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 cowlitz river is one of the premier destinations for winter steelhead trout in Washington state, as it boasts the largest number of hatchery planted steelhead in Western Washington at 600,000 to 900,000 smolts. Steelhead are rainbow trout that go out into the pacific ocean as smolts and return 2-3 years later to the river they were born as 5-20lb fish. These fish are hard fighting and great table fare. Steelhead along with Chinook, Coho, Chum and Pink salmon are exclusive to the Pacific Northwest. Outdoorsmen from all over the country and world travel to the Northwest to chase these beautiful silver bullets. Bobber dogging and backtrolling plugs and bait divers are the main techniques used to catch these fish. You will be fishing out of a 20' North River Scout jet sled with room for up to 4 fishermen plus the guide. All rods and tackle are provided. Bring any drinks and snacks you might want except no glass. Wear layered clothing plus rain gear or waders as inclement weather is the norm for this time of year. All fish kept will be filleted and bagged for you at the end of the day. Come and experience what the Pacific Northwest has to offer

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.

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.

Federal Permit

This boat is federally permitted to go deep offshore.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 14 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.

Kid Friendly

This trip is best for adults.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

	4 Hours	8 Hours
1 Person	$525.00	$750.00
2 People	$525.00	$750.00
3 People	$525.00	$750.00
4 People	$700.00	$1,000.00
5 People (Second Boat)	$1,050.00	$1,500.00
6 People (Second Boat)	$1,050.00	$1,500.00
7 People (Second Boat)	$1,400.00	$2,000.00
8 People (Second Boat)	$1,400.00	$2,000.00

Pay 50% 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

Aaron M.

Independent Guide

Laid-back

Instructional

Beginner Oriented

Comfortable

Talkative

Quality

About Your Guide

Aaron M.

Independent Guide

Hi, my name is Captain Aaron. I am based out of Aberdeen, Washington. Born and raised in the area, I've been fishing the southwest waters of Washington for over 30 years and professionally guiding for 14 years. I commercial fished in Alaska for 15 summers. I became a guide to add additional income to my commercial fishing career and started guiding full time in 2018, retiring from Alaska commercial fishing in 2017. I have a 5 year old son who loves to fish and sometimes will come along on some trips. I operate 3 boats, a 20' North River Scout jet sled, a 17' Pavati driftboat, and a 13' catamaran raft. I fish with a laidback style and i love to teach what I've learned over the years to clients and the next generation of fishermen. Still always striving to learn more, fishing is my passion and it consumes most of my time, but I'm also a fan of sports like basketball, baseball and football. Customers can expect me to always strive to provide an enjoyable experience on the water.

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

125lb Halibut

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

BBQ

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

125lb Halibut

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

BBQ

What’s your favorite band?

Alice in Chains

What’s your favorite movie?

A river runs through it

What’s your favorite sports team?

Seattle Seahawks

What’s your drink of choice?

Margaritas

What was your last halloween costume?

ELF

What do you want for Christmas this year?

Good health

How did you get started guiding?

Additional income while commercial fishing in Alaska

What makes you different from other guides?

I would say that I truly love seeing that same passion and love of fishing in my clients eyes that I see in myself more than it being a job and how I provide for myself and family.

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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.

Toledo, Washington

Areas Fished

Cowlitz River

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Cowlitz River winter steelhead

Boat Type: Jet Boat
Boat Manufacturer: North River
Year Built: 2012
Boat Length: 20'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Jet Boat
Boat Manufacturer: North River
Year Built: 2012
Boat Length: 20'
Boat Restroom: No
Engine Manufacturer: Yamaha
Total Horsepower: 175
Number of Engines: 2

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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.

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.

Federal Permit

This boat is federally permitted to go deep offshore.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 14 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.

Kid Friendly

This trip is best for adults.

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

Recommend wearing layers of warm clothing plus rain gear(hooded rain coat, rain pants and water proof boots or shoes). Waders are good as well. A Washington state freshwater fishing license with salmon/ steelhead catch record card is required and must be kept on person while fishing. Bring any snacks and drinks you wish but refrain from glass. Please consolidate extra clothing into one bag or backpack and all drinks and food to one small/medium cooler.

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.