Full-Day Beginner Oregon River Fishing Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Eighthour guided trip targeting salmon, sturgeon, and steelhead troutBeginnerfriendly instruction with handson support from experienced guideSingleguest capacity ensures personalized attention on scenic Oregon rivers
Getting out on Oregon's legendary rivers for your first real fishing adventure doesn't have to feel overwhelming. This 8-hour guided trip with Michael Bierbrauer takes the guesswork out of landing salmon, sturgeon, and steelhead on the Columbia, Willamette, or Sandy Rivers. You'll get one-on-one attention, learn the basics at your own pace, and experience some of the Pacific Northwest's most productive freshwater fishing. Whether you're finally ready to try something you've always wanted to do or looking to share a memorable day with family, this beginner-friendly trip sets you up for success on the water.
Your day starts early with a meet-up at the boat launch, where Michael will get you oriented with safety basics and an overview of the day's game plan. The beauty of this trip is that it's designed around your comfort level – no pressure to master everything at once. You'll spend most of your time learning hands-on techniques while actually fishing productive spots where salmon, sturgeon, and steelhead are known to hang out. The pace stays relaxed, with plenty of time to ask questions, practice your casting, and understand what's happening below the surface. Michael knows these rivers like the back of his hand, so you'll be fishing the right spots at the right times rather than just hoping for the best. The scenery alone makes this trip worthwhile – Oregon's river corridors offer some stunning backdrops while you're waiting for that first bite.
All your fishing gear is provided, which means you don't need to worry about buying a bunch of equipment before you know what you actually like using. Michael will walk you through rod and reel basics, show you how different lures and baits work for different species, and help you understand why certain techniques work better in specific conditions. You'll learn drift fishing for steelhead, bottom fishing for sturgeon, and trolling methods for salmon – all foundational skills that will serve you well on future fishing trips. The focus stays on practical, hands-on learning rather than overwhelming you with too much theory. By the end of the day, you'll have a solid understanding of reading water, setting hooks properly, and fighting fish without losing them at the boat. The rivers Michael fishes offer ideal learning conditions with manageable currents and reliable fishing action throughout the season.
Chinook salmon are the heavy hitters of Oregon's rivers, and landing one on your first trip creates memories that last a lifetime. These powerful fish typically range from 15 to 40 pounds in these waters, with fall runs offering the best action from August through October. Chinook fight hard, making long runs and testing your drag system – which is exactly why they're so addictive to catch. They're also excellent eating, with rich, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking. Michael knows the seasonal patterns and will position you in the prime holding water where these fish rest during their spawning runs.
Steelhead trout bring a different kind of excitement to your line with their aerial acrobatics and lightning-fast runs. These sea-run rainbows typically weigh between 6 to 15 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. Winter steelhead runs peak from December through March, while summer runs offer action from May through October. What makes steelhead special is their unpredictability – they'll jump, dive, and change direction without warning. The technique for catching them involves reading subtle strikes and maintaining just the right amount of tension on your line. Many anglers consider steelhead the ultimate freshwater gamefish, and after your first hookup, you'll understand why.
Lake sturgeon represent Oregon's prehistoric fishing opportunity, with some individuals living over 100 years and reaching impressive sizes. These bottom-dwellers can range from 3 feet to over 10 feet long, creating an entirely different fishing experience. Sturgeon fishing requires patience and strong tackle, as these fish are powerful but deliberate fighters. They're catch-and-release in most areas, which means you'll get great photos with a truly ancient fish before sending it back to grow even larger. The best sturgeon action happens from May through September, and Michael knows the deep holes and structures where these giants like to feed. Landing a big sturgeon often becomes the highlight of an angler's year.
This beginner-friendly trip offers everything you need to start your fishing journey on the right foot – expert instruction, top-quality gear, and access to some of Oregon's most productive waters. Michael's patient teaching style and deep knowledge of these river systems give you the best possible introduction to Pacific Northwest fishing. The small group size ensures you get personal attention, and the 8-hour format provides enough time to really learn the fundamentals without feeling rushed. Whether you catch your first salmon, battle a jumping steelhead, or land a massive sturgeon, you'll leave with new skills, great stories, and probably plans for your next trip. These spots fill up quickly during prime fishing seasons, so secure your date and get ready for a day on the water that might just change how you spend your weekends.
This 24-foot Alumaweld Columbia is built for Oregon's rivers and perfect for your salmon and sturgeon fishing adventure. With room for up to 6 anglers, the boat's Mercury Verado engine gets you to the best fishing spots quickly, hitting speeds up to 40 mph when needed. The stable aluminum hull handles the Columbia, Willamette, and Sandy Rivers with ease, giving you a solid platform for casting lines and fighting fish. Whether you're targeting chinook salmon runs or waiting for that monster sturgeon to hit, this boat keeps you comfortable during those long 8-hour days on the water. The spacious deck gives everyone plenty of room to fish without tangling lines, and the reliable engine means more time with hooks in the water instead of dealing with mechanical issues.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaThe king of Pacific salmon, Chinooks run 12-39 inches and average 7-15 pounds, though we've seen 30-pounders come through these waters. They're built for power with that distinctive silver body, blue-green back, and black-spotted fins. What makes them special is that legendary fight - they'll test your drag and make long runs that get your heart pumping. The Columbia system sees good runs from late spring through fall, with early morning and evening being prime times. These fish stay deep, so we'll use weighted setups to get down where they're holding. Pro tip: when one hits, keep steady pressure but let them run - trying to muscle a king too early usually ends with a bent hook and a story about the one that got away. The table fare is outstanding too.
Acipenser FulvescensThese living dinosaurs are the Columbia's gentle giants, running 3-6 feet and 30-100 pounds on average. They're bottom feeders with that prehistoric look - no scales, just bony plates and four whiskers to help them hunt. Despite their intimidating size, they're actually pretty docile and feed by sucking up worms, insects, and small fish from the river bottom. We target them in deeper holes and along drop-offs where they cruise slowly looking for food. Spring through early fall gives us the best action when water temps are right. What makes sturgeon fishing special is the raw power - when one takes your bait, you know it immediately. They don't jump but they'll pull drag like a freight train. Here's the key: use heavy tackle and a big glob of nightcrawlers on the bottom, then be patient. These fish can live over 100 years, so they've learned to be cautious.
Oncorhynchus mykissThese sea-run rainbows are what fishing dreams are made of. Most run 24 inches but can push 45, and they fight like fish twice their size with those aerial jumps and long runs. Unlike their rainbow cousins, steelhead spend years in the ocean before returning to spawn, which gives them that bright silver color and serious muscle. We find them in deeper pools and runs, especially around structure like boulders and fallen trees. Best fishing happens from mid-fall through spring when they're moving upstream. What guests love most is the unpredictability - steelhead will hit when you least expect it and then put on a show that leaves everyone talking. My go-to trick is drifting through the tailouts of pools with a weighted setup - that's where they often stage before moving up. The fight alone makes it worth the effort.
Oregon