5.0(1 Reviews)Oregon Salmon, Sturgeon, and Trout Fishing Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Shared Trip
River Fishing
Eight-hour shared charter targeting salmon, sturgeon, and troutColumbia River and inshore waters fishing locations availableAll gear, tackle, and bait included with professional guidance
If you're looking to experience some of Oregon's best fishing, this 8-hour charter with BJ's Guide Service puts you right in the action on the Columbia River and Oregon's productive inshore waters. Whether you're a weekend angler or someone who's been chasing fish for decades, this shared trip gives you access to prime fishing spots that are consistently producing Chinook and Coho salmon, sturgeon, and rainbow trout. You'll spend quality time on the water with an experienced guide who knows these waters like the back of his hand, and all your gear is covered—just bring your license, some rain gear, and pack a lunch to fuel your day.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Eight hours gives you real fishing time, and BJ makes sure every minute counts. You'll be targeting different species depending on what's running and where the bite is hottest that particular day. The Columbia River offers some seriously productive fishing, and when conditions call for it, you might find yourself working Oregon's inshore waters just six miles away—two completely different fishing environments that keep things interesting. The shared format means you're splitting costs while still getting personalized attention and instruction. BJ works with anglers at every skill level, so whether you need help tying knots or you're looking to fine-tune your technique, you're covered. The boat comes equipped with quality rods, reels, tackle, and fresh bait, so you can focus on what matters most—putting fish in the boat.
Fishing the Columbia River and Oregon's inshore waters means adapting your approach based on conditions, season, and what species you're targeting. For salmon, you'll likely be trolling with downriggers, working different depths until you find where the fish are holding. BJ knows the productive water columns and current breaks where salmon stage up, and he'll adjust your spread based on what's working that day. When sturgeon are the target, you're looking at bottom fishing with heavy sinkers and circle hooks—these prehistoric fighters require patience and the right bait presentation. Rainbow trout fishing often calls for lighter tackle and more finesse, especially when working structure or following baitfish schools. The gear setup changes throughout the day as you move between species and locations, giving you hands-on experience with different fishing methods. BJ provides instruction on reading your electronics, understanding how current affects your presentation, and recognizing the subtle bites that separate successful anglers from those who go home empty-handed.
"BJ was great company and worked hard to put us on some fish. Would definitely recommend." - Kory
Chinook salmon are the kings of the Columbia River system, and for good reason. These powerful fish can push 30 pounds or more, and when one hits your line, you'll know it immediately. Spring and fall runs offer the best opportunities, with fish moving through the system in predictable patterns that BJ knows well. Chinooks fight hard and fight deep, making long runs that test your drag system and your patience. The meat quality is outstanding, and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of landing a Columbia River king after a 20-minute battle.
Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to your fishing day. These acrobatic fighters are known for their jumping ability and unpredictable runs. They're typically smaller than Chinooks, usually running 8 to 12 pounds, but they make up for size with pure energy and fighting spirit. Coho are often found in shallower water than their larger cousins, and they're aggressive feeders that will hit a variety of presentations. Late summer and early fall are prime times, when schools of coho are moving through the system and actively feeding.
Lake sturgeon are living dinosaurs that can live over 100 years and grow to massive proportions. These bottom-dwelling giants are caught using heavy tackle and a lot of patience, but when a sturgeon decides to move, you're in for a workout. Fish in the 4 to 6-foot range are common, and occasional monsters push 8 feet or longer. Sturgeon fishing is as much about the experience as the catch—these ancient fish have been swimming these waters since before the ice age, and landing one connects you to something truly special. They're catch-and-release only for the larger fish, but the memory lasts forever.
Rainbow trout in these waters are healthy, hard-fighting fish that provide consistent action throughout much of the year. These native rainbows average 2 to 5 pounds but can push much larger, especially the fish that spend time feeding in the rich waters of the Columbia system. They're opportunistic feeders that respond well to both bait and artificial presentations, and their fighting ability pound-for-pound rivals any gamefish. Spring and early summer offer some of the best rainbow fishing, when water temperatures are optimal and insect activity triggers aggressive feeding behavior.
