Salmon vs Sturgeon Fishing: Which Columbia River Trip Is Best?
Salmon or sturgeon on the Columbia? How the two trips differ in pace, season, skill and size, and which one fits you, your group or your first trip.
Best Columbia River Fishing Trips for Families
A good family day is one where everyone catches something, stays warm and has somewhere comfortable to sit. The Columbia can do all three, if you pick the right fish and the right month.
Choose the fish
- Shad (June and July). A fast run with a lot of action, and the whole boat is yours. It is the easiest first fish.
- Walleye (all year). Steady, with good eating fish, and a good match when your date is set by school holidays.
- Salmon and sturgeon. Big fish, big memories, with longer waits between bites. Great for older kids.
See shad fishing and walleye fishing for how each trip works.
Pick the month
Summer is the easy choice for warm weather. Our boats are fully enclosed and heated, so a cooler day is still comfortable. The seasons and runs page shows what is biting.
What to ask before you book
- Are beginners and kids welcome, and what do you tell them first?
- What is provided, and what do we bring?
- What happens in bad weather?
You can read our answers on the FAQ page.
Bring
Warm layers, sunscreen, a camera, lunch, drinks and a fishing licence. Snacks help.
Book it
See trip rates or reserve your date. Not sure which trip fits your group? Call or text and we will help.
Questions anglers ask
Are family fishing trips good for beginners?
Yes. Beginners and kids are welcome, and a guide handles the boat and the gear.
What is the best fish for kids?
Shad in June and July give steady action, and walleye fish all year. Salmon and sturgeon are exciting too, with fewer bites.
Do you provide the gear?
Rods and tackle are provided. Bring warm clothes, lunch, drinks and your fishing licence.
Keep reading
More from the river
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Columbia River Fishing Seasons: What Bites in Every Month
A month-by-month guide to Columbia River fishing: when walleye, sturgeon, salmon, steelhead and shad bite, and how to pick the right trip for your date.
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Top Columbia River Fishing Spots for Big Fish
The Columbia River stretches that produce big walleye, salmon and sturgeon: The Dalles, Biggs, Rufus, John Day, McNary, Hanford Reach and the upper river.
