Columbia River Fishing Charters

The average price for a private 4 hour Columbia River fishing trip is US $437, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $738 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Which fishing charters in Columbia River are good for families?

Fishing charters in Columbia River that received great reviews from families are:

What are the top fish species I can catch in Columbia River?

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Columbia River are:

What are the top fishing techniques in Columbia River?

The top 3 fishing techniques in Columbia River are:

What are the top types of fishing in Columbia River?

The top 3 types of fishing in Columbia River are:

Do Columbia River fishing charters provide rods, reels and tackle?

Many fishing charters in Columbia River provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:

Who are the best rated captains in Columbia River?

According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in Columbia River are:

Who are the top awarded captains in Columbia River?

Who are the top awarded captains in Columbia River?

What fishing trips are offered by fishing charters in Columbia River?

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Columbia River are:

4-hour fishing trips – US $140
5-hour fishing trips – US $225
6-hour fishing trips – US $265
8-hour fishing trips – US $532

Fishing in Columbia River

Want to explore one of the world's most famous freshwater fisheries? Columbia River fishing guides offer spectacular angling adventures throughout Oregon and Washington all year round. This majestic river flows for over 1,200 miles and gives you the chance to hook some of the most sought-after fish in the entire US – all in one fantastic location!

Spring Chinook enter the river in March, and large “June Hogs” show up in summer. The Salmon run starts in fall, so both Chinook and Coho can be hooked in droves as they travel upstream. Speaking of runs, the river is blessed with both summer and winter Steelhead runs. June–August is especially popular to hook these silver bullets.

Head to the lower Columbia River and you can test your skills against a prehistoric beast – Sturgeon. You can catch and release this fish year round, but the most popular times to visit are during spring in Portland, and in summer for trophy-sized varieties near Astoria. By October, this species travels towards Bonneville Dam. This area also holds Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, and Channel Catfish, while Shad and Walleye are year-round occupants of the entire Columbia River.

You’ll find a whopping number of local charter guides dotted all along the river’s banks. In Oregon, Portland, Astoria, and the area around Buoy 10 are especially popular. If you’re in Washington, head to the Bonneville Dam, which lies on the state line, as well as nearby Vancouver. No matter where you’re fishing, you’ll have a variety of trips to choose from, from half day beginner-friendly options to longer excursions out on the water.

Rules & Regulations

All anglers aged 12 and above need to purchase a valid fishing license to explore the Columbia River. You can buy either an Oregon or Washington State license, depending on where you plan to fish.

Columbia River

4.9 / 5

Based on 28556 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Columbia River Fishing Seasons

January

Head to the Columbia River in January and you can enjoy the feeling of having this world class fishery all to yourself. Bundle up and come catch winter Steelhead, Walleye, and Sturgeon!

February

During February, winter fishing on the Columbia River continues. Many local guides focus on catch-and-release Sturgeon fishing near Portland at this time of year, or they head onto other rivers for Steelhead.

March

Spring Chinook are on the scene, bringing many anglers away from the smaller tributaries and onto the Columbia River. You can continue to count on good Sturgeon fishing and the last of the winter Steelhead.

April

Fishing in April allows you to indulge in the quiet before the storm. The river’s busiest season is up ahead, but until then you can enjoy uncrowded waters and a whole lot of spring Salmon.

May

The trophy Sturgeon season is underway! On a good day, anglers catch up to 50 Sturgeon, some of them well over 100 pounds. Spring Chinook are still in the mix, as well.

June

Summer Steelhead are here to join the party, while the trophy Sturgeon season continues in Astoria. The weather is beautiful and the fish are biting hard. What's not to love?!

July

Anglers near the Bonneville Dam are gearing up for the trophy Sturgeon that are starting to arrive. The fall Salmon run isn’t far off — until then, it’s all about Sturgeon and summer Steelhead.

August

Astoria is busy with anglers at this time of year, all of them eager to get in on the Buoy 10 fishery. Fall Chinook, Coho, and Steelhead are all on the menu now, not to mention plenty of trophy Sturgeon.

September

The fall Salmon run continues, featuring some of the best fishing the Columbia River has to offer. You can expect a great catch virtually anywhere from Astoria to Bonneville Dam.

October

By now, most of the fall Chinook and Coho will be near Portland, pulling many anglers away from the coast as they follow. Trophy Sturgeon are on the move too, heading toward Bonneville Dam.

November

In November, many guides turn to the smaller rivers for winter Steelhead fishing. Some are still catching massive Sturgeon near the Bonneville Dam, along with the last of the fall Salmon.

December

December is all about Sturgeon and Steelhead here on the river. These hard-fighting fish will get your blood pumping on a cool winter day like nothing else can!

Columbia River Fishing Calendar

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What anglers said about fishing in Columbia River

If you are fishing for sturgeon it is great (though it is catch and release in Jan).

5.0 / 5

If you are fishing for sturgeon it is great (though it is catch and release in Jan).

Rivertrek NW – Sturgeon Fishing

We were the only ones on the water. The sturgeon were jumping out of the water everywhere. The weather was mild and partially cloudy. All around excellent time.

5.0 / 5

We were the only ones on the water. The sturgeon were jumping out of the water everywhere. The weather was mild and partially cloudy. All around excellent time.

Rivertrek NW – Sturgeon Fishing

One absolutely has to book a trip with Barry at least once in their angling adventures. Highly recommended.

5.0 / 5

One absolutely has to book a trip with Barry at least once in their angling adventures. Highly recommended.

Sandy River Guide Service

It depends on rain and how many fish enter river during the run. Also if they start to let netting of drag boats it decreases your chance of a big fish. August to first week of September

5.0 / 5

It depends on rain and how many fish enter river during the run. Also if they start to let netting of drag boats it decreases your chance of a big fish. August to first week of September

2 Net Fishing Guide LLC – Portland

We came in Sept. Perfect time to fish. Not crowded but was still able to land fish. Great time.

5.0 / 5

We came in Sept. Perfect time to fish. Not crowded but was still able to land fish. Great time.

Black Dogg Guide Service Cumming, GA

Fish in the bay\river. It may be rough going across the bar for a newbie. But expect to catch fish, because you will!

5.0 / 5

Fish in the bay\river. It may be rough going across the bar for a newbie. But expect to catch fish, because you will!

Reel Em Up Fishing Adventures- Astoria Highlands Ranch, CO

This was my wife’s first time. He made her first experience a memory for a lifetime. Your wife’s will love going on his boat.

5.0 / 5

This was my wife’s first time. He made her first experience a memory for a lifetime. Your wife’s will love going on his boat.

Caleb's Guide Service - Astoria Hualapai, AZ

Great harbor, great charter co. Columbia River is an entity unto itself, so awesome to be out on it.

5.0 / 5

Great harbor, great charter co. Columbia River is an entity unto itself, so awesome to be out on it.

RiverTrek NW – Buoy 10 Springfield, OR

I recommend booking with Robert Vernon; Out Fishin and be prepared together wet! Bring all weather gear. There is storage on the boat.

5.0 / 5

I recommend booking with Robert Vernon; Out Fishin and be prepared together wet! Bring all weather gear. There is storage on the boat.

Out Fishin Sedro-Woolley, WA

Understand that it's great to catch fish but depending on weather and conditions of the water there is no guarantee on leaving with fish.

5.0 / 5

Understand that it's great to catch fish but depending on weather and conditions of the water there is no guarantee on leaving with fish.

RiverTrek NW – Buoy 10 Portland, Oregon

Talk to the charters and find out exactly what they can fish for at different times of the year.

5.0 / 5

Talk to the charters and find out exactly what they can fish for at different times of the year.

2 Net Fishing Guide LLC – Portland Show Low, AZ

Fishing in July is a great balance between catching fish but not being too crowded with the number of boats in the water.

5.0 / 5

Fishing in July is a great balance between catching fish but not being too crowded with the number of boats in the water.

Out Fishin Boyds, MD

Get a Good Captain. Captain Taylor was knowledgeable, prepared, & accommodating.

5.0 / 5

Get a Good Captain. Captain Taylor was knowledgeable, prepared, & accommodating.

FishAbility NW Olympia, WA

Nice heavy jacket and long sleeves to shed off when fishing in the morning. We had a 7 to 11 trip to Timothy Lake♡ Absolutely loved the peacefulness of the morning though drive was great! But service is spotty so make sure to write down your directions.

5.0 / 5

2 Net Fishing Guide LLC – Portland Fort Ritner, IN

Helpful to know river levels and what affects it (dam releases on Columbia, snow melt on Mt Hood, weather, etc.). Know when the fish are running. Go with a guide if you can.

5.0 / 5

Helpful to know river levels and what affects it (dam releases on Columbia, snow melt on Mt Hood, weather, etc.). Know when the fish are running. Go with a guide if you can.

Sandy River Guide Service

Although we did not catch our fish, there were plenty out there. We had two young boys in the boat and they were learning alot. We all three had a blast and now we think we are ready for the fish. Thank You!

5.0 / 5

Sandy River Guide Service Gresham, OR

To Look on fishingbooker.com to select the right fishing. It was great. Only the way to get a licence+harvest list is too complicated. It is still paper required. I think everything must go digital. Iam a German and I needed to go around to find a place where these papers could be printed out.

5.0 / 5

RiverTrek NW – King Salmon Charlotte, North Carolina

Allow plenty of time to get from the airport to the coast. The best salmon fishing is near the mouth of the Columbia River or just offshore.

4.7 / 5

Allow plenty of time to get from the airport to the coast. The best salmon fishing is near the mouth of the Columbia River or just offshore.

RiverTrek NW – King Salmon Beaverton, OR

Yes. I went for the experience, not just the fish. The Columbia River and Portland are beautiful.

5.0 / 5

Yes. I went for the experience, not just the fish. The Columbia River and Portland are beautiful.

2 Net Fishing Guide LLC – Portland Honolulu, HI

Listen to your guide and if he recommends to delay the trip and if you can do it!

5.0 / 5

Listen to your guide and if he recommends to delay the trip and if you can do it!

Sandy River Guide Service Bossier City, LA

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Columbia River?

RiverTrek NW – King Salmon
Fishing charter in Portland

5.0 / 5

(49 reviews)

Wade was awesome. He helped my 8 yo nephew get a sturgeon. The half and half is a great option, especially if the salmon aren’t biting.

Nicole S.

Shirley Catch Guide Service Portland OR
Fishing charter in Portland

5.0 / 5

(11 reviews)

Though we didn't catch any fish (bad luck? fish psychology?), we had a great time with captain Zach. He was knowledgeable and accommodating to specific requests while on the river, and courteous when we ran into a misunderstanding related to booking. Definitely worth it! Thanks, Zach!

Tina L.

Woodys Northwest Fishing & Fun – Portland
Fishing charter in Portland

5.0 / 5

(3 reviews)

I've been on a lot of trips with a lot of guides and I got to tell you this one is by far the best. He's not just a guide he's a teacher. Take some time for clients to learn with hands-on experience throughout the entire trip. Everyone had a good time and it was well worth it. Will definitely use this guide from now on

Mark O.

RiverTrek NW – King Salmon
Fishing charter in Portland

5.0 / 5

(49 reviews)

Capt. Wade was a terrific captain! We caught a spring chinook and had a blast fightin’ sturgeon-the boat and gear is top notch and along with being an experienced guide who knows how to put you on fish he is also a very nice human - thoughtful and kind. We’ll absolutely be booking with Wade again - 5 star!

Janis K.

2 Net Fishing Guide LLC – Portland
Fishing charter in Portland

4.7 / 5

(146 reviews)

Capt Ken is very knowledgeable, personable and knows his profession! What a great day of fishing! Thank you

Ron M.

Rather B Fishing – Jet Boat Portland
Fishing charter in Portland

5.0 / 5

(9 reviews)

Enjoyed the fishing experience with the captain. He is very knowledgeable and easy to get along with. Unfortunately the fish were not biting.

William L. Belgrade, Belgrade

Shirley Catch Guide Service Portland OR
Fishing charter in Portland

5.0 / 5

(11 reviews)

My son and I had such a wonderful time with Zach and his buddy! They showed us the ways to catch a Chinook and we did! Thanks for the great day and we will definitely come again!

Olli S.

Alder Lake Kayak Fishing Guide Kokanee
Fishing charter in Eatonville

5.0 / 5

(3 reviews)

I'm an avid fisherman and flew out to Washington State to visit with family and get some fishing in. Tyler definitely hooked me up with fantastic equipment and a great kayak loaded up. The fishing and scenery were absolutely amazing and beautiful! I couldn't have asked for a better guide and first fishing experience in Washington State. Thank you Tyler I'll definitely be seeing you again.

Jason Y.

