Half Day Columbia River Sturgeon Fishing Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fourhour guided sturgeon fishing on Columbia and Willamette RiversAll gear, rods, and fresh bait included with expert guideBeginnerfriendly catch and release targeting prehistoric river giants
Picture this: you're out on the mighty Columbia River at first light, rod in hand, waiting for that unmistakable tug that means you've hooked into a living dinosaur. Our half-day sturgeon catch and release trips put you face-to-face with some of the Pacific Northwest's most powerful freshwater fish. Starting at 6:00 AM, we'll spend four solid hours targeting these prehistoric giants across both the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps folks talking for years. We've got everything covered – gear, bait, expertise – so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a camera to capture the moment when you're bent over double, fighting a fish that might be older than your grandfather.
We launch our 28-foot vessel right at sunrise, giving us the best shot at active sturgeon before the river traffic picks up. This isn't your typical casting and retrieving kind of fishing – sturgeon angling is all about patience, positioning, and being ready when these bottom-dwellers decide to feed. The early morning departure means cooler water temperatures and hungry fish, plus you'll get to watch the river come alive as the sun climbs over the Cascade foothills. Our boat provides a rock-solid platform for the kind of heavy-duty fishing sturgeon demand, with plenty of room for up to four anglers to work without getting tangled up in each other's lines. The family-friendly setup means kids can safely experience the rush of hooking into a monster fish while parents capture every moment. We keep things relaxed but focused – there's plenty of time to chat between bites, share stories, and learn about the river's ecosystem while we wait for the next strike.
Sturgeon fishing requires serious tackle, and we've got you covered with top-shelf rods and reels that can handle fish pushing 100 pounds or more. We're talking heavy action rods paired with high-capacity reels loaded with braided line – the kind of setup that gives you a fighting chance against these river monsters. The technique is straightforward but effective: we anchor in proven holes and drop fresh bait right to the bottom where sturgeon cruise looking for their next meal. Circle hooks are the standard here for catch and release, designed to hook fish in the corner of the mouth for easy, safe release. We provide all the terminal tackle, weights, and fresh bait – typically herring, anchovy, or nightcrawlers depending on what the fish are hitting. You'll learn to feel the difference between a sturgeon pickup and bottom debris, how to set the hook properly, and most importantly, how to fight these powerful fish without burning yourself out. The beauty of sturgeon fishing is that once you're hooked up, it's pure endurance – these fish don't give up easy, and neither should you.
White sturgeon are the undisputed kings of Pacific Northwest rivers, and the Columbia system holds some absolute giants. These ancient fish can live over 100 years and grow to truly massive proportions – we're talking 6 to 12 feet long and anywhere from 60 to 400 pounds. What makes them so special is their prehistoric nature; they've been swimming these waters since before the dinosaurs went extinct. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish actively feeding as water temperatures rise. Sturgeon are bottom feeders with an incredible sense of smell, using their barbels like underwater whiskers to locate food in murky water. When they hit your bait, there's no mistaking it – the rod doubles over and stays that way. The fight is legendary: long, powerful runs followed by bulldogging near the bottom, then sudden bursts toward the surface. Every fish feels like it could be the one that breaks your personal record. Because we practice strict catch and release, these magnificent creatures get to swim away and grow even larger for the next angler. The smaller "keeper-sized" fish still pack a punch, while the real trophies – those 8-footers and up – provide the kind of adrenaline rush that converts casual anglers into sturgeon fanatics overnight.
This half-day sturgeon adventure represents some of the best freshwater fishing the Pacific Northwest has to offer. You're getting professional guide service, quality gear, prime fishing locations, and the chance to tangle with fish that most anglers only dream about. The flat rate covers your whole group up to four people, making it an outstanding value for families or friend groups looking to experience something truly special together. With our 72-hour cancellation policy, you can book with confidence knowing you're protected if weather or other circumstances force a change of plans. These morning slots fill up fast, especially during peak season when the sturgeon are most active. Don't let another season slip by wondering what it feels like to hook into a living piece of natural history – grab your spot and get ready for the kind of fishing story that gets better every time you tell it.
Our 28' Nemesis is built for serious sturgeon fishing on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Twin Yamaha 250s push this rig to 46mph, getting you to the hot spots fast while maintaining rock-solid stability when you're fighting these prehistoric giants. The spacious deck gives up to 4 anglers plenty of room to work, whether you're a seasoned pro or bringing the kids for their first taste of big river fishing. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating sturgeon, while GPS keeps us positioned perfectly in the current. An icebox keeps your drinks cold during the action, and all the professional tackle is provided. This boat handles the Columbia's conditions with ease, giving you a solid platform to battle fish that can top 100 pounds. Perfect for families and beginners looking to tangle with some of the river's most powerful residents.
Oregon