Full-Day Columbia River Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fullday Columbia River fishing with expert local guidanceAll fishing gear and equipment provided for hasslefree experienceEighthour adventure targeting premium regional fish species
The Columbia River through Portland Metro isn't just another fishing spot—it's a legendary waterway that consistently delivers some of the Pacific Northwest's best salmon and steelhead action. Ken's private full-day trip puts you right in the heart of it all, starting before dawn when the big fish are most active. You'll spend eight solid hours on productive water with a captain who knows exactly where the fish are holding and what they're biting on any given day. This isn't a crowded charter boat experience either—it's just you and up to three friends with personalized attention from start to finish.
Your day kicks off at 6:30 AM when the river is calm and the fish are hungry. Ken provides all the tackle, bait, and gear you'll need, so you can focus on what matters—getting hooked up. The Columbia runs deep and wide through this stretch, offering perfect habitat for migrating salmon and resident steelhead. You'll work different techniques throughout the day depending on conditions and what the fish are doing. Some days that means anchoring up in prime holding water and presenting bait right in their faces. Other days you'll be on the move, covering water until you find active schools. The beauty of an eight-hour trip is having time to adapt and really dial in what's working. Ken's boat is set up for serious fishing with all the electronics and safety gear you'd expect from a top-rated guide service.
The Columbia requires specific approaches depending on season and target species. For salmon, you'll primarily use conventional tackle with heavy sinkers to get your offering down in the current. Fresh roe, sand shrimp, and spinners are go-to baits that produce consistent results. When targeting steelhead, the setup shifts to lighter presentations—drift fishing with roe or running plugs through likely holding spots. Ken carries quality rods and reels spooled with appropriate line weights for the conditions. The river's strong current and rocky bottom can be tackle-hungry, but that's all part of the game. You'll learn proper drift techniques, how to read the water for structure, and why certain areas hold fish while others don't. Understanding these fundamentals makes you a better angler long after your trip ends. Don't worry if you're new to river fishing—Ken breaks everything down step by step.
Chinook Salmon are the crown jewel of Columbia River fishing and the main reason anglers travel from across the country to fish these waters. These massive fish, often called "kings" for good reason, can exceed 30 pounds and fight like nothing else in freshwater. Spring Chinook start showing up in March and April, while fall runs peak from August through October. When you hook into a big king, expect a battle that tests your tackle and patience. They'll make powerful runs, jump completely out of the water, and use the river's current to their advantage. The meat is incredibly rich and flavorful, making them as prized on the dinner table as they are as trophy fish.
Coho Salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the Columbia River experience. These silver rockets are pure energy when hooked, known for their acrobatic jumps and screaming runs. Coho average 8-12 pounds but make up for their smaller size with sheer determination. They're most abundant during late summer and early fall runs, often mixing with Chinook in the same areas. What makes coho special is their willingness to bite—they're aggressive feeders that will often hit lures and baits that other salmon ignore. Their bright chrome sides and firm pink meat make them a customer favorite, especially for families looking to fill the cooler.
Steelhead Trout are the river's year-round residents and arguably the most challenging species you'll target. These sea-run rainbow trout are built for the Columbia's powerful currents, with muscular bodies and incredible stamina. Winter steelhead from December through March offer the best numbers, while summer fish from June through September provide exciting dry fly opportunities. Steelhead are notorious for their subtle bites—often feeling like a gentle tap or slight weight on your line before exploding into action. They're master jumpers that seem to defy gravity, often throwing the hook with their aerial displays. Landing a Columbia River steelhead requires patience, skill, and a bit of luck, making each one a genuine achievement.
At $250 per person for eight hours of guided fishing on one of the West Coast's most productive rivers, this trip delivers serious value for serious anglers. Ken's local knowledge and quality equipment take the guesswork out of Columbia River fishing, giving you the best shot at hooking into fish of a lifetime. Whether you're after that trophy Chinook for the wall or just want to experience world-class Pacific Northwest fishing, this full-day adventure puts you in prime position for success. The Columbia River doesn't give up its fish easily, but with the right guide and enough time on the water, you'll understand why this fishery has such a legendary reputation. Book your date now and get ready to see why Ken's Fishing Adventures keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Step aboard this 21-foot Alumaweld fishing machine, purpose-built for chasing Columbia River salmon and steelhead. The 150 HP Mercury engine gets you to the hot spots fast, hitting speeds up to 35 knots when you need to beat other anglers to productive water. Once you're positioned over promising structure, the wireless trolling motor keeps you moving quietly without spooking fish below. The GPS navigation system marks your favorite honey holes, while the fish finder reveals exactly what's swimming beneath the boat. Whether you're drifting for chinook in the main channel or working the backwaters for coho, this aluminum workhorse handles Columbia River conditions with ease. All the fishing gear you need is already rigged and ready, so you can focus on landing that trophy fish instead of fussing with tackle.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the giants of the salmon world, often hitting 15-30 pounds here on the Columbia. These silver-sided bruisers with black-spotted backs stay deep during the day, so we'll be fishing weighted gear near the bottom. Early morning and evening are prime time when they're most active. What makes Chinook special is that legendary fight - they'll pull drag and test your patience, but the reward is some of the best eating fish you'll find. That rich, orange-pink meat is worth every minute of the battle. Pro tip: when trolling plugs or spoons, keep your speed steady around 2-3 mph. Kings like consistency, and that steady presentation triggers more strikes than erratic movement.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are the acrobats of our river - these 8-12 pound fighters will jump clean out of the water and put on a real show. You'll spot them by their bright silver sides and that distinctive white belly. Coho love the deeper holes and current breaks where they can ambush baitfish. Fall runs are fantastic, especially when the water temps start dropping. What guests love most is how aggressive they are - Coho will chase down a well-presented lure with serious attitude. The orange-red meat makes for great table fare too. Here's a local trick: when swinging spinners through holding water, vary your retrieve speed. Start slow, then give it a couple quick jerks. That change in action often triggers strikes when they're being picky.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are the marathon runners of our waters - these sea-run rainbows average 24 inches but can push much larger. They're built like torpedoes, all silver and streamlined from their ocean years. You'll find them in deeper runs and pools, especially around structure like boulders or fallen trees. Winter and spring runs are best, when they're moving upriver to spawn. What makes steelhead special is their raw power and endurance - they'll make multiple runs and test every knot. Unlike salmon, they don't die after spawning, so they fight like their life depends on it. My go-to technique is drifting roe or casting spoons into the current seams. Keep your drag smooth but firm - steelhead will find any weakness in your setup.
Columbia River