Fish Food Guide Service
HomeTrips & RatesGalleryReviewsFishing ReportsTarget SpeciesMeet the Captain

Learn More

My Trips

Columbia River 6-Hour Offshore Fishing Adventure

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Astoria
  • $500 - $600 price range

Summary

Ready for a great day of fishing on the Columbia River? Join Fish Food Guide Service for a 6-hour offshore adventure targeting salmon, sturgeon, and other local catches. Our expert crew knows the best spots to help you land that prize fish. We offer flexible start times, so you can pick what works for your schedule. It's not just about the fishing - you'll also get to soak in the natural beauty of the Columbia River as we cruise to our favorite spots. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting started, we'll provide personalized guidance to make sure you have a productive and fun trip. With room for two guests, it's perfect for a small group or one-on-one attention. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so book your spot and get ready for some quality time on the water!
Columbia River 6-Hour Offshore Fishing Adventure

Columbia River Catches

previous-image
Angler fishing in Astoria

Living the dream!

Two anglers fishing in Astoria

Salmon hook for the day!

A large Bull Trout caught while fishing in Astoria

Perfect catch!

Successful angler catches a fish in Astoria

salmon fishing at Columbia river!

Fishermen fishing in the scenic town of Astoria

Astoria Oregon fishing charters

4 anglers with great catch from OR

Come and join the fun!

A person fishing in Astoria

Child Friendly Charter

Best great fishing in OR

Sunset and Oregon Fishing

Fisherman enjoying the outdoors in Astoria

Columbia river fishing

Three people enjoying a fishing trip in Oregon

sturgeon fishing

Angler fishing in Astoria

Living the dream!

Two anglers fishing in Astoria

Salmon hook for the day!

A large Bull Trout caught while fishing in Astoria

Perfect catch!

Successful angler catches a fish in Astoria

salmon fishing at Columbia river!

Fishermen fishing in the scenic town of Astoria

Astoria Oregon fishing charters

4 anglers with great catch from OR

Come and join the fun!

A person fishing in Astoria

Child Friendly Charter

Best great fishing in OR

Sunset and Oregon Fishing

Fisherman enjoying the outdoors in Astoria

Columbia river fishing

Three people enjoying a fishing trip in Oregon

sturgeon fishing

Angler fishing in Astoria

Living the dream!

Two anglers fishing in Astoria

Salmon hook for the day!

A large Bull Trout caught while fishing in Astoria

Perfect catch!

Successful angler catches a fish in Astoria

salmon fishing at Columbia river!

next-image

6-Hour Columbia River Fishing Adventure

Ready for some serious rod-bending action on the mighty Columbia? Fish Food Guide Service has got you covered with our 6-hour offshore fishing trip. We're talking world-class angling for some of the river's most prized catches, including sturgeon, salmon, and more. Our seasoned crew knows every nook and cranny of these waters, so you're in for a productive day whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line. With flexible start times, we'll work around your schedule to get you on the fish when they're biting. So grab your gear and let's hit the water for an unforgettable day of Columbia River fishing!

What to Expect on the Water

Our 6-hour trip is the sweet spot for a full day of fishing without wearing you out. We'll cruise out to the hotspots where the big ones are hiding, and our expert guides will get you dialed in on the best techniques for the day. Expect to spend most of your time actively fishing - we're not here for a lazy boat ride! Depending on the season and what's biting, we might be trolling for salmon, bottom fishing for lingcod, or battling prehistoric sturgeon. The Columbia's a big river with lots of moods, so come prepared for a bit of everything. Don't worry if you're new to this - our crew will walk you through everything from baiting up to landing your catch. And hey, if you're an old hand, we're always up for swapping fish stories and sharing local intel.

