan for weather exposure along the open water.
  • Tidal influence affects water levels and current throughout the day, so timing your visit around slack water or incoming tide often improves success.

Seasonal Fishing Patterns and Species

Spring Chinook salmon enter the Willamette from March through May, with peak activity in April and early May. These fish average 25 to 35 pounds and respond to spinners, spoons, and live bait fished near the current breaks where the two rivers meet. The confluence creates a natural holding area, so focus on the deeper slots and outside bends where salmon rest before moving upriver.

Steelhead arrive in December and remain through March, with January and February typically the strongest months. Winter steelhead in this section run 8 to 14 pounds and prefer drift-fished roe, sand shrimp, or small plugs in the slower current areas along the banks. The Willamette channel near the park tends to hold more steelhead than the Columbia side, especially during high water.

Summer shad run from June through August, peaking in July. These 1 to 3-pound fish school heavily and hit small shad darts and spoons cast into the current. Shad fishing is fast-paced and does not require a lot of technique—you cast, retrieve steadily, and repeat. The open water near the confluence point is ideal for shad because the schools move through predictable channels.

Smallmouth bass are present year-round but most active from May through September. Fish the backwater areas and slower current zones with soft plastics, crankbaits, or topwater lures. Fall can be excellent as bass feed heavily before winter, and you can catch fish 12 to 18 inches regularly.

Access, Parking, and Park Facilities

Kelley Point Park is located at the end of North Lombard Street in Portland, about 10 miles north of downtown. The park entrance is free and open during daylight hours. Parking is available in a paved lot near the river, with space for roughly 30 vehicles. The lot can fill on weekends during peak salmon season, so arrive early if you are fishing a Saturday or Sunday in spring or fall.

The park has restrooms, picnic tables, and a boat launch suitable for trailers and car-top boats. The launch ramp is concrete and maintained, though it can be slippery when wet. There is no tackle shop, bait stand, or food service at the park, so bring everything you need before you arrive. A nearby grocery store on North Lombard can supply basic supplies if you forget something, but it is not within walking distance of the park entrance.

Bank access runs along both river channels, with a paved path that connects different fishing spots. The terrain is flat and easy to walk, but the banks are exposed to wind and weather. Bring layers and rain gear even on days that start clear—wind off the water can pick up quickly, and the confluence area is shadier than open river sections.

Regulations, Licenses, and Gear Restrictions

You must have a valid Oregon fishing license to fish at Kelley Point Park. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you fish only occasionally. Licenses are sold online through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website and at many sporting goods stores and grocery stores throughout Portland.

Salmon and steelhead have specific daily catch limits and minimum size requirements that change by season and species. As of the most recent regulations, spring Chinook have a two-fish daily limit in the Willamette, but you should check the current Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations before you fish because rules change annually. Steelhead limits and size minimums also vary, and some seasons have catch-and-release-only periods.

Shad have a higher daily limit—typically 25 fish—because they are abundant and the fishery is managed to encourage harvest. Smallmouth bass have a 25-fish daily limit with no minimum size in most seasons, though this can change. Sturgeon fishing is restricted to specific seasons and requires a separate sturgeon tag; check current regulations because sturgeon seasons are often limited to a few weeks per year and may be closed entirely depending on population counts.

Gear restrictions include a two-hook maximum for salmon and steelhead in many sections, and barbed hooks are prohibited for steelhead in some areas. Bait restrictions also apply—check whether the species you are targeting allows live bait, dead bait, or only artificial lures in the current season. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife publishes a detailed Sport Fishing Regulations pamphlet updated each year; download it or pick up a printed copy before you fish.

Tidal Influence and Water Conditions

Kelley Point Park sits in the tidal zone of both rivers, meaning water levels rise and fall with ocean tides even though you are miles inland. The Willamette is affected more noticeably than the Columbia at this location. High tide pushes saltwater upriver and slows the freshwater current, while low tide increases flow and can expose mudflats along the banks.

Slack water—the period when tidal change pauses before reversing—is often the most productive fishing time. Fish feed more actively during slack water because the current is manageable. Incoming tide (flood tide) is generally better than outgoing tide (ebb tide) for salmon and steelhead because it slows the current and allows fish to hold more easily. Check a tide table for Portland before you fish; many online sources and apps show tide times for the Columbia and Willamette.

Winter and spring high water from snowmelt and rain can make the park difficult to fish because current becomes very strong and visibility drops. Summer and fall typically offer clearer water and more stable levels. If you are new to the park, visit during summer or early fall when conditions are more forgiving and you can learn the layout without fighting high water.

Boat Fishing and Safety Considerations

The boat launch at Kelley Point Park is suitable for small to medium aluminum boats and jet sleds. The ramp has a gradual slope and is maintained regularly, but it can be crowded on weekends. If you launch a boat, be aware that the confluence area has strong currents and can be choppy when wind picks up. The Columbia and Willamette channels are navigable, but you should have local knowledge or a detailed map before you venture far from the park.

Boating safety is essential at this location. Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times, and do not fish alone if possible. The water is cold year-round, and currents can be deceptive. If you are unfamiliar with the area, consider hiring a guide for your first trip or fishing from the bank until you understand the layout and current patterns.

Parking for boat trailers is available but limited. On busy weekends, the lot may fill, and you may need to park on the street. Plan to arrive early if you are launching a boat during peak season.

Nearby Fishing Options and Alternatives

If Kelley Point Park is crowded or conditions are poor, several other Willamette River access points are within 20 minutes. Sauvie Island, just east of the park, has multiple public fishing areas and is excellent for shad and smallmouth bass. The Willamette Greenway Trail provides bank access at several points between Portland and Oregon City, though some sections require a short walk from parking.

For steelhead and salmon, the North Santiam River and South Santiam River are tributary options about 45 minutes to an hour south of Portland. These rivers often have better steelhead fishing in winter and spring than the main Willamette, especially during high water when the main river becomes too turbid to fish effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to fish Kelley Point Park?

Spring (March to May) for Chinook salmon and early steelhead, winter (December to February) for peak steelhead, and summer (June to August) for shad are the most productive periods. Fall can also be good for Chinook and smallmouth bass. Summer and early fall offer the most stable water conditions if you are new to the park.

Do I need a boat to fish Kelley Point Park?

No. Bank access is available along both river channels and is productive for all species. A boat lets you reach deeper water and cover more ground, but many anglers catch salmon, steelhead, and shad from shore. The boat launch is there if you have your own watercraft, but it is not required.

What should I bring to Kelley Point Park?

Bring an Oregon fishing license, rain gear, layers, sunscreen, and all tackle and bait you plan to use—there are no shops at the park. A tide table or app showing Portland tide times is helpful. Bring water and snacks because there is no food service. If you fish in winter, bring extra warm clothing and a headlamp because it gets dark early.

Are there restrictions on the types of bait I can use?

Yes. Bait restrictions vary by species and season. Steelhead often have restrictions on live bait, and some seasons allow only dead bait or artificial lures. Check the current Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for the specific species and season you are targeting before you fish.

Can I fish for sturgeon at Kelley Point Park?

Sturgeon are present in the deeper channels, but sturgeon fishing is restricted to specific seasons and requires a separate sturgeon tag. Seasons are often limited to a few weeks per year and may be closed depending on population counts. Check current regulations with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife before planning a sturgeon trip.