Columbia River Weekday Fishing: Salmon & Sturgeon

Published Date: August 25, 2025
Fishing

Columbia River
$275 price range

Summary

Get ready for a full day of fishing action on the Columbia River with Guide James. This weekday charter targets Walleye, Salmon, and Sturgeon, giving you a shot at landing some of the river's most prized catches. Whether you're new to fishing or a seasoned angler, you'll have the chance to learn new techniques and potentially reel in a trophy fish. The trip runs for 8 hours, or until you hit your catch limit, so there's plenty of time to try different spots and methods. At $275 per person (two-person minimum), you're set up with quality gear, bait, and tackle on a well-equipped boat. Guide James knows the river like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish while keeping safety a top priority. It's a great way to spend a weekday, enjoying the beauty of the Columbia and the thrill of the catch. Pack some snacks, bring your fishing license, and get ready for a productive day on the water with an experienced local guide.

Columbia River Weekday Fishing: Salmon & Sturgeon

Columbia River Catches

A group of 6 rainbow trout and chinook salmon caught while fishing in Pasco

Columbia River Salmon fishing trip

Coho salmon caught while fishing in Pasco

Guided fishing charter Columbia River

9 coho salmon, chinook salmon caught while fishing in WA

Trophy Salmon caught in Columbia River

5 chinook salmon and rainbow trout in fishing catch in WA

Expert fishing guide Columbia River

Hook, Line & Sinker: Columbia River's Triple Threat

Ready for a mid-week escape on the mighty Columbia? Guide James is at the helm for this full-day charter, and he's got his sights set on a trifecta: Walleye, Salmon, and Sturgeon. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this 8-hour trip is your ticket to some of the best fishing the Pacific Northwest has to offer. At $275 a head (two-person minimum), you're in for a day of non-stop action, top-notch gear, and the kind of local know-how that turns good trips into great ones.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising down the Columbia, rod in hand, with Guide James dropping knowledge about the best spots and techniques. This isn't your average "sit and wait" kind of day. We're talking active fishing from sunup to sundown, or until you hit your limit – whichever comes first. The boat's fully kitted out with everything you need, from quality rods and reels to the freshest bait and tackle. And don't worry about bringing your A-game; whether you're looking to polish your skills or land your personal best, James has got you covered with tips and tricks that'll up your fishing game in no time.

Techniques That Land Lunkers

On this trip, we mix it up to target our three main species. For Walleye, we might be jigging or trolling with bottom bouncers, depending on where they're biting. Salmon fishing could have us back-trolling with Kwikfish or running divers with bait. And when it comes to Sturgeon? Get ready for some heavy lifting. We'll be using stout rods with circle hooks, often baited with fresh salmon parts or pickled squid. James will walk you through each technique, so you'll be fishing like a pro in no time. The Columbia's always changing, so we adapt our methods to what's working best that day – that's the key to consistently putting fish in the boat.

Top Catches This Season

While we don't have specific customer reviews for this trip, anglers on the Columbia have been lighting it up lately. Word on the water is that the Walleye bite has been on fire, with many folks limiting out before noon. Salmon anglers are reporting some chunky Chinooks in the 20-30 pound range, while Sturgeon fishers are getting their arms stretched by some real dinosaurs. Remember, every day on the water is different, but that's what keeps us coming back for more!

Species You'll Want to Hook

White Sturgeon: These prehistoric beasts are the stuff of fishing legend. Columbia River sturgeon can grow over 10 feet long and live for over a century. They're like underwater freight trains – when you hook one, hold on tight! Best targeted in the deeper holes and channels, sturgeon fishing is a test of patience and strength. The fight of a lifetime could be just a cast away.

Walleye: Don't let their size fool you; these golden-eyed predators are pound-for-pound some of the scrappiest fish in the river. They're also some of the tastiest. Walleye tend to school up, so when you find them, it's often game on. Spring and fall are prime times, but summer can be red hot too. Jigging near structure or trolling along drop-offs are go-to tactics.

Coho Salmon: Also known as silvers, these acrobatic fish are a blast to catch. They typically show up in the Columbia from late summer into fall. Cohos are known for their aggressive strikes and airborne fights. When they're running, expect non-stop action and some of the best-eating salmon you'll ever taste.

Chinook Salmon: The king of salmon, both in size and reputation. Columbia River Chinooks can top 50 pounds, though 15-30 pounders are more common. These powerhouses will test your gear and your resolve. Spring and fall runs offer the best shot at these prized fish. There's nothing quite like the slow, heavy pull of a big Chinook taking line.

