Hello, I’m Captain Aaron, operating out of Aberdeen, Washington. A lifelong resident of this region, I’ve spent more than three decades fishing the southwest Washington waters. For the past 14 years, I have worked as a professional fishing guide. Additionally, I spent 15 summers commercial fishing in Alaska. I initially began guiding to supplement my income from commercial fishing and transitioned to guiding full-time in 2018, after retiring from Alaska commercial fishing in 2017.
I have a 5-year-old son who shares my enthusiasm for fishing and sometimes joins me on trips. My fleet includes three vessels: a 20-foot North River Scout jet sled, a 17-foot Pavati drift boat, and a 13-foot catamaran raft. My approach to fishing is relaxed, and I genuinely enjoy sharing the knowledge I’ve gained over the years with my clients and the upcoming generation of anglers.
Fishing is my passion, consuming much of my time, yet I also enjoy sports like basketball, baseball, and football. When you book a trip with me, you can expect a fun and memorable experience on the water. I’m flexible with pick-up locations to accommodate your needs. Past guests have appreciated my expertise and friendly personality, often sharing great fishing stories and making their outings truly enjoyable.
You may cancel without charge up to 14 days prior to your trip and get a credit applied to your account. If you cancel less than 14 days before the trip, your deposit will be non-refundable and paid to the guide. Cancellations made on the day of the trip or failure to show up will result in the full trip cost being charged to your payment method.
We suggest dressing in layers of warm clothing along with rain gear, such as a hooded raincoat, rain pants, and waterproof boots or shoes. Waders are also highly recommended. A valid Washington State freshwater fishing license with a salmon/steelhead catch record card is mandatory and must be carried at all times while fishing.
Feel free to bring any snacks and beverages you prefer, but please avoid glass containers. To keep things organized, pack all extra clothing into one bag or backpack, and place all food and drinks into a single small or medium cooler.
The Cowlitz River stands out as one of Washington state's top winter destinations for steelhead trout fishing. It supports the largest hatchery release of steelhead smolts in Western Washington, ranging from 600,000 to 900,000 annually. Steelhead are a type of rainbow trout that migrate to the Pacific Ocean as smolts and return after 2 to 3 years, weighing between 5 and 20 pounds. These fish are known for their spirited fights and excellent taste.
Along with Chinook, Coho, Chum, and Pink salmon, steelhead are unique to the Pacific Northwest, attracting anglers from around the country and the world who seek these sleek, silver fighters. Popular fishing methods include bobber dogging, backtrolling plugs, and using bait divers to effectively catch these fish.
Your fishing trip takes place aboard a 20-foot North River Scout jet sled, comfortably accommodating up to four fishermen plus the guide. All fishing rods and tackle are supplied, so you only need to bring your preferred drinks and snacks (glass containers are not allowed). Given the common rainy and variable weather during this season, it is recommended to wear layered clothing along with rain gear or waders.
At the end of your trip, any fish you keep will be expertly filleted and packaged for you. Join us for an unforgettable experience and enjoy all that the Pacific Northwest’s spectacular waters have to offer.
