Columbia River Salmon Fishing Guide

Spring and fall Chinook. Late-summer coho. Mainstem Columbia, fished by a veteran-owned boat.

A guided Columbia River salmon trip with Tony O runs 8 hours on the mainstem Columbia or Willamette, targeting Chinook salmon March through October and coho September through October. $250 per person, $200 for veterans, active-duty military, retired military, first responders, and their dependents.

The Columbia River salmon trip is the most-requested day on Tony's boat. Spring Chinook in April and May, summer Chinook through July, and fall coho through October. Mainstem Columbia by drift or troll, depending on the bite that morning.

Book this trip (503) 381-0868

Spring Chinook weekends fill 4–6 weeks ahead. Weekdays open up faster. Call Tony at (503) 381-0868 to lock a date.

Standard

$250/person

Full boat $1500

Veterans

$200/person

Full boat $1500

Tony Owsian and a client holding a bright chrome Chinook salmon on the Columbia River, blue sky day. — Chrome Chinook · Columbia River

TONY'S TAKE.

Salmon are the Pacific Northwest. A guided Columbia River salmon day with Tony is the gateway trip — first-timers learn the river, lifelong anglers get on fish their buddies turn back from. Veterans pay $200 for the same trip everyone else pays $250 for.

WHAT TO EXPECT

· Pre-dawn meet at the boat ramp — Tony confirms exact spot when you book
· 8–10 hours on the water, depending on the bite
· Fish cleaning at the takeout, fillets bagged for you to take home
· Coffee, stories, and 25 years of Columbia River knowledge included

WHAT'S INCLUDED

✓ All rods, reels, terminal tackle, bait
✓ Boat fuel and ramp fees
✓ Fish cleaning
✓ Coolers and ice for your fillets
✓ On-water guidance and instruction

WHAT TO BRING

→ Oregon or Washington fishing license (the Columbia is joint waters — either works)
→ Sun protection
→ Lunch and lots of water
→ Proper clothing for the weather
→ Cash, Venmo, or card (3% fee on cards — keeps the veteran discount from double-stacking)

FROM THIS TRIP

Real clients · real fish

A group of four anglers at the boat ramp with a haul of Columbia River Chinook salmon caught on a guided trip with Tony O Guided Adventure.

Three smiling anglers each holding a Chinook salmon at the boat ramp after a guided Columbia River salmon trip.

Two anglers, one in a fishing hoodie, holding four bright Chinook salmon on Tony's boat on a sunny Columbia River day.

Tony Owsian on his boat with a teenage angler holding a Chinook salmon at dusk, dog visible at the stern.

Three anglers each holding a Chinook salmon at the boat ramp on a sunny day, guided Columbia River trip with Tony O Guided Adventure.

Two anglers holding a four-fish Chinook haul at the boat ramp after a guided trip with Tony O Guided Adventure.

Two anglers holding Chinook salmon at the dock with weathered pilings, lower Columbia River near Astoria.

A young girl smiles next to three Chinook salmon brought home from a guided trip with Tony O Guided Adventure.

BEST FOR.

First-time fishermen — Tony teaches as you go
Veteran groups — flat $1,500 full boat
Family trips with kids 8+
Anyone who'd rather catch a Chinook than buy one

REGULATIONS.

Oregon or Washington fishing license required, plus the Combined Angling Tag with salmon/steelhead endorsement. The Columbia is joint waters, so either state's license covers you. Salmon retention rules change weekly during the season — Tony tracks the announcements so you don't have to.

Booking, payment, weather, what to wear — the full FAQ covers it. Veterans, active-duty military, retired military, first responders, and their dependents pay the veteran rate on this trip and every trip Tony runs. More about Tony's background too.

QUESTIONS

All FAQ →

When is the best time to fish for Chinook salmon on the Columbia River?

Spring Chinook peaks late April through mid-May on the lower Columbia. Summer Chinook runs June and July. Fall Chinook is best mid-August through mid-September. Coho salmon is strongest in September and October.

What's the difference between the spring, summer, and fall Chinook runs?

Spring Chinook (April–May) are the best-eating fish of the year — highest fat content, 15–25 lb typical. Summer Chinook (June–July) are bigger on average, 20–30 lb with 40+ pounders showing up. Fall Chinook (August–October) is the highest-volume run, 25–40 lb typical at Buoy 10. Each run fishes differently — Tony adjusts gear and tactics accordingly.

Do I need a fishing license for a guided Columbia River salmon trip?

Yes. Oregon or Washington fishing license — the Columbia is joint waters so either one works, plus the Combined Angling Tag with salmon/steelhead endorsement. You can buy online from ODFW or WDFW.

Can I keep the salmon I catch with Tony?

Yes, subject to current ODFW retention rules. Tony tracks the weekly announcements and tells you on the boat what's kept versus released. Fish cleaning is included; you'll go home with fillets in a cooler bag.

How much does a Columbia River salmon trip with Tony cost?

$250 per person standard. $200 per person for veterans, active-duty military, retired military, first responders, and their dependents. Full boat is $1,500 flat.