5.0(1 Reviews)Oregon Salmon, Sturgeon & Trout Guided Trip
5.0(1 reviews)
Shared Trip
River Fishing
Fourhour guided Columbia River fishing for multiple speciesProfessional equipment and expert techniques provided for experienced anglersTargets Rainbow Trout, Salmon, and Sturgeon based on conditions
Ready to test your skills on one of the Pacific Northwest's most productive fisheries? This 4-hour guided fishing adventure on the Columbia River is designed specifically for experienced anglers who know their way around a rod and reel. Captain BJ will put you on the best spots based on current conditions, seasonal patterns, and what's biting that day. Whether we're targeting chrome-bright Chinook salmon on their spawning run, battling prehistoric sturgeon in the deep holes, or working the riffles for feisty rainbow trout, you'll be fishing prime Columbia River water where these species thrive year-round.
This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – we're talking serious angling here. You'll launch at first light when the bite is often most active, and Captain BJ will brief you on current river conditions, water temperatures, and which techniques are producing results. The Columbia River system offers diverse fishing opportunities depending on the season and tides, from deep channel fishing for sturgeon to working the current breaks where salmon stage before their upstream journey. Since this is a shared trip for one angler, you'll get personalized attention and can adapt your approach based on what's working. All professional-grade rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, but make sure you've got your Oregon fishing license squared away before we head out. Weather on the Columbia can change quickly, so pack your rain gear and some snacks to keep your energy up during the action.
The Columbia River demands respect and local knowledge to fish effectively. Depending on what we're targeting, you might be drift fishing with fresh roe for salmon, anchoring up with heavy tackle for sturgeon, or casting spinners and spoons for trout in the faster water. Captain BJ reads the river like a book – he knows where the fish hold during different tide phases, which holes produce sturgeon, and how to work the current seams where salmon travel. You'll learn advanced techniques like back-bouncing for salmon, proper sturgeon circle hook sets, and reading water for feeding trout. The river's tidal influence creates changing conditions throughout the day, and experienced guides like BJ know how to adjust presentation and location as conditions shift. This is hands-on fishing education combined with prime angling opportunities on one of the West Coast's most renowned salmon and sturgeon fisheries.
"We left at daybreak. It was overcast all day and choppy, the fish didn't bite well that day, but we were rewarded by seeing pelicans of course, porpoise, sea lions and harbor seals, humpback wale. We realed in a handful and it's a workout. What a wonderful time. Thank you Captain BJ and great stories...." - Ursula
Chinook Salmon are the crown jewel of Columbia River fishing, and these powerful fish put up legendary fights that test even experienced anglers. Spring Chinook typically run from March through June, while fall runs peak from August to October. These aren't your average salmon – Columbia River kings regularly hit 20-30 pounds, with occasional monsters pushing 40 pounds or more. What makes them special is their incredible strength and stamina, peeling drag on long runs and making multiple jumps during the fight. The key is fishing the current breaks and deeper holes where they stage, often using fresh roe, herring, or spinners. Landing a chrome-bright Columbia River Chinook is a bucket-list experience that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
Rainbow Trout in the Columbia River system are scrappy fighters that provide consistent action throughout the year. These aren't your typical stocked rainbows – they're wild fish that have adapted to the river's unique conditions and feed heavily on salmon eggs, small baitfish, and aquatic insects. Most range from 12-18 inches, but don't let their size fool you. Columbia River rainbows are acrobatic fighters that make multiple jumps and use the current to their advantage. They're often found in the faster water below dams and in tributary mouths, especially during salmon spawning seasons when they gorge on loose eggs. Working spinners, small spoons, or drift fishing with roe can produce steady action, making them perfect targets when salmon fishing slows down.
Lake Sturgeon are living dinosaurs that offer a completely different angling experience from salmon and trout. These prehistoric giants can live over 100 years and reach massive sizes – fish over 10 feet long and 300 pounds have been caught in the Columbia River system. Most sturgeon you'll encounter range from 3-8 feet, but even smaller fish are incredibly powerful bottom fighters. They're bottom feeders with excellent senses of smell and taste, which is why fresh baits like shad, smelt, or nightcrawlers work best. Sturgeon fishing requires patience and heavy tackle since you're anchored in deep holes waiting for these giants to find your bait. When a big sturgeon picks up your offering, there's no mistaking it – the fight can last 20-30 minutes and will test every ounce of your angling skills and stamina.
The Columbia River delivers world-class fishing opportunities that serious anglers dream about, and Captain BJ's expertise gives you the best shot at success. This 4-hour adventure is perfect for experienced anglers who want to maximize their time on the water without the commitment of a full-day trip. Whether you're after that trophy Chinook, wanting to battle a massive sturgeon, or looking to dial in your trout techniques, you'll be fishing with a captain who lives and breathes Columbia River fishing. Don't wait – prime fishing windows fill up fast, especially during peak salmon runs. Reserve your spot today and get ready for some serious fishing action on one of the Pacific Northwest's top-rated fisheries.
You'll be fishing aboard a reliable 25-foot Koffler center console that's perfect for working the Columbia River's productive waters. This 2000 model runs on twin 200HP Mercury engines that'll get you to the hot spots quickly, cruising at 25 knots when needed. The boat handles beautifully whether you're drifting for salmon, anchored up for sturgeon, or casting for trout in the back eddies. Everything's set up for serious fishing - there's a fish finder to locate schools and structure, GPS to mark your productive spots, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have room to move around when that big sturgeon decides to make a run. The captain knows these waters inside and out, so you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time searching for fish.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the giants of the Columbia, with fish commonly hitting 15-30 pounds and some monsters pushing 40+. These silver-sided bruisers with black-spotted backs hang deep in the main channel and around structure during the day since they're light-sensitive. Early morning and evening are prime time when they move up to feed. What makes them special? Pure power - once hooked, they'll strip line and fight like nothing else, plus that rich orange meat is top-shelf eating. The Columbia's spring and fall runs are legendary. Here's a local trick: when the water's murky from snowmelt, switch to brighter lures like chartreuse or hot pink - kings will find them even in poor visibility.
Acipenser FulvescensColumbia River sturgeon are prehistoric powerhouses that can stretch 6-8 feet and weigh 100-200 pounds. These ancient bottom-dwellers cruise deep holes and channels, using their whisker-like barbels to vacuum up anything edible from sand shrimp to small fish. They're most active during cooler months when they move into shallower water to feed. What's the appeal? Landing one is like hooking into a submarine - they're incredibly strong but surprisingly gentle fighters. The meat is firm and delicious, often compared to shark or swordfish. Look for them around drop-offs and deep eddies where current brings food. Here's the key: use heavy tackle and keep your bait right on the bottom with plenty of weight - these fish won't chase anything more than a few inches up.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows in the Columbia system typically run 12-18 inches, though the occasional 20+ incher will surprise you. These beauties with their signature pink stripes love cooler water around 55-65°F, so look for them near tributary mouths and deeper pools during summer heat. Spring through early summer offers the best action when water temps are ideal and insects are active. What draws anglers? Their acrobatic jumps and strong runs make every hookup exciting, plus they're fantastic table fare with that delicate, sweet flesh. They prefer structure like rocky shelves and undercut banks where they ambush prey. Pro tip: keep your nymphs just off the bottom - rainbows rarely feed right on the gravel, so a slight lift often triggers strikes.
5.0 out of 5.0We left at daybreak. It was overcast all day and choppy, the fish didn't bite well that day, but we were rewarded by seeing pelic...
Oregon