Get ready to chase trophy fish on some of Oregon's most legendary rivers. Our 8-hour guided trip puts you right where the action is, whether you're after hard-fighting salmon, acrobatic steelhead, or prehistoric sturgeon. With expert local knowledge and top-notch gear, we'll have you battling fish and making memories in no time. This full-day adventure is perfect for anglers of all skill levels looking to experience the best fishing the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Your day starts bright and early as we meet at the launch site. After a quick safety briefing and gear check, we'll hit the water in our fully-equipped fishing boat. Depending on the season and fishing reports, we'll target either the Columbia, Willamette, or Sandy River – all primo spots for hooking into some serious fish. Your guide will get you set up with the right tackle and show you the ropes if you're new to river fishing. We use a mix of techniques like back-trolling, bobber dogging, and plunking to maximize your chances of success. Throughout the day, you'll get to soak in the stunning scenery and maybe even spot some wildlife along the shoreline. Don't forget to bring a camera – the fish aren't the only thing worth capturing out here!
We tailor our approach based on the target species and river conditions. For salmon and steelhead, we often use a method called back-trolling. This involves slowly reversing the boat downstream while presenting lures or bait near the bottom where fish like to hold. It's a deadly effective technique that lets us cover lots of water. When targeting sturgeon, we'll typically anchor up in deep holes and use heavy tackle with large chunks of bait. These prehistoric fish can grow massive, so be ready for an arm-wrestling match if one takes the hook! Throughout the day, your guide will fine-tune the presentation and show you how to read the water like a pro. You'll pick up tips and tricks that'll up your fishing game no matter where you wet a line.
Chinook Salmon: Known as "kings" for good reason, these are the heavyweights of the Pacific salmon world. Spring and fall runs bring fresh chrome-bright fish into our rivers, often tipping the scales at 20-40 pounds. They're famous for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Chinook put up an incredible fight and make for some of the best eating around. Peak seasons are typically April-June and August-October.
Steelhead Trout: If salmon are the kings, steelhead are the princes of our rivers. These sea-run rainbow trout are prized for their lightning-fast runs and aerial displays. We target both summer and winter runs, with fish averaging 8-12 pounds. What they lack in size compared to salmon, they more than make up for in their aggressive strikes and tenacious fights. Winter steelhead fishing heats up from November through March, while summer runs peak from June to September.
Lake Sturgeon: Prepare to do battle with a living fossil! These ancient fish can grow over 10 feet long and live for more than a century. While the monsters are catch-and-release only, we regularly hook into "smaller" 4-6 footers that'll test both your tackle and your stamina. Sturgeon fishing is best from late spring through early fall, with peak action often happening in August and September. There's nothing quite like feeling the power of these prehistoric beasts on the end of your line!
Our guided trips offer way more than just a chance to catch fish. You'll gain insider knowledge of these world-class fisheries, learning spots and techniques that took years to perfect. We provide all the high-end gear you need, from top-of-the-line rods and reels to the freshest bait and most effective lures. Safety is always our top priority, and our Coast Guard licensed captains know these rivers like the back of their hand. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, we'll make sure you have a blast on the water. Plus, with our flexible booking and satisfaction guarantee, you can fish with confidence knowing you're in for a great day.
Don't miss your chance to experience some of the best fishing the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Our 8-hour trips fill up fast, especially during peak salmon and steelhead runs. Whether you're planning a solo adventure, a day out with friends, or a family fishing trip, we've got you covered. Remember, you don't need any special gear or experience – just bring your sense of adventure and we'll take care of the rest. Book your trip today and get ready to make some serious fishing memories on Oregon's legendary rivers. The big one is waiting... are you ready to reel it in?
Chinook salmon, also called king salmon, are the heavyweights of our local rivers. These big bruisers typically run 15-30 pounds but can top 50 in the right conditions. Look for them in deep holes and current seams, especially early morning or evening when they're most active. Spring and fall are prime seasons as kings make their spawning runs. Anglers love targeting Chinooks for their hard-fighting spirit and rich, flavorful meat. To improve your odds, try bouncing roe or sand shrimp along the bottom in 8-15 feet of water. When a king hits, hang on tight - these powerhouses will test your gear and skills. Nothing beats the thrill of battling a chrome-bright Chinook fresh from the ocean. Just remember to pinch those barbs and handle with care if you're practicing catch-and-release.
Lake sturgeon are living dinosaurs, virtually unchanged for millions of years. These armored giants can reach 6+ feet long and live over a century. You'll find them cruising the bottom of deep, slow-moving sections of river. Spring and fall offer the best action when water temperatures are mild. Sturgeon fishing is all about patience - expect long waits punctuated by brutal fights. Once hooked, these prehistoric powerhouses will test your stamina and gear to the limit. While not known for their table quality, the sheer size and uniqueness make sturgeon a bucket-list catch for many anglers. To entice a bite, try a gob of nightcrawlers or fresh cutbait fished right on the bottom. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, reel down and set hard - you'll need every ounce of pressure to turn those armor-plated heads.
Steelhead are sea-run rainbow trout that return to our rivers weighing 5-15 pounds on average. These acrobatic fighters are prized for their spectacular leaps and long, screaming runs. You'll find them holding in faster currents, often near ledges or boulders. Winter and summer runs give us year-round action, with peak fishing from November through April. Steelhead are challenging to catch but well worth the effort. Their firm pink flesh is excellent for the grill or smoker too. When conditions are right, try swinging flies with a spey rod - there's nothing like feeling that grab on the hang-down. For gear fishing, a small cluster of eggs or a bright jig under a float can be deadly. Just remember to downsize your leaders - these fish have excellent eyesight in clear water.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150