- Joe Rotter @ Red's Fly Shop
CALL NOW (509) 933-2300
CALL NOW (509) 933-2300
BRONZEBACK ADVENTURES
If you’re looking for a wild, off-the-grid fly fishing experience, our smallmouth bass floats in the Columbia River Basin are the real deal. We won’t name the stream—out of deep respect for local anglers who know and love this place—but trust us, it’s one of the most exciting warmwater fisheries in the region. This float is best suited for anglers with some experience under their belt, or at least a willingness to focus and learn quickly. Fishing is highly technical, with most shots coming tight to the bank where structure and current seams converge. Precise casting and quick target acquisition are the name of the game.
We fish this water from both drift boats and rafts, depending on flow and access, and offer only a limited number of dates each season to keep the pressure light and the experience special. This isn’t a numbers game—it’s about adventure, exploration, and the thrill of watching a big smallmouth crush a streamer in skinny water. If that sounds like your kind of trip, we’d love to get you on the schedule. Spots are limited, but the payoff is huge.
DATES AND DETAILS:
We offer a limited selection of dates for this trip, and it works best if you are staying on the east side of the Cascades either before or after your fishing date due to the additional drive time.
DATES AVAILABLE:
- We run a limited number of these trips, if you would like to request a specific date, email dallas@redsflyshop.com and we'll try to make it happen!
TRIP DETAILS:
- Full Day Trip: $695 (1 or 2 Anglers),
- We do not take 3rd anglers on this trip.
TRIP INCLUSIONS:
- Lunch and soft drinks
- Flies, tippet, and small tackle items
- Fly Rods and Reels (bring your own if you have it)
- Shuttle service NOT included. Guests will be notified of the meeting location upon reservation. We run our own shuttle, doesn't take long.
"This is one of my favorite fisheries, the technical casting, beautiful float, and big strikes make this one of the coolest trips i do. smallmouth are an incredible gamefish!"
POP, STRIP, SMASH!
Fishing for smallmouth bass on a river is one of the most action-packed experiences in fly fishing. These fish are aggressive, opportunistic predators that love to ambush their prey—making them perfect targets for anglers who like to fish on the move. Whether you’re chucking a streamer tight to the bank or popping a fly across the surface, every cast feels like a potential explosion. The hits are violent, the fights are scrappy, and the fish are full of attitude. It’s high-energy fishing that rewards accuracy, good presentation, and a little bit of hustle.
From a scientific angle, smallmouth bass have a diverse diet that includes minnows, crayfish, aquatic insects, and even frogs or baby birds if they get the chance. That’s why both streamers and poppers work so well. Streamers imitate baitfish or fleeing crayfish, while poppers mimic surface activity—like a distressed insect or mouse—which smallies can’t resist. In river systems, they often hold near structure or in seams where food flows to them, so once you learn how to read the water, you’ll start finding fish in some really fun spots. It’s an addictive style of fishing, combining adventure, strategy, and flat-out fun.
Testimonials
"I’ve fished with guides all over the West, and this trip blew me away. The river was remote, the water was gin-clear, and the smallmouth were aggressive. What really stood out was how our guide handled the day—he kept things light, offered great instruction, and helped me improve my streamer game without ever being pushy. He brought high-end rods that made casting tight banks way easier, and by the end of the day, I was hitting spots I never thought I could reach. It was quiet, beautiful, and I can’t wait to do it again."
Eric S. - Spokane, WA
"What an amazing day. I booked this trip hoping for an adventure and got exactly that. The float itself felt like something out of a movie— rich habitat, total silence, and fishy-looking structure everywhere on every bank. I was new to streamer fishing, and our guide walked me through everything from line control to retrieve style. I appreciated the nice rods he provided—they definitely helped my accuracy. It was a learning experience, but still so much fun. I’d recommend this to any angler who’s ready for something totally different."
Paul D. - Ellensburg, WA
"We didn’t see another boat the entire day. That kind of quiet is hard to find these days. The fishing was challenging in the best way—tight casting lanes, watching smallmouth rocket out from cover to eat a fly, and a few topwater eats that I’ll replay in my mind for a long time. Our guide kept it positive the whole day, even when we blew shots or tangled lines. He gave just the right amount of coaching, and it really helped my teenage son get dialed in. This was more than a fishing trip—it was an experience."
Lacey H. - North Bend, WA
"I’ve never done anything quite like this trip. The guide picked us up with a drift boat and a set of dialed rods ready to go. Right from the start, I felt like I was learning—but not in an overwhelming way. He was upbeat, relaxed, and clearly loved what he was doing. The bass were picky but aggressive once you got it right, and watching them eat streamers in shallow water was a total thrill. The whole day felt personal, private, and downright special. If you want to feel like you found a secret spot, this is it."
— Danielle K., North Bend, WA
Deposit and Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made by the customer less than 72 hours from the start time, will forfeit 50% of the total cost. If you cancel more than 72 hours from the start time, you may reschedule or request a refund minus 5%. Cancellations within 24 hours or failure to show will forfeit 100% of the trip cost. If Red's decides to cancel the event due to adverse conditions the customer may request a full refund.