Hanford Reach Fishing Trips

 

hanford reach fishing guides
man holding a chinook salmon

Hanford Reach is an adventure-lover’s paradise

As the leaves start changing colors, we’re ready to go after those elusive fall-run Chinook Salmon!

In mid-September, we are targeting fall-run Chinook just upriver from Tri-Cities, Washington on a section known as the Hanford Reach. This section of the Columbia River is a natural spawning area for these Salmon. This is considered a “free-flowing” section of the Columbia because it is the longest stretch between dams, therefore, making it flow like a normal river. The only difference is that the water can fluctuate 3 to 6 feet in a day, making fishing a challenge.

At the start of the season, we focus on covering water by fishing a method called “downhill or down river trolling,” meaning that we troll with the current. This allows us to fish more water in a faster time frame than other methods. This works well when fish are traveling. As the season progresses, we switch it up to back trolling eggs and plugs, focusing on the spawning habitat where these fall Chinook are establishing dominance.

Hanford Reach is home to the biggest congregation of fall Chinook Salmon around!

The Hanford Reach is home to the largest population of fall Chinook in the state of Washington and is a producer of large fish, often pushing or exceeding 50 pounds, with an average Chinook in the high teens to low 20s. This is often regarded as a very challenging fishery as water flows change daily and these fall Chinook can be very picky so book Reel Time Fishing as your Hanford Reach fishing guides to take the guesswork out of your fishing experience.

Our Amazing Fishing Guide Reviews

Excellent
Based on 99 reviews
Jennifer Busby
Jennifer Busby
June 16, 2023
The best guides around!
Elliot Thomsen
Elliot Thomsen
June 5, 2023
Great trip. Jeff, our guide, is highly competent and exceeded all of our expectations. Professional and I highly recommend this company to anyone who wants to have a great experience and a successful fishing adventure.
Bonnie Willis
Bonnie Willis
May 4, 2023
This was our first time out with Reel Time Fishing, guide Travis Wendt was an excellent guide/host/cook! We booked a trip on Dworshak Res. for bass fishing and were very successful. It wasn't just the fish that made the trip successful it was the total package! We had great company on the boat, including Denali the boat host. All was so perfect that we have already scheduled another trip with Reel Time and Travis. Thanks for the experience and look forward to the next trip out. Scott & Bonnie Willis
Steven Gentry
Steven Gentry
March 13, 2023
Travis made room for my brother and I after our original guide service had boat problems. We had an amazing experience with him. Our boat caught 11 steelhead with 4 of them being keepers. The next trip will be with Reel Time Fishing.
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

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.