Premier Weekend Fishing on Columbia River

Published Date: August 25, 2025
Fishing

Columbia River
$275 price range

Summary

Ready for a weekend fishing adventure on the Columbia River? Guide James offers a full-day charter targeting walleye, salmon, and sturgeon. It's an 8-hour trip that's perfect for anglers of all levels, whether you're new to fishing or looking to land a big one. At $275 per person (two-person minimum), you'll get everything you need: quality gear, bait, and tackle. James provides expert instruction and runs a well-equipped boat, so you can focus on reeling them in. The best part? You'll fish until you hit the catch limit, maximizing your time on the water. It's a great way to spend a Saturday or Sunday, learning from a local pro and trying your luck with some of the river's most sought-after fish. Book your spot with Blair's Sport Fishing and get ready for a productive day on the Columbia.

Premier Weekend Fishing on Columbia River

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Weekend Columbia River Fishing: Walleye, Salmon & Sturgeon

Get ready for an action-packed day on the Columbia River with Guide James, chasing after some of the most sought-after fish in the Pacific Northwest. This weekend charter is perfect for anglers looking to squeeze in some quality fishing time without taking time off work. Whether you're after the hard-fighting walleye, the legendary salmon runs, or the prehistoric white sturgeon, this trip's got you covered. With all the gear provided and expert guidance at your side, you're in for a day of non-stop fishing action.

Trip Overview

Kicking off early on a Saturday or Sunday morning, you'll hop aboard a fully-equipped fishing boat for 8 solid hours on the water. Guide James knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's all about putting clients on fish. You'll be targeting a mix of walleye, salmon, and sturgeon – talk about variety! The beauty of this trip is its flexibility; you'll fish until you hit your limit or the day wraps up, whichever comes first. At $275 per person (minimum two anglers), it's a steal for a full day of guided fishing with all the fixings. Plus, with weekend dates available, it's perfect for locals and visitors alike who can't sneak away during the work week.

What to Expect on the Water

Once you're out on the Columbia, Guide James will get you set up with top-notch rods, reels, and the right bait for the day's conditions. You might start off trolling for walleye, using bottom bouncers or crawler harnesses to entice these tasty fish. When salmon are running, you could be back-trolling with sardine-wrapped Kwikfish or pulling plugs in the current. For sturgeon, it's all about finding the right hole and setting up with heavy tackle and smelly bait – think fresh salmon eggs or pickled squid. Throughout the day, James will be right there, offering tips on technique and helping you read the river. It's hands-on fishing, so be ready to reel!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

The Columbia River is a fisherman's playground, and this trip taps into some of its best action. Walleye fishing here is world-class, with the chance to catch some real slabs. The salmon runs are legendary, drawing anglers from all over. And let's not forget the white sturgeon – hooking into one of these river monsters is an experience you won't soon forget. What keeps folks coming back, though, is the whole package: great fishing, stunning scenery, and the wealth of knowledge you'll gain from fishing with a pro like James. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, you're bound to learn something new and have a blast doing it.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Walleye: These golden-eyed predators are prized for their tasty fillets and the challenge they present. Columbia River walleye can grow to impressive sizes, with fish over 10 pounds not uncommon. They're most active in low-light conditions, so early mornings can be prime time. Walleye tend to hang near drop-offs and current breaks, using their keen eyesight to ambush prey. The fight of a big walleye is something special – they'll dig deep and use the current to their advantage.

Salmon: The Columbia hosts several salmon species, but you're likely to target Chinook (King) and Coho (Silver) salmon on this trip. Chinooks are the heavyweights, known for their rich, flavorful meat and powerful runs. They can top 40 pounds in the Columbia. Coho are smaller but incredibly acrobatic, often putting on a show with multiple jumps. Fall is typically the peak season for salmon, but there are various runs throughout the year. Hooking into a chrome-bright salmon fresh from the ocean is a thrill like no other.

White Sturgeon: These living fossils are the true giants of the Columbia. White sturgeon can grow over 10 feet long and live for decades. They're bottom feeders, using their vacuum-like mouths to suck up prey. Sturgeon fishing is a game of patience and power – once hooked, they'll test your stamina with long, powerful runs. The Columbia is one of the best places in the world to target these prehistoric fish, and catching (and releasing) a big one is often the highlight of an angler's trip.

