What to Bring on a Guided Columbia River Fishing Trip

You don’t need much. A guided fishing trip with Tony O Guided Adventure includes everything that has anything to do with actually catching fish. What you bring is what makes the day comfortable.

Here’s the honest list.

What you have to bring

1. Your Oregon (or Washington) fishing license

Anyone 12 and over needs a valid fishing license. You can buy one online from ODFW (myodfw.com) in five minutes, or pick one up at any sporting goods store, Fred Meyer, or Bi-Mart on your way to the ramp.

• 1-day Oregon license: $26.50
• Annual Oregon resident license: $44.50
• Annual Oregon non-resident license: $116.50

If you’re fishing for salmon, steelhead, or sturgeon, you also need a Combined Angling Tag (annual, $34.50). Tony will confirm exactly what to grab when you book. it depends on where he’s launching.

2. Cash, Venmo, or card for the trip

Tony’s bookings are phone-only, and payment is at the dock. Cash and Venmo are no-fee. Card payments add a 3% processing fee — it keeps the veteran discount from getting double-stacked. Have the trip price ready when you arrive.

3. ID

Standard.

What you should bring

Layers

The Columbia River is cold in the morning. Even in July, pre-dawn meets can be in the 50s. By midday, especially in August, it can be in the 80s. Layers are the answer:

• Base layer (t-shirt or long sleeve)
• Mid-layer (fleece or hoodie)
• Outer layer (windbreaker or fleece jacket)

Rain shell

This is the Pacific Northwest. Bring one even if the forecast is clear.

Sun protection

Sunglasses (polarized is ideal. better for spotting structure in the water and easier on your eyes during long days). Sunscreen. A hat with a brim.

Lunch and water

There’s no stop on the way. Pack a lunch you can eat one-handed if a fish hits. sandwiches, jerky, fruit, granola bars. Water. bring more than you think. A 1-gallon jug between two anglers isn’t excessive on a hot summer day.

Camera or phone

You’ll want photos. Sturgeon are released at the boat. your phone is your only record. Keep it somewhere dry.

What you shouldn’t bring

Your own rods

Tony has them. They’re matched to the trip (heavier for sturgeon, lighter for walleye, rigged differently for trolling vs jigging). His gear is part of why you’re booking a guided trip.

Your own bait or tackle

Same answer. Bait and terminal tackle are included.

Glass containers

Federal regulation prohibits glass in many state and federal boat launches. Bring drinks in cans or plastic.

Hard liquor

Beer and wine are fine in moderation. Tony’s running a boat, not a bar.

A few things first-timers always forget

• Cash for tipping. guide tipping is customary. 15–20% of the trip price is standard for a good day; more if Tony went above and beyond.
• A cooler for your fish. Tony cleans and bags your fillets at the takeout. Bring a cooler to drive them home in.
• A change of clothes. for the drive home if you got wet.
• Motion sickness meds if you’re prone to it, especially for Buoy 10 trips on the estuary.
• The address of the boat ramp. Tony confirms it the day before. Put it in your phone before you lose service.

What’s included on Tony’s boat

For completeness. here’s what Tony provides:

• All rods, reels, terminal tackle, and bait
• Boat fuel and ramp fees
• Heavy-duty rain gear if the weather turns
• Fish cleaning at the takeout
• Coolers and ice for your fillets (if you don’t bring your own)
• On-water guidance and 25 years of Columbia River knowledge

Want to book?

Call Tony at (503) 381-0868. He picks up most days, 6 AM to 9 PM. Or browse the trips Tony runs.