We’re fishing guides near Seattle on Washington State’s premiere rivers including the Yakima, Nooksack, Skagit, Sauk, Columbia, and many more. River Dog Outfitters specializes in targeting salmon, steelhead, and trout using conventional and fly fishing methods. Our guides work with all ages and abilities – we love getting beginners and kids on their first fish!
Prices for Guided Fishing
Fishing is a year-round gig in Washington with multiple fisheries coming in and out of season. That being said, we have different price points depending on the time of year that you’re able to join us on the water. In general, we break it down into Salmon Season and Steelhead Season.
From there, we break it down into categories of guaranteed minimum reservations, standby or last-minute reservations, and additional anglers. To guarantee your desired trip during our peak seasons, you’ll have to book a minimum number of seats on our boat. By booking our “guaranteed minimum”, you secure a boat for your fishing party of up to three anglers on your designated date. If you’re a solo angler you can still make reservations, but you will be asked to “book the boat” so to speak. This is an exclusive experience to have the boat and guide all to yourself!
If you have some flexibility in your fishing plans (or you’re making last-minute plans), we can put you on our “standby” list. By fishing “standby”, you’re at risk of being bumped off your desired date by a larger group that books. If another solo, pair, or up to four anglers reach out to book the same day we will combine and lock in the reservation for all. If no one else books, then you’ll get the boat to yourself for your “standby reservation” fee. We will confirm your reservation at the 48-hour mark. Additionally, we reserve the right to cancel standby trips up to 48 hours in advance of your reservation. We may also decline last-minute reservations based on the needs of our guides.
“Additional angler” cost is exactly what it sounds like. Regardless of your guaranteed or standby status, we charge $250 per additional angler once you’ve met the group minimum. Bear in mind that our jet boat trips have a maximum of six (6) anglers and our drift boat trips are limited to four (4) per boat.
Salmon Season: May through November
- Guaranteed Minimum Reservations (up to three anglers): $750
- Standby and Last-Minute Reservations (up to two anglers): $500
- Additional Anglers: $250 each
Steelhead Season: December through April
- Guaranteed Minimum Reservations (up to two anglers): $600
- Standby and Last Minute Reservations (up to two anglers): $500
- Additional Anglers: $250 each
Fine Print and FAQs:
We are extremely thankful for all the support and business brought by guests, friends, and family. It is y’all who have made fishing with River Dog such a hot commodity! Due to high demand during our peak season, we have decided to change our reservation minimums instead of increasing our prices. We require a deposit to secure a booking for all trips. The cancellation policy is outlined below and in your invoice.
FAQ:
What if I want to fish for trout during salmon season?
We are rigged and ready each day of the salmon season to target salmon. We can usually rearrange our boat to accommodate trout requests, but we will charge a minimum of $750 to guarantee that it’ll happen. We understand that this essentially makes trout fishing with River Dog more expensive, but during our peak salmon season, we are under a lot of demand. If you’re set on targeting trout, we encourage you to reach out to us to see what we can make happen for you. If you specifically want to reserve a guided trip with Andy or Neils, you’ll pay $750 regardless of your target species. If we’re unable to book you, we can connect you with other guides and outfitters we are close with.
I’m busy. Can I book a half-day trip?
We offer competitive rates for half-day trips, just inquire for more info.
I have more than five friends. Can we all come at the same time?
Yes! We can often accommodate larger groups in multiple boats. Contact us about your large group and we’ll work something out.
The day I want is already booked. What can I do to go fishing?
Contact us! We might be able to get you on a standby list or see if one of our in-network guides is available. Depending on the fishery, we might be able to do multiple trips a day. For example, when we’re on Brewster sockeye fishing we do a 4:30 am and an 8:30 am trip. All in all, River Dog Outfitters wants you to get on the river. We’ll hook you up with the resources you need for guided fishing trips in Washington.
I don’t have any of my own gear and have no idea what I need. Is that a problem?
Not a problem at all. We run all-inclusive fishing trips. Check out our list of things we provide and what you should bring below.
Can I bring my own rods and tackle?
Certainly! We will still have gear for you to use, but feel free to bring your own too. Just try to pack light as room is limited in the boat.
Do I have to be in a boat to fish with you?
Nope, we also offer walk and wade trips. Give us a call or fill out an inquiry so that we can chat details.