Chum Salmon: While not as common as Chinook or Coho, chum salmon (also known as dog salmon) make their way up the Columbia too. They're known for their calico coloration during spawning and their fierce fighting ability. Chum typically run later in the fall and can provide some exciting action when other salmon runs are tapering off.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of the Columbia's finest, this weekend charter is your ticket. With Guide James at the helm, you're in for a day of non-stop fishing action, targeting some of the river's most popular game fish. Whether you're dreaming of battling a sturgeon, filling the cooler with walleye, or checking a Columbia River salmon off your bucket list, this trip delivers. Remember, spots fill up fast, especially for weekend dates, so don't wait to lock in your adventure. Grab a fishing buddy (or three – the boat can accommodate up to four anglers), and get ready for a day you'll be talking about long after you're back on shore. The fish are waiting – are you ready to meet them?

Learn more about the species

Chinook Salmon

Chinook, or king salmon, are the heavyweight champs of Pacific salmon. They can top 40 pounds in the Columbia, though 15-30 is more typical. Look for them in deeper holes and along current seams. Spring and fall runs offer the best action. Chinooks are prized for their fighting ability - they'll test your gear and your arms. They're also considered the best-eating salmon, with rich, oil-packed meat. I like to back-troll with sardine-wrapped plugs or fish eggs under a float. One tip: if you're not getting bites, try going deeper. Kings often hug the bottom, especially on bright days. When that rod doubles over with a big Chinook, hang on tight - you're in for a world-class battle and potentially the fish of a lifetime.

Chum Salmon

Chum salmon, also called dog salmon, are often overlooked but can offer great action. They average 8-15 pounds and run our river in the fall. Look for them in slower water near tributaries. Chums aren't known for long runs, but they're strong fighters that often thrash and roll at the surface. While not as prized for eating as other salmon, they're still good smoked. Fly fishing is popular - I like using bright chartreuse or pink flies. For gear, try drifting eggs or casting spinners. One local trick: watch for "finning" chums with their backs out of the water. You can sight-cast to these fish for exciting visual takes. Don't underestimate chums - they may surprise you with their scrappy fights and numbers when other salmon are scarce.

Coho Salmon

Coho, or silver salmon, are one of our most exciting catches. They average 8-12 pounds but can push 20. You'll find them in the main river channels, often near current seams or structure. Fall is prime time as they run upriver to spawn. Cohos are known for their acrobatic fights - expect some spectacular jumps when you hook one. They're also great eating fish, with rich orange meat. I like to troll with flashers and hoochies or cut-plug herring. If you're casting from shore, try tossing spinners or drift fishing with roe. One local trick: on sunny days, go with brighter lures. Cohos seem to hit chartreuse or hot pink better when it's bright out. It's hard to beat the thrill of a fresh-run coho peeling line off your reel.

Walleye

Walleye are popular here on the Columbia, typically running 15-25 inches. They've got those distinctive glowing eyes that help them see in low light. You'll find them hanging around rocky areas and drop-offs, usually in 10-30 feet of water. Early morning and evening are prime times, especially in summer. Walleye put up a good fight and they're excellent eating - nice firm, white meat. I like to troll with bottom bouncers and nightcrawler harnesses, or jig with minnows along structure. One tip: if you're not getting bites, slow down your presentation. Walleye often prefer a slower retrieve, especially in cooler water. Once you dial in the right depth and speed, you can often catch your limit pretty quick.

White Sturgeon

These prehistoric-looking fish are the largest freshwater species in North America, often reaching 6-10 feet long. They're bottom-dwellers, so we target deep holes and use heavy tackle. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're most active. Sturgeon put up an epic fight - it's not uncommon for a big one to take 30+ minutes to land. They're catch-and-release only, which helps preserve the population. For bait, I like to use fresh salmon roe or chunks of oily fish like shad. The key is to be patient - sturgeon often nibble for a while before fully committing. When you feel that solid thump, get ready for the battle of a lifetime against these living fossils. It's an experience you won't soon forget.

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

Picture yourself on the Columbia River, rod in hand, as you spend a full weekend day chasing walleye, salmon, and sturgeon. Guide James knows all the best spots and will have you fishing like a pro in no time. This 8-hour shared charter is perfect for anglers of any skill level looking to make the most of their weekend. For $275 per person (minimum two people), you'll get everything you need - quality gear, bait, tackle, and expert instruction. The fully-equipped boat provides a comfortable base as you work towards reaching your catch limit. Whether you're after the fight of a sturgeon, the delicious taste of salmon, or the challenge of walleye, this trip offers it all. Book your weekend adventure now and get ready for a day of productive fishing with a knowledgeable local guide on one of the Northwest's premier rivers.

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