The Columbia River provides some of
the finest fishing for Chinook salmon, steelhead,
shad, and sturgeon anywhere in the world. It offers year-round
opportunities for those
seeking a truly memorable outdoor adventure.
The year's first salmon begin appearing in the lower river in
good numbers in March.
These are "spring salmon" running 15-30 pounds and are considered
the hardest fighting
and best eating salmon of the year. Once you experience one of these
fish on a plate, you
will understand why the locals pursue them so enthusiastically.
As this run begins to decline in May, it is followed by large
numbers of shad that not
only offer an opportunity for non-stop action, but a morning spent
shad fishing will also
provide bait for the oversized sturgeon fishing later in the day.
Landing and releasing
(required by law) one of these spectacular fish will provide you
with some great
photographs, wonderful memories, and sore arms. If it's "keeper"
sturgeon you're after,
the Astoria area will offer a great opportunity in June and July to
take one of these fine
eating fish home.
By July the Columbia is really heating up with the arrival of summer
steelhead in the
river, and Chinook and Coho salmon fishing offshore. These fish
often provide very fast
action and quick limits for boats in the ocean within five miles of
the river mouth. This
fishing always requires good weather and calm seas, and this time of
year will usually
provide both.
By August Coho and Chinook salmon begin moving in large numbers into
the mouth of
the Columbia River and offer some of the year's best fishing. Their
numbers are
concentrated, and they are feeding heavily in preparation for their
spawning run up the
river. Chinooks will reach 50 or more pounds, and limits are common.
The weather is
quite good and the scenery beautiful, with sea lions, eagles, and
pelicans all competing
with fisherman for this annual feast. These fish will progress up
the Columbia River
through the late summer to Bonneville Dam, and beyond. The
Bonneville area produces
some of the best fishing on this run among some of the most
breathtaking scenery at the
western end of the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area.
You will be fishing with guide Dennis Pratt. Dennis has been
fishing the Columbia
River for forty five years. His 23' Alumaweld jet sled will
accommodate up to four guests
and will provide them with a safe and comfortable experience. Your
catch will be cleaned,
iced in the boat, and bagged to preserve the quality of your fish.
All tackle and bait will be
provided and there is no experience necessary.
Most fishing will be done in the Columbia River between Bonneville
Dam (35 miles
east of Portland) and the river's mouth 100 miles downstream near
Astoria. The specific
location within that zone will be determined by water conditions,
and where the fish are, at
a given time. Dennis' goal is to stay with the fish and to give his
clients the best
opportunity for a great day of fishing.
All trips are full day trips-8 hours $150.00
1/2 on deposit with booking, balance due at the beginning of the trip.
Dennis reserves the right to cancel the trip due to poor water, weather,
or fishing
conditions. Deposits will be refunded under such conditions
Gift certificates available
Join local area Northwest fishing guide Dennis Pratt for an
Oregon fishing adventure and you will see that Columbia River fishing guides
catch Sturgeon, keeper Sturgeon, Trophy Sturgeon, Salmon, Coho, Fall Chinook,
Silvers, upriver brights, Shad, Steelhead, winter Steelhead, summer Steelhead
below Bonneville dam, at Buoy 10, in Astoria, the Portland area, on the
Willamette River, in the Pacific Ocean and the mouth of the Columbia River on
guided fishing trips. Charter a guided fishing trip with Dennis Pratt today and
see why local Columbia River fishing guides catch more fish.
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