Full Day Fall Chinook/Coho Salmon Fishing
Ready to get your line wet on some of Oregon's top salmon waters? Guide Logan Ellis — better known as Chicken Little — has been putting anglers on fish across six legendary Oregon rivers for years. This isn't your typical charter experience. You'll spend a full day targeting fall Chinook and Coho salmon on waters that consistently produce trophy fish, using proven techniques that locals have refined over decades. Whether we're trolling the deep channels or drift fishing the prime holes, you'll fish like the pros do while soaking up stories and tips that only come from someone who lives and breathes these waters.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts when Logan picks the perfect water based on current conditions, fish movement, and his years of experience reading these rivers. If we're taking the 25-foot Alumaweld Super Vee sled, we'll hit the Siletz, Alsea, Yaquina, Siuslaw, Willamette, or Columbia for trolling runs. This boat handles bigger water beautifully and gets us to those deeper salmon holding spots where the big fish cruise. On drift boat days, we'll float the Siletz or Alsea in Logan's 18-foot Clackacraft, working the prime salmon water with bobber rigs, back bouncing techniques, and twitching jigs through the sweet spots. Logan reads water like a book and knows exactly where salmon stack up during their fall run. The best part? You don't need to worry about tackle, bait, or gear — Logan's got everything dialed in with top-rated setups that consistently produce fish.
Techniques That Catch Fish
Trolling from the sled means we'll cover serious water, pulling herring, spinners, or plugs at precise depths where salmon travel. Logan knows the exact speed, depth, and presentation that triggers strikes on each river. The electronics help us mark fish and structure, but it's Logan's experience that puts the lures in the strike zone. When we're drift fishing, you'll learn proper bobber techniques that keep your bait dancing naturally in the current. Back bouncing lets us work bait along the bottom where salmon often hold, while twitching jigs mimics the erratic movement of injured baitfish that salmon can't resist. These aren't random techniques — they're refined methods that Oregon salmon guides have perfected over generations. Logan will coach you through each setup so you understand not just how to fish, but why these presentations work so well on Oregon salmon.
Top Catches This Season
Fall Chinook salmon are the crown jewel of Oregon salmon fishing, and these fish show up in serious numbers during their spawning runs. These king salmon average 15-30 pounds, with trophy fish pushing 40 pounds or more. They're incredibly strong fighters that will test your tackle and your arms. Chinook hit hard and run deep, using their size and the current to their advantage. The fall run typically peaks from August through October, making this prime time to target the biggest salmon of the year. What makes Chinook so special is their sheer power — when a 25-pound king grabs your line, you'll know it immediately. They're also fantastic table fare, with rich, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking.
Coho salmon bring a completely different fight to the table. These silver bullets average 8-15 pounds but make up for their smaller size with aerial acrobatics and lightning-fast runs. Coho are famous for their jumps — they'll clear the water multiple times during a fight, shaking their heads and putting on a show that gets your adrenaline pumping. They move into Oregon rivers from late summer through fall, often mixing with Chinook in the same holes. Coho have excellent table quality with firm, mild-flavored meat that's incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Their aggressive nature means they'll often hit lures with authority, and their fight-to-size ratio is off the charts. Many anglers actually prefer targeting Coho because of their explosive fighting style and willingness to bite.
Time to Book Your Spot
Fall salmon season is Oregon fishing at its finest, and spots with experienced guides like Logan fill up fast. You'll walk away with more than just fish — you'll learn techniques and river knowledge that will make you a better angler for years to come. Logan provides all the tackle, gear, and bait, so all you need is your Oregon fishing license with combined angling tag, appropriate clothing, rain gear, and a cooler for your catch. This is world-class salmon fishing with a guide who knows these rivers inside and out. Don't let another fall season pass without experiencing what Oregon salmon fishing is all about. Book your trip with Chicken Little's Guide Service and get ready for a day on the water that reminds you why Oregon is a customer favorite destination for serious salmon anglers.