5.0(3 Reviews)Full Day Charter Trip - Washington Fishing
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore fishing charter targeting walleye, salmon, and shadCaptain Elmer Hill brings 25 years of professional guiding experience26foot Alumaweld Columbia accommodates up to 2 guests comfortably
When you're serious about putting fish in the boat, Captain Elmer Hill's full-day charter is where you want to be. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting started when it's time to head back to the dock. We're talking about a solid 8 hours on the water, giving you the real deal when it comes to Washington fishing. You'll be working the Columbia River system aboard a 2016 26FT Alumaweld Columbia that can hit 45 knots when we need to cover water fast. With room for just two anglers, this is a premium experience where every detail matters and you get Captain Elmer's undivided attention.
Captain Elmer Hill brings 25 years of guiding experience to every trip, and it shows from the moment you step aboard. The Alumaweld Columbia is built for these waters - stable enough to fish comfortably but fast enough to chase the bite when fish are moving. You'll start early to make the most of prime feeding times, and with 8 hours ahead of us, we can adapt to whatever the river throws our way. Some days that means starting with shad in the morning current, then moving to deeper holes for sturgeon as the day warms up. Other times we'll chase steelhead through different runs or work catfish structure when the afternoon bite turns on. The beauty of a full day is having time to really work an area instead of rushing from spot to spot.
Every species we target requires different approaches, and Captain Elmer has the gear and know-how to match the technique to the fish. For sturgeon, we'll be anchoring in the current with heavy tackle and fresh bait - think sand shrimp, smelt, or nightcrawlers depending on what they're hitting. When we're after steelhead, it's all about reading the water and working spinners, spoons, or bait through the right seams. Shad fishing means lighter tackle and small jigs or shad darts worked through schools. Blue catfish respond well to cut bait fished on the bottom near structure. The boat carries everything you need, from heavy sturgeon rods down to lighter spinning gear for shad. Captain Elmer will rig everything and show you the techniques, so whether you're new to these species or looking to dial in your skills, you're covered.
"Captain Elmer Hill is the go-to guide for sturgeon fishing. Patient, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable. The 2016 Alumaweld Columbia exceeded our expectations." - Stephen "Captain Elmer's expertise is unmatched. Despite the chilly weather, we had a fantastic time targeting sturgeon. Elmer made sure every moment was enjoyable." - Ronny "We booked a full-day trip with Captain Elmer, targeting walleye, salmon, and shad. His versatility and adaptability made the experience rich and rewarding." - Jason
Shad are the speed demons of the Columbia, and when they're running, the action is non-stop. These silver torpedoes typically show up in late spring and early summer, moving upriver in massive schools. They're not big - most run 2-4 pounds - but they fight way above their weight class. What makes shad fishing so addictive is the sheer numbers. When you find a school, you can catch dozens in a single drift. They hit small jigs and flies aggressively, and watching them boil on the surface when they're feeding is something every angler should experience.
Walleye are the table fare champions, and the Columbia system holds some real quality fish. These golden predators love structure - rocky points, drop-offs, and current breaks where they can ambush baitfish. Spring and fall are prime time when they're most active, but Captain Elmer knows the summer patterns too. Most Columbia walleye run 2-6 pounds, but 8-10 pounders show up regularly. They're not flashy fighters, but that first heavy head shake when you set the hook tells you everything you need to know. Plus, nothing beats fresh walleye fillets.
Steelhead trout are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. These sea-run rainbows return to the Columbia with ocean muscle and attitude. Summer steelhead typically run 6-12 pounds and fight like fish twice their size. They'll jump, run, and test every knot on your rig. Fall brings the native runs, which are even more special since they're wild fish returning to their natal waters. The Columbia's steelhead runs are legendary among West Coast anglers, and hooking one in these historic waters connects you to generations of fishing tradition.
Blue catfish are the river's bulldozers - powerful, stubborn fighters that will test your tackle and patience. The Columbia holds some impressive blues, with fish over 20 pounds caught regularly and monsters pushing 40+ pounds lurking in the deeper holes. They're most active in warmer months when they cruise the flats and channels looking for food. What makes blue catfish so rewarding is their raw power. They don't jump or make long runs, but they pull steady and hard, using their broad tails and deep bodies to maximum advantage.
