5.0(3 Reviews)Full Day Fishing Charter with Captain Elmer Hill
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day 8-hour charter targeting walleye, salmon, and shadCaptain Elmer Hill brings 25 years of fishing expertise26ft Alumaweld vessel accommodates up to 2 guests
When you're looking to spend a serious day on the water targeting some of Washington's most prized fish species, this 8-hour charter with Mid Columbia River Guide Service delivers exactly what dedicated anglers are after. Captain Elmer Hill has been working these waters for 25 years, and his track record speaks for itself. You'll be fishing from his 2016 26FT Alumaweld Columbia – a rock-solid platform that can hit 45 knots when we need to cover water fast. This is a two-angler maximum trip, which means you get personalized attention and prime fishing spots without the crowd.
This full-day adventure takes you into the heart of Washington's premier fishing waters where shad, walleye, steelhead trout, blue catfish, and lake sturgeon call home. Captain Elmer knows these fish patterns like the back of his hand, and he'll adjust tactics throughout the day based on conditions and what's biting. The Alumaweld Columbia gives us the flexibility to move between different fishing zones quickly – we might start the morning targeting steelhead in faster water, then shift to deeper holes for sturgeon as the day progresses. The boat's shallow draft lets us access spots that bigger vessels can't reach, while the stable platform ensures you can fight fish comfortably even when they're making serious runs. You'll have access to quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle, plus Captain Elmer provides all the local knowledge about structure, current breaks, and seasonal movements that separate a good day from a great one.
Depending on our target species for the day, we'll employ different fishing methods to maximize your success. For walleye, we often work jigs and soft plastics along bottom structure, or troll crankbaits at specific depths where schools are holding. Steelhead fishing typically involves drift fishing with bait or pulling plugs in the current seams. When we're after sturgeon, we'll anchor up and fish heavy sinkers with fresh bait on the bottom – these fish require patience and the right presentation. Shad fishing can be fast and furious with small jigs or spoons when we locate a school. Blue catfish respond well to cut bait fished near structure in deeper pools. Captain Elmer matches the tackle to the technique and target species, from light spinning gear for shad to heavy rods capable of handling big sturgeon. He'll walk you through each setup and technique, making sure you understand the why behind each approach. The key is staying adaptable – Washington waters can change throughout the day, and successful fishing means reading conditions and adjusting accordingly.
"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 this fishery, and when they're running, the action can be absolutely electric. These silver bullets typically show up in strong numbers during their spawning runs, usually from late spring into early summer. They're not huge fish – most run 1-3 pounds – but they fight way above their weight class with blistering runs and aerial displays. What makes shad fishing so addictive is the sheer numbers when you find them. You can literally catch fish on every cast when conditions align. They respond best to small jigs, spoons, or darts worked through the water column where schools are holding.
Walleye represent the gold standard for eating fish in these waters, and Captain Elmer knows exactly where they stage throughout different seasons. These fish are structure-oriented predators that typically range from 2-6 pounds, with occasional larger specimens pushing 8+ pounds. Spring and fall tend to be prime times when walleye are most active and feeding aggressively. They're notorious for their light bite – you need to stay focused and feel for that subtle tick or weight change. Once hooked, walleye make determined runs but don't jump like some species. What anglers love most is the consistent action and exceptional table fare.
Steelhead trout are the crown jewel for many Pacific Northwest anglers, and for good reason. These are sea-run rainbow trout that return to freshwater with incredible strength and fighting ability. A typical steelhead runs 6-12 pounds, but larger fish over 15 pounds are always possible. Winter steelhead runs generally provide the most consistent fishing, while summer fish tend to be more chrome-bright and aggressive. When a steelhead takes your bait or lure, you'll know it immediately – they hit hard and fight harder with powerful runs, jumps, and head shakes. The combination of their beauty, strength, and the skill required to consistently catch them makes steelhead a bucket-list species.
Blue catfish are the bruisers of this system, capable of reaching impressive sizes that will test your tackle and technique. These fish can range from a few pounds up to 20+ pound specimens that provide serious battles. Unlike their smaller channel cat cousins, blue cats prefer cleaner water and often suspend in deeper areas near current breaks and structure. They're most active during warmer months and can be caught year-round when you know where to look. Blue cats are aggressive feeders with a preference for fresh cut bait, and once hooked, they make powerful runs toward cover. The appeal lies in never knowing if your next bite might be a personal best.
