5.0(1 Reviews)Private Weekend Oregon Fishing Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Private 8hour Columbia River fishing charter for groupsTarget Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, sturgeon, and troutAll fishing equipment and tackle provided by experienced guide
Looking for a solid weekend fishing trip that gets you away from the crowds and onto some seriously productive Oregon waters? This private 8-hour charter with BJ's Guide Service puts you and up to five buddies right where the fish are biting. We'll be working the Columbia River and nearby inshore spots, going after whatever's running hot – whether that's chrome-bright salmon, heavyweight sturgeon, or scrappy rainbow trout. Captain Bill knows these waters like the back of his hand and adjusts every trip based on what the fish are doing that day, not some cookie-cutter itinerary.
You're getting a full day out there – eight solid hours of fishing time with a captain who's been reading these waters for years. We'll hit the Columbia River or move to nearby inshore areas depending on what's producing. The beauty of a private charter is flexibility; if the salmon are stacked up in one spot, that's where we're staying. If the sturgeon bite turns on somewhere else, we're mobile and ready to capitalize. All your gear is covered – rods, reels, tackle, and bait – so you just need to show up with your Oregon fishing license and maybe some rain gear because, well, it's Oregon. Pack your own grub and drinks since we're not doing the meal service thing, but trust me, you'll be too busy fighting fish to worry about fancy catering. The boat handles six anglers comfortably, making it perfect for families wanting to introduce kids to serious fishing or groups of buddies looking to get into some quality fish without dealing with party boat crowds.
We're running a variety of techniques depending on what we're targeting and where the fish are holding. For salmon, we'll likely be trolling with downriggers, pulling flashers and herring or running spinners at different depths until we dial in the bite. When we're after sturgeon, it's all about bottom fishing with the right bait – think sand shrimp, nightcrawlers, or smelt – and knowing exactly where these prehistoric fighters like to hang out in the river channels. Trout fishing might have us casting spinners, drifting bait, or even throwing some hardware if they're actively feeding. The Columbia River system offers incredible diversity, from deep holes where sturgeon lurk to current breaks where salmon stack up during their runs. Captain Bill's got all the gear dialed in – quality rods matched to the fishing we're doing, reels with smooth drags for those long sturgeon fights, and tackle boxes stocked with everything from 2/0 hooks for trout to the heavy circle hooks needed for big kings. He'll walk you through whatever technique we're using, whether you're a seasoned angler or someone who needs help with the basics.
"Bill was very knowledgeable about the river and place finding fishes. Helped us to understand the many different ways to fish and catching. We lost some bites but got our limit today. Great experience and will return. Thank you Bill for the opportunity." - Katalin
Rainbow Trout in these Oregon waters are absolute rockets when they hit your line. These fish typically run 12-18 inches with some bruisers pushing over 20, and they fight way above their weight class. Spring through fall offers the best action, with trout actively feeding in the cooler morning and evening hours. What makes them special is their acrobatic fight – expect multiple jumps and screaming runs that'll test your drag system. The rainbows here are gorgeous fish with that classic pink stripe and beautiful coloration that comes from feeding on the rich forage in these waters.
Coho Salmon, or silvers as the locals call them, are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. These chrome rockets typically range from 8-12 pounds and are famous for their aerial displays when hooked. Late summer into fall is prime time for cohos, and they're often found in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. What gets anglers fired up about cohos is their aggressive nature – they'll absolutely crush a lure and then spend the next ten minutes trying to throw the hook with spectacular jumps. The meat is outstanding too, with that rich, red flesh that's perfect for the grill or smoker.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of the river for good reason – these fish can push 30-40 pounds and provide fights that'll leave your arms aching. Spring and fall runs bring different opportunities, with spring fish often being larger and fall fish more aggressive. Kings are known for their powerful, bulldogging fights rather than the flashy jumps of cohos. When you hook into a big king, it's all about patience and letting your drag do the work because these fish have the power to straighten hooks and snap lines if you get too aggressive. Landing a 20-plus pound chinook is something every serious angler needs to experience.
