Full Day Sturgeon Catch and Release Guided Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Full-day sturgeon fishing on Columbia and Willamette RiversProfessional gear and fresh bait included for all anglersTwin-engine vessel accommodates up to six fishing guests
Picture this: You're standing on the deck of our twin-engine 28-footer, coffee in hand at 6 AM, watching the Columbia River wake up around you. That's how every great sturgeon day starts with JT's NW Guide Service. This isn't your typical fishing trip – we're talking about an 8-hour adventure targeting some of the most prehistoric and powerful fish swimming in Oregon waters. Whether you've been chasing fish for decades or you're just getting your feet wet, our full-day sturgeon trips are designed to put you on fish while keeping things relaxed and fun for the whole crew.
We'll pick you up bright and early at 6 AM because that's when the big girls are feeding. The Columbia and Willamette Rivers offer some of the best sturgeon fishing on the West Coast, and we know exactly where to find them. Our spacious 28-foot boat handles up to six anglers comfortably, though we keep the base rate for four – perfect for families or a tight group of fishing buddies. You don't need to worry about gear because we've got you covered with professional-grade rods, reels, tackle, and fresh bait that these ancient fish can't resist. The beauty of sturgeon fishing is that it works for everyone – kids get just as fired up as seasoned anglers when they feel that first powerful run. We'll spend the day moving between productive holes, reading the water, and putting you in position for that fish of a lifetime. Safety comes first out here, but we also make sure you understand what's happening so you can appreciate the technique behind landing these river monsters.
Sturgeon fishing is all about patience, positioning, and heavy tackle. We use stout rods with plenty of backbone and strong reels loaded with heavy line because when a 6-foot sturgeon decides to make a run, you need gear that can handle the fight. We anchor up over known feeding areas and drop our baits – usually fresh herring, anchovies, or shad – right into the strike zone. The key is getting your bait on the bottom where these bottom-dwellers cruise and feed. You'll feel the difference between a crab picking at your bait and the solid thump of a sturgeon picking up your offering. When one grabs hold, there's no mistaking it. These fish are pure muscle and determination, often jumping clear out of the water during the fight. We'll coach you through every step of the battle, from setting the hook to working the fish to the boat for photos and a quick, careful release. The tackle we provide is specifically matched to the conditions we'll be fishing, and we always have backup gear ready because sturgeon fights can be hard on equipment.
White sturgeon are the giants of the Columbia River system and honestly, they're what fishing dreams are made of. These prehistoric beasts can live over 100 years and grow to massive sizes – we're talking fish that can stretch 8 to 12 feet and weigh several hundred pounds. The ones we typically catch and release range from 4 to 8 feet, which is still an absolute monster when it's on the end of your line. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish moving into shallow water to feed on salmon eggs, smelt, and other baitfish. What makes sturgeon so special is their fight – they're incredibly strong, surprisingly agile, and they have this habit of launching themselves out of the water when hooked. It's like hooking into a submarine that suddenly decides it wants to fly. These fish are also incredibly ancient, virtually unchanged for millions of years, so when you're fighting one, you're connecting with something truly wild and primeval. The Columbia River system supports one of the healthiest white sturgeon populations anywhere, which is why our catch and release trips are so consistently productive. Every fish we catch gets measured, photographed, and released quickly to keep this fishery strong for future generations.
Look, if you're serious about experiencing some of the best freshwater fishing Oregon has to offer, this trip delivers. Eight hours on the water with professional equipment, expert guidance, and access to prime sturgeon habitat – that's the recipe for stories you'll be telling for years. We keep our groups small and our approach personal because that's how you create those memorable days on the water. Just remember we need 72 hours notice for cancellations, so plan accordingly. The Columbia and Willamette aren't going anywhere, but the bite windows and perfect weather days don't wait around. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to serious fishing or you want to tangle with fish that'll test your skills, our full-day sturgeon trips hit the mark every time.
Get ready to chase trophy sturgeon aboard our powerful 28-foot Nemesis! This twin-engine beast is built for the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, with dual Yamaha 250s that'll get you to the hot spots fast at 46mph. The spacious deck comfortably handles your crew of 4 with room to fight those big fish. Our onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating sturgeon, while GPS keeps us on productive water all day. The icebox keeps your drinks cold and bait fresh during the 8-hour hunt. Professional rods, reels, and tackle are all set up and ready to go – just bring yourself and get ready to battle some serious fish in Oregon's premier sturgeon waters.
Oregon