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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 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

Fall Chinook Salmon Fishing – Columbia River at the Mouth of the Cowlitz

Experience some of the best fall Chinook salmon fishing the Pacific Northwest has to offer at the famous mouth of the Cowlitz River on the Columbia. Every August and early September, thousands of powerful Columbia River king salmon stage in this area before beginning their upstream migration, creating one of the most productive salmon fisheries in the region.

Whether you’re an experienced angler or fishing for your very first salmon, this fishery offers an exciting opportunity to hook trophy-sized Chinook known for their hard-fighting runs, powerful strikes, and incredible table fare. Fishing is done from a fully equipped boat using premium rods, reels, tackle, and proven techniques designed to maximize your chances of success.

Trips include all fishing equipment, bait, and tackle. Just bring your fishing license, weather-appropriate clothing, food, and drinks, and get ready for an unforgettable day on the Columbia River.

Trip Highlights:

* Target trophy Columbia River Fall Chinook (King Salmon)

* Fish the productive waters at the mouth of the Cowlitz River

* Great for beginners, families, and experienced anglers

* High-quality rods, reels, bait, and tackle provided

* One of the Pacific Northwest’s premier salmon fisheries

Book your trip early—this is one of the most sought-after salmon seasons of the year, and prime dates fill quickly.

Amenities

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Weather

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

Federal Permit

This boat is federally permitted to go deep offshore.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Physicality

This trip requires an average level of physical activity.

Languages

English

Boat Restroom

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

Flexible Cancelation

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

	8 hours
1 Person	$500.00
2 People	$500.00
3 People	$750.00
4 People	$1,000.00
5 People (two boats)	$1,500.00
6 People (two boats)	$1,500.00
7 People (two boats)	$2,000.00
8 People (two boats)	$2,000.00

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

About Your Guide

Edwin S.

Independent Guide

Veteran

Laid-back

Comfortable

Instructional

Beginner Oriented

Quality

Talkative

About Your Guide

Edwin S.

Independent Guide

Captain Ej specializes in Chinook salmon and sturgeon on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Fishing the Pacific Northwest since 2008, Ej has built a reputation for his relentless work ethic, positive attitude, and dedication to putting clients on fish. He believes every trip is about more than just catching fish—it’s about creating memories, sharing knowledge, and helping anglers of all skill levels become better fishermen.

Based out of the Portland area, Captain Ej guides anglers through some of Oregon’s most productive fisheries, targeting trophy Spring Chinook, Fall Chinook, Coho Salmon, and Columbia River Sturgeon. Whether you’re a seasoned angler chasing the fish of a lifetime or a first-timer looking for an unforgettable day on the water, Ej provides a fun, professional, and family-friendly experience.

Known for adapting to changing river conditions and staying on the fish, Captain Ej combines local knowledge, cutting-edge electronics, and a passion for teaching to give his clients the best opportunity for success. His goal is simple: work harder than anyone else on the river and make sure every client leaves with lasting memories and a story worth telling.

When he’s not guiding, Ej is actively involved in promoting the sport of fishing, supporting conservation efforts, and helping anglers stay informed through the fishing community. His passion for the outdoors, commitment to customer service, and love for the Pacific Northwest fisheries.

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

275 pound sturgeon.

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Steak

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

275 pound sturgeon.

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Steak

What’s your favorite band?

Garth brooks

What’s your favorite movie?

The hang over

What’s your favorite sports team?

Kracken

What’s your drink of choice?

Red Bull June berry

What was your last halloween costume?

Dog the bounty hunter

What do you want for Christmas this year?

New edge rod

How did you get started guiding?

All my friends said I should start guiding years before I did .

What makes you different from other guides?

Max effort don’t limit time

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Start Location & Lodging Options

Rainier, Oregon

Areas Fished

Columbia River

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Columbia River Mouth Of Cowlitz

Boat Type: Utility Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Alumaweld
Boat Length: 22'
Boat Restroom: No

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Utility Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Alumaweld
Boat Length: 22'
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.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Weather

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

Federal Permit

This boat is federally permitted to go deep offshore.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Physicality

This trip requires an average level of physical activity.

Languages

English

Boat Restroom

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

Flexible Cancelation

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable.

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

Trolling

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.