Chasing Chinook in Hood River

A September Day with Steve’s Guided Adventures

There are certain September mornings in the Pacific Northwest when everything seems to come together the crisp air, the changing light on the river, and the anticipation that comes with knowing a Chinook salmon could hammer the gear at any moment.

On a cool September day in Hood River, Oregon, that anticipation was shared by a crew that brought together experience, innovation, and a little bit of fishing magic: Steve of Steve’s Guided Adventures, Mack’s Lure’s Bobby Loomis, Mack's Lure Haley Rodriguez, Northwest Fishing Hilary Holman, and fishing prodigy Ed Iman.

The mission was simple: chase Chinook and put some proven Mack’s Lure tackle to work. The river didn’t disappoint.

A Guide Who Knows the Northwest

For Steve, guiding is much more than a job. It is a lifelong passion rooted in the waters of the Pacific Northwest. Steve lives in his hometown of Washougal, Washington, located in the heart of a region famous for its incredible variety of fishing opportunities. From salmon and steelhead to sturgeon, smallmouth bass, walleye, and kokanee, the waters surrounding southwest Washington and the Columbia River offer an incredible playground for anglers.

Steve began guiding part time in 1993 at just 22 years old. Even then, his goal was clear: he wanted to make his living as a fishing and hunting guide. In 2000, that dream became a full-time career. Since then, Steve has continued to expand his experience and capabilities. He returned to mariner school and upgraded his Coast Guard credentials to a 50-ton Master’s License. That certification opened the door for Steve’s Guided Adventures to expand beyond Washington and the Columbia River and into Oregon, as well as offering opportunities for ocean salmon fishing.

That flexibility is an important part of Steve’s philosophy. Rather than simply waiting for the fish to come to him, Steve’s Guided Adventures can follow the fish. It is a simple concept, but one that can make all the difference when conditions change and salmon movements dictate where the action is.

A September Chinook Mission

On this particular September trip in Hood River, the crew put that experience to work. Joining Steve were four anglers with plenty of fishing knowledge of their own. Bobby Loomis brought his extensive experience with Mack’s Lure products and Northwest fishing. Young angler Haley Rodriguez bringing her energy to the boat. Hilary Holman of Northwest Fishing added another experienced perspective, while angler Ed Iman a fishing prodigy brought the energy and instincts of someone who simply loves being on the water.

The target was Chinook salmon, and the tackle selection included several Mack’s Lure favorites designed to get attention in the water. Among the products getting their chance to shine were Scent Flash Paddle Flashers, Salmon Tech Spinners, and Cha Cha Squidders. Each offers a different presentation, giving anglers the ability to change things up depending on water conditions, fish behavior, and what the salmon seemed to want.

Mack’s Lure Meets the Columbia

One of the most enjoyable parts of a day like this is watching experienced anglers fine-tune a presentation. Chinook aren't always predictable. Sometimes a subtle change in flash or action is enough to turn a passing salmon into a committed strike. Other times, changing the profile or adding scent can make all the difference.

That is where having a selection of proven presentations becomes valuable. The Scent Flash Paddle Flashers bring flash and attraction to the presentation, while Mack’s Lure Salmon Tech Spinners provide another way to trigger a reaction from salmon. The Cha Cha Squidders add yet another presentation option, allowing anglers to experiment until they find what the fish want.

On this September outing, the Mack’s Lure products produced. The crew managed to connect with a couple of Chinook, turning a cool Hood River day into the kind of fishing memory that sticks with you long after the boat is back on the trailer.

More Than Just Catching Fish

What made the day particularly special was the combination of people in the boat. There was the veteran guide who has spent decades learning the waters of the Pacific Northwest. There was the lure expert who understands how small changes in tackle and presentation can make a big difference. There was the experienced outdoor communicator bringing the Northwest fishing story to life. There was a fishing prodigy sharing expertise and telling stories. And there was a young angler showing why the next generation of fishermen and women deserves a seat at the rail.

That mix is what fishing is all about. Knowledge gets passed down. New ideas get tested. Stories get shared. And every fish caught adds another chapter. For Steve, days like this also demonstrate why he has built his guide service around flexibility and experience. With the ability to operate in both Washington and Oregon and pursue different fisheries, Steve’s Guided Adventures can adapt to the season and the fish.

The Steve’s Guided Adventures Difference

After more than three decades since he first began guiding, Steve has turned his passion into a career centered around putting his clients in position to have a memorable day on the water. His background, local knowledge, and expanded Coast Guard licensing allow Steve’s Guided Adventures to offer a broad range of fishing opportunities throughout the region.

Whether the target is salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, smallmouth bass, walleye, kokanee, or ocean salmon, the goal remains the same: find the fish and give anglers the opportunity to experience the Northwest at its best.

And on this particular September day in Hood River, the formula came together. Cool temperatures. A beautiful Pacific Northwest river. A talented crew. Mack’s Lure tackle in the water. And Chinook. For anglers who live for those moments when the rod loads up and the fight begins, it doesn't get much better than that.