Guide:

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

The beautiful Pacific Northwest is home to over 112,000 miles of rivers, including the Willamette and Columbia, which makes the fishing experience world-class, and second to no other place in the contiguous United States. Your veteran guide Herman's goal on every trip is to bring that world-class experience to life by getting you there, making sure you’re outfitted with top-of-the-line equipment, and sending you home with a keeper or two.

On these trips, you'll be targeting Spring and Fall Chinook and Steelhead on the Columbia or Willamette River. Herman also loves to fish the North Coast and a plethora of other smaller local rivers if you prefer. The river you end up fishing on any given day will depend on the time of year, recent reports and weather, and of course your own personal preference as well!

Once you're out there on the water, A full day trip can last anywhere from eight to ten hours. You will meet at the boat ramp at a predetermined time, where you and Herman will launch on the river closest to the best fishing grounds. You'll be launching aboard Herman's 20’ Rogue Marine aluminum power boat with a 175 Mercury outboard motor. You will spend the day relocating up and down the river throughout the day chasing down the biggest fish, and overall concentrating efforts on the best-performing fishing holes. On good fishing days, trips can be intense and fast-paced, making the decision of which fish to keep can be a difficult one!

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.

Weather

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

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 3 days before the trip.

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

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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

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.

Herman F.

Certified Damn Good Guide

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.

Independent Guide 11 years of exp.

Talkative

Instructional

Adventurous

Quality

About Your Guide

Herman F.

Certified Damn Good Guide

Independent Guide 11 years of exp.

Your guide Herman caught his very first Steelhead at age twelve. What began as a hobby in his teenage years, eventually became a passion. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Herman has fished in nearly every river from the lower Oregon border to the upper border of Washington, making him very knowledgeable about the very unique fishing conditions in this part of the country. In addition, Herman spent five years working as a fishing guide on the Chosen River in Alaska, and still occasionally makes it back to Alaska for a few weeks a year to enjoy their unique fishing.

After becoming very successful in the commercial finance field, Herman finally had the time, energy, and resources to share his passion with others. As a Coast-guard certified Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV), Herman is licensed to carry up to six passengers on inland waters. Being CPR certified, bonded, and insured for your safety give you the reassurance of dealing with a professional. Herman’s knack for being aware of the latest techniques, his commitment to using only top of the line equipment, and his patience and willingness to tailor each guided trip to the skill level and needs of his customers, give him his reputation as one of the top guide in the Pacific Northwest.

Year after year, Herman fishes in all four seasons, rain or shine, consistently catching the biggest and the best. His aim is to make every trip more than just another day fishing, leaving every customer with the experience of a real Northwest fishing adventure.

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

44 LB Chinook Salmon

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

Seafood

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

44 LB Chinook Salmon

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

Seafood

What’s your favorite band?

Elvis Presley

What’s your favorite movie?

Too many to recall

What’s your favorite sports team?

Too many to list

What’s your drink of choice?

Coffee, Occasional light beer

What was your last halloween costume?

Dont recall

What do you want for Christmas this year?

1 week in Hawaii

How did you get started guiding?

Passion for cathing Salmon & Steelhead. Guided in Alaska in the 80's

What makes you different from other guides?

Knowledgeable and educational and memorable trips.

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Start Location & Lodging Options

Warren, Oregon

Areas Fished

Columbia River
Willamette River

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Spring and Fall Salmon & Steelhead

Boat Type: River Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Alumaweld Columbia
Year Built: 2023
Boat Length: 23'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: River Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Alumaweld Columbia
Year Built: 2023
Boat Length: 23'
Engine Manufacturer: Mercury
Total Horsepower: 150
Number of Engines: 1
Additional Amenities: Fighting Chair, GPS, Fishfinder, Wireless Trolling Motor

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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.

Weather

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

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 3 days before the trip.

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

Heavy Tackle Fishing
Light Tackle Fishing
Trolling

Everything Else to Know

Rain coat & pants. Rubber boots or Gortex shoes. Rods, reels & tackle, Fighting Chair included.

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 3 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 3 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 1,600+ quality, vetted fishing and hunting 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, bait, 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.