Full Day Charter Trip - Washington Fishing
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.
What to Expect on the Water
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.
Tackle and Techniques
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.
Customer Stories
"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
Species You'll Want to Hook
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