Ben Parker

Top Northwest Fishing Guide

Ben Parker, Fishing Guide

I’m Ben Parker. Lifelong angler, full-time guide, and I’m a top Pacific Northwest fishing guide.

I’ve been fishing these waters – the rivers and Pacific Ocean – of Oregon and Washington since I was about four years old.

I ran my first guide trip on June 20, 2010, and I’ve been guiding professionally ever since… In total, so far, I’ve fished these waters for over 40 years.

Since then, I’ve guided many hundreds to many happy, lasting fishing memories for people, solo fishermen and women, families, groups, and for companies and events.

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“Never a doubt about a day fishing with Ben!! It’s ALWAYS FUN, and i enjoy experiencing his excellent work as a guide, and fun conversations. Very respectful and polite. While others talk about it, he’s getting it done!!” – Rick, fellow guide

More About Me and Fishing

Over 40 Years Fishing These Waters…

Here are a few old family photos from my childhood:

I’ve been fishing these waters – the rivers and Pacific Ocean – of Oregon and Washington since I was about four years old.

This is me, my dad, and dad’s friend Dean fishing out of Newport OR about 20 years ago. Caught a nice limit of kings and coho.

Fishing Tillamook With My Dad

My dad and me fishing out of Tillamook Bay, OR.

Another fish for the box!

I Started Fishing Young!

Here I am at four years old.

Everyone in our family knows that I wasn’t happy unless I had a fishing pole in my hand!

I loved fishing in the rivers and the ocean from an early age. I caught the fishing bug very young and it just stayed with me.

Spring Kings in Oregon City

A nice limit of spring kings for Ben and my dad.

We got these beauties on the Willamette River in Oregon City, OR, over 20 years ago.

One old story goes that I’d even miss school to go fishing. (Come along fishing and perhaps I’ll share some of these stories!)

More fantastic fish for the grill, smoker, or freezer.

Just like I do today myself and for my fishing clients.

The Old Fishing Boat…

Here is a picture of me fishing out of my dad’s dory boat…

It didn’t seem to matter that the boat’s not even in the water!

I guess I was getting in some good practice before we hit the river.

Spring Kings in Oregon City

This picture is almost 30 years ago! Fishing for spring kings in Oregon City near the Willamette Falls in Oregon City.

This was one of the favorite low water spots for kings and summer Steelhead.

I still run a Mercury motor… just a little bigger and a little newer!

From the hatchery to the helm

Fish and Fishing

From the hatchery to the helm

I went through the fisheries program at Mt. Hood Community College and earned a two-year applied-science degree. That program is built to put you to work at a fish hatchery, and that’s where I started interning.

I’d feed fish in the raceways, and ended up doing every job nobody else wanted.

I knew a lot about how to find fish but this helped me understand how these fish actually live and move. I guess this is one additional bonus to using me as a guide.

USCG Certified. Licensed, Insured and Accountable

I’m certified by the U.S. Coast Guard and licensed to guide in both Oregon and Washington. I keep my first-aid and CPR current and recertify every two years.

When you and your family are in my boat, on big water, I’d want it to be with someone who knew what to do, just as I’d want for my own family. You never know when you might need this training and preparation.

Ben: A Little Backstory

Hi, David here. I am Ben’s web guy and I’ve known him since 2012… just after he started guiding.

Ben mentioned above that, “You never know when you might need this training and preparation.”

That’s a typical modest understatement from Ben!

Ben has so far pulled three separate people out of the water (that I know of). These were not fishing clients, but people he came across when he was out fishing.

One person in the water by Bonneville Dam, another when Ben was only 19 (before he even started guiding) and did CPR to resuscitate him, and another in the Columbia River in 2025…

As Told by Ben…

“Last year (2025), on a low-tide day near the mouth of Baker Bay by Cape Disappointment, I had a family aboard who didn’t want to cross into a rough ocean so we stayed inside to crab and fish sturgeon. We were the only boat out there all day. Running back to pull the crab pots, I spotted what I thought was a float in a strange spot. It was a man in the water, with no life jacket, hypothermic, and within seconds of going under for good.

I wheeled around, got him to take my hand, and we pulled him into the boat. I covered him in my own rain gear, called it in, and ran straight to the Coast Guard station at Cape Disappointment, where I flagged down a crewman. Within minutes there were Coast Guard and paramedics everywhere. He made it.

We were the only boat out there. We were his only chance.

The Coast Guard later recognized me for it with a medallion. It means a lot.”

Ben shared a photo of his Coast Guard medallion with me, which I’ve shared here.

Family Fishing

Ben’s daughter has hunted and fished with her dad, Ben, since she was very young.

“Ruby” Parker

Ben’s dog, Ruby, sometimes joins him when he’s fishing with family and friends

Captain Ben Parker

Join Ben for a fishing trip.
Book here.

Sponsors/Pro Staffs

I use the best, pro gear and I clean and service my boat frequently.
This ensures you get the best day and the fish in the boat!
Here are some of the names of the gear I use and some of my sponsors.

Why Fish With Me?

  • I am a full-time fishing guide who fishes year-round. I am constantly on top of where the fish are, and what they are biting on
  • I am a local, family man. Family and fishing are my life, and I put everything into both.
  • I have been fishing the rivers and ocean in Oregon and Southwest Washington for over 40 years.
  • I am a US Coast Guard certified and licensed guide.
  • I use the best gear and my boat seats six people very comfortably, in our rivers or the Pacific Ocean. It is also very stable, fast and always clean.
  • I run and rig everything myself, including some of my own-design, hand-tied gear. You bring food, drink, your license, and clothes for the weather. I handle the boat, the gear, and putting you on fish.
  • I monitor river conditions, water levels, and local fishing reports. If the conditions aren’t right, I will work with you to get you out on the right day so your trip will be a success.

Read any of my reviews here or on Google.

Book a Fishing Trip Here