Chum Salmon: While not as common as other salmon species in the Columbia, chums (also called dog salmon) can provide some exciting fishing when they do show up. They're known for their distinct calico coloration during spawning. Chums typically run later in the fall and can put up a stubborn fight, especially in the lower river.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it. The Columbia River is a world-class fishery right in our backyard. One day you're battling a prehistoric sturgeon, the next you're finessing walleye or chasing chrome-bright salmon. But it's also about the experience: the misty mornings on the water, the bald eagles soaring overhead, and the camaraderie that comes from sharing a boat and a common goal. Guide James knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's always got a story or a local tip to share. Whether you're a die-hard angler or just looking for a great day out, this trip delivers.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, weekdays on the Columbia are prime time. Less boat traffic means more fish and a more relaxed vibe on the water. At $275 per person (remember, two-person minimum), you're getting a full day of guided fishing with all the gear you need. No hassle, no fuss – just show up ready to fish. Whether you're aiming to fill the freezer, land a trophy, or just enjoy a day away from the grind, this trip checks all the boxes. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Give Blair's Sport Fishing a call and lock in your date. Who knows? Your next cast could be the one you'll be talking about for years to come. See you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Chinook Salmon

Chinook, or king salmon, are the heavyweight champs of the Columbia. These bruisers can top 40 pounds, with most falling in the 15-30 pound range. They're found in deeper runs and holes, especially during their spring and fall migrations. Chinooks are prized for their size, fight, and rich, flavorful meat. To target them, we'll often troll with large plugs or herring in 20-40 feet of water. When they're staging near the mouths of tributaries, back-bouncing eggs can be deadly. Here's a local trick: on overcast days, try brighter lures like chartreuse or orange. On sunny days, go with more natural colors. And always be ready for that bone-jarring strike - these kings hit hard and run fast. Landing a big Columbia River Chinook is an experience you won't forget.

Chum Salmon

Chum salmon, often overlooked, are actually a blast to catch in the Columbia. They average 10-15 pounds but can push 25. Look for them in the lower river from late summer through fall, often in faster water. Chums are known for their dogged fights - they may not jump like coho, but they'll bulldog you with powerful runs. They're not considered the best eating salmon, but smoked chum is delicious. To hook up, try swinging bright flies or tossing flashy spoons in riffles and current seams. Here's a tip: chums spook easily, so make long casts and use lighter leaders. When you hook one, be ready for a stubborn battle. These fish pull hard and don't give up easily. It's a great way to bend a rod when other salmon aren't biting.

Coho Salmon

Coho, or silver salmon, are the acrobats of the Columbia. These 8-12 pound fighters are known for their spectacular leaps and runs. Look for them in faster currents and near structure as they migrate upriver, typically from late summer through fall. Coho are prized for both their fight and their rich, orange flesh. To hook one, try casting or trolling with flashy spoons or plugs that mimic baitfish. As they get closer to spawning, switch to drift fishing with eggs or shrimp. Here's a tip: when a coho hits, let it run for a moment before setting the hook. These guys have soft mouths, and a premature hookset can tear right through. Once hooked, be ready for aerial displays and powerful runs that'll test your drag. It's an exciting fish that keeps you on your toes from strike to net.

Walleye

Walleye are the night owls of the Columbia, with eyes built for low-light hunting. They average 2-3 pounds, but 10-pounders aren't unheard of. You'll find them hugging rocky bottoms and ledges in 15-30 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, making for some exciting low-light fishing. Walleye put up a good fight and are prized for their tasty white fillets. To land one, try slow-trolling with bottom bouncers and nightcrawler harnesses. As the sun sets, switch to jigs tipped with minnows near drop-offs. Here's a local secret: on bright days, look for walleye in deeper water or near structure that provides shade. They'll often stack up in these comfort zones, giving you a shot at multiple fish once you find the right spot.

White Sturgeon

The White Sturgeon is a prehistoric-looking giant that'll test your skills and gear. These monsters can grow over 10 feet long and weigh hundreds of pounds. They're bottom-feeders, so we'll be dropping bait deep in the Columbia's channels and pools. Spring and fall are prime seasons, when they're most active. Sturgeon put up an incredible fight - imagine hooking into a submarine! They're strictly catch-and-release these days, but the thrill of landing one is unforgettable. To up your chances, use fresh bait like salmon roe or pickled herring. And here's a local tip: when you feel that gentle nibble, resist the urge to set the hook right away. Let the sturgeon take the bait and run with it a bit before you reel. Patience is key with these ancient river giants.

About the Blair's Sport Fishing

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 38

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Hop aboard our fully-equipped boat for a full day of fishing on the mighty Columbia River. Guide James knows all the best spots to catch walleye, salmon, and sturgeon. We'll spend 8 hours on the water, aiming to reach those catch limits. Whether you're new to fishing or looking to land a trophy, James will share tips and techniques to improve your skills. The $275 per person price (two-person minimum) covers everything you need - quality rods, reels, bait, and tackle. No need to worry about gear or licenses. Just bring your enthusiasm and get ready for a productive day reeling in some of the Columbia's prized fish. Book your weekday charter now to secure your spot with an experienced local guide who'll ensure you have a great time on the river.

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