Snake River Walleye Fishing Charter Washington
Shared Trip
River Fishing
Private 5hour night walleye fishing on Snake RiverAccommodates up to 4 guests with familyfriendly experienceAvailable June through August starting at 8:00 PM
When the sun goes down on the Snake River near Dayton, that's when the real action starts. Captain Leon Stafford's night walleye charters are hands-down the best way to experience what this stretch of water has to offer. Running from June through August, these 5-hour trips launch right at 8:00 PM from Texas Rapids Park, giving you prime access to some of the most productive walleye water in Washington State. Your private group of up to four anglers gets the boat to yourselves, though we can squeeze in two more if your crew's bigger. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's a chance to tap into decades of local knowledge and fish when these beautiful walleyes are most active.
Starting at Texas Rapids Park puts you right in the heart of prime walleye habitat. The Snake River here has the perfect mix of current breaks, rocky structure, and deeper holes that walleyes love to patrol after dark. Captain Leon knows every nook and cranny of this water, from the subtle ledges where fish stack up to the current seams where they ambush baitfish. The 5-hour window gives you plenty of time to work different spots and adjust tactics based on what the fish are telling you. Since this is a private charter, Leon can tailor the approach to your group's experience level – whether you're first-timers or seasoned walleye hunters. Families absolutely love these trips because walleyes are aggressive feeders at night, meaning kids stay engaged and everyone goes home with stories. Just remember to bring your Washington State fishing license – it's required for everyone who wants to wet a line.
Captain Leon has the night walleye game dialed in perfectly. He'll set you up with proven presentations like jig-and-minnow combos, three-way rigs with nightcrawlers, and sometimes even crankbaits when the fish are really fired up. The key to consistent walleye success after dark is reading the current and placing your bait in the strike zone – something Leon has mastered over years of guiding these waters. You'll learn how to feel the subtle tap-tap of a walleye pickup, how to set the hook with just the right pressure, and how to play these scrappy fish in the current. The boat's equipped with proper lighting for night fishing, and Leon provides all the tackle and terminal gear you need. Rod holders keep multiple lines working while you focus on the active rods, maximizing your chances of hooking up. The beauty of night fishing is that walleyes lose their daytime wariness and become much more aggressive, often hitting baits they'd ignore during daylight hours.
Snake River walleyes are the real deal – hard-fighting, great-eating fish that can really test your skills. These aren't the skinny, stunted walleyes you might find in over-pressured waters. The Snake River system produces chunky, healthy fish that average 14-18 inches, with plenty of 20-plus-inchers mixed in to keep things interesting. What makes walleyes so special is their feeding behavior – they're primarily nocturnal hunters that use their excellent low-light vision to hunt smaller fish along structure. During summer months when water temperatures climb, they retreat to deeper, cooler water during the day and move shallow to feed at night. This makes them perfect targets for evening charters like Leon's. Walleyes have this distinctive way of hitting a bait – often just a subtle weight or tick that inexperienced anglers miss. But once you connect with a good one, they'll make strong runs and use the current to their advantage. The table fare is second to none, with firm, white, flaky meat that's perfect for fish fries or shore lunches. Many anglers consider walleyes the best-tasting freshwater fish, which is why they're so sought after throughout the Midwest and Pacific Northwest.
These night walleye charters book up fast during the June-through-August season, and for good reason. Captain Leon's local expertise, combined with the Snake River's fantastic walleye population, creates the kind of fishing experience you'll be talking about for years. The private booking format means your group gets personalized attention and can fish at your own pace without worrying about other anglers. Whether you're planning a family outing, bachelor party, or just want to experience some world-class walleye fishing, this trip delivers. The 8:00 PM start time is perfect for beating the summer heat and hitting the water when fish are most cooperative. Don't forget to contact Captain Leon well in advance to lock in your preferred dates – these summer slots fill up quickly among local anglers and visiting fishermen who know quality when they see it. Bring your camera, your Washington fishing license, and get ready for some of the best walleye action the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Our 24-foot Boulton aluminum boat cuts through the Snake River like a hot knife through butter, powered by a reliable Yamaha 225 that'll get you to the best walleye spots in no time. This stable platform handles the river currents with ease while giving you and three fellow anglers plenty of room to work your lines without bumping elbows. The aluminum hull is built tough for Northwest waters, and at 35 mph, we'll cover serious water to find where the walleye are biting. Whether you're casting from the bow or working the stern, this boat's design keeps you steady when you're fighting fish. Captain Leon knows exactly how to position this rig in the current so your bait stays in the strike zone. The spacious deck gives everyone room to move around safely, especially important during those fast-paced night sessions when walleye are feeding aggressively. Built for the Columbia and Snake River systems, this boat handles everything from shallow flats to deeper channels where big walleye hide.
Snake River