Columbia River Fishing Guides

boy holding a large steelhead
Large Sturgeon in Columbia River

Columbia River Fishing Guides in  Washington and Oregon

With its abundance of fishing spots, the Columbia River is a real treat for anglers.

The Columbia River is a massive body of water that starts in Canada and flows into the Pacific Ocean. This river is home to many different species of fish including three types of Salmon, Steelhead, Sturgeon, Walleye, Bass, and many more.

Reel Time Fishing targets a majority of the species you can catch swimming the Columbia River. Our six full time guides offer trips on a majority of the Columbia River. These places include Astoria, Portland, Rufus, John Day Dam, Maryhill State Park, Tri-Cities, Hanford Reach, Ringold, Wells Dam, and Brewster.

The Columbia River provides water that is conducive to many types of fishing methods. At the mouth, our Columbia River Fishing Guides troll herring or anchovies behind flashers for Chinook and Coho. As the fish move up river, we change our method to trolling Pro-troll flashers with Brad’s Cutplug or superbait lures.

As the Salmon near their spawning areas we then target them using eggs trolled behind divers, hover fished in the deep pockets, or side-drifted in the faster water.

Some of the best walleye fishing in the pacific northwest

Walleyes are very aggressive eaters.

For Walleye, we generally troll bottom walkers with worm harnesses, crankbaits, or jigs. Walleye fish are very aggressive eaters, but also move a lot. Staying on them is the most important part of having a successful day.

If you are interested in Columbia River fishing guides, look no further. Reel Time Fishing has spent decades learning this mighty river to give you and your guests the best experience.

Our Amazing Fishing Guide Reviews

Based on 93 reviews
Kimberly Kempton
Kimberly Kempton
January 27, 2023
I had the best time steelhead fishing on the Clearwater with Captain Jim from Reel Time Fishing. He put us on the fish and we were able to bring in all that we caught. He was very professional and accommodating in every way. He made us a great hot lunch each day. We back trolled and side drifted and had so much fun bringing in all those beautiful fish. We stayed at the Lenore Lodge which was 3 mins from the launch. The lodge had 10 beds and an awesome game room. It was very clean and comfortable. I do suggest Reel Time Fishing for an epic trip and I will definitely return for more fishing.
J RAND LOTHSPEICH
J RAND LOTHSPEICH
January 27, 2023
Just spent the last two days fishing with Jim our guide- fantastic time!!! I have caught in the neighbourhood of 40 steelhead in my life time and I caught the two biggest on this trip 37” 14lbs- perfect boat great equipment- we also stayed at the lodge in Lenore perfect
Michael Pickren
Michael Pickren
October 18, 2022
I highly recommend Jeff at Real Time Guides who put us on some outstanding fish both days we were here.
Ashleigh Schultz
Ashleigh Schultz
October 10, 2022
Great time with Jim Carter, Again! fantastic day on the river!
Larry Meier
Larry Meier
September 27, 2022
They treat you well and provide alot and share secret spots
Ken Gutowski
Ken Gutowski
September 20, 2022
Great trip,Travis worked super hard to get our salmon!
Jason Person
Jason Person
August 27, 2022
We fished a half day for Sturgeon with Jeff and had a great trip. Caught 3 Sturgeon and one was really nice (7'6"). Boat and equipment were top notch. Definitely would book with Reel Time again. Don't be afraid to book with them, the price is right and the guides know what they are doing. Thanks for the great trip.
Monica Jaeger
Monica Jaeger
July 15, 2022
Had an amazing time with Shane! Very experienced and knew exactly where to go. Well worth the time and money. If we lived closer we would book again!
Colton Malone
Colton Malone
June 16, 2022
Great time with great people! The Clearwater was high and supposedly blown out but our guide, Jeff, still put us on some great fish and we tagged out in 3 hours! Definitely coming back.

Frequently Asked Questions about our fishing trips

HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I BRING ON MY TRIP?

The legal max boatload is six anglers, but with six full time guides available we are able to accommodate large groups of more than six people.

IS LUNCH/DRINKS PROVIDED ON MY TRIPS?

We do provide a BBQ lunch and drinks on all Clearwater, Snake, and Dworshak trips. Lunch and drinks ARE NOT provided on any of our Columbia River or Grande Ronde river trips.

HOW MANY HOURS ARE WE ON THE WATER?

Look forward to at least 8 hours of fishing unless you book a half day trip, then look forward to 4 hours of fishing

DO YOU PROVIDE ALL THE GEAR WE NEED TO FISH?

Yes, each guide is fully equipped with top-notch rods, reels and bait to ensure success on your trip.

DO I NEED TO PRE-PAY OR PLACE A DEPOSIT DOWN TO HOLD MY SPOT?

We require a 50% deposit at the time of booking, final payment must be made in full 10 days prior to your trip. We do not offer refunds for cancellations or head-count changes made inside 10 days of your trip.

DO YOU CLEAN AND FILLET OUR CATCH?

Yes, all of our guides will clean and fillet your catch unless otherwise specified.