Full Day Expert-Level Salmon, Sturgeon And Trout Fishing In Oregon
Private Trip
River Fishing
Expertlevel salmon, sturgeon, and steelhead fishing adventureEighthour guided trip across three Oregon riversAdvanced techniques with professional instruction included
If you're ready to test your skills against some of Oregon's most challenging and rewarding freshwater species, this full-day fishing adventure with Michael Bierbrauer is exactly what you've been looking for. This isn't your typical guided trip – it's designed specifically for experienced anglers who want to push their limits and target trophy-sized chinook salmon, steelhead trout, and massive lake sturgeon across three of Oregon's premier fishing waters. You'll spend eight intensive hours moving between the Columbia, Willamette, and Sandy Rivers, learning advanced techniques and hitting strategic spots that most weekend warriors never see. This is one-on-one fishing at its finest, where every cast counts and every hookup could be the fish of a lifetime.
This top-rated fishing experience starts early and runs hard all day long. Michael brings decades of local knowledge to the table, and he's not interested in just putting you on fish – he wants to make you a better angler. You'll cover serious water, moving between rivers based on conditions, seasons, and where the fish are actually biting. The Columbia River offers deep water structure and current breaks perfect for sturgeon, while the Willamette provides diverse habitat for both salmon and steelhead. The Sandy River rounds out the trio with its classic Pacific Northwest character and excellent trout runs. This isn't a leisurely float – you're here to fish hard and learn from one of the area's most respected guides. Expect to work different depths, try various presentations, and adapt your approach throughout the day as conditions change.
Michael specializes in teaching the kind of advanced fishing techniques that separate weekend anglers from serious fishermen. You'll master drift fishing with precise weight adjustments, learn to read water like a pro, and understand how subtle changes in presentation can trigger strikes from finicky fish. The boat comes equipped with quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle specifically chosen for Oregon's river systems. You'll work with everything from heavy sturgeon rigs designed to hold bottom in strong current to delicate steelhead setups that detect the softest takes. Bait selection changes throughout the day – fresh roe for salmon, sand shrimp for sturgeon, and various presentations depending on what the fish are telling you. Michael's approach focuses on understanding why certain techniques work in specific conditions rather than just going through the motions. By the end of the day, you'll have a much deeper understanding of reading water, selecting the right gear, and adapting your strategy based on what the river is showing you.
Chinook salmon are the crown jewel of Pacific Northwest fishing, and Oregon's rivers host some truly spectacular runs. These powerful fish, often called "kings" for good reason, can exceed 30 pounds and will test every aspect of your fishing skills. Spring chinook typically arrive in the Columbia system from March through June, with fall runs kicking off in August and running through October. What makes chinook so special isn't just their size – it's their incredible strength and the way they use the current to their advantage during the fight. When you hook into a fresh chinook in moving water, you're in for a battle that could last 20 minutes or more. The reward is some of the finest eating fish you'll ever taste, with rich, red meat that's perfect for the grill or smoker.
Steelhead trout represent the ultimate challenge for river anglers, and these sea-run rainbows are legendary for their acrobatic fights and stubborn attitudes. Oregon steelhead typically range from 6 to 15 pounds, but don't let the smaller size fool you – pound for pound, nothing fights harder or jumps higher. Winter steelhead runs peak from December through March, while summer fish arrive from May through October. These fish are incredibly spooky and selective, making every hookup a real achievement. They'll use every trick in the book – jumping, running, wrapping around structure, and making last-second sprints just when you think you have them beat. The satisfaction of landing a wild Oregon steelhead on light tackle is something every serious angler needs to experience.
Lake sturgeon are living dinosaurs that can reach truly massive proportions in Oregon waters. These ancient fish can live over 100 years and grow to weights exceeding 100 pounds, though most catches range from 3 to 6 feet long. Sturgeon fishing requires patience and heavy tackle – these fish feed primarily on the bottom using their sensitive barbels to locate food in murky water. When a big sturgeon takes your bait, the initial run is absolutely mind-blowing. They're incredibly strong and will use their bulk to try to break you off on structure or simply overpower your drag. The Columbia River system hosts one of the best sturgeon fisheries in North America, with healthy populations of both keeper-sized fish and massive specimens that must be released. Catching and releasing a 7-foot sturgeon is a bucket-list experience that few anglers ever forget.
This world-class fishing adventure delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – challenging fishing, expert instruction, and the chance to tangle with some of Oregon's most prized freshwater species. Michael's one-on-one approach means you get personalized attention and techniques tailored to your skill level, while the three-river format maximizes your chances of finding active fish regardless of conditions. Whether you're looking to add new species to your list, improve your river fishing skills, or simply spend a day fishing with one of Oregon's top guides, this trip delivers results. The combination of trophy potential, scenic waters, and professional guidance makes this a customer favorite among experienced anglers. Don't wait – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak salmon and steelhead seasons. Book your spot now and get ready for eight hours of intense fishing action on some of the Pacific Northwest's most productive waters.
Captain Michael's 24-foot Alumaweld Columbia is built for serious Oregon river fishing. This 2016 boat cuts through the Columbia, Willamette, and Sandy Rivers with a powerful Mercury Verado engine hitting 40 mph between fishing spots. The aluminum hull handles river conditions while you target trophy salmon, sturgeon, and steelhead. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to work your lines and land big fish. The boat's design keeps you stable during long fights with Columbia River sturgeon or when precision-casting for steelhead in shallow water. Fast enough to cover multiple productive stretches in a single day, yet steady enough for advanced techniques that separate expert anglers from weekend warriors.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the trophy fish that serious anglers dream about. These silver-sided giants average 12-20 pounds in our rivers, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 30-pounder. They're built like torpedoes with that distinctive blue-green back and black-spotted tail. Chinooks love the deeper holes and current breaks in the Columbia, Willamette, and Sandy - they're light-sensitive so they hug the bottom during midday. Fall through early spring gives you the best shot when they're moving upriver to spawn. What makes them special? Pure power. When a king takes your line, you'll know it immediately. The meat is rich and buttery too. My go-to trick: fish early morning with weighted gear and keep your bait right on the bottom where they're cruising.
Acipenser FulvescensSturgeon are living dinosaurs - some of these prehistoric giants live over 100 years and can hit 6+ feet in our Columbia system. Most we catch run 3-5 feet and 30-100 pounds, but they're built like armored submarines with rows of bony plates instead of scales. These bottom-huggers cruise deep holes, eddies, and drop-offs using their whiskers to vacuum up crawfish, worms, and small fish. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps warm up. What makes them special? The fight is unlike anything - pure bulldogging power that'll test your gear and patience. Plus, the meat is surprisingly sweet and firm. Key tip: bring heavy tackle rated for 100+ pounds, use a big glob of nightcrawlers on the bottom, and wear gloves - those bony plates are razor-sharp and will slice you up.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are the ocean-going cousins of rainbow trout, and they fight like fish twice their size. These silver bullets typically run 24 inches in our rivers, but we see plenty pushing 30+ inches. Unlike their freshwater relatives, steelhead spend years in the ocean before returning to spawn, which gives them that chrome-bright color and incredible strength. Look for them in deeper runs, behind boulders, and along undercut banks where the current breaks. Mid-fall through spring is prime time when they're moving through our river systems. What sets them apart is their aerial show - they'll jump, tail-walk, and strip line like nothing else. The meat is firm and clean-tasting too. Pro tip: use a 13-foot spey rod if you can handle it, and swing your flies through the prime water methodically.
Oregon