Lake sturgeon are the Columbia's ancient giants, and hooking one is like connecting with prehistory. These armored dinosaurs can live over 100 years and reach massive sizes. The Columbia produces sturgeon from keeper-sized fish around 40 inches up to true giants over 8 feet long. Sturgeon fishing requires patience - you might wait hours between bites - but when a big sturgeon picks up your bait, nothing else matters. They're incredibly powerful, using the current and their size to wage epic battles that can last 30 minutes or more. All sturgeon are catch and release, so you're fishing for the experience and photos with these magnificent
Captain Elmer Hill's 2016 26FT Alumaweld Columbia is built for serious fishing adventures off Washington's coast. This reliable motorboat cruises at 45 knots, getting you to the best fishing spots fast. The vessel comes equipped with everything needed for a successful day on the water - GPS navigation to find those productive grounds, fish finder technology to locate your targets below, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. With space for just 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the lines while chasing salmon, walleye, and shad in Washington waters. Captain Hill brings 25 years of local knowledge to guide your 8-hour charter, making sure you're fishing the right spots at the right time.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue cats are absolute bruisers that average 25-46 inches and can easily hit 80+ pounds - the biggest catfish species in North America. These slate-blue fighters love deep holes in muddy-bottom rivers and creeks, especially near tidal areas where they follow the flow looking for easy meals. They're opportunistic feeders that'll eat anything, making them year-round targets, though warmer months are most productive. What draws anglers is their incredible size and fight - hooking into a 50-pounder will test your gear and your patience. They're also excellent eating with firm white meat. The trick with blue cats is fresh cut bait - herring, sardines, or even chicken liver work great. Let it sink to the bottom and stay put; these fish won't chase moving baits. Bring heavy gloves because they're slimy as can be and will put up a serious battle. Circle hooks help with hooksets since they tend to mouth bait before committing.
Acipenser FulvescensLake sturgeon are living dinosaurs that average 3-6 feet but can reach 8+ feet and over 300 pounds. These ancient bottom-dwellers have cartilage instead of bone and armor-like plates along their sides. They cruise sandy or gravel bottoms using four barbels to feel for crayfish, worms, and small fish. Deep holes, drop-offs, and river eddies are prime spots year-round, though spring and fall see more activity. What makes sturgeon fishing special is the sheer prehistoric nature of these fish - some live over 100 years. They're surprisingly docile giants that suck up food rather than attacking it. The meat is excellent and their eggs make prized caviar. Heavy tackle is a must since even average fish can top 100 pounds. My key tip: use a big glob of nightcrawlers on the bottom and be patient. When they finally pick up your bait, don't set the hook hard - just lift into them steadily. And definitely bring heavy gloves and a big net!
Alosa SapidissimaAmerican shad are solid fighters that run 20-24 inches and pack surprising punch for their size. These silvery fish with dark shoulder spots make their spawning runs up the Columbia River system from April through May, which is prime time for targeting them. You'll find schools moving through current breaks and along shorelines where they rest from fighting the flow. What makes shad special is the combination - they're scrappy on light tackle and absolutely delicious on the table. Their delicate, flaky meat needs no fancy seasoning, and the roe is considered a delicacy. I always tell folks to use bright flies or small spoons in white or yellow with red heads, and cast within 30 feet of the bank where shad hug the shoreline to avoid heavy current. Light spinning gear works perfect since these aren't huge fish, but they'll give you a memorable fight.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are sea-run rainbow trout that average 24 inches but can stretch to 36+ inches and pack serious muscle from their ocean years. These chrome-bright fighters return to our rivers from fall through spring to spawn, making winter and early spring prime time. Unlike their freshwater rainbow cousins, steelhead are streamlined silver bullets with incredible stamina. They hold in deeper pools, behind boulders, and along undercut banks where current breaks give them rest spots. What makes them special is that legendary fight - they'll jump, run, and test every bit of your tackle and skill. The meat is excellent too, with that rich ocean flavor. My go-to technique is swinging flies or drifting bait through likely holding water. Pro tip: use a 13-foot rod if you can handle it - the extra reach helps control your drift and keeps you connected during those wild runs these fish are famous for.
Sander VitreusWalleye typically run 20-24 inches in our waters and can push up to 30 inches if you're lucky. These golden-olive fish with their distinctive milky eyes are built for low-light hunting, so evening trips often produce the best results. They hang around structure during the day - rock piles, drop-offs, and deep weed edges in 10+ feet of water. Spring and fall are your best bets when they move shallow to feed. What guests love about walleye is the challenge of finding them and that incredible table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. The key trick I share is trolling live bait rigs slowly along the bottom with a quarter-ounce sinker, 3-foot leader, and size 4 hook tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler. These fish can be picky, so covering different depths and structures until you locate the school is half the battle.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Elmer Hill is the go-to guide for sturgeon fishing. Patient, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable. The 2016 Alumaweld Col...
Captain Elmer's expertise is unmatched. Despite the chilly weather, we had a fantastic time targeting sturgeon. Elmer made sure ev...
We booked a full-day trip with Captain Elmer, targeting walleye, salmon, and shad. His versatility and adaptability made the exper...
Columbia River