Columbia River Morning Salmon Hunt | 6-Hour Trip

Salmon Fishing on the Columbia River

Ready for some serious salmon action? Join Brock Johnson's Guide Service for a half-day shared morning hunt targeting hard-fighting Chinook on the legendary Columbia River. This 6-hour trip kicks off at the crack of dawn, putting you on prime fishing grounds when the salmon are most active. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the game, our pro guides know exactly where to find the fish and how to get them biting. With the option to extend if the bite is hot, this trip delivers maximum bang for your buck on one of the Northwest's top salmon rivers.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll meet up around 7:00 AM, just as the mist is rising off the Columbia. After a quick safety briefing, we'll motor out to some of our favorite fishing spots. Our seasoned guides will get you set up with top-notch gear and show you the ropes if you're new to salmon fishing. We'll be trolling or back-bouncing, depending on where the fish are holding. Keep your eyes peeled for that telltale rod tip bounce – when a Chinook hits, it's game on! The Columbia's known for its hard-fighting salmon, so be ready for an arm-wrestling match. With a 6-hour window, we've got plenty of time to put you on fish and potentially limit out. If the bite's red hot, we might even extend the trip to keep the reels singing.

Techniques & Gear Rundown

On this trip, we'll be using a mix of tried-and-true Columbia River salmon tactics. Expect to do some trolling with downriggers, which lets us precisely target the depth where fish are holding. We might also mix in some back-bouncing or back-trolling, especially in current seams where salmon like to rest. Gear-wise, we're talking medium-heavy rods paired with level-wind reels loaded with 30-50 lb test. For bait, we'll be using a combo of herring, sardine-wrapped plugs, and maybe some cured roe if the fish are being picky. Don't sweat it if you're new to these techniques – our guides will walk you through everything and have you fishing like a pro in no time.

What Anglers Are Saying

"Brock provided great direction and excellent communication. We met on time, and left on time. There were four of us fishing, all of us caught our limit of salmon by 9:05 AM. It was amazing! I didn't have any time to take videos or photos... We were too busy catching fish!" - Terry

"Awesome. Had a great time. Tagged out 3 hours in. Brock is super knowledgeable and knows the Columbia river like the back of his hand. Next time we fish this area, we'll definitely book Brock again!" - Emma

Target Species Breakdown

Chinook Salmon, often called King Salmon, are the stars of this show. These powerhouses of the Pacific are prized for their size, fight, and top-notch eating quality. Columbia River Chinooks typically range from 10 to 40 pounds, with some monsters pushing 50+. They're known for their explosive strikes and long, powerful runs that'll have your drag screaming. Fall is prime time for these fish as they make their way upriver to spawn, but we target them successfully throughout their seasonal runs.

What makes Chinook so special on the Columbia? For starters, it's their home turf. These fish were born in these waters and are returning after years at sea, fueled by instinct and packed with energy. They're at their peak condition, with rich, orange flesh loaded with healthy omega-3s. When you hook into a Columbia River Chinook, you're connecting with a fish that's traveled thousands of miles and survived countless obstacles. It's not just fishing – it's tapping into an ancient cycle of nature that's been playing out for millennia.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about salmon fishing on the Columbia that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the anticipation as you watch your rod tip, waiting for that telltale twitch. Or the adrenaline rush when a big Chinook slams your bait and takes off like a freight train. For some, it's the camaraderie of sharing the boat with friends or family, swapping stories and friendly trash talk as you wait for the next bite.

But let's be real – a big part of it is the fish themselves. Columbia River Chinooks are some of the best-eating salmon you'll ever taste. Whether you're grilling them fresh, smoking them, or vacuum-sealing for later, these fish are culinary gold. And there's nothing quite like sitting down to a meal of salmon you caught yourself, reliving the memories of the fight as you enjoy each bite.

Our half-day morning trips are perfect for both die-hard anglers and those just getting their feet wet in the salmon game. You'll learn from experienced guides who live and breathe Columbia River fishing. We're not just here to put you on fish (though we're pretty darn good at that) – we want to share our passion for this incredible fishery and help you become a better angler in the process.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to tangle with some hard-fighting Columbia River Chinooks, now's the time to lock in your trip. Our half-day morning hunts are filling up fast, especially during peak season. Remember, we're talking about a world-class salmon fishery right in our backyard – this isn't your average fishing trip.

Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to add some Columbia River chrome to your trophy wall, or a newbie eager to learn the ropes of salmon fishing, we've got you covered. Our guides are top-notch, our gear is dialed in, and the fish are waiting. All that's missing is you.

Don't let another season slip by without experiencing the thrill of battling a Columbia River Chinook. Give us a call or shoot us an email to check availability and book your spot. Just be warned – once you've fished the Columbia with us, you might find yourself coming back year after year. It's that good.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your lucky fishing hat, round up a buddy or two, and let's get out there and put some salmon in the boat. The Columbia's calling, and trust us – you don't want to miss this bite.