Washington River Fishing Charter for Beginners
Private Trip
River Fishing
Eighthour guided charter targeting salmon, steelhead, walleye, and sturgeonBeginnerfocused instruction with all equipment and tackle providedAccess to Columbia River, Snake River, Drano Lake, and Wind River
Looking to get into serious Pacific Northwest fishing but don't know where to start? This beginner-focused 8-hour charter with Vern's Fishing Experience puts you right in the action on some of Washington's most productive waters. You'll hit prime spots like the Columbia River, Snake River, Drano Lake, and Wind River with an experienced guide who knows these waters like the back of his hand. We're talking about landing chinook salmon, coho, steelhead, walleye, and sturgeon – the heavy hitters that make Washington fishing legendary. Everything's included except your fishing license, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and maybe some snacks for the day.
Your day starts early when you meet your guide at the launch. Don't worry about gear – we've got top-quality rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need for whatever species are biting. The beauty of this charter is that it's built specifically for beginners, so your guide will walk you through everything from proper casting technique to reading the water. You'll move between different spots throughout the day, learning why certain areas hold fish and how conditions affect where they're feeding. The Columbia River system offers incredible variety, from deep holes where sturgeon lurk to faster runs where steelhead stage up. Your guide will adjust techniques based on what's working and teach you the differences between trolling for salmon, bottom fishing for sturgeon, and casting for steelhead.
We fish different techniques depending on what we're targeting. For salmon, you'll learn trolling with downriggers, side-planers, and divers – classic Pacific Northwest methods that put fish in the boat. Sturgeon fishing means going heavy with circle hooks and fresh bait, often anchored in deep holes where these prehistoric giants feed. Steelhead require finesse – drift fishing with roe, casting spinners, or working jigs through likely holding water. Your guide will set up all the gear initially, then show you how to rig everything yourself as the day progresses. By the end of the trip, you'll understand rod selection, line weights, and why certain lures work better in different conditions. The boats are equipped with fish finders, so you'll learn to read electronics and understand how guides locate productive water.
White Sturgeon are the giants of these waters, and hooking one is like connecting with a freight train. These ancient fish can live over 100 years and grow massive – we're talking fish that can stretch 8 feet or more. Spring through fall offers the best sturgeon action, with fish moving into shallower water to feed. They fight like nothing else you've experienced, making long powerful runs that'll test your endurance. The Columbia River system holds some of the best sturgeon fishing in North America, and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of landing one of these prehistoric beasts.
Chinook Salmon, also called kings, are the prize catch for most anglers. These fish can weigh 30 pounds or more and fight with incredible power. Spring and fall runs offer the best action, with fish staging in the lower Columbia before heading upstream. Kings are notorious for their aerial displays and blistering runs, making them a favorite target for serious salmon anglers. The meat is outstanding – rich, flaky, and perfect for grilling or smoking.
Coho Salmon are acrobatic fighters that'll jump repeatedly when hooked. They typically run smaller than chinook but make up for it with attitude and speed. Late summer and early fall bring the best coho fishing, when fresh fish are moving through the system. They're aggressive feeders and will hit a variety of lures, making them great targets for beginning anglers who want consistent action.
Steelhead Trout are considered the ultimate game fish by many Pacific Northwest anglers. These sea-run rainbows are incredibly strong fighters that combine power with spectacular jumps. Winter and summer runs offer different opportunities, with fish entering rivers throughout much of the year. Steelhead are notoriously selective, making them challenging but rewarding targets. Landing a wild steelhead on light tackle is an experience you'll never forget.
Sockeye Salmon offer exciting action during their runs, typically in late spring and summer. These fish are built for speed and endurance, having traveled hundreds of miles from the ocean. They're excellent table fare with firm, red meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking. Sockeye fishing can be fast-paced when you locate a school, providing non-stop action that keeps beginners engaged and learning.
This charter fills up fast, especially during prime season when salmon and steelhead runs are at their peak. Eight hours on the water with professional instruction is the best investment you can make in your fishing future. You'll come away with hands-on experience, confidence in different techniques, and hopefully some great fish stories. The Columbia River system offers world-class fishing right in Washington's backyard, and there's no better way to experience it than with a guide who lives and breathes these waters. Book now to secure your spot and get ready for a day that might just turn you into a lifelong angler.
