5.0(2 Reviews)Private Half Day Morning Columbia River Fishing
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Halfday morning fishing trips target prime salmon seasonsExperienced guides lead guests to productive Columbia River spotsSmall groups of two ensure personalized fishing experience
There's something special about getting on the Columbia River while the morning mist still hangs over the water. This private half-day fishing trip gives you and one buddy the perfect chance to chase some of the Northwest's most prized fish without the crowds. Our guides know exactly where the salmon are staging and the sturgeon are feeding, so you'll spend your time with lines in the water instead of searching for fish. Whether you're an early bird who loves the 6 AM launch or prefer to ease into your morning with an 8 AM departure, we've got you covered year-round during prime salmon seasons.
You'll be fishing from a well-equipped boat with all the gear you need to land some serious fish. The Columbia River offers incredible diversity - one moment you might be battling a chrome-bright Chinook salmon, the next you could be working a massive Lake Sturgeon up from the depths. Our guides read the water like a book, adjusting techniques based on current conditions, fish behavior, and what's been producing lately. The morning hours are prime time because that's when these fish are most active, especially salmon moving through on their spawning runs. With just two anglers on board, you'll get personalized instruction and plenty of opportunities to perfect your technique. The scenery doesn't hurt either - the Columbia River Gorge provides a stunning backdrop while you're focused on your rod tip.
We'll match our approach to what the fish are telling us that day. For salmon, that might mean trolling with herring or spinners in the main channel, or anchoring up and back-bouncing roe in the slack water. Walleye fishing often involves jigging with plastics or dragging bottom bouncers along underwater structure. When we're targeting sturgeon, it's all about finding the right depth and presenting fresh bait on the bottom where these prehistoric giants cruise for food. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included, so you just need to bring yourself and be ready to learn. Our guides will show you the subtle differences in how each species hits - salmon often grab and run, walleye give that distinctive tap-tap-tap, and sturgeon... well, when a 6-foot sturgeon decides to take your bait, you'll know it immediately.
"Took my wife sockeye fishing for the first time, Thor knew exactly what he was doing and was very kind to her and showed her step for step on how to fish for these fish, not only was everyone on the boat rods constantly getting bit, he made the experience for her really great. Boat was limited out in a very short time. Very great experience" - Zach
"Thor is an outstanding guide! Great communication from start to finish. Went above and beyond to adapt and try new things, making sure everyone was catching fish." - Justin
Chinook Salmon are the kings of the Columbia River, and for good reason. These powerful fish can weigh anywhere from 15 to 40 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 50. They're most active during their spring and fall runs, typically April through June and August through October. What makes Chinooks so special is their fight - they'll take line, jump, and use the current to their advantage. The meat is rich and fatty, perfect for grilling or smoking. When you hook into a fresh chrome Chinook, the experience is pure adrenaline as they make their signature powerful runs.
Walleye might not get the headlines like salmon, but they're incredible table fare and surprisingly fun to catch. Columbia River walleye typically run 2 to 6 pounds, with some reaching 8 pounds or more. They're most active during low-light periods, making our morning trips perfect timing. These fish have excellent eyesight and can be finicky, so our guides know exactly how to present baits to trigger strikes. The subtle bite and strong fight make them a favorite among serious anglers, plus they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the river.
Lake Sturgeon are living dinosaurs that can live over 100 years and grow massive - we're talking fish that can reach 8 feet and weigh several hundred pounds. The Columbia River population has made a remarkable comeback, and catching one is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. These bottom feeders are most active during warmer months, roughly May through September. When a big sturgeon takes your bait, the fight is unlike anything else - they use their size and the current to test every piece of equipment. All sturgeon must be released, but getting photos with these ancient giants creates memories that last forever.
This private morning fishing trip delivers exactly what serious anglers want - quality time on productive water with expert guidance and the flexibility that comes with a small group. You're not just buying a fishing trip; you're investing in techniques and local knowledge that will make you a better angler for years to come. The Columbia River fishing is world-class, and our guides know how to put you on fish consistently. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with salmon and walleye or experience the rush of battling a massive sturgeon, this trip delivers. Morning slots fill up fast, especially during peak salmon seasons, so don't wait to secure your dates. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your schedule is locked in before booking. Get ready to see why the Columbia River has earned its reputation as one of the top fishing destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
Your morning fishing adventure starts aboard our solid 21-foot Alumaweld aluminum fishing boat, built in 2022 specifically for Columbia River conditions. This reliable fishing platform runs on twin 200HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the productive spots quickly and quietly, so you don't spook the salmon. The aluminum construction handles the river's currents and rocky areas without worry, while the GPS navigation system helps our guides find those prime fishing holes where the big ones are biting. With space for up to 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work your lines and land your catch without getting tangled up. The boat's low-profile design keeps you close to the water for better fish-fighting leverage, and the stable platform means you can focus on your technique instead of keeping your balance. Perfect for serious anglers who want a no-nonsense fishing boat that performs when the salmon are running.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweight champions of the Columbia River, averaging 12-39 inches and 7-15 pounds, though some bruisers push 30+ pounds. These silver-sided fighters with blue-green backs and black-spotted fins hang deep during daylight since they're light-sensitive. Early morning trips work best when they're actively feeding near the bottom. What makes them special? That powerful fight and rich, orange-pink meat that's hard to beat on the table. They're built for strength after their ocean journey back to spawn. My go-to tip: use weighted baits and keep them moving along the bottom structure where these kings like to ambush baitfish. The deeper holes and current breaks usually hold the better fish.
Acipenser FulvescensSturgeon fishing is like hooking into a piece of living history - these ancient giants have been around since dinosaur times. Most we catch run 3-6 feet and 30-100 pounds, but the occasional monster can hit 200+ pounds. They're bottom feeders with whisker-like barbels that help them find food in deep holes and along drop-offs. These prehistoric beasts are surprisingly gentle despite their armored appearance, but they'll give you a memorable fight with their raw power. The meat is excellent, and the experience of landing one is something most anglers never forget. Bring heavy tackle and expect a workout. My advice: use big nightcrawler globs on the bottom near current breaks, and bring gloves - those bony plates are sharp.
Sander VitreusWalleye are one of the most challenging and rewarding fish we target here. These golden-olive beauties average 12-20 inches but can stretch to 30 inches and 20 pounds. Those silver eyes give them a huge advantage in low light, which is why dawn and dusk produce the best action. During the day, they stick to deeper water around rock piles, drop-offs, and weed edges, usually 10+ feet down. What anglers love most is the delicate fight and that firm, flaky white meat with zero fishy taste - pure table fare. They're picky eaters, so finding them is half the battle. Pro tip: focus on structure changes and use live minnows or nightcrawlers on a slip sinker rig. Move slow and stay patient.
5.0 out of 5.0Took my wife sockeye fishing for the first time, Thor knew exactly what he was doing and was very kind to her and showed her step ...
Thor is an outstanding guide! Great communication from start to finish. Went above and beyond to adapt and try new things, making ...
Columbia River