Columbia River Rainbow Trout

The Upper Columbia River

Upper Columbia River Redband Rainbow Trout

Redband trout are a 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 mature. 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 have guided it for the last decade. During the 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

Typical Fishing Day:
May (Spring Program):
Guided fishing:  9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Meals:  Breakfast around 8:00 a.m., lunch on the river, dinner served at the Lodge after fishing.

June - Mid-July (Summer Program):
Guided fishing:  1:00–2:00 p.m. until dark (returning between 9:00–10:00 p.m.)
Meals:  Breakfast around 8:00 a.m., large lunch at noon, packed dinner on the river, and homemade dessert waiting at the Lodge.
Morning hours:  Guests often relax on the deck, read, or fish from the rock point below the Lodge.

Fall Program (Late August - October):
Guided fishing:  9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Meals:  Breakfast around 8:00 a.m., lunch on the river, dinner served at the Lodge after fishing.

The Fishing Program

Lodge Season:  The Lodge season runs from May 15 to July 15 and August 25 to October 10.
• Mid-May - mid-July:  Hatch season is in high gear—use blizzard caddis, drakes, blue wings, and mayflies.
• September 1 to 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 freshwater guide in Washington state. 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, flies, and tippets. Please note that new tapered leaders are not included in the package. Equipment is subject to a $100 loss or breakage fee. A comprehensive tackle-and-gear list is included in our confirmation packet.
Fishing License:  A Washington State non-resident fishing license runs $48.30 (2025) 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

Sample 4-night and 3-day Itinerary
Pre-Trip (Arrival Night):
Arrive at Black Bear Lodge in Northport, Washington.
Check-in: 6:00 p.m.
Enjoy a casual meet-and-greet dinner, often featuring hot soup or stew and a freshly baked cookie.
Days 1 - 3 (Fishing Days):
Three full days of guided fishing.
Upper Columbia River:  Fishing begins immediately after the boats are launched.
Kettle River:  You’ll be driven to the launch site before starting your day on the water.
Day 4 (Departure):
Breakfast at the Lodge.
Check-out and depart for home.

Getting to Black Bear Lodge:

Your trip begins in Northport, Washington, a small town with a population of 297.
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 will 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.

2026 USD Rates

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: