Columbia River Fishing Guide
Guided salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon trips on the mighty Columbia River
Fish the Columbia with Andy
The Columbia River needs no introduction. It hosts the largest returns of fall chinook and coho salmon in the entire lower 48 states, along with world-class sturgeon fishing and strong steelhead runs. When you fish the Columbia, you’re fishing the most productive salmon river system on the West Coast.
Andy targets the Columbia’s tidal waters and lower river stretches, where migrating fish concentrate before pushing into tributaries like the Cowlitz and Lewis. The Columbia’s sheer volume of fish creates opportunities that simply don’t exist on smaller rivers — particularly for spring chinook (known locally as “springers”) and the massive fall king runs that draw anglers from across the country.
Columbia River sturgeon fishing is a bucket-list experience. Andy follows the sturgeon’s feeding migration toward the river’s mouth, fishing tidal flats where you may find yourself battling a fish up to 12 feet long in just 5 feet of water. For those within the legal slot size, sturgeon provides some of the finest table fare in the Pacific Northwest.
Species & Seasons
Spring Chinook / “Springers” (March – June) — The Columbia’s tidal areas are hotspots early in the season. Andy runs cut plug herring and anchovies with a flasher, or anchor fishes migration paths when conditions align. As springers move into tributaries, back bouncing and back trolling take over.
Summer & Winter Steelhead (Year-round) — Andy targets Columbia steelhead in the tidal waters, anchoring early in the season. Side drifting and bobber dogging produce well in the tributaries where light rods and quality tackle make the difference.
Fall Chinook & Coho (August – November) — The Columbia’s fall runs are legendary. Trolling flashers and cut plug herring or spinners in the tidal waters produces unforgettable strikes. As fish move into tributaries, side drifting, hover fishing, and twitching jigs come into play.
Sturgeon (Spring – Summer) — A world-renowned fishery. Andy follows their feeding migration to the river’s mouth, fishing tidal flats with minimal navigability. Battling a giant sturgeon in shallow water is an experience unlike anything else in freshwater fishing.