Full Day Sturgeon Fishing on Columbia & Willamette
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fullday sturgeon fishing on Columbia and Willamette RiversProfessional gear and bait included for up to four anglersEighthour guided trip suitable for all experience levels
When you're ready to tangle with some of the most powerful freshwater fish on the West Coast, this 8-hour sturgeon fishing adventure on Oregon's Columbia and Willamette Rivers delivers exactly what you're looking for. Starting at 6 AM, we'll hit the water when these ancient giants are most active, giving you the best shot at hooking into fish that can easily stretch 6, 8, or even 10 feet long. This isn't your typical day of fishing – we're talking about prehistoric monsters that have been cruising these waters since before the dinosaurs, and when one grabs your bait, you'll know it immediately. Our twin-engine 28-foot boat handles these big rivers with ease, and we've got all the heavy-duty gear you need to battle these incredible fish safely and successfully.
This full-day trip gives us plenty of time to work the prime sturgeon holes along both rivers, moving between spots as conditions and fish activity dictate. We'll start early to maximize our fishing time, and trust me, you'll want every minute of it when these fish are biting. The boat comfortably handles up to four anglers in the base rate, though we can squeeze in six if your group needs the extra space. Everything's included – professional-grade rods built for big fish, reels with serious drag systems, all the terminal tackle, and fresh bait that sturgeon can't resist. You don't need any experience to have a blast out here. These trips work great for families, corporate groups, or anyone who wants to experience what it's like to hook into a true river giant. Safety's always our top priority, especially when dealing with large fish and strong river currents, so we'll brief everyone on proper techniques and boat protocols before we start fishing.
Sturgeon fishing is all about heavy tackle and patience, but when it pays off, it really pays off. We run 8 to 10-foot medium-heavy rods paired with conventional reels loaded with 65-pound braided line – you need that backbone when a 200-pound fish decides it wants to head for deeper water. Our terminal rigs are simple but effective: sliding sinker setups with circle hooks and fresh bait that sturgeon absolutely love. We'll anchor up in productive areas and fish multiple rods, waiting for that unmistakable sturgeon bite – they don't nibble like trout, they grab your bait and head for the bottom. The Columbia and Willamette offer different fishing scenarios throughout the day. The Columbia's deeper channels and stronger current require heavier sinkers, while the Willamette's calmer stretches let us use lighter tackle and work structure more precisely. Reading the water is crucial, and after years of fishing these rivers, I know exactly where these fish like to hang out during different seasons and tide conditions.
White sturgeon are absolutely the crown jewel of Pacific Northwest freshwater fishing, and for good reason. These living dinosaurs can live over 100 years and grow to massive proportions – we regularly see fish in the 6 to 10-foot range, with some monsters pushing 12 feet or more. What makes them so special is their fighting ability combined with their prehistoric appearance. When you hook a big sturgeon, it's unlike any other freshwater fish fight you've experienced. They'll make powerful runs, jump completely out of the water, and test every inch of your tackle and technique. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish moving into shallower water to feed as water temperatures rise. These ancient fish are bottom feeders with an incredible sense of smell, which is why fresh bait is so important. They'll cruise along the river bottom, using their sensitive barbels to locate food sources. The best part about sturgeon fishing is that every fish is a trophy – there's no such thing as a small sturgeon fight. Even a 4-foot fish will give you a battle you won't forget, and when you see one of these prehistoric giants up close, you'll understand why anglers travel from across the country to fish for them.
This top-rated Columbia River sturgeon trip fills up fast, especially during prime season when these fish are most active. With only four spots available per trip on our base rate, and the flexibility to accommodate up to six anglers total, you'll want to secure your dates well in advance. The 8-hour format gives us the time we need to really work these rivers properly, moving between the Columbia and Willamette as conditions and fish activity dictate. Remember, we require 72 hours notice for cancellations, so plan accordingly. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your personal best or a complete beginner who wants to experience world-class fishing, this full-day adventure delivers the goods. The combination of professional equipment, local expertise, and access to Oregon's premier sturgeon waters makes this a customer favorite that keeps people coming back year after year. Don't miss your chance to battle these river giants – book your spot today and get ready for a fishing experience that'll have you talking for years to come.
Get ready to chase trophy sturgeon aboard our powerful 28-foot Nemesis! This twin Yamaha 250-powered beast cuts through Columbia River currents at 46mph, getting your crew of up to 4 anglers to the hottest fishing spots fast. The spacious deck gives everyone room to fight those monster fish, while our fish finder pinpoints where the big ones are hiding. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox, and let GPS navigation guide us to prime sturgeon territory along both the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. With professional-grade rods, reels, and fresh bait included, this stable platform handles Oregon's river conditions like a champ. Perfect for families and serious anglers alike looking to tangle with some serious prehistoric muscle!
Oregon