Dave's Fisheng Guide Service
Fishing charter in Portland

5.0 / 5

(25 reviews)

Dave was really fun, the fishing was great, the boat was super comfortable. We couldn’t be happier and will definitely be back soon.

Mark W.

Brock Johnson’s Guide Service – Warrenton
Fishing charter in Warrenton

5.0 / 5

(13 reviews)

Brock was a great guide! He was knowledgeable experienced, and cordial. We had a lot of fun and thanks to his expertise. We took home a 12 pound and 15 pound Chinook! We would definitely recommend him and plan to use him again.

Connie B.

Caleb's Guide Service - Astoria
Fishing charter in Astoria

5.0 / 5

(16 reviews)

Caleb and Kyle were awesome (two drift boats!) We had such a great time! Grandson (8 yrs old) learning to fish (he caught one with help), adults learning techniques, possible in laws...with bonding time, caught Steelhead too! Caleb was very aware of the weather conditions as the weather was questionable up to the day and we caught a perfect window! Would recommend Caleb all day long! Thank you for your knowledge and a great experience.

David A.

Shirley Catch Guide Service Portland OR
Fishing charter in Portland

5.0 / 5

(11 reviews)

I always try to fish when traveling-a fun guide makes the trip special and we ever caught beautiful steelhead

Shell K.

RiverTrek NW – King Salmon
Fishing charter in Portland

5.0 / 5

(49 reviews)

Wade was a lot of fun, we had a good time chatting it up. His boat was the nicest one we have been out on. Unfortunately fish just didn’t bite, no matter what we tried. Probably too cold but we will definitely try it again once it warms up. See you soon Wade! Thanks for the laughs!

Jacqueline F.

Fish Food Guide Service
Fishing charter in Astoria

5.0 / 5

(6 reviews)

This was a perfect trip. We fished for steelhead and Crab and got both. The boat was clean. The crew was informative and the caption was knowledgeable on all the aspects of the 2 day chatter.

Chris M.

2 Net Fishing Guide LLC – Portland
Fishing charter in Portland

5.0 / 5

(146 reviews)

I would highly recommend if you want to catch some sturgeon you call captain Ken he is super knowledgeable and made everything about the trip a fun time. Was my first time sturgeon fishing in Oregon and he put me on 5 fish.

Eric S.

Rivertrek NW – Sturgeon Fishing
Fishing charter in Portland

5.0 / 5

(38 reviews)

Captain Wade had scouted where the fish were just prior to us boarding and brought us right to them. First fish on within 10 minutes, and the pace never slowed. My husband even caught a 9 foot sturgeon!!! Wade is very knowledgeable, kind and an overall super guide! I’d highly recommend this trip and captain Wade to everyone! We will definitely be returning!

Kimberley M.

Rivertrek NW – Sturgeon Fishing
Fishing charter in Portland

5.0 / 5

(38 reviews)

Captain Wade was excellent. Prior to the trip he was prompt responding to questions about our trip and licensing. He put us on the fish immediately upon stopping the boat..no playing around, no excuses..fish on! It lasted all day non-stop. We were exhausted but so thrilled and happy with the massive sturgeon we caught and the great environment on the boat. He quickly addressed needs and baited hooks. I will absolutely be back to fish with him!

Matthew D.

RiverTrek NW – Buoy 10
Fishing charter in Warrenton

5.0 / 5

(35 reviews)

We maxed out on Dung Crabs, maxed out on Ling cod, and maxed out on rock cod…. Wow what an amazing day. More crab and fish than we could keep. Wade was an amazing captain, had us laughing and catching fish and crabs all day.

Ben K.

Rivertrek NW – Sturgeon Fishing
Fishing charter in Portland

5.0 / 5

(38 reviews)

I cannot say enough good things about this trip. The captain, the boat, the gear everything was in excellent shape and performed as it should. We were on fish immediately. Within 8 minutes of anchoring up we had a sturgeon at the boat. Caught fish all day long (40+, with some well over 100 lbs). Would highly recommend this to anyone!

Mitch J.

Shirley Catch Guide Service Portland OR
Fishing charter in Portland

5.0 / 5

(11 reviews)

ZACH was an awesome guide. We highly recommend him. Great clean boat and gear, kind, knowledgeable, and at the top of his game the entire trip! Don’t hesitate to go with Zach!

Randall W.