Premium Columbia River Fishing: Salmon & Sturgeon

Published Date: August 25, 2025
Fishing

Columbia River
$275 price range

Summary

Join Guide James for a full day of fishing on the scenic Columbia River. This 8-hour trip is perfect for anglers of all levels looking to catch Walleye, Salmon, and Sturgeon. You'll fish until you hit the limit, using top-notch gear provided by the charter. At $275 per person (two-person minimum), you get expert guidance, quality equipment, and a safe, well-equipped boat. As you cast your line, take in the natural beauty of the river and its surroundings. James will share local fishing techniques and help you target the most popular species in these waters. Whether you're after a big catch or just want to enjoy a day on the river, this Columbia River charter offers a great mix of fishing action and scenic views.

Premium Columbia River 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

Columbia River's Best Kept Fishing Secret

Hey there, angler! Ready for a day on the mighty Columbia that'll have you grinning from ear to ear? Guide James here, and I'm itching to show you why this stretch of river is a fisherman's paradise. We're talking about an 8-hour adventure where you'll be casting for some of the most sought-after fish in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, we've got you covered. So grab your hat and let's dive into what makes this trip a can't-miss experience!

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising along the Columbia, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, rod in hand, and the anticipation of the next big catch keeping you on your toes. That's what you're in for on our full-day charter. We'll be targeting the trifecta of Columbia River fishing - walleye, salmon, and sturgeon. And let me tell you, when these fish bite, it's game on! We'll keep at it until we hit our limits or the day wraps up, whichever comes first. At $275 per person (two-person minimum), you're getting a steal of a deal for a day packed with action, laughs, and hopefully, a cooler full of fish to take home.

Gear Up and Cast Out

No need to fret about equipment - we've got you covered from tip to tail. You'll be fishing with top-notch rods and reels that'll make you feel like a pro. Our tackle box is stocked with all the right lures and bait to entice even the most stubborn fish. And let's talk about the boat - it's not just safe and comfy, it's a fish-finding machine. I'll be right there with you, sharing all the tricks of the trade. Want to know the secret to landing a monster sturgeon? I've got you. Curious about the best walleye technique? I'll show you how it's done. By the end of the day, you'll be reeling them in like you've been doing it for years.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Let's break down the all-stars you'll be targeting on this trip. First up, the white sturgeon - these prehistoric beasts are the largest freshwater fish in North America. Some of these bad boys can grow over 10 feet long and live for more than a century. Hooking into one of these is like arm-wrestling a submarine - it's a fight you'll never forget.

Next, we've got walleye. These golden-eyed predators are known for their tasty fillets and their feisty fight. They're most active in low light conditions, so early morning and late afternoon can be prime time for walleye action. When you feel that distinctive tap-tap on your line, get ready for some fun!

Now, let's talk salmon. We're after three species here: Chinook (aka King), Coho, and Chum. Chinooks are the heavyweight champs, known for their size and rich, flavorful meat. Cohos are the acrobats of the bunch, known for their spectacular jumps when hooked. Chums might not be as famous as their cousins, but they put up a great fight and are a blast to catch.

Each of these species has its own season and habits, but don't worry - I'll make sure we're in the right place at the right time to maximize our chances of a stellar catch.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

You know what keeps folks coming back to the Columbia? It's not just the fish - though that's a big part of it. It's the whole package. The way the mist rises off the water in the early morning. The bald eagles soaring overhead, looking for their own catch. The rush of adrenaline when your rod bends double and the reel starts screaming. It's about making memories, whether you're out with your buddies, bonding with your kids, or just treating yourself to a day away from it all.

And let's not forget the bragging rights. There's nothing quite like the feeling of bringing home a cooler full of fresh-caught fish. Whether you're planning a barbecue or stocking up the freezer, you'll have some mighty fine eating ahead of you.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's cut to the chase - if you're itching to get out on the Columbia and see what all the fuss is about, now's the time to lock in your spot. Remember, we keep these trips small - just you and one other person - to make sure you get the most out of your day. That means spaces fill up fast, especially during peak seasons.

