World-Class Columbia River Fishing Adventure

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Washington
$250 price range

Summary

Ready for a full day of fishing action on the Columbia River? This 8-hour trip with Vern's Fishing Experience puts you right where the fish are biting. The Columbia and its nearby waters are packed with salmon, steelhead, walleye, and sturgeon year-round. Your guide knows these waters inside and out, so you'll hit the best spots for whatever's running – spring Chinook, summer coho, or fall steelhead. Even if you're new to river fishing, don't worry. The crew will set you up with gear and show you the ropes. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles soaring overhead or deer along the shoreline while you wait for that big strike. With just you and your guide, it's a personalized day on the water. Bring your camera, some snacks, and get ready to reel 'em in!

World-Class Columbia River Fishing Adventure

Big River, Bigger Catches

5 rainbow trout caught while fishing in Kennewick

Washington waters never disappoint

Three big fish caught while fishing in WA

Big bites, calm skies, good times

A group of 3 fishing enthusiasts enjoying their catch in Washington state.

Casting lines in the Evergreen State

Fishing in Kennewick with 3 big fish and 5 people

Fresh catch straight from WA lakes

Columbia River Fishing: 8-Hour PNW Adventure

Hey there, fellow angler! Ready to dive into some of the best fishing Washington has to offer? Vern's Fishing Experience is your ticket to an epic day on the Columbia River. We're talking about world-class salmon runs, monster sturgeon, and hard-fighting steelhead that'll make your reel sing. This ain't your average day on the water – it's a full 8 hours of pure fishing action in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising down the mighty Columbia, surrounded by the rugged beauty of Washington state. The air's crisp, the water's alive with fish, and you've got a seasoned pro at the helm. That's what you're in for with our 8-hour fishing adventure. We'll hit all the sweet spots – from the main stem of the Columbia to hidden gems like Drano Lake and the Wind River. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, we've got you covered. Our guides know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're itching to put you on the fish. Just bring your A-game and leave the rest to us.

Techniques & Gear Rundown

Alright, let's talk shop. Depending on what's biting, we'll mix up our techniques to maximize your chances. For salmon, we might be back-trolling with bait or working the current seams with plugs. Chasing steelhead? Get ready for some hot stick action, drifting jigs or bobber dogging through prime runs. And if we're after those prehistoric sturgeon, be prepared to drop some heavy gear and hang on tight. We provide all the top-notch equipment you'll need – from G.Loomis rods to Shimano reels loaded with fresh line. All you need to bring is your fishing license, some grub, and a good attitude. Oh, and maybe a camera to capture your trophy catch!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Let me tell you, once you've fished the Columbia, you're hooked for life. It's not just about the fish – though they're pretty darn impressive. It's the whole package. The rush of battling a chrome-bright Chinook as it makes a run for the faster current. The thrill of watching your rod double over when a sturgeon decides it's go-time. And those moments in between, when you're soaking in the scenery, swapping stories, and just enjoying being out on the water. That's what keeps our regulars coming back year after year. Plus, with our flexible booking and expert guides, we make sure every trip is tailored to what you want to catch.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Let's break down the heavy hitters you might tangle with on your trip:

White Sturgeon: These living fossils are the true giants of the Columbia. We're talking fish that can top 10 feet and live for over a century. Spring and fall are prime times to hook into these prehistoric powerhouses. When a big one hits, it's like hooking a submarine – get ready for the fight of your life!

Chinook Salmon: King salmon, spring Chinook, or just "kings" – whatever you call 'em, these are the crown jewels of Pacific salmon. The Columbia hosts some of the biggest runs in the lower 48. Spring and fall are the peak seasons, with fish often topping 30 pounds. Their hard-charging runs and acrobatic leaps will test your skills and your gear.

Coho Salmon: Also known as silvers, these are the speed demons of the salmon world. They might not get as big as Chinooks, but what they lack in size they make up for in attitude. Fall is prime time for coho, and when they're on, the action can be non-stop. Pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in the river.

Steelhead: The sea-run rainbow trout that dreams are made of. Summer and winter runs give us opportunities almost year-round to tangle with these chrome missiles. They're known for blistering runs and aerial acrobatics that'll have your heart pounding. Landing a wild Columbia River steelhead is a bucket list item for any serious angler.