Techniques & Tackle Talk

On the Columbia, we've got to be ready to switch it up based on what the fish are doing. For sturgeon, we'll often use heavy tackle with big circle hooks baited with fresh salmon roe or pickled squid. It's a waiting game, but when that rod doubles over, hold on tight! If we're after salmon, we might be back-trolling with plug-cut herring or running divers with spinners. For bottom fish like lingcod and sea bass, we'll drop jigs or live bait rigs down deep. Our boat's rigged with top-notch gear, but if you've got a favorite rod you want to bring along, that's cool too. Just remember, the Columbia can be tough on equipment, so leave the ultralight stuff at home. We'll provide all the bait and tackle you need, plus we've got some local "secret weapons" that the fish can't resist.

Target Species Breakdown

Shortnose Sturgeon: These living fossils are the kings of the Columbia. They can grow over 6 feet long and put up a fight that'll leave your arms shaking. Sturgeon fishing is all about patience and power. We'll set up in deep holes where these bottom-dwellers like to hang out. When a sturgeon takes the bait, it's like hooking a submarine - you're in for a battle that could last 30 minutes or more. Spring and fall are prime times for sturgeon, but we can target them year-round.

Lingcod: These toothy predators are the bullies of the Columbia's rocky areas. With their mottled green and brown coloring, they're masters of camouflage, but boy do they fight when hooked! Lingcod love structure, so we'll be fishing near ledges and drop-offs. They'll hit just about anything that looks like a meal, from live bait to big jigs. The best part? They're delicious on the grill. Peak season is usually late spring through summer.

Black Sea Bass: Don't let the name fool you - these aren't your average bass. These chunky, aggressive fish put up a great fight for their size. We'll find them around rocky structure and reefs. They're suckers for squid or cut bait, and they often hit hard and fast. Sea bass fishing is a blast because they tend to school up, so when you find one, you've usually found a bunch. They're available year-round but really fire up in the warmer months.

Black Rockfish: These guys are the bread and butter of Columbia River bottom fishing. They're abundant, hard-fighting, and great eating. We'll target them over rocky reefs and kelp beds, usually with jigs or bait rigs. The cool thing about rockfish is they often mix with other species, so you never know what you might pull up. They're most active in the summer and fall, but you can catch them any time of year if you know where to look.

Shad: If you want non-stop action, shad fishing on the Columbia is hard to beat. These river herring make massive runs up the river, usually peaking in June. They're not the biggest fish, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers - it's not uncommon to catch dozens in a day. We'll use light tackle and small lures, often fishing in the current seams where shad like to rest. It's fast-paced fishing that's perfect for anglers of all skill levels.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Listen, there's a reason the Columbia River is a bucket-list destination for anglers from all over. Where else can you battle prehistoric sturgeon in the morning and fill a cooler with tasty bottom fish in the afternoon? Our 6-hour trip gives you a real taste of what this river has to offer. We're not just fishing - we're tapping into a rich history of angling that goes back generations. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like that moment when your rod bends double and line starts screaming off the reel. Whether you're after a trophy for the wall or some fresh fillets for dinner, the Columbia delivers. Plus, the scenery out here is something else. Bald eagles soaring overhead, seals popping up to check us out - it's like fishing in a nature documentary.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's get you on the water. Our 6-hour Columbia River fishing trip is perfect for anyone looking to experience some of the best angling the Pacific Northwest has to offer. We've got room for two anglers, so bring a buddy or make it a solo adventure. Remember, we don't include meals, so pack a lunch and plenty of water - fighting fish works up an appetite! And hey, don't forget that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you book. Whether you're dreaming of sturgeon, craving some lingcod, or just want to bend a rod, we've got you covered. The fish are out there waiting - all that's left is for you to claim your spot on the boat. Give us a call or book online, and let's make some fishing memories on the mighty Columbia!

Learn more about the species

Black Rockfish

Black Rockfish are aggressive feeders that make for fun, fast action. They average 2-5 pounds but can reach up to 10 pounds. You'll find them in schools near kelp beds, rocky reefs, and jetties in 30-180 feet of water. They're catchable year-round, but spring and summer offer the best action when they move closer to shore. Anglers enjoy targeting them for their hard strikes and tasty fillets. These fish often hang in mid-water, so try fishing at different depths until you find the school. My top tip: use medium-light tackle with small jigs or flies. Work your lure with quick, erratic jerks to trigger their predatory instincts.