The Columbia River system and Oregon's inshore waters offer world-class fishing opportunities that attract anglers from across the region, and there's a reason BJ's Guide Service has built such a solid reputation in these waters. This 8-hour charter gives you the time and expert guidance needed to target multiple species and experience different fishing techniques, all while learning from someone who's put in the hours to understand these productive waters. With gear, tackle, and instruction included, you're getting exceptional value for a full day of guided fishing. The seasonal nature of these fisheries means timing matters, so don't wait too long to secure your dates. Whether you're looking to land your first Columbia River salmon or add a trophy sturgeon to your fishing memories, this charter delivers the goods. Book your spot today and get ready for a day of fishing that reminds you why the Pacific Northwest is considered one of North America's premier angling destinations.
Hit the Columbia River and Oregon's inshore waters aboard this reliable 25-foot Koffler center console boat. Built for serious fishing with twin 200HP Mercury engines that'll get you to the hot spots fast, plus all the gear you need for a productive day targeting salmon, sturgeon, and trout. The boat's equipped with a fish finder to locate your targets, GPS navigation, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh. With space for up to 6 anglers, this setup handles both river runs and nearshore waters with ease. The onboard multimedia system keeps things entertaining during travel time, while the center console design gives everyone plenty of room to work their lines. Perfect platform for chasing Chinook and Coho salmon or battling sturgeon in Oregon's prime fishing waters.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the heavyweights of the salmon world, averaging 15-20 pounds but capable of hitting 30+ in our waters. These silver-sided bruisers have black spots on their backs, fins, and distinctive black mouths. Being light-sensitive, they hug the bottom during the day, so you need weighted gear to reach them. Spring through early fall offers the best action, with early morning and evening being prime time. What makes them special is their raw power and that rich, orange-pink meat that's hard to beat on the table. They're drawn to deeper channels and drop-offs where they can ambush baitfish. My go-to advice: fish deep with heavy tackle and don't be afraid to use bright colors on overcast days - chartreuse and pink combinations work wonders.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are serious acrobats that'll jump 6 feet out of the water when hooked. These 8-12 pounders have bright silver sides with dark backs and black-spotted tails. You'll find them in deeper water during their ocean phase, but they move into river mouths and estuaries during fall runs. Coho prefer calmer areas with structure - look for them around debris piles and deeper pools. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and aerial displays, plus that bright orange meat makes for outstanding table fare. Fall is prime time when they're staging for their spawning runs. Pro tip: in faster water, swing bright spinners, but in holding water, try twitching jigs with long tails for better action and movement.
Acipenser FulvescensThese living dinosaurs are the Columbia's giants, often reaching 4-6 feet and 50-100 pounds. Despite their prehistoric armor plating and intimidating looks, sturgeon are gentle bottom feeders that vacuum up worms, crayfish, and small fish using their barbels like underwater radar. They stick to deep holes, sandy bottoms, and areas with good current flow. What draws anglers is the sheer power of hooking into something this ancient and massive - fights can last 30 minutes or more. Plus, they're surprisingly good eating with firm, white meat. Year-round fishing is possible, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action. Key tip: use heavy tackle and be patient - a big glob of nightcrawlers on the bottom often outfishes fancy rigs every time.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are beautiful fighters that typically run 2-8 pounds in our waters, with that signature pink stripe along their silver sides. They love clean, cool water around 55-65°F, so you'll find them in deeper holes during summer and shallower runs in spring and fall. These fish prefer areas with good cover - think rocky shorelines, undercut banks, and spots with decent current. What makes them special is their acrobatic fight and willingness to take both flies and bait. They're also excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. Best fishing happens early morning or evening when they're actively feeding. Here's a local tip: keep your bait just off the bottom and watch for subtle takes - they can be light biters.
5.0 out of 5.0BJ was great company and worked hard to put us on some fish. Would definitely recommend.
Oregon