Full Day Advanced Salmon & Sturgeon Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Eight-hour advanced fishing trip targeting salmon, steelhead, trout, and sturgeonExpert Captain Chuck provides guidance on fully equipped 22-foot jet boatSmall group experience accommodates maximum three guests per charter
Captain Chuck's full-day advanced fishing charter on the Chehalis River isn't for weekend warriors looking to wet a line. This top-rated 8-hour adventure targets Washington's most challenging gamefish – trophy Salmon, hard-fighting Steelhead, Rainbow Trout, and massive Sturgeon that'll test every ounce of skill you've built over the years. With room for just three anglers, you'll get personalized attention and access to honey holes that most guides keep secret. The Chehalis delivers year-round action, but this trip is designed for experienced anglers ready to push their limits and land fish that'll have your buddies calling BS until they see the photos.
You're looking at eight solid hours aboard a fully rigged 22-foot jet boat that can navigate the Chehalis River's varied water conditions with ease. Captain Chuck knows this river system like the back of his hand – every drop-off, every undercut bank, and every seasonal holding spot where big fish stack up. The trip runs year-round, adapting to whatever's biting best. Early spring brings chrome-bright Steelhead fresh from the ocean, mid-season delivers salmon runs that'll bend your rod in half, and fall fishing brings some of the strongest fish you'll ever hook. Don't expect hand-holding here – Chuck will put you on fish, but landing them is on you. The boat's equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle, though experienced anglers often prefer bringing their own gear. Plan on covering serious water as conditions and fish behavior dictate where you'll spend your time.
This isn't a bobber-and-worm operation. You'll be working everything from drift fishing with roe and sand shrimp to pulling plugs in the deeper runs. Sturgeon fishing means heavy tackle and serious weight to get down to where these prehistoric giants cruise the bottom. For salmon and steelhead, expect to master techniques like back-bouncing, pulling spinners, and working side-drifters through prime holding water. The jet boat setup allows access to spots that drift boats can't reach, including shallow riffles and tight corners where big fish like to hide. Chuck provides all the terminal tackle, but experienced anglers should bring their favorite rods if they have preferences. Medium-heavy to heavy action rods handle the variety of species best, with reels spooled with 15-30 pound test depending on target species. Don't forget your fishing license and salmon/steelhead punch card – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife takes enforcement seriously on this system.
Lake Sturgeon are the river's true monsters, with fish pushing 6-8 feet and weighing in at 100+ pounds not uncommon. These ancient fish are bottom feeders with a taste for sand shrimp, roe, and nightcrawlers. They're strongest in fall and winter when they're actively feeding before spawning season. Once hooked, a big sturgeon will take line like a freight train and fight for 20-30 minutes before you can boat it. The satisfaction of landing one of these prehistoric beasts makes every aching muscle worth it.
Rainbow Trout in the Chehalis run bigger than most lake fish, with 16-20 inch natives showing beautiful pink stripes and incredible fight. Spring and early summer offer the best action when water temperatures are prime and insects are hatching. These fish are opportunistic feeders that'll hit everything from spinners to drift-fished roe. Don't let their size fool you – a big rainbow will jump, run, and test your drag system repeatedly.
Pink Salmon arrive in odd-numbered years during late summer runs, bringing fast action and acrobatic fights. These smaller salmon make up for size with numbers and energy, often hitting lures aggressively in schools. They're perfect for building confidence and keeping rods bent when larger species are being finicky.
Coho Salmon are the aerial artists of the river, jumping repeatedly when hooked and making blazing runs that'll have your reel screaming. Summer and early fall runs bring the best action, with fish ranging from 8-15 pounds of pure energy. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit spinners, spoons, and drift gear with authority.
Chinook Salmon represent the ultimate prize – the king of Pacific salmon that can exceed 30 pounds in this system. Fall runs bring the biggest fish, with mature kings displaying impressive size and strength. These fish fight deep and powerful, using their weight and the current to test your tackle to its limits. Landing a big Chinook on the Chehalis is a bucket-list experience that separates serious anglers from casual fishermen.
Chuck's advanced fishing trips fill up fast, especially during prime salmon and steelhead seasons when word gets around about hot fishing. With only three spots available, you're guaranteed personal attention and the chance to fish water that larger charter boats can't access. This world-class fishery delivers year-round opportunities, but the best dates get claimed early by returning customers who know what they're getting into. Whether you're after your first Chinook, want to tangle with a monster sturgeon, or need to prove you can handle whatever the Chehalis throws at you, this trip delivers the goods. Bring your A-game, expect sore arms, and get ready for some of the best fishing Washington has to offer. Book now and find out why experienced anglers keep coming back to fish with Chuck on the renowned Chehalis River system.
