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Top-Rated Columbia River Fishing Trip | Blair's
- Published Date: July 22, 2025
- Fishing
- Columbia River
- $275 price range
- Updated Date: August 25, 2025
Summary
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River Catches of the Day
Columbia River Fishing: Walleye, Salmon, Sturgeon
Get ready for a full day of action-packed fishing on the mighty Columbia River! This 8-hour charter is perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. You'll be targeting some of the Northwest's most prized catches: walleye, salmon, and sturgeon. With expert guide James at the helm, you're in for a day of non-stop fishing, valuable tips, and unforgettable memories on one of America's greatest rivers.
What to Expect on the Water
Your adventure kicks off bright and early as you meet Guide James at the boat launch. He'll get you set up with top-notch gear and give you a quick rundown of the day ahead. The Columbia's a big river with lots of productive spots, so be ready to cover some water. James knows these fishing grounds like the back of his hand, and he'll put you right on the fish. Whether you're jigging for walleye, trolling for salmon, or battling a massive sturgeon, you'll be using proven techniques to maximize your chances of landing the big one. This trip's all about learning and having a blast, so don't worry if you're new to fishing – James has the patience of a saint and loves teaching newbies the ropes.
Techniques & Gear Breakdown
On this trip, you'll get hands-on experience with a variety of fishing methods. For walleye, we'll likely be jigging or trolling with bottom bouncers. Salmon fishing might involve back-trolling with kwikfish or pulling plugs, depending on the time of year and water conditions. And if we're after sturgeon, get ready for some heavy-duty gear and the fight of your life! James provides all the tackle you'll need, from G. Loomis rods to Shimano reels spooled with premium line. He's always tweaking his setups to match what the fish want, so you'll be fishing with the most effective rigs for that day's conditions. Don't be shy about asking questions – James loves sharing his knowledge and helping you improve your skills.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
"I've fished with James at Brewster, Drano, Bonneville, Klickitat and up here for eater and trophy walleye. I don't believe we were ever out fished by another boat, which is great but more importantly, it was ALWAYS entertaining and a fun adventure. James has the "Go" to get it done. Nobody works harder than he does to achieve success for whoever is on his boat." - Huck "Had an amazing time put us righbt on the meat.l! he is an awesome guide, patient knowledgeable, and fun to hang out with hit him up if u want a great fishing trip" - Nic "James is an amazing guide that provides best service for fishing, put us on fish all the time!!!! Book him without a doubt!!!" - Nelya
Species You'll Want to Hook
Walleye: These tasty predators are a favorite target on the Columbia. Known for their excellent table fare and challenging fight, walleye typically range from 2-5 pounds, with trophy fish pushing 10 pounds or more. They're most active in low light conditions, so early mornings and evenings can be prime time. Walleye love structure, so James will have you fishing near drop-offs, rocky points, and submerged islands where these toothy critters like to ambush their prey.
Salmon: The Columbia's legendary salmon runs are a bucket-list experience for many anglers. You'll be targeting three species on this trip: Chinook (King), Coho (Silver), and Sockeye. Chinook are the biggest, often weighing 20-40 pounds, with some monsters topping 50 pounds. They're known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. Coho are typically smaller but incredibly scrappy, putting on an aerial show when hooked. Sockeye, while the smallest of the three, are prized for their rich, red flesh. Salmon fishing is seasonal, with different runs peaking throughout the year, so James will tailor your tactics to what's happening on the river.
White Sturgeon: Prepare yourself for a true dinosaur hunt! The Columbia is home to some of the biggest sturgeon in North America, with fish over 10 feet long and weighing hundreds of pounds. Even an "average" sturgeon of 4-6 feet will test your strength and endurance. These prehistoric-looking fish are catch-and-release only, but the thrill of battling one is something you'll never forget. Sturgeon fishing is a game of patience and precision, often involving anchoring in deep holes and using heavy tackle baited with salmon parts or pickled squid. When that rod doubles over, hold on tight – you're in for the fight of your life!
Time to Book Your Spot
This Columbia River fishing charter is more than just a trip – it's a full-day immersion into the world of Northwest angling. At $275 per person (with a two-person minimum), you're getting incredible value for your money. Not only will you have the chance to catch multiple species of game fish, but you'll also pick up skills and knowledge that'll serve you well on future fishing adventures. James' enthusiasm is contagious, and his commitment to putting clients on fish is second to none. Whether you're a complete novice or an experienced angler looking to learn some local tricks, this trip has something for everyone. Don't miss out on this chance to experience world-class fishing on the mighty Columbia. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so grab your fishing buddy and book your charter today. The fish are waiting – are you ready to catch 'em?
Customer Reviews
Jose Corona Jr
November 1, 2024
Fish Pro James
I’ve fished with James at Brewster, Drano, Bonneville, Klickitat and up here for eater and trophy walleye. I don’t believe we were ever out fished by another boat, which is great but more importantly, it was ALWAYS entertaining and a fun adventure. James has the “Go” to get it done. Nobody works harder than he does to achieve success for whoever is on his boat.
