5.0(1 Reviews)Oregon Salmon, Sturgeon, and Trout Fishing Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Shared Trip
River Fishing
Fullday salmon, sturgeon, and trout fishing adventureAll gear, tackle, and bait included with professional guidanceColumbia River and inshore waters fishing locations available
When you're looking for a serious day of fishing in Oregon waters, BJ's Guide Service delivers exactly what you need. This 8-hour shared charter puts you right where the fish are biting, whether that's on the legendary Columbia River or Oregon's productive inshore waters just six miles away. You'll be targeting some of the Pacific Northwest's most sought-after species - Chinook and Coho salmon, sturgeon, and rainbow trout - with your fishing plan adjusted based on what's running hot that day. BJ knows these waters like the back of his hand and works his tail off to put you on fish, no matter if you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod before.
This top-rated charter runs for a full 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to work different spots and techniques until you find what's producing. The beauty of fishing both the Columbia River and Oregon's inshore waters is the variety - you might start the morning drifting for sturgeon in the deeper holes, then switch to trolling for salmon when the conditions are right. BJ provides all your gear, tackle, and bait, so you don't need to worry about what lures are working or whether your setup is dialed in. Just grab your fishing license, throw on some rain gear, and pack your own food and drinks for the day. The boat can handle one angler at a time, which means you get personalized attention and won't be competing with a crowd for the best fishing spots. Weather and fish behavior dictate where you'll head each day, but that flexibility is exactly why this charter consistently produces fish when others come back empty-handed.
BJ runs a variety of techniques depending on what species you're after and where the fish are holding. For salmon, you'll likely be trolling with downriggers to get your offerings down to the right depth, using everything from cut-plug herring to spinners and spoons that mimic the baitfish these salmon are feeding on. When targeting sturgeon, expect to anchor up over known feeding areas and fish heavy tackle with fresh bait like sand shrimp or nightcrawlers right on the bottom. Rainbow trout fishing might have you casting lighter tackle near structure or drifting through productive runs with small jigs or bait rigs. The Columbia River's current and depth changes require different approaches throughout the day, and that's where BJ's local knowledge really pays off. He's got the boat rigged with quality rods, reels, and electronics to locate fish and put your bait right in front of them. The tackle box is stocked with proven lures and fresh bait that match what's working in current conditions, not what worked last month or last year.
"BJ was great company and worked hard to put us on some fish. Would definitely recommend." - Kory
Chinook salmon are the crown jewel of Pacific Northwest fishing, and for good reason. These massive fish, often called kings, can push 30 pounds or more in these waters and fight like freight trains when hooked. Peak season typically runs from late spring through early fall, with the best action often happening during the early morning hours when these fish are actively feeding. What makes Chinooks so special is their combination of size, strength, and the way they use the Columbia River's current to their advantage during the fight. Once you hook into a big king, you'll understand why anglers travel from across the country to fish these waters.
Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the table - they're acrobatic fighters that love to jump and make long runs when hooked. These silver bullets typically run smaller than Chinooks, usually in the 8-15 pound range, but what they lack in size they make up for in pure energy. Cohos are often more aggressive feeders, which can make for fast-paced action when you locate a school. They're particularly active during the cooler parts of the day and respond well to flashy lures that trigger their predatory instincts. The Columbia River system sees strong Coho runs during late summer and fall, making this a prime time to target them.
Lake sturgeon are living dinosaurs that can provide some of the most memorable fights in freshwater fishing. These ancient fish can live over 100 years and grow to massive sizes, with fish over 6 feet long not uncommon in the Columbia River. What makes sturgeon fishing so addictive is the anticipation - you might sit for an hour without a bite, then suddenly your rod doubles over with a fish that could be anywhere from 3 to 8 feet long. Sturgeon are bottom feeders with an excellent sense of smell, which is why fresh, stinky bait often produces the best results. They're catch-and-release only for the larger fish, but the experience of battling one of these prehistoric giants is something you'll never forget.
