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Expert-Guided Columbia River Fishing Charter
- Published Date: August 25, 2025
- Fishing
- Columbia River
- $275 price range
Summary
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River Catches of the Day
Columbia River fishing adventure awaits
Catching salmon and more on the Columbia River
Top spots for Columbia River fishing
Columbia River Walleye fishing fun
Columbia River Salmon fishing trip
Guided fishing charter Columbia River
Trophy Salmon caught in Columbia River
Expert fishing guide Columbia River
Columbia River charter boat fishing
Fishing with Blair’s on Columbia River
Columbia River fishing adventure awaits
Catching salmon and more on the Columbia River
Top spots for Columbia River fishing
Columbia River Walleye fishing fun
Columbia River Salmon fishing trip
Guided fishing charter Columbia River
Trophy Salmon caught in Columbia River
Expert fishing guide Columbia River
Columbia River charter boat fishing
Fishing with Blair’s on Columbia River
Columbia River fishing adventure awaits
Catching salmon and more on the Columbia River
Top spots for Columbia River fishing
Columbia River Walleye fishing fun
Columbia River: Epic Fishing for Walleye & More
Get ready for an action-packed day on the Columbia River with Guide James, targeting some of the most sought-after fish in the Pacific Northwest. This full-day charter is perfect for anglers looking to land walleye, salmon, and sturgeon while honing their skills with a pro. Whether you're a seasoned fisherman or just getting your feet wet, James will put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it.
What to Expect on the Water
This 8-hour trip kicks off bright and early, maximizing your time on the Columbia's prime fishing grounds. James runs a tight ship, focusing on getting lines in the water and fish in the boat. You'll be using top-notch gear, all provided, so no need to lug your own tackle box. The boat's fully kitted out for safety and comfort, giving you a stable platform to reel in the big ones. Expect hands-on instruction tailored to your skill level – James is known for his patient teaching style and killer fish-finding instincts. The trip runs until you hit your catch limit, so be ready for a full day of non-stop action.
Techniques & Tactics
Fishing the Columbia is all about versatility. For walleye, you might be jigging or trolling with bottom bouncers, depending on where the fish are holding. When salmon season's hot, expect to troll with downriggers or divers, maybe even some back-trolling in the right spots. Sturgeon fishing is a whole different ballgame – usually involving anchoring up and soaking bait on the bottom. James will walk you through each technique, showing you how to read the water, work your gear, and set the hook when that big bite comes. It's hands-on learning that'll up your fishing game, guaranteed.
Customer Stories
"James is the best guide I've had experience with. He will not leave you empty handed!! Caught my personal best walleye within minutes of showing up to the fishing spot. Very knowledgeable, honest, and friendly guide!" - Andrey
"James is an amazing guide, willing to do it all to land on some fish, definitely recommend going trophy walleye fishing with him, 2 minutes into fishing we landed on a few 30" walleye, book trip NOW!!!!" - David
Species You'll Want to Hook
Walleye: These golden-eyed predators are the bread and butter of Columbia River fishing. Known for their tasty white flesh, walleye put up a great fight and can reach impressive sizes. The Columbia's walleye fishery is world-class, with fish often topping 10 pounds. They're active year-round, but spring and fall can be especially productive. Walleye love structure, so James will have you targeting drop-offs, rocky areas, and current seams where these fish ambush their prey.
Chinook Salmon: Also known as Kings, these are the heavyweight champs of the Columbia. Spring and fall runs bring in chrome-bright fish that'll test your gear and your stamina. Chinooks in the 20-30 pound range are common, with some monsters pushing 50 pounds or more. They're known for blistering runs and acrobatic jumps that'll have your heart racing. Timing is everything with salmon, and James knows exactly when and where to intercept these magnificent fish.
Coho Salmon: Slightly smaller than Chinooks but no less exciting, Coho (or Silver) salmon are fall-run fish that arrive in big numbers. They're aggressive feeders, often hitting lures with spectacular topwater strikes. Cohos average 6-12 pounds and are prized for their rich, red flesh. These fish are a blast on light tackle, and when they're running, the action can be non-stop.
Chum Salmon: While not as famous as their cousins, Chum salmon (also called Dogs) can provide some solid action in the late fall. They're powerful swimmers, often putting on a show with their surface-thrashing fights. Chums typically range from 7-15 pounds, and while they're not considered top table fare, they're still fun to catch and an important part of the Columbia's ecosystem.
White Sturgeon: The Columbia's true river monsters, White Sturgeon are prehistoric-looking giants that can live for decades and grow to truly massive sizes. The river holds fish well over 10 feet long, though most caught-and-released sturgeon are in the 3-6 foot range. Hooking into one of these behemoths is like being tied to a submarine – they're incredibly strong and can fight for hours. Sturgeon fishing is strictly catch-and-release for the big ones, ensuring this amazing fishery stays healthy for generations to come.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
The Columbia River isn't just a fishery; it's an angler's playground. The sheer diversity of species and fishing styles keeps things exciting trip after trip. One day you might be finessing walleye, the next you're battling a chrome-bright King salmon or wrestling with a prehistoric sturgeon. The scenery ain't half bad either – you'll be fishing against a backdrop of rolling hills, basalt cliffs, and maybe even snow-capped volcanoes in the distance. But what really sets this trip apart is Guide James. His local knowledge runs deep, and he's got a knack for putting clients on fish even when conditions are tough. Plus, he's just a good dude to spend a day on the water with – always ready with a fishing story or a bad joke to keep spirits high.