Huck Welch
March 3, 2025
Meat Spot Master
Had an amazing time put us righbt on the meat.l! he is an awesome guide, patient knowledgeable, and fun to hang out with hit him up if u want a great fishing trip
Nic Oh
March 10, 2025
Fish Magnet Guide
James is an amazing guide that provides best service for fishing, put us on fish all the time!!!! Book him without a doubt!!!
Nelya Shilikhin
March 17, 2025
Pro Guide Perfection
James is a professional, a real one. He tows his own boat, loads his gear, prepares the rods, is personable and funny, and you catch a lot of FISH! Our group of 6 could not keep up with the poles it was so wild. Our group has gone twice and James impresses every time. I lost my hat in the river, no problem James detoured to get it. We accidentally tangle our lines, no problem James is right there to straighten it. It’s not easy work and still James goes with a smile on his face full of determination to give his customers the best experience possible. I would recommend, I have recommended, and we plan to take another trip with him eventually. If you’re thinking about booking, do yourself a favor and just do it.
Alvaro de la Cruz
April 1, 2025
Learn more about the animals
Chinook Salmon
Chinook, or king salmon, are the heavyweight champs of the Columbia. These brutes can top 40 pounds, with the average fish running 20 to 30 pounds. Look for them in the main river channel, often holding in deeper water near current breaks. Spring and fall are prime seasons, with the fall run typically producing larger fish. Chinook are prized for their powerful fights and rich, fatty meat. Trolling with large plugs or herring is a popular technique, but backtrolling eggs in tributary mouths can also be deadly. When a king hits, hang on tight – their initial runs are legendary. A pro tip: use barbless hooks for easier releases and less damage to the fish. The satisfaction of landing a big Columbia River king is hard to beat, and the eating is even better. There's a reason they call these fish "royalty."
Coho Salmon
Coho, or silver salmon, are a blast to catch in the Columbia. These acrobatic fish typically run 24 to 30 inches and weigh 8 to 12 pounds. You'll find them staging in deeper holes and runs as they make their way upriver to spawn. The best fishing is usually from August through October. Coho are known for their aggressive strikes and airborne fights, making them a favorite among anglers. Try trolling with flashers and hoochies, or casting spinners in current seams. A local secret is to use bright pink or orange lures – coho seem to key in on these colors. When a fish hits, be ready for some serious jumps and runs. Keep your rod tip up and let the drag do its job. Fresh coho makes for some of the best-eating salmon around, with firm, orange flesh that's perfect for grilling or smoking.
Sockeye Salmon
Sockeye salmon are a prized catch in the Columbia River, known for their bright red flesh and rich flavor. These fish typically run 18 to 32 inches long and weigh 4 to 15 pounds. You'll find them in the main river channel and tributaries, often near underwater structure. The best time to target sockeye is May through September during their spawning run. Anglers love sockeye for their hard-fighting spirit and excellent table fare. When fishing for them, use small, brightly colored lures or flies. A local tip: try drifting sand shrimp or salmon roe near the bottom in areas with moderate current. Sockeye can be finicky, so patience and precise presentations are key. Keep an eye out for their silver sides flashing in the water – it's a telltale sign you're in the right spot.
Walleye
Walleye are a favorite target in the Columbia, prized for both their fight and their tasty white fillets. These golden-eyed predators typically run 15 to 30 inches and weigh 2 to 8 pounds. Look for walleye along underwater structure like rock piles, drop-offs, and weed edges, usually in 10 to 30 feet of water. They're most active during low light periods, so early mornings and evenings are prime time. Trolling with bottom bouncers and nightcrawler harnesses is a go-to method here. For a more active approach, try jigging with minnows or soft plastics near the bottom. Walleye have a light bite, so stay alert for subtle taps. A local trick is to use a stinger hook on your jigs to catch short-striking fish. The walleye's fight isn't spectacular, but the eating sure is – there's a reason they're called "river gold."
White Sturgeon
White sturgeon are the giants of the Columbia River, growing up to 12 feet long and weighing over 1,000 pounds. These prehistoric-looking fish hang out near the river bottom in deep holes and channels. They're most active in spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate. Sturgeon fishing is all about patience and heavy tackle. Use strong rods, 80-pound line, and large hooks baited with squid, smelt, or salmon parts. Anchor up in 30 to 60 feet of water and let your bait sit on the bottom. When you feel a gentle nibble, resist the urge to set the hook right away. Wait for a solid pull before reeling. The fight with a big sturgeon can last hours, making them a bucket-list fish for many anglers. Just remember, these fish are catch-and-release only in most areas to protect the population.
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 very knowledgeable and our whole group had a great time! Will do again thanks again!