Lewis River Steelhead Fishing
FISHING TRIP DATES
January – March
June – July
CHARTER OPTIONS
Fishing charters for groups and individuals. Private fishing guide available.
Lewis River Steelhead Fishing Trips
The Lewis River offers some of the best steelhead fishing in the Portland/Vancouver area. Jetting miles up or down river, moving from hole to hole, and reeling in chrome steelhead makes for a very active trip. While native fish must be released, that just means more fish stay in the river, giving us more opportunities to catch more fish. Add in some hatchery steelhead that you can retain, and you have the set up for an action-packed day on the water.
Rain showers are part of the PNW and luckily the Lewis River is unique when it comes to fishable conditions. It behaves a bit differently than other local rivers, especially when it comes to winter steelhead fishing. Where too much or too little rain can greatly impact fishing on some rivers, rain cycles don’t impact the Lewis River as much. Its source is on Mt. Adams, and there are 3 dams along the way that help prevent silt from making it to the lower river. So while rain may affect the water level and flow, the tailwater below Lake Merwin stays beautiful.
These fish are fresh from the ocean, having moved up the Columbia River to the Lewis. Side drifting and bobber dogging are among the techniques used, depending on where we are in the river and how conditions are. If you’re new to these, no worries. You’ll soon be casting and reeling in on your own. Anglers young and old, expert and novice enjoy spending a day on the Lewis, taking in all of the beauty and peace that the river has to offer.
Have questions? Need help planning your trip. Give us a call or send us a note at the link below. We’re here to help!
2026 Lewis River Steelhead Seasons
Prime time for winter steelhead fishing on the Lewis River is February and March. The weather starts warming up a bit and water levels offer good fishing conditions.
April can be a killer month on the Lewis River, with both Spring Chinook salmon and steelhead making their way to the icebox.
In the summer, the best fishing takes place between June and July, with warmer summer weather enjoyed by all. Sometimes we’re able to fish for Spring Chinook salmon as well as summer steelhead in June.
FAQ’s about Lewis River Steelhead Fishing
How much do guided fishing trips cost?
We have a variety of fishing trip options to choose from and we personally book each trip so we can answer questions and help you find just the right trip. Our pricing depends on whether you prefer a shared or private trip and which boat you’re fishing out of. We have options for all budgets.
How much does a fishing license cost? Do we need tags as well?
You’ll need to purchase a Washington fishing license. Washington Day Licenses include your salmon/steelhead catch record card or you can purchase an annual license and card. Licenses can be purchased online, taking 10 days to arrive by mail, or at a local retailer. We’ll include all of the details regarding licenses in your trip confirmation email and you can also learn about what you’ll need on our Fishing Licenses page.
What safety gear do you have?
We take your safety very seriously. We carry Type I life jackets onboard and have adults wear lightweight, auto-inflatable personal flotation devices (PFDs) to make sure you’re comfortable and safe. Keep in mind that some of this equipment is not required for freshwater boats, but we like to be fully prepared.
Do you provide the fishing gear, tackle, and bait?
Yes, we do! Everything you need to fish, from top-notch rods and reels to tackle and bait, is provided for you to use during your guided fishing trip with us. Lance has been a G. Loomis and Shimano Pro Staffer for over 12 years. We’ll even clean and filet your catch at the end of your trip!
What do we need to bring?
We provide all of the necessary fishing equipment, tackle and bait. All you need to bring is yourself, dressed in appropriate clothing for possible conditions (layers are always good), your fishing license, and whatever you would like to eat/drink for the day. All of the details will be in your trip confirmation email, which we’ll send out once you book your trip.
Can kids fish?
Certainly! Fishing is a sport enjoyed by all ages, and the more the merrier. Kids can be quick to pick up on the motion of fishing, and by the end of your trip the kids may be teaching you a thing or two. Steelhead fishing on the Lewis is pretty hands-on, which keeps kids occupied and having fun. Families are always welcome onboard our boats. A guided fishing trip allows you to simply enjoy the day with your kids or grandkids, while leaving all of the details to us. Just let us know how old your kids are and we’ll show you the best options available.
We will be flying home. How do we get our fish home?
We get this question a lot. Enough to make a page to give you all sorts of information about how to get your fish home with the airlines.
We’re from out of town. Where should we stay near the Lewis River?
When it comes to lodging in SW Washington, there are a variety of options to choose from, whether you prefer the larger chains, the smaller boutique hotels, or Airbnb. Some people love the hustle and bustle of being in town while others prefer to stay in quieter areas. Your trip confirmation will include the names of some local hotels that offer discounted rates to our customers, but there are numerous other options out there. If you don’t know the area and you’re trying to build your travel plan, feel free to ask questions. We’re always happy to help you create the best experience possible and part of that is lodging. No matter where you choose to stay, a short drive will get you to your launch location the morning of your trip.
How do we book our Lewis River steelhead fishing trip?
Give us a call or use our Questions and Reservations link. We’ll help guide you through your options, answer any questions and help get you into the fishing trip that is perfect for you. A deposit is all that’s needed to hold your date. We’ll send you a trip confirmation email with all of the details. The hardest part of the process is probably waiting for your fishing day to arrive. 🙂
We’re always happy to help. Let us know if you have questions or would like to book a trip.