Columbia River Sturgeon | 7 Hour Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Sevenhour Columbia River expedition targeting trophy sturgeonExpert guides provide instruction for all skill levelsSmall group capacity of four guests maximum
If you're looking for a fishing adventure that'll get your heart racing and your reel screaming, this Columbia River sturgeon trip is what you've been waiting for. Seven full hours on one of the Pacific Northwest's most legendary fisheries, targeting some of the most powerful fish swimming in North American waters. The Columbia River has been delivering world-class sturgeon fishing for decades, and our experienced crew knows exactly where these prehistoric monsters like to hang out. You'll be fishing with top-rated guides who live and breathe this river, using proven techniques that consistently put fish on the line. Whether you've tangled with sturgeon before or you're about to experience your first dinosaur battle, this trip delivers the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years.
Your day starts early at the boat launch, where you'll meet your guide and get the lowdown on conditions, tide charts, and where the fish have been biting. The Columbia River is a massive system, and reading the water is crucial for success. We'll be targeting deeper holes and current breaks where sturgeon feed, using heavy tackle that can handle these brutes when they decide to make their runs. The boat is rigged specifically for sturgeon fishing, with rod holders, a solid anchor system, and plenty of deck space for fighting fish. You'll spend most of your time anchored up in productive spots, but don't expect to just sit there waiting – sturgeon fishing is active, with constant attention to your rod tips and periodic moves to stay on the bite. The seven-hour format gives us serious flexibility to adjust our game plan based on what the fish are doing, whether that means moving spots, changing baits, or waiting out a tide change that could flip the switch on the action.
Sturgeon fishing is all about heavy gear and patience, but when it pays off, you'll understand why anglers become absolutely obsessed with these fish. We use stout rods paired with conventional reels loaded with heavy braid – typically 80 to 100-pound test – because sturgeon can easily exceed 6 feet and weigh well over 100 pounds. The terminal tackle is equally robust: heavy sinkers to hold bottom in the current, circle hooks to ensure solid hooksets, and leaders that can withstand the sandpaper-like mouth of a big sturgeon. Fresh bait is key, and we'll be using everything from salmon roe to sand shrimp, depending on what's working best. The technique itself is deceptively simple – you're basically bottom fishing with heavy gear – but the devil is in the details. Reading your rod tip, knowing when to set the hook, and understanding how sturgeon fight makes all the difference between landing fish and telling stories about the ones that got away. These fish are notorious for their powerful runs and their ability to throw hooks, so proper technique and quality gear are non-negotiable.
Green sturgeon are the stars of this show, and for good reason – they're some of the most exciting fish you can target in the Pacific Northwest. These ancient predators can live over 60 years and reach lengths of 7 feet or more, making every hookup a potential fish of a lifetime. Green sturgeon are anadromous, meaning they spend time in both saltwater and freshwater, and the Columbia River serves as a critical migration corridor. They're typically more active during the summer and fall months when they're feeding heavily before their spawning runs. What makes green sturgeon so special to catch isn't just their size – it's their fight. When you hook into a good one, expect multiple screaming runs that'll test your drag system and your nerves. They're known for their acrobatic jumps and their ability to sound deep, using their powerful bodies and the river's current to their advantage. The best part about targeting green sturgeon in the Columbia is that you never know what size fish is going to grab your bait. You might hook into a 4-footer that gives you a solid scrap, or you could find yourself connected to a 6-foot monster that'll have you questioning whether your tackle is up to the task. Customer favorite trips often feature multiple hookups throughout the day, and the camaraderie that builds when everyone on the boat is working together to land these fish is something special.
This Columbia River sturgeon adventure represents some of the best fishing the Pacific Northwest has to offer, and with only 4 spots available per trip, these dates fill up fast during prime season. The seven-hour format means you're getting serious value – enough time to really dial in the bite and maximize your chances at multiple fish. Our guides have been working these waters for years, and their knowledge of seasonal patterns, productive spots, and sturgeon behavior gives you a huge advantage over trying to figure it out on your own. The Columbia River's renowned sturgeon fishery doesn't disappoint, but like all great fishing, timing and expertise matter. Don't wait too long to secure your spot – the best fishing days book up weeks in advance, especially during peak summer and fall periods when the green sturgeon are most active. This is the kind of trip that turns casual anglers into sturgeon addicts, and experienced sturgeon fishers know there's nothing quite like a full day on the Columbia targeting these incredible fish. Ready to test your tackle and your skills against some of the river's biggest residents?
Get ready to chase Columbia River sturgeon aboard our 2021 Thunder Jet 30-footer! This aluminum fishing machine packs serious power with triple Suzuki 175HP engines that'll get you to the hot spots fast at 35 knots. Perfect for up to 4 anglers, this rig comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water. The fish finder will help locate those prehistoric giants lurking below while GPS and radar keep you on course. When you hook into a monster sturgeon, you'll have plenty of fighting room on deck. Between battles, stay comfortable with the onboard toilet, keep your catch fresh in the icebox, and enjoy tunes on the sound system. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish. Whether you're targeting your first sturgeon or hunting for a new personal best, this boat delivers the performance and features serious Columbia River anglers demand.
Portland