Private 8 Hour Columbia River Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fullday Columbia River fishing for Sturgeon, Steelhead, and Chinook SalmonExperienced guides target prime seasonal fishing locationsPrivate charter accommodates up to six guests
Picture yourself standing on the deck at sunrise, rod in hand, watching the mighty Columbia River stretch out before you like a highway to some of the best fishing on the West Coast. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. We're talking eight full hours of prime fishing time with guides who know every eddy, every deep hole, and every seasonal pattern that brings the big fish within reach. Whether you're chasing the legendary Chinook runs, battling tank-like Sturgeon, or working the perfect drift for chrome-bright Steelhead, this trip puts you right where the action happens when it happens.
Your day starts early – the best fishing usually does. We'll meet at the launch before dawn, get the boat loaded with fresh bait and gear, then push off into the pre-dawn quiet when the river belongs to serious anglers. The Columbia changes personality with the seasons, and that's exactly what makes it special. Spring brings the famous Chinook runs when these powerful salmon are pushing upstream in numbers that can turn an ordinary morning into something you'll be talking about for years. Summer shifts the focus to Sturgeon fishing, where we're targeting prehistoric giants that can stretch longer than your living room and fight like they're trying to take your rod to the bottom. Fall brings another shot at Chinook, often bigger and more aggressive as they make their final push, while winter Steelhead fishing offers some of the most technical and rewarding angling you'll find anywhere.
The Columbia demands respect and the right approach for each species. For Sturgeon, we're talking heavy tackle and serious hardware – these fish average 4-6 feet and the big ones can hit 8-10 feet or more. We'll anchor up over the deep holes where they feed, using fresh shad or smelt on heavy rigs that can handle their bulldozer runs. Chinook fishing is a different game entirely – we might be pulling plugs through the current, working spinners in the eddies, or drifting roe through known holding spots. The key is reading the water and matching your technique to what the fish are doing that day. Steelhead require the most finesse – long leaders, precise drifts, and the patience to work through runs methodically. We provide all the tackle, from heavy Sturgeon rods down to sensitive Steelhead setups, plus all the terminal gear, bait, and lures. Your job is to focus on the fishing while we handle the technical details like reading sonar, positioning the boat, and making sure your presentation is dialed in.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of the Columbia for good reason – these fish are built for power and they use every ounce of it. Spring runs typically start in March and peak through May, with fish ranging from 15-30 pounds, though 40-pounders show up often enough to keep things interesting. Fall runs bring a different attitude – these fish have been in the river longer, they're darker and more aggressive, and they seem to fight with everything they've got. What makes Chinook special isn't just their size, it's how they fight. They'll make long, powerful runs that strip line off your reel, then come back with jumps and head shakes that can throw the hook if you're not ready. The bite can be subtle or it can nearly rip the rod out of your hands – there's no middle ground with these fish.
Steelhead Trout bring a completely different kind of excitement to the Columbia. These are fish that have spent years in the ocean, coming back chrome-bright and loaded with energy. Summer runs typically show from May through October, while winter fish arrive from December through March. What sets Steelhead apart is their aerial show – they'll jump repeatedly, often clearing the water by several feet, and they never seem to give up. A 8-10 pound Steelhead will fight harder and longer than salmon twice their size. They're also incredibly smart, which means the fishing can be technical. You might watch fish moving through a run without touching anything, then make one small adjustment to your drift and suddenly you're connected to a fish that's doing cartwheels across the surface.
Lake Sturgeon are living dinosaurs, and fishing for them feels like connecting with something ancient. The Columbia's Sturgeon population includes fish that were swimming these waters when your grandparents were kids – some of the big ones are estimated at 50+ years old. Summer months from June through September offer the most consistent action, when these bottom feeders are active and aggressive. What makes Sturgeon fishing addictive is the combination of power and endurance they bring to every fight. A 6-foot Sturgeon will pull like a freight train, making long runs that test your tackle and your patience. They're also surprisingly acrobatic for such massive fish – it's not uncommon to see a 100+ pound Sturgeon completely clear the water. The Columbia's Sturgeon are catch-and-release only for the larger fish, which means these giants will be here for the next generation of anglers to experience.
Eight hours on the Columbia with experienced guides puts you in position to experience some of the best fishing the Pacific Northwest has to offer. This isn't about guarantees – fishing never works that way – but it is about maximizing your time on productive water with people who understand what it takes to connect with these world-class fish. The Columbia's seasons move fast, and the best fishing windows can be surprisingly narrow. Spring Chinook runs might peak for just a few weeks, while prime Sturgeon fishing shifts with water temperature and weather patterns. Book early to secure your preferred dates, especially during peak seasons when the river is fishing at its best. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to tackle new species or someone ready to step up from smaller waters, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that reminds you why you fell in love with the sport in the first place.
Our 2012 Alumaweld skiff is built for serious Columbia River fishing adventures. This 24-foot aluminum workhorse handles everything the river throws at it, powered by a reliable 225HP Yamaha that'll get you to the hot spots fast – cruising up to 50 knots when you need to beat other anglers to prime water. The spacious deck comfortably fishes up to 6 people, whether you're battling massive sturgeon in summer, chasing hard-fighting steelhead year-round, or targeting trophy Chinook during their legendary spring and fall runs. Onboard fish finder pinpoints where the big ones are holding, while GPS keeps you on productive water. The wireless trolling motor lets you work structure quietly without spooking fish. Keep your catch fresh in the built-in icebox along with cold drinks for the crew. This aluminum boat's rugged construction means more time fishing and less time worrying about rocks or shallow water that would concern fiberglass hulls.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaThe Columbia's King Salmon are legendary for good reason - these silver-sided giants with blue-green backs can push 20-30 pounds, making them the largest salmon species. They run thick in spring and fall when conditions are prime. What makes them special? That deep, powerful fight and rich orange meat that's hard to beat on the table. Kings hug the bottom during daylight hours, so we fish weighted baits in deeper holes and channels where they stage before spawning. Early morning and evening bites are your best bet. Pro tip: when you hook one, let them make their first run - don't horse them up too quick or you'll lose them.
Acipenser FulvescensThese prehistoric giants are the Columbia's true monsters, often reaching 100+ pounds with their armored bodies and whip-like tails. Summer months bring the best action when they're most active. Don't let their size fool you - sturgeon are gentle bottom feeders using whiskers to hunt crawfish, worms, and small fish in deep holes and sandy flats. What makes them special? Landing a fish that's potentially older than you and feeling that slow, bulldogging fight. They're surprisingly good eating too. Since they vacuum food off the bottom, keep your bait right on the deck. Here's the key: use heavy tackle and be patient - sturgeon mouth baits multiple times before committing, so wait for that solid pull before setting the hook.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically ocean-powered rainbow trout that return to spawn, averaging 24 inches but capable of hitting 45 inches in rare cases. These silver bullets spend years in the Pacific building muscle before hitting our waters. What sets them apart is their stamina - they'll jump, run, and test every knot you've got. Both summer and winter runs give us action, with fish holding in deeper pools, behind boulders, and along current breaks. They're not picky eaters, taking everything from drifted eggs to swung flies. The fight alone makes them worth targeting, plus they're excellent eating. My advice: keep steady pressure but don't overplay them - fresh steelhead have serious power.
Woodland, WA