Ocean Salmon Fishing - Oregon Coast
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Chinook and Coho salmon in productive Pacific watersFully equipped offshore vessel with all gear and tackle providedProfessional trolling techniques suitable for all experience levels
When you're looking for a proper salmon fishing experience on the Oregon Coast, this is where the magic happens. We're talking about getting out into productive Pacific waters where hard-fighting Chinook and Coho salmon are waiting to test your skills. Whether you've been chasing salmon for decades or you're picking up a rod for the first time, these waters deliver the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Our fully equipped offshore vessel puts you right where the fish are, using time-tested techniques and local knowledge that only comes from years on these waters.
Picture this: you're heading out on a serious fishing machine, fully rigged for salmon trolling with all the gear you need already on board. We're not talking about a casual bay cruise – this is legitimate offshore fishing where the real salmon action happens. The Oregon Coast waters we fish are known throughout the Pacific Northwest for producing quality fish, and that reputation didn't come by accident. You'll be using proven trolling setups that have been putting salmon in the boat for years, with downriggers, quality rods and reels, and the right lures and bait combinations that these fish can't resist. The boat runs smooth even in offshore conditions, and our safety equipment meets all Coast Guard requirements because we take getting you back to the dock seriously. Depending on what the fish are doing and where the bites are happening, we might be working anywhere from just outside the surf line to several miles offshore where the deeper water holds bigger schools.
Salmon trolling is an art form, and we've got it dialed in. We run multiple lines at different depths using downriggers to get your bait and lures right in the strike zone where these fish are feeding. The setup includes heavy-duty salmon rods paired with level-wind reels loaded with plenty of backing – because when a 20-pound Chinook decides to make a run, you're going to need every yard of line you've got. We're constantly adjusting our spread based on what the fish finder is showing us, water temperature, and what's working that day. Flashers and dodgers create the flash and vibration that draws salmon in from a distance, while our selection of spoons, hoochies, and cut-plug herring provides the finishing touch. The key is staying mobile and reading the water – sometimes we're working the thermocline, other times we're focusing on structure or bait schools. You don't need to worry about any of the technical stuff though, because we handle all the rigging, line changes, and adjustments while you focus on fighting fish.
Chinook salmon are the crown jewel of Oregon Coast fishing, and for good reason. These fish, also called Kings, are absolute bulldogs that will test your tackle and your endurance. A typical Chinook out here runs anywhere from 15 to 30 pounds, with some real bruisers pushing 40 pounds or more during peak season. What makes them so special isn't just their size – it's how they fight. When a King takes your bait, you'll know it immediately. They make blistering runs that strip line off your reel, then turn and bulldoze their way back toward the bottom. The best Chinook fishing typically happens from late spring through early fall, with peak action often coinciding with optimal ocean conditions. These fish are loaded with rich, red meat that's perfect for the grill or smoker, making them as valuable on the dinner table as they are exciting to catch.
Coho salmon bring a completely different kind of excitement to the equation. These silver rockets are pure energy from the moment they hit your line until you slide them into the net. Cohos are acrobatic fighters that love to jump, and watching a bright silver salmon come completely out of the water while it's hooked to your line never gets old. They typically run smaller than Chinook, usually in the 8 to 15-pound range, but what they lack in size they make up for in pure athleticism. Coho fishing really heats up during the summer months when these fish are actively feeding and putting on weight before their spawning runs. They're aggressive feeders that will hit a variety of lures and baits, making them perfect targets for anglers who want consistent action. The meat is excellent – slightly milder than Chinook but still rich and flavorful.
This is the kind of fishing that Oregon Coast anglers talk about all year long. When you book this trip, you're not just getting a day on the water – you're getting access to some of the most productive salmon fishing on the entire Pacific Coast. We provide everything you need to succeed, from the rods and reels to the tackle and bait, plus the local knowledge that makes the difference between a good day and a great day. The Oregon salmon season doesn't last forever, and the best fishing windows fill up fast with anglers who know what these waters can produce. Whether you're planning a solo fishing adventure or looking to introduce someone new to offshore salmon fishing, this trip delivers the goods. Don't wait until the season is winding down to secure your spot – the salmon are out there right now, and they're not going to catch themselves.
Hit the productive waters off the Oregon Coast aboard our open bow V-hull trolling boat, designed specifically for targeting hard-fighting Chinook and Coho salmon in the Pacific. This offshore fishing machine cuts through swells with confidence while providing a stable platform for working the proven salmon grounds that local anglers have relied on for generations. Our boat comes rigged with everything you need to locate and land quality fish – GPS navigation keeps us on the hottest spots, VHF radio maintains contact with the fleet and shore, and a quality fish finder shows what's swimming below. The open bow design gives you plenty of room to fight fish and move around during the action. Perfect for solo anglers wanting a personalized salmon fishing experience, this setup lets us cover serious water using time-tested trolling techniques. We'll work the depths where big kings cruise and silvers school up, adjusting our approach based on current conditions and what the fish are telling us. All your rods, reels, tackle, and gear are provided – just bring yourself and get ready to work some serious Pacific salmon.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of our Oregon waters, typically running 15-30 pounds with some bruiser fish pushing 40+. These silver-sided giants with black-spotted backs prefer deeper water, usually 60-150 feet down where the current breaks meet cooler temperatures. We see our best action from late spring through early fall when they're moving through on their ocean migration. What makes chinooks special is that powerful, sustained fight - they don't jump much but they'll bend your rod double and test your drag for 10-15 minutes. The rich, orange-red meat is top-shelf table fare. Pro tip: when trolling, keep your herring or anchovies rolling slow and natural - these fish are smart and won't hit a bait that's spinning wrong.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are pure dynamite on the end of your line. Running 8-15 pounds, these acrobatic fighters will jump clean out of the water multiple times during a fight. We find them in 30-80 feet of water, often closer to shore than kings, especially around temperature breaks and bait schools. Peak season runs mid-summer through early fall when they're thick in our coastal waters. Cohos are aggressive feeders and will hit lures hard, making them perfect for first-timers who want action. The bright orange meat is excellent eating too. Local trick: when they're being picky, try a small silver spoon behind a flasher at varying speeds until you find what triggers them. Sometimes they want it fast, sometimes dead slow.
Portland