Full Day Snake River Salmon and Sturgeon Charter
Shared Trip
River Fishing
Private 8-hour guided fishing charter on Snake River watersTarget Chinook salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon with provided gearAccommodates three guests with option to add three more
Captain Leon Stafford runs one of the top-rated fishing operations on the Snake River, and this 8-hour private charter gives you the best shot at landing Washington's premier gamefish. We're talking about a serious day on the water here – not some rushed half-day trip where you're barely getting your lines wet before heading back to the dock. This is a full commitment to finding fish, whether that means running up to Drano Lake when the salmon are stacked up or hitting Rock Lake when the sturgeon are feeding heavy. Your group of up to three anglers gets the entire 24-foot boat to yourselves, so no sharing space with strangers or dealing with someone else's kids having a meltdown.
Leon's been working these waters long enough to know that fishing success comes down to one thing: being where the fish are when they want to bite. That's why this charter doesn't lock you into one specific spot – we go where the action is hottest that day. Some mornings that means an early run to Drano Lake where the Chinook are moving through, other days we're anchored up in the deeper holes targeting white sturgeon that can pull your arms off. The 24-foot boat handles the Snake River's conditions with ease, giving you a stable platform whether you're fighting a 20-pound salmon or a 6-foot sturgeon. All your gear comes with the trip – rods, reels, tackle, and bait – so you can focus on fishing instead of wondering if you brought the right setup. Leon provides everything from the heavy action rods needed for sturgeon to the lighter spinning gear perfect for salmon work.
This isn't cookie-cutter fishing where everyone runs the same rig all day. Leon switches up techniques based on what's working and what species we're targeting. For salmon, we might be pulling plugs in the current or drifting eggs through the deeper runs where the fish stage up. Sturgeon fishing is a whole different game – we're talking heavy sinkers, circle hooks, and fresh bait sitting on the bottom where these bottom-dwellers cruise for their next meal. The captain brings multiple rod setups so you can have lines out for different species at the same time. One rod might have a sturgeon rig soaking on the bottom while another works a salmon setup through the water column. Leon reads the water conditions and adjusts accordingly – if the current's running strong, we'll use heavier weights; if the fish are spooky, we'll scale down to lighter leaders. The key is staying flexible and letting the fish tell you what they want.
Sockeye salmon are the prized catch that brings anglers from across the Pacific Northwest to the Snake River system. These chrome-bright fish average 6-8 pounds of pure muscle and fight like they're twice that size. Sockeye runs typically peak during summer months, and when they're in, the action can be fast and furious. What makes sockeye special is their incredible table quality – the deep red meat is what sushi restaurants pay premium prices for. They're also notorious for their acrobatic fights, jumping clear out of the water multiple times before you get them to the net.
White sturgeon represent the true giants of the Snake River, with fish over 6 feet and 100 pounds not uncommon in these waters. These prehistoric monsters can live over 100 years and grow to massive proportions. Sturgeon fishing requires patience – you might sit for an hour without a bite, then suddenly your rod doubles over as a fish that's older than your grandfather decides to eat your bait. The fight is pure power, no jumping or fancy moves, just steady pressure that tests your drag system and your back muscles. Most sturgeon are catch-and-release, but the experience of battling one of these ancient fish is something every serious angler needs to check off their list.
Chinook salmon, also called king salmon, are the largest Pacific salmon species and the most sought-after gamefish in the Columbia River system. Snake River Chinook can push 30+ pounds, though most fish range from 15-25 pounds. These fish are available during specific seasons when they're moving upriver to spawn, making timing critical for success. Chinook are known for their initial powerful runs when hooked, often taking line against a tight drag before settling into a determined fight. Their size and strength make them the ultimate prize for salmon anglers, and their rich, flaky meat makes them equally prized at the dinner table.
Leon's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak salmon and sturgeon seasons, so don't wait around if you want to secure your dates. This world-class fishery is right in Washington's backyard, but it takes local knowledge and the right approach to consistently put fish in the boat. Remember to grab your Washington State fishing license before the trip, along with the necessary salmon and sturgeon catch cards – Leon will fill you in on exactly what endorsements you need when you contact him after booking. The meeting location changes based on water conditions and where the fish are biting, so that post-booking conversation with the captain is crucial for a smooth start to your day. Pack some snacks and drinks since meals aren't included, and bring layers because 8 hours on the water means you'll see different conditions throughout the day. This is your chance to fish with one of the Snake River's most experienced guides and target some of the best gamefish swimming in Washington waters.
This 24' Boulton aluminum boat is built for serious river fishing on the Snake and Columbia systems. The Yamaha 225 outboard delivers reliable power to reach those productive spots where salmon and sturgeon are holding, cruising at speeds up to 35 mph between fishing holes. The aluminum hull cuts through river currents with stability, giving anglers a solid platform whether you're battling a big Chinook or waiting for that telltale sturgeon bite. With room for up to 6 guests, there's plenty of space to move around during long fights and store gear. The boat's design handles the variable conditions of Northwest rivers - from the swift water near Drano Lake to the deeper pools where oversized sturgeon lurk. Captain Leon knows where to position this vessel for the best shot at whatever species you're targeting, whether it's chrome-bright steelhead or keeper walleye.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of the river, often running 15-30 pounds with some reaching 40+ pounds. These silver-sided fighters have black spots on their backs, fins, and tails, plus distinctive black gums. They prefer deeper water and structure, staying near the bottom during bright conditions. Peak season runs May through September, with early morning and evening being prime times. What draws anglers is the combination of size, fight, and table quality - their rich, pink meat is outstanding eating. These fish are light-sensitive, so they'll hug bottom structure and deeper channels. My go-to tip: use weighted gear to get down where they live, and don't be afraid of bigger baits. Herring, anchovies, and large spoons work well. Troll slow and deep, or drift fish the holes where they rest.
Oncorhynchus NerkaSockeye salmon run 18-32 inches and typically weigh 4-15 pounds. They're smaller than other salmon but what they lack in size, they make up for in fight and flavor. These fish have bright silver sides with blue-green backs, and when they hit spawning mode, they turn brilliant red with green heads. You'll find them moving through deeper channels and holding near structure during their summer runs, usually May through September. The meat is rich, oily, and deep red - some of the best eating salmon around. They're known for strong, acrobatic fights that'll test your drag. Here's a local tip: sockeye rarely chase lures, so you need to put your offering right in their face. Use smaller spoons and flies, and fish them slow and deep where the fish are traveling.
Acipenser TransmontanusWhite sturgeon are the giants of our river system - these prehistoric fish can live over 100 years and grow massive. We typically see fish ranging from 3-8 feet, but monsters over 10 feet swim these waters. They're bottom feeders with no teeth, using suction to grab prey from the riverbed. You'll find them in deeper holes and channels, especially around structure like fallen trees or rock piles. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps are right. What makes sturgeon special is the fight - they're bulldogs that'll test your tackle and patience. The meat is firm and white, almost like shark. Here's the key: sturgeon have gentle bites and will drop bait if they feel resistance. When you get that first light tap, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Let them take it and run first.
Snake River