Premier Columbia River Sturgeon Catch and Release Adventure
Private Trip
River Fishing
Target massive Columbia and Willamette River sturgeon on guided tripsSixhour catch and release charter with professional instruction includedHeavyduty equipment and specialized bait provided for all guests
Picture this: you're out on the Columbia River at sunrise, coffee steam mixing with morning mist, when your heavy rod suddenly doubles over and screams line like nothing you've felt before. That's what targeting white sturgeon is all about – these prehistoric giants can stretch over 10 feet long and put up a fight that'll have your arms burning and your heart racing. Todd Stoneking's been running anglers out to these productive waters for years, and his 6-hour charters consistently put guests onto fish that most people only dream about catching.
Your day kicks off at 6 AM sharp – and trust me, the early start is worth every yawn. Sturgeon are most active during those prime morning hours when the river's still quiet and the big fish are actively feeding. Todd's 28-foot boat handles the Columbia and Willamette currents like a champ, giving you plenty of space to move around and battle fish without bumping elbows. The whole setup is designed for comfort during those long fights – because when you hook into a 6-foot sturgeon, you're going to need every advantage you can get. This charter works great for families too, since Todd's patient with kids and knows how to keep everyone engaged even during slower periods. First-timers shouldn't worry about experience level – some of the best sturgeon stories come from folks who'd never held a fishing rod before stepping aboard.
Sturgeon fishing isn't your typical bass setup – we're talking serious heavy-duty gear designed to handle fish that can weigh hundreds of pounds. Todd provides all the specialized equipment, including stout rods rated for big fish, high-capacity reels with smooth drags, and the heavy sinkers needed to keep your bait planted in the Columbia's strong current. The technique itself is pretty straightforward: you're anchoring in productive holes and letting fresh bait sit on the bottom where sturgeon cruise and feed. Sand shrimp, smelt, and other natural baits work best – these fish have been around for millions of years and they know what real food looks like. The key is patience and reading your rod tip for those subtle bites that signal a giant fish mouthing your offering. When that rod finally loads up and starts pumping, you'll know why sturgeon anglers get so addicted to this style of fishing.
White sturgeon are the ultimate prize in Pacific Northwest freshwater fishing, and the Columbia River system holds some of the best populations anywhere. These ancient fish can live over 100 years and reach massive sizes – the current state record topped 450 pounds, though most fish you'll encounter range from 3 to 8 feet long. What makes sturgeon so special is their prehistoric nature; they've basically remained unchanged for millions of years, complete with bony plates instead of scales and that distinctive shark-like tail. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, when water temperatures warm up and the fish become more aggressive. The fight itself is legendary – imagine hooking into a submarine that doesn't want to come up. Sturgeon use their broad, powerful tails to make long, steady runs that'll test your endurance and your drag system. Because this is strictly catch and release fishing, you get all the excitement of battling a giant without any pressure about keeping fish. Every sturgeon you bring to the boat gets a quick photo session before swimming away to fight another day, which means these incredible fish populations stay healthy for future generations of anglers.
Six hours on the water chasing prehistoric giants – that's what separates a good fishing trip from one you'll be talking about for years. Todd's charter includes everything you need to tangle with these river monsters, from the heavy tackle to the specialized baits that sturgeon can't resist. The Columbia and Willamette rivers offer some of the most consistent sturgeon fishing on the West Coast, and having a local expert like Todd reading the water makes all the difference between going through the motions and actually connecting with fish. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to serious fishing or you want to cross a bucket-list species off your angling goals, this charter delivers the kind of action that keeps people coming back season after season. Just remember that 72-hour cancellation policy – these popular dates fill up fast, especially during prime sturgeon season when the fishing is at its absolute best.
Step aboard our 28-foot Nemesis and get ready to battle Columbia and Willamette River sturgeon! This spacious fishing platform handles up to 4 anglers comfortably while twin Yamaha 250s power you to the hottest fishing spots at 46mph. Built for river conditions, she's equipped with everything serious anglers need - GPS to navigate the waters, fish finder to locate those prehistoric giants lurking below, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The stable design means you can focus on fighting fish instead of fighting the current. Todd provides all the heavy-duty tackle and specialized bait needed to hook into these massive freshwater fighters. Whether you're a seasoned angler or first-timer, this boat gives your group the perfect platform to land the sturgeon of a lifetime on these legendary Pacific Northwest rivers.
Oregon