Shad Fishing Guide on Columbia River & Snake River

Shad have been the quiet underdogs of the Columbia River for many years, but with ever increasing numbers migrating during the spawn, the largest member of the herring family is quickly becoming a summer time fishing favorite.  Shad are not native to the Columbia River or anywhere on the west coast, but were transported from the east coast in the 1871 to California via train in only four 8 gallon milk cans. The original 12,000 shad populated much of the San Francisco waterways and even made their way up the Columbia River.  In the late 1800’s Washington also decided to import their own stock and created the beginning of an excellent fishery.

At 17 to 19 inches and 3-5 pounds, Shad are hard fighting fish on light tackle with acrobatic jumps and head shakes.  In some years over 3 million Shad have passed over the Bonneville Dam so during the main migrations in June and July so it is not uncommon to have thousands of fish swimming under the boat.  However, knowing where Shad are congregating is where Fishers Catch Outfitters years of experience comes into play.

During the Shad migration is also when the elusive oversized Sturgeon begin to gorge.  Catching fresh Shad and then going for lunker Sturgeon can often produce fights with Sturgeon over 11 feet in length.  The two day fishing packages allow for targeting both species, but fishing dates quickly book up so be sure to plan ahead.

Fishing with Fishers Catch Outfitters

Boardman Marina
Umatilla Marina
Howard Amon Launch

Shad Season

Season:
June – July

The main migration of Shad occurs during June and July.

A Washington Fishing license is required to fish for Shad.

  • We provide water but feel free to bring any food or drinks.  We kindly ask that you not bring fried chicken or other greasy food since the bite can come at any time and you may have greasy hands.  We also ask that if you bring other beverages to bring cans or plastic only so that glass does not break.
  • The weather on the boat can be very unpredictable.  We suggest bring rain gear.
  • During the winter it does get cold on the water so please bring layers, gloves, and hand/foot warmers.
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Cooler for your catch

Shad Fishing Guide on Columbia River & Snake River

Shad have been the quiet underdogs of the Columbia River for many years, but with ever increasing numbers migrating during the spawn, the largest member of the herring family is quickly becoming a summer time fishing favorite.  Shad are not native to the Columbia River or anywhere on the west coast, but were transported from the east coast in the 1871 to California via train in only four 8 gallon milk cans. The original 12,000 shad populated much of the San Francisco waterways and even made their way up the Columbia River.  In the late 1800’s Washington also decided to import their own stock and created the beginning of an excellent fishery.

At 17 to 19 inches and 3-5 pounds, Shad are hard fighting fish on light tackle with acrobatic jumps and head shakes.  In some years over 3 million Shad have passed over the Bonneville Dam so during the main migrations in June and July so it is not uncommon to have thousands of fish swimming under the boat.  However, knowing where Shad are congregating is where Fishers Catch Outfitters years of experience comes into play.

During the Shad migration is also when the elusive oversized Sturgeon begin to gorge.  Catching fresh Shad and then going for lunker Sturgeon can often produce fights with Sturgeon over 11 feet in length.  The two day fishing packages allow for targeting both species, but fishing dates quickly book up so be sure to plan ahead.

Fishing with Fishers Catch Outfitters

Boardman Marina
Umatilla Marina
Howard Amon Launch

Shad Season

Season:
June – July

The main migration of Shad occurs during June and July.

A Washington Fishing license is required to fish for Shad.

  • We provide water but feel free to bring any food or drinks.  We kindly ask that you not bring fried chicken or other greasy food since the bite can come at any time and you may have greasy hands.  We also ask that if you bring other beverages to bring cans or plastic only so that glass does not break.
  • The weather on the boat can be very unpredictable.  We suggest bring rain gear.
  • During the winter it does get cold on the water so please bring layers, gloves, and hand/foot warmers.
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Cooler for your catch

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Little evening B-10 fun with All About Adventures Excursions. Picked up a few sea spiders 🦀 on the way to the dock. Off to the tuna grounds tomorrow! 

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It’s just about time! 🇺🇸 2025 FTB

www.fishnthebrave.org
The lucky 🍀 Leprechaun Mikey still smashing some beautiful fish! We have seats available next weekend! Let’s get you out fishing!! 

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Had a great couple days with this crew! Lots of laughs and tons of fun! Let’s get you out and fish! 

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Pro Guide Mikey got it done when the sun was rising and again when the sun was setting! Killer day in Hood River with some quality fish hitting the boat! 

Still have some seats available tomorrow Monday if you are looking to get one of these in your freezer! 

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Added some colors to the sun shirts we will be printing this next week and shipping out so be sure to get your order in! Order at fishfco.com
Pro Guide Mike is having some fun in Hood River catching chrome! If you would like to get in on the action he has some seats open Sunday and Monday this week, let’s go!! 509-727-7137

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Pro Guide Pete put his crew on some nice salmon today 😉! If it’s salmon you want to catch it’s salmon we will help you catch. Let’s go fish! 

Call/text  Tony 509.727.7137

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509-727-7137
Pro Guide Pete put his crew on some nice salmon today 😉! If it’s salmon you want to catch it’s salmon we will help you catch. Let’s go fish! 

Call/text  Tony 509.727.7137

Fishfco.com
What a perfect T day with these crazy guys! Always a great time with them on the boat! The walleye bot is still going and we are still casing them!
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