Columbia River Rainbow Trout
Guided Fly Fishing Trips
Black Bear Lodge
Flyfish the Upper Columbia River for wild redband rainbow trout and fish the Kettle River for rainbows. You’ll stay at Black Bear Lodge on the banks of the Upper Columbia River, about 10 miles from the Canadian border. Black Bear is the only lodge or outfitter guiding on this section of the river. Jack Mitchell, the owner and a Washington native, has extensive local fishing knowledge. You are in good hands.
The Upper Columbia River
View of the Columbia River from Black Bear Lodge
For this three-day guided fishing package, you can fish two rivers—the Upper Columbia and the Kettle River.
The Upper Columbia River is over 150 miles long and extends south of the Canadian border through Lincoln, Ferry, and Stevens counties to the Grand Coulee Dam, west of Spokane, Washington. The average water flow in this area is FAST—99,000 cubic feet per second—a fly-angling adventure! At Black Bear Lodge, the Columbia River is right outside your door, with no wasted travel time.
Boats: For the Columbia, guides use 18-foot jet boats with 65-HP motors. You'll mainly fish from the boat.
Upper Columbia River Redband Rainbow Trout
Redband trout are subspecies of the native rainbow trout. While they may look like steelhead, all Upper Columbia River rainbows are wild residents and not steelhead. Redbands have larger, more rounded spots. There are three distinct regions for redband trout—the Columbia River, the McCloud River, and the Great Basin. These fish are native to the rivers and commonly average 18 inches, with the possibility of up to 30 inches when fully matured. Redbands are an exciting gamefish known for their enthusiastic bite and scrappy nature.
In addition to redbands, you may also find the occasional cutthroat trout and brookies. All fishing is catch-and-release.
Skill Levels: The outfitter works with all skill levels and will teach novice fly anglers the basics of fly fishing.
The Kettle River
The Kettle River is a 175-mile tributary of the Columbia River. Flowing south from Canada, the Kettle joins the Columbia River at river mile 706. At this point, the Columbia is a large reservoir called Lake Roosevelt, which is impounded behind the Grand Coulee Dam. The Kettle River is undammed, making it one of the few rivers constantly flowing into the Columbia.
Jack and his guide team have been fishing the Kettle since 1994, and guiding on it the last decade. During spring thaw (typically May/June), the river may peak at 9000 cfs. However, the flows may be as low as 300 cfs by August. The Lodge is fortunate to have some private access for put-ins and take-outs. The Lodge generally fishes this river in June, July, September, and October.
Kettle River Rainbow Trout
The Fishing can be Stellar with a Dry Fly.
Kettle River Rainbow Trout: The Kettle has a healthy rainbow trout population, averaging 14 inches in length and up to 24 inches. The Kettle redbands are incredibly beautiful and, pound for pound, incredibly strong.
Travel Time: The guides drive you from the Lodge to the put-in areas, a 45-minute to 80-minute drive.
Boats: Inflatable rafts or drift boats are used to navigate the Kettle River, depending on where the guides put-in. You’ll mainly fish from the boat, but there will also be opportunities for some wade fishing. A packed lunch is provided for you on the river.
Typical Fishing Day:
During the colder month of May, you’ll be guided from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
From mid-June through mid-July, you’ll start fishing at about 1:00 p.m. and fish until dark, usually returning to the Lodge between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m.
In the fall months, the prime fishing hours begin in the late afternoon and continue into the evening.
Sample 4-night and 3-day Itinerary
Pre-Trip: You’ll arrive at Black Bear Lodge in Northport, Washington, the night before the trip. Check-in time is 6:00 p.m. You’ll have a casual meet-and-greet dinner, usually hot soup or stew and a freshly baked cookie.
Days 1-3: You’ll have three full days of guided fishing. If you’re fishing the Upper Columbia River, the boats are launched, and you’ll immediately start fishing. You’ll be driven to the launch site if you're fishing the Kettle River.
Day 4: After breakfast, you’ll check out and head for home.
The Fishing Program
Lodge Season: The Lodge season runs from May 15 - July 15 and August 25 - October 10.
• Mid-May - mid-July: Hatch season is in high gear—use blizzard caddis, drakes, blue wings, and mayflies.
• September 1 through mid-October: Hoppers, October caddis, baetis, and terrestrials are best.
Group Size: The program caters to six anglers per week.
Guides: Jack Mitchell, the lodge owner, has been a U.S. Coast Guard Captain for the past 20 years and is also a licensed Washington state freshwater guide. Jack’s guides are expert anglers well-versed in fly fishing. Some have been guiding on the water for over 26 years.
Equipment: The package includes the use of fly rods, reels, and flies. Equipment is subject to a $100.00 loss or breakage fee. A comprehensive tackle-and-gear list is included in our confirmation packet.
Fishing License: A Washington non-resident fishing license runs $35.55 per person and is not included in the package. A catch-record card is also required.
Black Bear Lodge
Black Bear Lodge, on the banks of the Upper Columbia River, accommodates up to eight guests in four bedrooms. One bedroom has its own bathroom. The Lodge has four bathrooms in all. Sit on the deck with a beverage of choice and enjoy the views.
Communications: Wi-Fi is available at the Lodge. Cell phones may work in some areas, but the coverage may be spotty.
View of the River from the Deck
Meals: Breakfasts may include breakfast burritos, quiche, omelets, bacon, homestyle potatoes, and fresh fruit. Lunch is a sandwich or wrap paired with soup or salad. Dinners may feature steak and baked potatoes, a hearty meatloaf, a Mexican-themed night, a chicken night, a choice of salads, and a delectable dessert.
Alcohol: The package includes an open bar at the Lodge, which includes vodka, scotch, whiskey, gin, bourbon, tonic water, Coke, Diet Coke, and 7-Up. You are also welcome to bring your own alcohol.
Bedroom at the Lodge
Living Room at Black Bear Lodge
Columbia River Redband Rainbow Trout
Getting to Black Bear Lodge:
Your trip begins in Northport, Washington, a small town with a population of 297 (2024).
Northport is a 6.5-hour drive northeast of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and a 2.25-hour drive north of Spokane International Airport (GEG) in Spokane, Washington. You’ll need to arrive at the Lodge the evening before your trip starts. Most guests rent a car to drive to Northport.
Departure Day: You’ll check out after breakfast. You may drive ten minutes from the Lodge to explore Rossland, British Columbia, home to Red Mountain Resort. You will need a valid passport to visit Canada.
2024 USD Rates
Our advice is free.
We never charge more than the Lodges we represent.
August 28 - October 10:
(Remaining 2024 season)
4-nights and 3-days guided fishing:
$2,235.00 per person
3-nights and 3-days guided fishing:
$2,085.00 per person
3-nights and 2-days guided fishing:
$1,540.00 per person
2-nights and 2-days guided fishing:
$1,390.00 per person
Add an extra day of guided fishing day
$695.00 per person per day
Non-Angler Companion:
$525.00 per person per day
Request a Black Bear Lodge
Information Packet.
The Packages Include:
• Meet and greet dinner on the first evening
• Lodging at Black Bear Lodge
• All meals at the Lodge or on the river
• Open bar at the Lodge
• Guided fishing
• Ground transfers for fishing days on the Kettle River
• Use of fly outfits and flies.
The Packages Do Not Include:
• Transportation to Northport, Washington, and return• Washington fishing license
• Gratuities to guides and staff
• 7.8% sales tax on the entire package
• Global Rescue
• Travel Insurance
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions.
