5.0(3 Reviews)Washington Fishing Charter | Milton Free-Water Oregon
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour inshore fishing charter with expert Captain Elmer HillSmall group experience accommodating maximum two guests per tripTwenty-five years of professional guiding expertise in Oregon waters
When you're looking for serious fishing action in the Columbia River system, Captain Elmer Hill's 4-hour charters out of Milton Free-Water deliver exactly what you're after. With a quarter-century of guiding experience under his belt, Elmer knows these waters like the back of his hand - where the fish hold, when they bite, and how to put you on them consistently. This isn't some cookie-cutter operation; it's personal, focused fishing with a captain who genuinely loves what he does and shows it every day on the water.
Your morning starts at the boat launch where you'll meet Captain Elmer and get the rundown on the day's game plan. He's been working these waters for 25 years, so when he says the fish are biting in a particular spot, you can bank on it. The trip keeps things intimate with just 2 anglers max, which means you're getting personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your lines properly. Elmer's got all the tackle and gear you'll need, plus he knows exactly where to position the boat for the best shot at hooking into some serious fish. The 4-hour window gives you solid fishing time without burning your whole day, perfect for families or anyone who wants quality over quantity.
Captain Elmer runs a tight ship when it comes to fishing technique, and he'll have you dialed in from the first cast. For the blue catfish, you're typically looking at bottom fishing with cut bait or live offerings, positioned in deeper holes and channel edges where these bruisers like to cruise. The salmon fishing requires a different approach entirely - trolling with downriggers, back-bouncing with cluster eggs, or working spinners through the current seams. Elmer's got the electronics to mark fish and structure, plus he reads the water conditions like a book. He'll adjust tactics based on what's working that day, whether it's switching up your presentation depth, changing bait types, or repositioning to find more active fish. The beauty of fishing with an experienced guide is learning these nuances while you're actually catching fish.
"Captain Elmer made our fishing excursion unforgettable! His passion for the ocean and dedication to finding the best spots for sturgeon and catfish are truly commendable." - Sarah
"Captain Elmer took us on an amazing fishing trip! His knowledge of the best spots for catching sturgeon and catfish was impressive. We had a blast and can't wait to book another trip with him." - Harry
"An exceptional day on the water with Captain Elmer Hill. The 8-hour trip targeting walleye, salmon, and shad was a blast. Elmer's guidance and the Alumaweld Columbia made it a memorable adventure." - Heartwell
Blue catfish in these waters are absolute tanks - we're talking fish that can push 20-30 pounds and fight like freight trains once you hook into them. These fish are most active during warmer months from late spring through early fall, and they'll absolutely smoke your drag when they decide to make a run. What makes blue cats so special is their sheer power and the way they use the current to their advantage during the fight. Captain Elmer knows the deep holes and channel drops where the big blues hang out, and he's got the heavy tackle to handle them when they decide to cooperate. The satisfaction of landing a trophy blue cat after a 10-minute battle is something every serious angler needs to experience at least once.
Atlantic salmon bring a completely different energy to the table - these are chrome-bright fish with serious athleticism and a tendency to go airborne when hooked. Peak salmon season typically runs from late summer into fall, when these fish are pushing up the Columbia system. What gets anglers fired up about salmon fishing is the explosive strikes and acrobatic fights that follow. These fish don't just pull hard; they jump, they run, and they'll test every knot and connection on your setup. Captain Elmer's salmon tactics have been refined over decades of chasing these fish, and he knows how to position you for success whether they're holding deep or cruising the surface. Landing a bright salmon on light tackle is pure adrenaline, and the eating quality makes it even better.
Captain Elmer's 4-hour charters hit that sweet spot between serious fishing and reasonable time commitment, making this a top-rated choice for both locals and visiting anglers. With 25 years of guiding experience and intimate knowledge of these productive waters, you're not just booking a fishing trip - you're getting access to decades of accumulated wisdom about where, when, and how to catch fish consistently. The 2-person capacity keeps things personal and ensures you get the attention you deserve, while Elmer's passion for putting clients on fish shows through in every aspect of the experience. Whether you're targeting hard-fighting blue catfish or athletic salmon, this charter delivers the kind of fishing memories that keep anglers coming back season after season. Don't wait too long to secure your dates - word travels fast about guides who consistently produce fish, and Elmer's calendar fills up quickly during peak season.
Captain Elmer's 2016 26FT Alumaweld Columbia is built for serious fishing in Oregon's waters. This reliable aluminum boat hits 45 knots, getting you to the best fishing spots fast. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools while GPS keeps you on course. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 4-hour trip. With space for just 2 anglers, you'll get personalized attention from Captain Elmer's 25 years of guiding experience. The Columbia handles Pacific waters with confidence, whether you're targeting salmon, steelhead, or bottom fish around Milton Free-Water. This fishing machine combines speed, technology, and comfort for productive days on the water.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are the crown jewel of fishing, averaging 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds with incredible fighting ability and leaping skills. These anadromous fish spend years in the ocean before returning to freshwater to spawn, developing that distinctive silver body. They're closely related to brown trout and can spawn multiple times unlike their Pacific cousins. The meat is premium - orange-pink fillets that are pure gold at market. Unfortunately, Atlantic salmon fishing is currently prohibited in U.S. waters due to endangered status. When they were available, the classic swing technique worked best - cast downstream at 45 degrees and let the fly swing in current. Match your fly color to water conditions and use bigger flies in cold weather.
Ictalurus FurcatusThese slate-blue giants are the largest catfish in North America, averaging 25-46 inches and often hitting 80+ pounds. You can tell them apart from channel cats by counting fin rays (30-36) and their squared-off anal fin. They're opportunistic feeders that'll hit cut bait, chicken liver, or fresh herring. Blue cats love deep holes with muddy bottoms near tidal creeks, following the tide movements. Best fishing happens when you let your bait sink to the bottom and wait for those telltale nibbles. They put up a serious fight and taste great on the table. My tip: bring leather gloves - these slippery bruisers will test your grip when you're landing them. The bite really picks up during moving water.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Elmer made our fishing excursion unforgettable! His passion for the ocean and dedication to finding the best spots for stu...
Captain Elmer took us on an amazing fishing trip! His knowledge of the best spots for catching sturgeon and catfish was impressive...
An exceptional day on the water with Captain Elmer Hill. The 8-hour trip targeting walleye, salmon, and shad was a blast. Elmer's ...
Columbia River