About Us

Fishing Guide Information

At TopGuidesNW, we bring you the knowledge and experience of more than three generations as a Pacific Northwest Fishing Guide. All our guides have extensive knowledge of the Columbia River and its tributaries, along with the “Hot” fishing spots in the Northwest. Being licensed to guide in both Washington and Oregon allows us to guide year around for King Salmon, Coho Salmon, summer and winter run Steelhead, and Sturgeon – keepers and oversized. TopGuidesNW, is an experienced and professional guide service that has been fishing the Columbia River area for over 30 years. We have a full understanding of the rivers and techniques that will produce the best trip for your enjoyment. We are friendly, patient, knowledgeable, hard-working and dedicated to making sure that you have the best possible day on the water! TopGuidesNW, offers single and multiple day trips for groups of all sizes. All of our guides have U.S. Coast Guard Master Licensed, Insured and CPR and First Aid Certified.

Our Guides

Bill Rivas

Born and raised in Washington state Bill has always seen alot of enjoyment with what the area has had to offer. With an upbringing in the outdoors he quickly showed a strong passion for hunting and fishing that could not be tamed. Today with 20 years experience and owner of Top Guides NW most days are spent guiding and sharing knowledge to help clients find their next adventure. But In addition to guiding and managing Top Guides NW, Bill also owns Millennial bait co. A 30 plus store bait company that arguably makes the best coon shrimp and prawns on the market for salmon and steelhead anglers. None the less, After a day with Bill you are sure to leave with more experience and unmatched expectations for adventures to come.–

Brandon Powers

Born and raised Kalama, Washington Brandon has been fishing and waterfowl hunting since he was a child. With such a huge passion for the sport, he decided to make his hobby a career.  Brandon started his career in 2019 with the idea that others should experience all that the beautiful Pacific Northwest waterways has to offer.  With years of fishing and hunting under his belt, he has the knowledge and tools to make sure you have the most memorable adventure!  Whether it be fishing or waterfowl hunting, with Brandon as your guide you won’t want your trip to end.  Now let’s go uncover a newfound passion for the outdoors and create some unforgettable memories out there on the water!

Josiah Darr

Josiah Darr of JDarr Guided Fishing has been a household name in the fishing world for over a decade here in the Northwest.
Josiah has been a columnist for Salmon Trout and Steelheader Magaizine as well as other publications for over 20 years now and his passion for fishing and fun on the water is well known.
Growing up and living in Scappoose, Oregon, Josiah’s very familiar with the lower Willamette and Columbia River salmon fishing as well at the Oregon Coast winter steelhead fishing.
Whether it’s rafting down coastal canyons in search of wild Steelhead or trolling for Spring Chinook in the Columbia, Josiah is well know for his cheery Demeanor and great attitude on the water.

Rooster

Rooster is a highly skilled member of the Top Guides team.   Depending on the situation Rooster can take on the role of:

  • Waterfowl Retriever
  • Moral Officer
  • Lost Snack Locator
  • Boat Greeter 
  • Blind and Boat Cleanup manager

Although perfectly capable,  Rooster does not operate any of Top Guide Boats or other motorized equipment.

What Our Clients Are Saying

Although it’s only been 3-4 trips, each one had outstanding qualities and service, expertise and time on the water are so important for someone like me who does not get out like he’d like to. My family and I have great memories including my then 12 yr old twin sons first ever steelhead (they are now 20 and Jrs in college). A 3 steelhead fish day for me with you on the Lewiston in a 100 plus heat (didn’t know they would even bite in that heat). And a day with your colleague 2 summers ago that started on the Columbia for steelhead, but the wind blew and the bite was so tough we had to pack it all in and trailer over to the Lewis for an outstanding afternoon of salmon and steelhead for my then 18 yr old son and our 14 yr old nephew who caught his first ever salmon and steelhead that afternoon with a total of 5 fish. You can use me as a reference anytime.
Steven J. Ratto

Regional Service Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Pacific Region

I just wanted to let you know what a fantastic day we had yesterday! The weather was awesome the “catching” was beyond belief, and you were terrific! The heat on the boat helped in the morning until the sun took over, and we could not have asked for a better guide! Thank you so very much.
Tami and Alan Freeman

Western Pacific Roofing

Just wanted to say thanks again for a great 3-day trip. We all agreed you were the friendliest, most knowledgeable, and most service-minded fishing guide we’ve had in our many years of fishing trips up and down the North American continent. I hope that we can book another trip with you in the future. I’m attaching a few pics from our trip, including I’m sure, the only one with an i-Pad in the background! All the best for your business and to your family.
Dave Reddish

I just wanted to tell you that we had a very good time Saturday, and that I’m glad that we were able to get Staci her first salmon. At least you make the trip enjoyable even when the fish aren’t biting. We would like to book another trip with you, but not sure for what.
Jason

Bill Rivas is a top-notch guide. He cares greatly about the customer experience. He scouts the area before the trip in order to create a positive experience. His boat and equipment are in top working order and very safe. When you are on site, he is constantly working for his client success. This is the second booking we have had with him and both times we limited out. I cannot recommend him enough.
Woody Howard