About Your Trip

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

About Your Trip

Everything you’ll need to go fishing is provided—from rods, reels, and tackle to bait, rain gear (upon request), and even fish cleaning and packaging at the end of the day. Whether you're new to fishing or a seasoned pro, Captain Elmer has you covered. The species you can target are as legendary as the waters they swim in: Columbia River Spring Chinook Salmon, hard-fighting keeper Sturgeon, Trophy Walleye, and massive Oversize Sturgeon. During the warmer months, summer Walleye offer fast-paced action, and when fall rolls in, don’t miss your chance to chase trophy Fall Chinook Salmon in the lower Columbia River or up at Hanford Reach—one of the most iconic salmon fisheries in the Northwest.

Trips run on a custom 24-foot vessel designed for safety, comfort, and performance. With over 25 years of guiding experience, Captain Elmer brings deep knowledge and year-round dedication to every outing. All trips are fully licensed, insured, and Coast Guard approved. He’ll adjust each trip to the time of year, water conditions, and what you’re looking to catch—whether it’s a meat haul, a shot at a personal best, or just a fun, relaxing day on the river.

You’ll be fishing some of the most productive and scenic water in Oregon and Washington. From the Columbia and Snake Rivers to the John Day, Deschutes, Klickitat, and beyond, each stretch of river offers a new adventure—and new chances to hook into something worth bragging about. Launch locations are flexible and depend on what’s fishing best, with common areas including Astoria, Bonneville, The Dalles, Vernita Bridge, and the Hanford Reach.

Here’s what you can expect throughout the year:

Fishing Calendar

January – Keeper Sturgeon, Steelhead

February – Keeper Sturgeon, Steelhead

March – Keeper Sturgeon, Spring Chinook Salmon, Trophy Walleye

April – Keeper Sturgeon, Spring Chinook Salmon, Trophy Walleye

May – Keeper Sturgeon, Spring Chinook Salmon, Trophy Walleye, Shad

June – Keeper Sturgeon, Walleye, Shad, Oversize Sturgeon

July – Keeper Sturgeon, Walleye, Shad, Oversize Sturgeon, Steelhead

August – Oversize Sturgeon, Walleye, Summer Steelhead, Fall Salmon

September – Fall Chinook Salmon, Sturgeon, Walleye, Coho (Silvers)

October – Fall Chinook Salmon, Sturgeon

November – Coho (Silvers), Winter B-Run Snake River Steelhead

December – Winter B-Run Snake River Steelhead

Each species brings a different kind of thrill—Spring Chinook test your patience and technique, Walleye deliver heavy hits and big rewards, and Sturgeon, especially the oversize ones, give you a battle that’ll leave your arms burning and your adrenaline pumping. Even in the off-season, there’s always something biting in these rich waters.

To prepare, bring along your fishing license and harvest card, snacks and drinks, layers for the weather, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, and a cooler to bring home your cleaned catch. Captain Elmer provides the rest.

Book early—especially during peak seasons—to lock in your preferred dates. Whether you're chasing a bucket-list fish or just looking for a great time on the water with an experienced guide, this Columbia River fishing trip is the real deal.

Amenities

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 14 days before the trip.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

	8 hours
1 Person	$1,000.00
2 People	$1,000.00
3 People	$1,000.00
4 People	$1,000.00
5 People	$1,250.00
6 People	$1,500.00

Pay 15% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

Reserve Your Trip

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You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

About Your Guide

Elmer H.

Independent Guide

About Your Guide

Elmer H.

Independent Guide

With over 25 years of experience on the water, Captain Elmer is the real deal when it comes to chasing giants. He brings unmatched expertise, patience, and passion to every trip. Whether you're new to fishing or a seasoned angler looking for your next big trophy, Elmer knows how to put you in the right spot at the right time.

Captain Elmer runs trips aboard a 26’ Alumaweld Columbia—a fast, stable, and purpose-built fishing machine. With a cruising speed that gets you to the bite quickly and enough deck space for comfort and efficiency, the boat is an extension of Elmer’s precision-focused approach to guiding.

Known for his calm demeanor, deep knowledge, and commitment to making each trip memorable, Elmer takes pride in turning a day on the water into an unforgettable fishing experience. If you're after a true river adventure and want to learn from one of the best, fishing with Captain Elmer is a no-brainer.

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Start Location & Lodging Options

Your guide can be flexible with your start location.

You can work with your guide after booking to set a more specific start location in the area.

Milton-Freewater, Oregon

Areas Fished

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Columbia Basin Guided Trips

Boat Type: Cuddy Cabin
Boat Manufacturer: Alumaweld
Boat Length: 26'
Boat Restroom: No

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Cuddy Cabin
Boat Manufacturer: Alumaweld
Boat Length: 26'
Boat Restroom: No

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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won't lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 14 days before the trip.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »

Get it while it's HOT!
This species is in play.
You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Artificial Lure Fishing
Drift Fishing
Light Tackle Fishing

Everything Else to Know

Everything is included, but we also recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and anything else you might want on the trip.

You'll need to buy a fishing license before getting out there. Find out more about licenses here.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

Cancel for free up to 14 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 14 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.

In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

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First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to thousands of quality, vetted fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.

We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.

Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.

After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.

Columbia Basin Guided Trips

About Your Trip

About Your Trip

Pricing Matrix

You're in good hands

Reserve Your Trip

You're in good hands

About Your Guide

About Your Guide

Start Location & Lodging Options

About Your Boat

About Your Boat

Trip Details & Amenities

Target Species

Techniques

Everything Else to Know

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

First Time Booking with Us?