You'll fish the Chehalis River from Captain Chuck's 22-foot Alumweld jet boat, built to handle Washington's river conditions and get you to the prime fishing spots where the big ones wait. This sturdy aluminum hull cuts through currents and navigates shallow waters that other boats can't reach, putting you right where trophy salmon stage up and massive sturgeon patrol the deeper holes. The jet drive system means no prop to worry about in rocky areas, so you can focus on working your line instead of dodging obstacles. Onboard fish finder technology shows what's swimming below while GPS keeps track of productive locations for return trips. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 8-hour battles with hard-fighting steelhead and stubborn sturgeon that don't give up easy. With room for 3 anglers plus Captain Chuck, there's enough space to work your rod without tangling lines, whether you're casting to salmon runs or holding bottom for those freight-train sturgeon that can peel drag for minutes. The open deck layout gives you fighting room when something big decides to make multiple runs toward the snags.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of our river - the biggest, strongest salmon you'll encounter. These monsters average 15-30 pounds but can push much bigger, with that distinctive black mouth and gums. They're light-sensitive fish that stay deep during the day, so we target them early morning and evening when they move up. You'll find them in the deepest holes and channels where the current breaks. What makes chinooks special is the raw power - they fight like locomotives and that rich, orange-red meat is absolutely premium eating. Fall runs bring the biggest fish as they head upstream to spawn. Since they hug bottom, use weighted baits and get down deep. Herring works great, but here's my local secret: bright chartreuse and blue patterns on cloudy days, pink and orange when it's sunny.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are pure dynamite on the end of your line. These acrobatic fighters average 8-12 pounds and can jump 6 feet straight up when hooked. They've got that classic silver body with dark blue-green backs and black spots on their tails. You'll find them in deeper pools and calm water under cover during their fall runs. What sets cohos apart is their fighting spirit - they're athletic, stubborn, and will test every knot you've tied. The bright orange-red meat is top-shelf eating. Best fishing happens from late summer through fall when they're moving upstream. My go-to technique is swinging bright spinners in fast water or twitching jigs with long tails in holding pools. Pink and chartreuse patterns work magic when they're aggressive.
Acipenser FulvescensThese ancient giants are living dinosaurs - literally unchanged for 200 million years. Most sturgeon we catch run 30-100 pounds and 3-6 feet, but they can get massive. They're bottom feeders with cartilage instead of bones, using whisker-like barbels to feel around for worms, crayfish, and small fish. You'll find them in deep holes and along drop-offs where the current slows. Best fishing happens during cooler months when they're more active. What makes them special is the pure power - once hooked, they fight like freight trains and can live over 100 years. Here's the key: use heavy tackle with a big glob of nightcrawlers on the bottom, and be patient. These prehistoric beasts are worth the wait, and the meat makes excellent steaks.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPink salmon, or "humpies" as we call them, are the smallest Pacific salmon but make up for size with sheer numbers during their runs. They average 4-5 pounds with that distinctive hump on their backs. These fish prefer cold water around 50°F and stage in deeper pools before moving through shallows to spawn. The best fishing happens during their odd-year runs from late summer into fall when they're thick in the rivers. Guests love them because they're aggressive biters and put up a solid fight for their size. The pink flesh is excellent eating with good omega-3 content. Here's what works: bright pink jigs or hoochies work best since they mimic the crustaceans these salmon feed on. A little herring oil on your lure makes all the difference.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are the bread and butter of our trout fishing, running 8-24 inches and averaging 2-8 pounds. You'll spot that signature pink stripe along their silver sides. They love clean, cold water around 55-65°F, hanging near gravelly shorelines, deep pools, and anywhere there's good cover like fallen logs or undercut banks. Spring through fall produces the best action, especially during their feeding times at dusk. What draws people back is their scrappy fight - they'll jump, run, and test your drag. Plus, the pink flesh makes for fantastic eating with that mild, slightly nutty flavor. My local trick: fish downstream from where you see them rising, and keep your bait moving slightly off the bottom. They're curious fish but spook easy in shallow water.
Chehalis, WA