Black Rockfish

Black Sea Bass

Black Sea Bass are feisty bottom-dwellers that put up a great fight for their size. Most run 1-4 pounds, but they can reach up to 8 pounds in our waters. You'll find them around structure like wrecks, reefs, and rocky areas in 60-120 feet of water. Summer and early fall are prime times when they move closer to shore. Anglers love targeting them for their aggressive bite and delicious white meat. They often travel in schools, so when you find one, you've likely found many. For best results, use a two-hook bottom rig with squid or cut bait. Keep your line tight – these guys are known for their quick, sharp strikes.

Black Sea Bass

Lingcod

Lingcod are aggressive ambush predators with a face only a mother could love. They've got a huge mouth full of sharp teeth and can grow up to 5 feet long, though most we catch are in the 24-36 inch range. Look for them around rocky structure in 30-300 feet of water. They're year-round targets, but winter and early spring are best when they move shallow to spawn. Anglers love 'em for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. When you hook one, be ready for powerful head shakes and determined runs for cover. My go-to setup is a heavy jig bounced right on the bottom – match the color to local baitfish and hang on tight!

Lingcod

Shad

Shad are hard-fighting fish that migrate up the Columbia each spring. They typically run 3-5 pounds, with some reaching up to 8 pounds. Look for them in the main river channel, often in 20-40 feet of water. May and June are prime months when thousands of shad pour into the river. Anglers love targeting them for their acrobatic jumps and the sheer numbers you can catch. They're also great eating, especially smoked. To hook into these "poor man's tarpon," try small, brightly colored jigs or flies. Cast across the current and retrieve with a slow, steady motion – when you feel that telltale tap, set the hook quick!

Shad

Shortnose Sturgeon

Shortnose Sturgeon are prehistoric-looking fish, armored with bony plates and sporting a vacuum-like mouth. They typically reach 2-3 feet long and 10-20 pounds. You'll find them in deep, slow-moving sections of the Columbia, often near the bottom. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're most active. Anglers love targeting these living fossils for their unique appearance and strong, bulldogging fights. They're catch-and-release only, so we focus on the thrill of landing one rather than keeping it. To improve your chances, use sturgeon-specific circle hooks with fresh bait like squid or salmon parts. Let them take the bait and run before setting the hook – patience is key with these ancient river giants.

Shortnose Sturgeon

About the Fish Food Guide Service

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Ready for an awesome day of fishing on the Columbia River? Join Fish Food Guide Service for a 6-hour offshore adventure packed with action and scenic views. We'll take you to prime spots where salmon, sturgeon, and other local fish are biting. Our experienced crew knows all the best locations and techniques to help you land a great catch. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, we'll make sure you have a blast out on the water. We offer flexible start times so you can pick what works for your schedule. Soak in the natural beauty of the river while reeling in some impressive fish. With our personalized guidance, you'll learn new skills and hopefully snag some tasty dinner too. Don't miss out on this chance for a rewarding day of fishing in one of the Pacific Northwest's most abundant waterways. Book your trip now and get ready for some serious fun on the Columbia!
Fish Food Guide Service

Follow Us

Navigate

Home

Trips & Rates

Gallery

Reviews

Fishing Reports

Target Species

Meet the Captain

FAQ

Contact Us

FEATURED

Things To Do

Fishing License

Shared Catch

Deep Sea Fun

River Ride

Astoria Oregon Fishing Charters

Fish Food Guide Service, led by Captain Jason Erickson, offers exceptional fishing charters in Astoria, Oregon, specializing in the bountiful waters of the Columbia River. With a focus on a variety of species, including Salmon, Sturgeon, and Crab, Captain Jason tailors each trip to suit both seasoned anglers and families looking for a memorable day on the water. Operating from a well-equipped 26-foot Alumaweld boat, the service provides all necessary fishing gear, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for up to six passengers. Fish Food Guide Service is dedicated to making every fishing adventure exciting and accessible, fostering a love for fishing in anglers of all ages.

More about Fish Food Guide Service

© Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.

Powered by Guidesly

Privacy Policy

Sitemap