Rainbow trout in these waters are hard-fighting fish that often surprise anglers with their strength and stamina. Columbia River rainbows are typically well-fed and healthy, often running 2-5 pounds with occasional fish pushing much larger. These trout are opportunistic feeders that will hit everything from small jigs to larger bait presentations, depending on what's available in their environment. Spring and fall tend to offer the most consistent trout action, when cooler water temperatures have them more active throughout the day. What makes these rainbows special is their willingness to fight in open water, using the river's current to make long, powerful runs that test your drag and your patience.
Oregon's Columbia River system offers world-class fishing opportunities that change with the seasons, and BJ's Guide Service puts you right in the middle of the action. With all gear included and the flexibility to target multiple species based on current conditions, this charter gives you the best shot at a productive day on the water. Whether you
This reliable 25-foot Koffler center console from 2000 gets you to the best fishing spots on the Columbia River and Oregon's inshore waters. Twin 200HP Mercury engines cruise smoothly at 25 knots, cutting through currents to reach prime salmon and sturgeon territory. The spacious deck comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, giving everyone room to work their lines. Onboard fish finder helps locate schools of Chinook and Coho salmon hiding in deeper channels, while GPS navigation keeps you on productive fishing grounds. The built-in icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 8-hour trips. A multimedia system provides entertainment between bites. Whether you're drifting for sturgeon or trolling for trout, this boat handles both river fishing and nearshore waters with ease, making it perfect for targeting whatever's running seasonally.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the giants here, running 12-39 inches and 7-15 pounds, though 20-30 pounders show up regularly. These silver-sided bruisers with black-spotted backs and mouths are light-sensitive, staying deep during bright days. Early morning and evening produce best, especially near deeper structure and drop-offs. They're bottom huggers, so use weighted presentations. What makes kings special is their raw power - no jumping like cohos, just bulldogging runs that'll test your gear. Their rich, reddish-pink meat is top-shelf eating. The Columbia's spring and fall runs are legendary. Here's the key: fish slow and deep with heavy tackle. A fresh herring or sand shrimp bounced along bottom structure near river channels usually does the trick.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon, as locals call them, are pure fighters averaging 8-12 pounds and 12-30 inches long. These acrobatic fish can jump 6 feet straight up when hooked. They migrate between ocean and rivers, so timing matters - fall runs bring them into the Columbia. Look for them in deeper holes and current seams, especially where tributaries meet the main river. Their bright silver sides and dark blue-green backs make them easy to spot. What guests love most is the aerial show they put on and their bright orange meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: use bright colors like chartreuse or pink in darker water. They're aggressive, so don't be afraid to work your lure with some action.
Acipenser FulvescensThese prehistoric giants are the Columbia's unique catch - thick-bodied, armor-plated fish that can live over 100 years. Most run 3-6 feet and 30-100 pounds, though bigger ones cruise these waters. They're bottom feeders with whisker-like barbels, hugging sandy flats and deep holes where they vacuum up crawfish, worms, and small fish. Patient fishing pays off since they move slow but fight like freight trains once hooked. What guests love is catching a living fossil that's older than the dinosaurs. Their firm, white meat is excellent eating too. Best action comes on overcast days when they're more active. Bring heavy gear and gloves - those bony plates are sharp. Tip: use a glob of nightcrawlers on bottom and wait them out.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout run 8-24 inches here in the Columbia, averaging 2-8 pounds with their signature pink stripe and black-spotted sides. They love clean, cool water around 55-64°F, hanging near gravelly banks and structure where currents bring food. Best fishing happens at dusk when they're actively feeding on insects. These fish prefer spots with natural cover like vegetation and rocky areas. What makes them special is their strong fight - they'll jump and make runs that test your drag. Plus, their pink flesh tastes fantastic grilled with some herbs. Local tip: keep your bait just off the bottom in current breaks. They're picky about presentation, so a natural drift works better than dead-sticking it.
5.0 out of 5.0BJ was great company and worked hard to put us on some fish. Would definitely recommend.
Oregon