Lake sturgeon are living dinosaurs that represent the ultimate freshwater fishing challenge. These ancient fish can live over 100
Captain Elmer Hill's 2016 26FT Alumaweld Columbia is built for serious fishing adventures off Washington's coast. This reliable powerhouse cuts through Pacific waters at speeds up to 45 knots, getting you to productive fishing spots fast and giving you more time with lines in the water. The boat's fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating salmon, walleye, and shad, while the GPS keeps you on course to the best grounds. An onboard icebox ensures your catch stays fresh and your drinks stay cold during those long battles with feisty fish. With room for just two anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your rods without crowding. Captain Hill brings 25 years of local knowledge to every trip, knowing exactly where the fish are biting and when. Whether you're targeting chinook salmon in the deep channels or working the shallows for walleye, this well-equipped vessel handles Washington's varied waters with confidence. The Alumaweld's sturdy construction means a smooth, dry ride even when conditions get choppy.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue catfish are the giants of the catfish world, regularly hitting 25-40 pounds with some monsters pushing 80+ pounds. These slate-blue bruisers are opportunistic feeders that'll eat just about anything - crawfish, baitfish, frogs, you name it. They prefer deep holes and channels in rivers and lakes, especially areas with muddy bottoms near tidal influences. Summer months are prime time when they're most active in warmer water. What makes blues special is their incredible fight - they're strong, stubborn, and will test your tackle. The meat is excellent eating, mild and firm. You'll find them hugging the bottom in 15-40 feet of water around structure. Fresh cut bait works best - herring, shad, or chicken liver on the bottom. Here's the key: let your bait sit still and wait for solid hits. Don't set the hook on the first nibble - give them time to fully take the bait, then reel down and lift hard.
Acipenser FulvescensLake sturgeon are living dinosaurs - these prehistoric fish can live over 100 years and grow massive. Most we catch run 3-6 feet and 30-100 pounds, but they can get much bigger. They're bottom feeders with cartilage skeletons and bony plates instead of scales, using barbels to feel around muddy lake and river bottoms for worms, insects, and small fish. These ancient fish are incredibly docile despite their intimidating size. Spring through fall offers the best action in 15-40 feet over sandy or gravel bottoms near drop-offs and deep holes. What makes sturgeon fishing special is the uniqueness - you're targeting a species that swam with dinosaurs. They're surprisingly good eating too, with firm white meat. The fight is different from other fish - more of a powerful, steady pull than explosive runs. Heavy tackle is a must since they can weigh over 100 pounds. Nightcrawler clusters on the bottom work great, and here's the trick: be patient and keep steady pressure once hooked.
Alosa SapidissimaAmerican shad run up our rivers from April through May, making them a seasonal treat that brings serious excitement. These silvery fish average 20-24 inches and can hit 5-12 pounds, with females running much larger than males. They're anadromous, spending most of their lives in saltwater before heading upstream to spawn. You'll find them in deeper river holes during the day, moving to shallower water near shore when feeding. The meat is incredibly flavorful - some say the best eating fish around - and their roe is considered a delicacy. What makes shad special is their strong, determined fight as they try to get back downstream. Here's a tip from 25 years on the water: fish the current breaks within 30 feet of shore with light tackle and bright flies. Yellow or white with red heads work best when they're moving through.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are sea-run rainbow trout that spend 2-3 years in saltwater before returning to rivers to spawn - and that ocean time makes all the difference. These chrome-bright fighters average 24-30 inches and 8-15 pounds, with some reaching 20+ pounds. Unlike their rainbow cousins, steelhead develop that distinctive silver coloration and streamlined build from their marine lifestyle. They're incredibly strong fish that make blistering runs and aerial displays when hooked. Fall through spring is prime season as they enter rivers to spawn. Look for them in deeper pools, runs, and current breaks where they rest between moving upstream. The meat quality is outstanding - firm and flavorful. These fish require patience since they can be selective, but the payoff is worth it. Pro tip: focus on the swing presentation with spoons or flies through likely holding water, and always keep steady pressure - they'll use the current against you.
Sander VitreusWalleye are one of the most sought-after freshwater species, and for good reason - they're incredible table fare with mild, flaky white meat. These golden-colored fish with their distinctive silver eyes typically run 20-24 inches, though we regularly see them up to 30 inches and 8-12 pounds. They're structure-oriented, hanging around rock piles, drop-offs, and weed edges in 10-25 feet of water during the day. Early morning and evening are prime time when they move shallow to feed. Walleye have excellent low-light vision, making them active hunters at dusk and dawn. They put up a solid fight with good runs and head shakes. Spring and fall are your best bets when water temps hit that 60-70 degree sweet spot. My go-to technique? Slow-troll live bait rigs with leeches or nightcrawlers just off the bottom along break lines. Keep it simple and let the bait do the work.
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...
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