The Best Day on the Water Starts with the Right Guide

A personal introduction to one of Portland's most trusted fishing guides — and why I keep sending people his way.

I'll be honest — I'm a real estate broker, not a fishing influencer. But when someone helps me pull a salmon out of the river that feeds my family for a year, I feel obligated to tell everyone I know about them.

That's how I feel about Jim Skaar, the guide behind The Nordic Pirate. I was introduced to him through Ben over at Portland Fish Market, and it's been one of the best referrals I've ever received. I've since fished with him multiple times, and Lauren (my partner) is already talking about her first trip out this season.

Jim is the kind of guide who fishes with you like you're his best friend — relaxed, educational, genuinely stoked when you hook up. He's not a yeller. He's not running a production line. He's out there because he loves it, and that energy is contagious.

 

What You Can Catch — and When

One of the things I love about fishing with Jim is the variety. Depending on when you go, you're targeting something different — and there's almost always something worth chasing.

Winter & Spring Steelhead (Now through mid-April)

Right now the water has been running strong, and Jim says it's been a solid return. He's currently booking steelhead trips with openings at the end of March (30th and 31st) and into early April (1st–5th). As the season transitions, you have a real shot at mixing winter and summer steelhead, with the possibility of an early spring Chinook showing up by mid-April.

What makes this fishery extra special: Jim runs an aluminum tank with a grader on his boat. He's actively collecting wild broodstock fish and delivering them to hatcheries or drop-off points after floats. Those fish go on to spawn the next generation of steelhead in our Oregon rivers. You're not just fishing — you're participating in conservation.

Spring Chinook

Once winter steelhead season wraps up, the focus shifts to spring Chinook — one of the most prized fish in the Pacific Northwest. Rich, fatty, and absolutely worth the wait.

Fall Season — Coho & Chinook

When fall rolls around, the rivers fill back up with coho and Chinook. Jim works these runs hard, and his knowledge of where to be and when is the difference between a slow day and a full box.

Sturgeon in Astoria — June

Want a bucket list experience? Jim offers sturgeon fishing trips out of Astoria in June. These are massive fish in a stunning setting — the kind of trip people talk about for years.

What to Expect on the Water

I asked Jim three questions I'd want answered if I were brand new. Here's how he broke it down:

What do I need to bring?

• Your Oregon fishing license (and a salmon/steelhead tag if applicable)
• Food — Jim provides coffee and soft drinks, but bring your own lunch and snacks
• Weather-appropriate layers — in winter/spring steelhead season, that means waterproof gear, and bring a backpack for peeling off layers.
• Sunscreen when the sun's out
• A cooler for your catch — Jim cleans the fish, but you're packing it home

Everything else — bait, tackle, gear — is on Jim's boat. You just show up ready to have a good time.

What about a license?

If you're booking multiple days back-to-back and don't want the annual license, Jim recommends grabbing a 2- or 3-day Oregon fishing license. For single-day trips, a one-day works fine.

What's the time and cost commitment?

Jim runs approximately 8-hour days, with meeting times that shift by season. In winter/spring you might be meeting him in the dark at 6am; other times it could be a more civilized 10am start. Cost is $250 per seat, payable by cash, check, or Venmo. [Expect to Tip $50 for the experience]

If the fishing is hot and the weather is good? He might push the day a little longer. I've experienced this firsthand — it's a good problem to have.

 

The Vibe

Jim describes it himself best: he tries to fish like he's out with his best friend. There's no pressure, no yelling, just a really good day on the water with someone who genuinely knows what he's doing and wants you to succeed.

He also pointed me toward a YouTube video by Dusty Bennett — search 'Dusty Bennett Nehalem Salmon Fishing' — if you want to see him in action before you book.

 

How to Book

Reach out to Jim directly at The Nordic Pirate — link in the references below. Tell him Michael sent you. You won't regret it.

And if you've already fished with Jim, drop a review or testimonial. These guides live and die by word of mouth, and Jim has earned every good word.

 

Michael Perkins is a Portland real estate broker and open house specialist at openhousepdx.com — and apparently a pretty enthusiastic fishing trip evangelist. He was introduced to Jim by Ben at Portland Fish Market and has been a repeat client ever since.