Our 2016 River Wild Boats motorboat is built for serious fishing on Washington's legendary waters. This 25-footer cuts through Columbia River currents and Snake River runs with ease, powered by a reliable Yamaha VMAX 250 hp engine that gets you to the fish fast - hitting speeds up to 55 mph when conditions call for it. Perfect for targeting salmon, steelhead, walleye, and those monster sturgeon that Washington rivers are famous for. The spacious deck gives you plenty of room to work your lines and fight fish without feeling cramped. Whether we're drifting for walleye or anchored up waiting for sturgeon to hit, this boat handles like a dream and keeps you comfortable during those long productive days on the water. Built tough for Pacific Northwest fishing conditions.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the giants of the salmon world, with our Columbia River fish running 15-40 pounds and sometimes much larger. These silver-sided fish with blue-green backs prefer deeper water and are light-sensitive, so they stay near the bottom during the day. Spring and fall runs offer the best action, with fish moving through from March to October depending on the run. What makes kings special is the combination of size and power - they're bulldogs that use the current to their advantage. The rich, red meat is considered the finest salmon eating. They're perfect for anglers wanting to test their gear and skills against serious fish. Key tip: use heavy tackle and fish early morning or late evening when they're most active. Keep your bait near bottom with enough weight to stay in the strike zone.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are absolute acrobats, averaging 8-12 pounds and known for their aerial shows when hooked. These bright silver fish with dark backs hit our rivers from late summer through fall, preferring deeper pools and slack water areas. What sets coho apart is their aggressive nature - they'll chase lures and put on a real show with jumps that can reach 6 feet high. The orange-red meat is top-notch eating, milder than chinook but still rich and flavorful. They're perfect for beginners because they're willing biters and fight hard without the massive size of kings. Pro tip: when they're jumping, keep your rod tip low and maintain steady pressure - don't pump the rod or you'll pull the hook right out of their soft mouths.
Oncorhynchus NerkaRed salmon are smaller than kings at 4-8 pounds but make up for it with incredible table quality and challenging fishing. These metallic blue-green fish turn bright red with green heads when spawning, creating quite a sight in our rivers. They run from May through September, hugging the bottom and feeding mainly on plankton. What makes sockeye unique is their selective feeding - they're tough to catch because they rarely bite traditional baits. The deep red, rich meat is considered the premium salmon for smoking and grilling. Many anglers prize them above all other salmon species for eating. The trick with sockeye is using small, bright flies or lures and fishing them right at mouth level as the fish swim upstream - timing and placement are everything with these selective feeders.
Oncorhynchus mykissThese sea-run rainbow trout are the ultimate prize fish, averaging 5-15 pounds with that classic silver-chrome appearance and incredible strength. Steelhead spend 2-3 years in the ocean before returning to rivers from fall through spring. They love deep pools, undercut banks, and any structure that provides cover in moving water. Unlike salmon, steelhead can survive spawning and return to sea multiple times. What makes them legendary is their fight - long powerful runs and aerial displays that test your skills. The meat is exceptional, pink and firm with a clean taste. Best fishing happens in winter months when water temps drop. Here's my go-to trick: focus on the tail-outs of pools where fast water meets slow - that's where they stage before moving upstream.
Acipenser TransmontanusThese prehistoric monsters are North America's largest freshwater fish, regularly hitting 6-10 feet and 200+ pounds in our local waters. White sturgeon spend most of their lives in the ocean but return to rivers like the Columbia to spawn from spring through early summer. They're bottom feeders with no teeth, using their vacuum-like mouths to suck up everything from shrimp to salmon. What makes them special is the fight - imagine hooking into a submarine that doesn't want to come up. The meat is fantastic too, firm and clean-tasting. Here's the key: when you feel that gentle tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them mouth the bait for 10-15 seconds before setting - they're surprisingly delicate biters for such massive fish.
Tri-Cities, Washington, USA