Sockeye Salmon: These might be the smallest of Pacific salmon, but they more than make up for it in numbers and taste. When the sockeye are running, it's not uncommon to limit out quickly. They're also considered by many to be the best eating salmon out there. Late June through July is prime time for these red-fleshed beauties.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, I could go on all day about why fishing the Columbia River is a must-do for any angler worth their salt. But at some point, you've just gotta experience it for yourself. Whether you're chasing the salmon run of a lifetime, looking to cross sturgeon off your bucket list, or just want to spend a day on world-class waters with great company, we've got you covered. Our 8-hour trips are the perfect way to really dig into what the Columbia has to offer. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a shout, and let's get you out on the water. Trust me, your only regret will be not doing it sooner. Tight lines, and we'll see you on the river!

Learn more about the species

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, or kings, are the largest Pacific salmon species. They average 15-30 pounds but can top 50. Look for them in deeper holes and slower runs, especially during their spring and fall spawning migrations. Chinook are prized for both their fight and their rich, flavorful meat. When hooked, they often make powerful runs and use their weight to dive deep. I always tell anglers to be patient - let the fish tire itself out before trying to land it. For bait, cured salmon eggs or cut-plug herring are hard to beat. If you're looking for trophy-sized salmon, focus on the early part of the run when the largest fish typically arrive. Landing a big king salmon is a true accomplishment - it'll test your gear and skills to the limit.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, also called silvers, typically run 8-12 pounds but can reach over 20. They're known for their acrobatic fights, often leaping clear out of the water when hooked. Look for them in faster currents and around structure like logjams. Fall is prime time as they return from the ocean to spawn. Anglers love coho for their aggressive strikes and table quality - their bright orange meat is hard to beat. When targeting them, I suggest using bright lures or flies, as coho are attracted to flashy colors. A local trick is to add a small spin-n-glo above your bait for extra attraction. Be ready for explosive strikes and runs when you hook one! While not as big as chinook, coho more than make up for it with their feisty attitudes and aerial displays.

Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye salmon, also called reds, are smaller than other Pacific salmon, typically 4-8 pounds. They're known for their bright red spawning colors and delicious meat. Look for them in deeper, colder water - they often travel in schools. The best fishing is usually in June and July as they migrate upriver. Sockeye can be finicky biters, so light tackle and small presentations are key. I often use small, brightly colored jigs or flies. A local trick is to add a small piece of shrimp to your offering for extra scent. While not as hard-fighting as kings or coho, sockeye make up for it with their numbers - when you find them, you can often catch several. Their rich, red flesh is considered by many to be the best-eating salmon. It's a treat whether grilled, smoked, or prepared as sushi.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are sea-run rainbow trout, typically 5-15 pounds with some topping 20. They're found in faster water, often holding behind boulders or in deep runs. We get both summer and winter runs here, with peak fishing from November through March. Steelhead are prized for their hard-fighting spirit - they'll test your gear and skills like few other fish. Many anglers consider them the ultimate challenge in these waters. When targeting them, I recommend using smaller presentations than you might for salmon. A well-drifted yarn ball or small jig often outperforms bigger offerings. Be patient and thorough - steelhead can be scattered, so cover water methodically. Once hooked, be ready for anything from bulldogging runs to acrobatic leaps. It's an experience you won't soon forget!

White Sturgeon

White Sturgeon are prehistoric-looking giants that can reach over 10 feet long and live for decades. They spend most of their time near the bottom of deep, slow-moving sections of the Columbia. Spring and fall are prime seasons when these behemoths move into shallower water to feed. Anglers love targeting sturgeon for their sheer size and powerful fights - hooking into one feels like battling a submarine! They're wary fish though, so patience is key. I always tell guests to wait for a solid pull before setting the hook. Once hooked, be ready for an epic battle that can last over an hour. While catch-and-release is mandatory for the big ones, keeping a smaller sturgeon for the table is allowed - their meat is excellent. Just remember to use heavy tackle and strong leaders, as these fish can easily snap lighter gear.

About the Vern's Fishing Experience

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha VMAX 250

Maximum Cruising Speed: 50

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Ready for an epic day on the water? Join us for an 8-hour fishing adventure on the legendary Columbia River in Washington. We'll cruise through some of the Pacific Northwest's most productive fishing grounds, including the Snake River, Drano Lake, and Wind River. These waters are a year-round angler's paradise, offering chances to catch prized species like Chinook salmon, coho, steelhead, walleye, and sturgeon. Our experienced guides know all the local hotspots and will help you make the most of your time on the river. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, we've got the expertise to put you on the fish. Bring your enthusiasm and we'll provide everything else you need for a fantastic day of fishing. With stunning scenery as your backdrop and the anticipation of your next big catch, this trip promises to be a highlight of your Washington adventure. Don't miss your chance to experience some of the best fishing the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Book now and get ready to create lasting memories on the mighty Columbia!

Sitemap