Lake Sturgeon are the dinosaurs of these waters, and hooking into one is like connecting with a piece of prehistoric Oregon. These ancient fish can live over 100 years and grow to massive sizes – we're talking fish that can reach 6-8 feet and weigh 100 pounds or more. Sturgeon fishing requires patience since these bottom-dwellers can mouth your bait for what feels like forever before committing. But when they do take off, it's a battle like nothing else in freshwater fishing. The fight is more about endurance than speed, with long, powerful runs that can last 20-30 minutes. Plus, these fish are living fossils – you're literally catching something that swam with the dinosaurs, which adds a whole different level of respect to the experience.
Weekend slots fill up fast, especially during peak salmon runs and prime sturgeon season. This isn't your typical party boat experience – you're getting a private charter with a captain who's dedicated to putting you on fish and teaching you the
Your weekend fishing adventure starts aboard this reliable 25-foot Koffler center console, powered by twin 200HP Mercury engines that'll get you to the best fishing spots on the Columbia River. Built for Oregon waters, this 2000 motorboat handles river currents and inshore conditions with ease, cruising at 25 knots to maximize your time with lines in the water. The spacious center console layout gives all six anglers plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. Stay on top of the action with the onboard fish finder and GPS navigation, while the icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long battles with Chinook salmon or sturgeon. Whether you're working the deeper channels for spring salmon or drifting for trout, this boat's twin-engine setup provides the power and reliability you need for a full day of serious fishing.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon, the "kings" of our waters, are the largest Pacific salmon running 12-39 inches and averaging 7-15 pounds, though 20-30 pounders aren't uncommon. These silver-sided bruisers with black-spotted backs and mouths are light-sensitive, staying deep during bright conditions. Early morning and evening produce the best action. Spring and fall runs bring them through the Columbia, where they hold in deeper holes and current breaks. What makes kings special is their powerful, sustained runs and excellent table quality - that rich, reddish-pink meat is unbeatable. Here's a key tip: since they hug the bottom, use weighted baits and fish deep. Don't be afraid to get your gear down 20-30 feet where the big ones cruise.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers," run 12-30 inches and typically weigh 8-12 pounds in our waters. These acrobatic fighters can jump up to 6 feet out of the water, making them a favorite for action-packed trips. During their Columbia River runs, they hold in calmer areas under debris and near structure. Fall is prime time when they're moving upstream to spawn. What sets coho apart is their aggressive nature and spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Their bright orange-red meat is top-notch table fare too. Best fishing happens during their migration windows when they're stacked up. Here's a guide secret: in faster water, swing bright spinners, but in holding pools, try twitching jigs with long tails for better movement and attraction.
Acipenser FulvescensSturgeon are living dinosaurs that can reach 6+ feet and 100+ pounds in the Columbia system. These ancient bottom-dwellers have cartilaginous skeletons and armored plates instead of scales. They feed using barbels to locate worms, crayfish, and small fish along sandy or gravel bottoms. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps warm up. What makes sturgeon fishing special is the sheer power and size - landing a 6-footer is a lifetime memory. They're surprisingly good eating too, with firm white meat. Here's the key: use heavy tackle and big chunks of nightcrawlers or anchovies on the bottom. Once hooked, they make long, powerful runs, so keep steady pressure and let your drag work. Patience pays off with these prehistoric giants.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout average 8-24 inches and 2-8 pounds in Oregon waters. These beauties with their signature pink stripe love clean, cool water with temps between 55-64°F. You'll find them near gravelly shorelines, under cover, or in deeper pools during summer heat. They're active feeders at dusk and dawn, making evening trips productive. What makes rainbows special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump and run when hooked. Plus, their pink flesh makes excellent eating with a mild, nutty flavor that's perfect grilled or pan-fried. Here's a local tip: keep your bait moving slightly off the bottom. Rainbows are curious and a twitching presentation often triggers strikes when they're being picky about static offerings.
5.0 out of 5.0Bill was very knowledgeable about the river and place finding fishes. Helped us to understand the many different ways to fish and ...
Oregon