Where to Go, What to Do: Fishing in Oregon

GETTING THERE

United Airlines serves Portland nonstop from Dulles, starting at $651 round trip. Numerous airlines serve Portland with stops; Continental has a one-stop flight from BWI starting at $335 round trip.

Car rentals at the Portland airport start at $39 a day (Dollar, Enterprise and Thrifty). You need a car to explore Oregon efficiently but do not need one to enjoy Portland. We spent time on the Oregon coast, in Gearhart (81 miles from Portland), Bend (162 miles from Portland) and along the Columbia River Gorge.

WHERE TO STAY

Gearhart by the Sea Resort, 1157 N. Marion Ave., Gearhart, 800-547-0115, http://www.gearhartresort.com. Fronts on a beautiful wide beach. Condos from $93 per night.

Ace Hotel, 1022 SW Stark St., Portland, 503-228-2277, http://www.acehotel.com/portland. A few blocks from the heart of the Pearl District. Doubles from $125.

Pine Ridge Inn, 1200 SW Century Dr., Bend, 800-600-4095, http://www.pineridgeinn.com. Overlooks the Deschutes River Canyon just beyond downtown. Mini suites from $149.

WHERE TO EAT

McMenamins Sand Trap Bar and Grill, 1157 N. Marion Ave., Gearhart, 503-717-8150, http://www.mcmenamins.com. Across the street from Gearhart by the Sea Resort, overlooking Gearhart Links, Oregon's oldest golf course. Breakfast entrees from about $6; lunch and dinner entrees from $7.

Silk, 1012 NW Glisan St., Portland, 503-248-2172, http://www.silkbyphovan.com. A sharp (but not formal) Vietnamese restaurant in the Pearl district. The Ca Ha Noi, marinated salmon cubes with vermicelli noodle salad, is superb. Lunch entrees from $8, dinner from $12.

Old St. Francis Pub, 700 NW Bond St., Bend, 541-330-8563. A converted Catholic school building with a pleasant courtyard boasting bonfire pits. Run by the McMenamins chain. Above-average bar food. Entrees start at $7.

WHAT TO DO

Riffle Fly Shop, 7228 NW Hwy. 26, Madras, 541-553-1384, http://www.theriffleflyshop.com. Offers full-day trips from $400 for one angler, $450 for two and $550 for three (includes rod and reel, lunch and snacks; fishing license and flies are extra). Dress in layers for abrupt changes in temperature, and bring sunscreen and sunglasses. The guides work with a wide range of clients, from novices to experts.

Bonneville Lock and Dam, Exit 40 on Interstate 84, Cascade Locks; 541-374-8820, http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/b/home.asp. A major dam on the Columbia River. The visitor center has below-ground viewing windows showing salmon and trout ascending the fish ladder. Free admission.

Powell's City of Books, 1005 W. Burnside St., Portland; 800-878-7323, http://www.powells.com. Boasts more than 1 million titles, 68,000 square feet and 122 major subject areas.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Travel Oregon: 800-547-7842, http://www.traveloregon.com

-- J.B.