For $275 per person, you're getting a full day of world-class fishing, expert guidance, and memories that'll last a lifetime. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a sandwich or two - fishing works up an appetite!). We'll take care of the rest.

So what do you say? Ready to test your skills against some of the Columbia's finest? Give us a call or book online, and let's get you out on the water. Trust me, once you've experienced the Columbia River fishing scene, you'll be hooked for life. See you on the river!

Learn more about the species

Chinook Salmon

Chinook, or king salmon, are the heavyweights of the Pacific salmon world. They can top 40 pounds, with most Columbia River fish in the 15-30 pound range. These bruisers are prized for their size, fight, and rich, fatty meat. Chinook prefer deeper, cooler water, so we'll target them near the bottom using downriggers or weighted setups. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're entering the river to spawn. Kings are known for their powerful runs and head-shaking jumps - be ready for a workout! Trolling with herring or large plugs is effective, and many anglers swear by eggs for bait. Pro tip: when a king takes your offering, give it a moment before setting the hook. Let it turn and get the bait fully in its mouth for a better hookup.

Chum Salmon

Chum salmon, also called dog salmon, are often overlooked but can provide great action. They average 10-15 pounds but can reach over 30. You'll find them in the Columbia from late summer through fall, with peak runs usually in October. Chums prefer slower water near the banks or in side channels. They're not known for long runs, but they're strong fighters that'll give your arms a workout. Sight fishing for chums can be a blast - look for their distinctive vertical bars when they're in freshwater. Fly anglers, try chartreuse or pink flies. For gear fishing, toss medium-sized spinners or drift eggs. Here's a local secret: chums spook easily, so cast beyond the fish and retrieve through their zone. They might not be the best eating, but the fight is worth it.

Coho Salmon

Coho, or silver salmon, are feisty fighters known for their acrobatic leaps. They typically run 6-12 pounds but can reach over 30. Look for them in calm areas near debris or in deep pools of large rivers. Coho start entering the Columbia in late summer, with peak runs in September and October. Anglers love targeting them for their hard-fighting spirit and delicious orange-red meat. To hook one, try swinging bright-colored spinners in fast water or twitching jigs in holding water. Float fishing with roe is another solid technique. Here's a tip: coho can jump up to 6 feet, so keep your rod tip low when they're near the boat. These salmon are great eating, but remember they die after spawning, so we focus on hatchery fish to protect wild populations.

Walleye

Walleye are prized for their tasty white fillets and challenging nature. These gold-olive fish average 2-3 pounds but can reach over 10. They have distinctive reflective eyes that help them see in low light. You'll find walleye near rocky or sandy bottoms, often hanging out by drop-offs or weed edges. They're most active at dawn and dusk. Spring and fall are peak seasons when water temps are cooler. Walleye put up a good fight and make excellent table fare. To catch them, try slow-trolling with bottom bouncers or jigging near structure. Live bait like minnows or nightcrawlers work great. Here's a local tip: on sunny days, look for walleye in deeper water; they'll move shallow on overcast days. Keep your presentations slow and near the bottom for best results.

White Sturgeon

These prehistoric-looking giants are the largest freshwater fish in North America, with some topping 12 feet and 1,000 pounds. They're bottom-feeders, so we'll target deep holes and drop-offs. White sturgeon put up an epic fight - it's not uncommon for a battle to last over an hour. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are mild. Sturgeon are catch-and-release only, but the thrill of landing one is unforgettable. Use heavy tackle with 80+ pound line and plenty of weight to keep your bait on the bottom. Patience is key - let them nibble before setting the hook. I like using oily baits like squid or herring to attract these big boys. Just remember, sturgeon bite gently at first, so stay alert and be ready when that rod tip starts twitching.

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