Common questions.
Planning, gear, licenses, and what to expect on a guided drift boat trip.
It depends on what you want to catch. Coho salmon run October through December, winter steelhead peak January through March, and spring Chinook arrive April through May. Summer steelhead fish June through August on the Cowlitz and Lewis. Call us and we will help you pick the right window.
We fish the Kalama, Cowlitz, Lewis, Elochoman, and Naselle — and we pick the river based on what is running, current conditions, and your goals. The Kalama is our home water for steelhead. The Cowlitz is the go-to for spring Chinook. We will match you to the best water for your dates.
Peak weeks — especially spring Chinook season and prime steelhead windows — book up weeks to months ahead. If you have specific dates, reach out early. Shoulder season trips can sometimes be booked with shorter notice.
Meeting locations vary by river and current conditions. We confirm your exact put-in location and time the day before your trip. Most trips launch from access points near Kalama, Castle Rock, Woodland, or other Southwest Washington boat ramps.
Layers. Winter steelhead trips can be cold and wet even when it is not raining hard — think base layers, fleece, and a waterproof outer shell. Summer trips still need a light jacket. Bring polarized sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. We provide life jackets and safety gear.
Absolutely. We host families regularly. Half-day trips are usually the best starting point for younger anglers. We adjust techniques and expectations so everyone in the boat has a great experience.
We fish in rain — that is Washington steelhead and salmon fishing. We only cancel for unsafe river conditions. If we cancel on our end, you get a full refund or reschedule at no charge.
Bobber fishing, drift fishing, back-trolling, casting spinners, twitching jigs, centerpin fishing, and fly fishing depending on the species, season, and conditions. We match the technique to what is producing and teach you along the way.
Yes — rods, reels, tackle, bait, and lures are all included. Bring a valid Washington fishing license, weather-appropriate clothing, snacks, and drinks. Water is provided on board.
Yes. Every angler 15 and older needs a valid Washington sport fishing license. Purchase online at wdfw.wa.gov before your trip. Some fisheries require additional endorsements — we will let you know what you need when you book.
Yes, within WDFW regulations for the river and species you are fishing. Regulations change throughout the season and vary by river. We keep you informed on what is legal and help with fish handling.
Up to 3 anglers per drift boat. This keeps the experience personal and gives everyone room to fish effectively.
Contact us for current cancellation terms when you book. Weather-related cancellations on our end are always refunded or rescheduled at no charge.