Eastern Oregon Walleye Fishing Guide

Quiet water. Tight window. Best eating fish in the river.

Tony O guides walleye on the Eastern Oregon Columbia River — primarily the John Day Pool, launching from Irrigon, Oregon. March through early July. 10+ fish days are common in May and June. $250 per person, $200 veteran rate. Lodging available for veterans.

Walleye is the sleeper Columbia River trip. Quiet water on the John Day Pool, a short season from late March through early July, and lodging is available for veterans making the trip east. Most fishing pressure is on salmon and sturgeon, which leaves walleye undercrowded.

Book this trip (503) 381-0868

Walleye season is short. Weekdays in May and June are Tony's most-booked walleye days. Call (503) 381-0868 to grab a date.

Standard

$250/person

Full boat $1500

Veterans

$200/person

Full boat $1500

Veteran angler holding a trophy walleye on Tony's boat, bluebird Eastern Oregon Columbia River day, John Day Pool. — Walleye · John Day Pool · Eastern Oregon

TONY'S TAKE.

If you've never eaten fresh-fried walleye, this trip is worth the drive east. Tony has a house out there that sleeps four, so a veteran group can fish and stay without bouncing between hotels.

WHAT TO EXPECT

· Drive east — Tony launches from Irrigon, Oregon (John Day Pool)
· Jigging and trolling crankbaits over deep structure
· 10+ fish days are common in May and June
· Fish cleaning at the takeout
· Lodging at Tony's place is available for veterans (sleeps 4)

WHAT'S INCLUDED

✓ Lighter rods rigged for jigging and trolling
✓ Bait and terminal tackle
✓ Boat fuel and ramp fees
✓ Fish cleaning
✓ Tony's local knowledge of the John Day Pool
✓ Lodging at Tony's place for veteran groups (sleeps 4)

WHAT TO BRING

→ Oregon or Washington fishing license
→ Sun protection — Eastern Oregon is hotter and drier than Portland
→ Lunch and lots of water
→ Proper clothing for the weather
→ Cash, Venmo, or card (3% fee on cards)

FROM THIS TRIP

Real clients · real fish

A Vietnam veteran group on Tony's boat in Eastern Oregon, one angler holding a trophy walleye, John Day Pool.

BEST FOR.

Anglers who want to eat what they catch
Weekday trips with smaller groups
First-timers — walleye fishing is forgiving
Family trips with kids 10+
Veteran groups looking for fish-and-stay

REGULATIONS.

Walleye is a non-native species with generous limits on the Columbia — currently 10 fish/day in Oregon. Oregon or Washington license required. No Combined Angling Tag needed — walleye doesn't fall under the salmon/steelhead/sturgeon tag system. License alone covers it. Tony confirms the latest rules when you book.

Booking, payment, weather, what to wear — the full FAQ covers it. Veterans, active-duty military, retired military, first responders, and their dependents pay the veteran rate on this trip and every trip Tony runs. More about Tony's background too.

QUESTIONS

All FAQ →

When is walleye fishing best on the Columbia River?

Late March through early July, with peak fishing in May and June. Water temperature in the high 50s and 60s puts walleye on the bite.

Where does Tony run walleye trips?

Eastern Oregon, primarily the John Day Pool. Tony launches from the public ramp at Irrigon, Oregon. Lodging is available for veterans making the drive (sleeps 4).

How much does a guided walleye trip cost?

$250 per person standard, $200 per person for veterans, active-duty military, retired military, first responders, and their dependents. Full boat is $1,500 flat. Lodging at Tony's place is available for veteran groups making the drive (sleeps 4).

Can you keep the walleye you catch?

Yes — walleye is a non-native species on the Columbia with a 10 fish per day limit in Oregon. Fish cleaning is included.