Top Catches This Season
This year's been a banner one for Columbia River fishing. We've seen some monster walleye coming to the net, including a few pushing the 15-pound mark. The spring Chinook run was solid, with several boats limiting out on bright, tasty springers. As we move into fall, we're gearing up for what looks to be an epic Coho season – reports from the ocean suggest a strong run is headed our way. And let's not forget about sturgeon – we've had some epic battles with oversized fish, including a few estimated at over 9 feet long. Whether you're after numbers or that fish of a lifetime, the Columbia's been delivering the goods.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to get in on this world-class Columbia River action, now's the time to lock in your date. At $275 per person (two-person minimum), you're getting a full day with a top-rated guide, all the gear you need, and a shot at some truly impressive fish. Whether you're a local looking to up your game or an out-of-towner wanting to experience the best of Pacific Northwest fishing, this trip delivers. Don't wait – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak salmon and sturgeon seasons. Give James a call, get your spot on the calendar, and get ready for a day of fishing you won't soon forget. The big one's waiting – let's go catch it!
Customer Reviews
James Nets Success
Andrey A
March 9, 2025
Trophy Walleye Pro
James is an amazing guide, willing to do it all to land on some fish, definitely recommend going trophy walleye fishing with him, 2 minutes into fishing we landed on a few 30” walleye, book trip NOW!!!!
David Shilikhin
March 6, 2025
Learn more about the species
Chinook Salmon
Chinook, or king salmon, are the heavyweights of the Columbia, often topping 20-30 pounds. They start entering the river in spring, with peak runs in late summer and fall. These bruisers prefer deeper, faster water and are often found near current breaks and underwater structure. Chinooks are prized for their hard-fighting ability and rich, flavorful meat. To target them, try back-bouncing roe or trolling with large plugs in deep runs. My local tip: Focus on the early morning bite. Chinooks often feed actively at first light, so being on the water before sunrise can dramatically increase your chances. Also, don't be afraid to use big baits - these fish have big appetites and will often ignore smaller offerings that coho or steelhead might hit.
Chum Salmon
Chum salmon, also called dog salmon, average 10-20 pounds and run the Columbia in late fall. They're not as popular as other salmon species, but can still provide good action. Look for chums in slower water near tributary mouths and gravel bars. They're aggressive and will hit bright flies or spinners. Anglers enjoy their strong runs and unique appearance - spawning males develop distinctive "tiger stripes" and hooked jaws. To target chums, try swinging bright chartreuse or pink flies, or casting colorful spinners. My local trick: Focus on shallow riffles and tailouts where chums often stage before spawning. A stealthy approach is key, as these fish can spook easily in clear water. While not considered top table fare, fresh chum can be good smoked or grilled if prepared properly.
Coho Salmon
Coho, or silver salmon, typically run 6-12 pounds and are known for their acrobatics. They enter the Columbia from late summer through fall, often hanging around river mouths and estuaries before pushing upstream. Cohos are aggressive and will hit a variety of lures, making them a blast to catch. Anglers love their fight and excellent table quality. To target them, try trolling with flashers and hoochies, or casting spinners near current seams. My go-to trick: Look for coho in slower water, especially behind large rocks or logs. They often rest in these spots before continuing their journey upriver. A well-placed cast into these holding areas can trigger some explosive strikes. Remember, fresh chrome-bright coho are the best eating, so get them early in the run if you're planning to keep fish for the table.
Walleye
Walleye are sneaky predators, usually 15-30 inches long. You'll find them near rocky bottoms and drop-offs in the Columbia, especially at dawn and dusk when they're most active. Spring and fall are top seasons, but you can catch 'em year-round. Walleye are prized for their fight and tasty white fillets. They've got excellent eyesight, so they can be tricky to fool. Try slow-trolling with bottom bouncers and nightcrawlers, or jigging minnows near structure. My local trick: On sunny days, look for walleye in deeper water, often 20-30 feet down. They'll move shallow to feed when light levels drop. If you're not getting bites, change your depth until you find the fish. Once you dial it in, you can often catch a bunch from the same spot.
White Sturgeon
White Sturgeon are prehistoric-looking giants, often reaching 6-10 feet long. They're bottom-dwellers, hanging out in deep holes and channels of the Columbia. Spring and fall are prime times to hook these monsters. Sturgeon put up an epic fight, sometimes leaping clear out of the water. Anglers love 'em for the pure strength and stamina - it's not uncommon for a big one to take an hour or more to land. They're also great eating, with firm, white meat. To target sturgeon, use heavy tackle and fish on the bottom with smelly baits like squid or salmon eggs. My tip: When you feel that first nibble, wait it out. Sturgeon often mouth the bait for a while before committing. Once you feel a solid pull, set the hook hard and hang on for the ride of your life.
About the Blair's Sport Fishing
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 38
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 150
James is the best guide I’ve had experience with. He will not leave you empty handed!! Caught my personal best walleye within minutes of showing up to the fishing spot. Very knowledgeable, honest, and friendly guide!