More than just chasing fish
Most people believe that the essential job of a fishing guide is to put their guests on the fish. We don’t disagree, but believe it goes deeper than that. No one can guarantee that the fish will bite (it’s called fishing not catching, right?), but we can guarantee our passion for the river will rub off on you and have long-lasting effects!
Our guided trips are client-centric, all-inclusive rides down the river in pursuit of fish. We provide all necessary gear and instruction, all you need is a Washington Freshwater Fishing License and a good attitude! We’ll customize your trip to your desires and needs. Want a shorter or longer day on the water? Talk to us! Want to bring more than three anglers in one boat? Talk to us! We’ll try to make it all happen.
What we provide
- Guides that are experienced, licensed, insured, certified in CPR and First Aid, and trained in swiftwater rescue
- Fishing vessel (raft, drift boat, or jet boat)
- All necessary tackle for targeted fish including rod, reel, line, and flies or lures
- Secure storage for personal items on the boat
What you need
- Washington State Freshwater Fishing License (for anglers 15 years and older)
- Appropriate clothing for season/weather (further details in the trip itinerary)
- Food (snacks/sack lunch) and beverages as desired
- A good attitude!
When? Where? What?
When? Where? What?
Fishing seasons can be confusing, but we’ll hook you up no matter what time of year you’re joining us. Below you’ll see our annual fishing calendar. Please note that all are subject to change due to external factors. If you’re interested in another fishery or target species, just call. Chances are good that we’re able to pivot and make it work.
yAKIMA rIVER
Washington’s only “Blue Ribbon Trout Stream”, the Yakima offers some of the best fly fishing in the state! We offer fully guided fishing trips on the Yakima River year-round, but if you ask Andy, our Yakima specialist, he’ll say fall and winter are his favorite seasons.
- Catch and Release Only
- Season - YEAR ROUND
- Targeted Species - Trout
- Technique - Fly Fishing
Contact Andy Lockey at 253-381-6539
Nooksack River
We’re one of the few guide services offering trips on the Nooksack system. One of the longest runs of coho in the northwest, we’ve found bright silvers well into January! The Olympic Peninsula isn’t the only place to find winter steelhead; hit us up if you’re looking for Nooksack River fishing guides!
- Catch and Keep/Catch and Release
- Season - Fall through Winter
- Targeted Species - Salmon, Steelhead, Trout
- Technique - Fly & Gear Fishing
Contact Neils Humphries at 206-579-8601
Skagit River
If you picture PNW salmon fishing, you probably don’t think shorts and t-shirt weather. The Skagit River breaks that stereotype with summertime salmon fishing! The Skagit River is one of the best fisheries year-round in Washington State, with summer salmon and winter steelhead. We’re fortunate to be one of the few Skagit River fishing guides out there!
- Catch and Keep/Catch and Release
- Season - Summer through Fall
- Targeted Species - Salmon, Steelhead, Trout
- Technique - Fly & Gear Fishing
Contact Neils Humphries at 206-579-8601
Upper Columbia River
The Upper Columbia hosts fishing hot spots like Brewster, Wells Dam, Chelan Falls, and Lake Wenatchee. Be ready to catch and keep several sockeye that ran up the Columbia River in the warm months of summer. You might even get lucky and connect with a Chinook at the same time! A fantastic midsummer fishery, bring your cooler full of cold drinks and head home with meat for the freezer.
- Catch and Keep
- Season - Summer
- Targeted Species - Salmon
- Technique - Gear Fishing
Contact Neils Humphries at 206-579-8601
Other Rivers
Like anyone, we’ve got our usual haunts, but we love to explore and are familiar with many of Washington’s waters. If there’s a river you’re interested in or want to know “what’s hot” right now, give us a call and let’s make an adventure of it.
Other places we love to fish:
- Sauk River
- Cle Elum River
- Wenatchee River
- Green River
- Cowlitz River
- Kalama River
Trip Inquiries
Please fill out the form below to inquire or book a trip with us. Bookings are not final until we receive a trip deposit and you receive a confirmation either by email or phone call.
Cancellation Policy:
Deposits are non-refundable within 45 days of the scheduled trip unless we can fill the seats reserved by you. If you have to cancel within 30 days and we cannot fill the open seats, you are required to pay for the total cost of your trip. Deposits are transferable to a later date if weather or water conditions won’t allow for the trip as determined by the guide. By fulfilling the trip deposit you are agreeing to these terms.
Have questions? Leave a comment or give us a call.