5.0(2 Reviews)Full Day Salmon, Sturgeon And Trout Fishing Trip
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Eighthour guided fishing trip targeting salmon, sturgeon, and troutExpert guidance provided for both seasoned anglers and beginnersSeasonal fishing opportunities from January through fall months
If you're looking to experience some of the best freshwater fishing Washington has to offer, Chuck's Outdoor Adventures in Chehalis delivers exactly what serious anglers dream about. This isn't your typical "hope for the best" charter – Captain Chuck brings over 28 years of local knowledge to put you on fish consistently. Whether you're after hard-fighting salmon, trophy-sized sturgeon, or acrobatic trout, these waters hold some genuine monsters that'll test your tackle and your patience in all the right ways.
Your 8-hour adventure starts early, and trust me, you'll want every minute of it. Chuck knows these river systems like the back of his hand – every deep hole, current break, and structure that holds fish. The boat accommodates up to three anglers, which means personalized attention and plenty of elbow room when you're battling a big chinook. From January through March, we're targeting spring steelhead that are fresh from the ocean and ready to fight. Mid-March kicks off salmon season, with different runs peaking throughout the year. Come fall, the river lights up with spawning salmon, and that's when things get really exciting. Chuck adapts tactics based on conditions – some days we're drifting eggs through deep pools, other days we're pulling plugs through the current seams where fish stage before their upstream push.
Chuck's got all the gear dialed in, from heavy-duty rods for sturgeon to lighter spinning setups perfect for trout. He's always packing backup reels because when fish are biting, the last thing you want is broken equipment ending your day early. Depending on what we're targeting, you might be learning to drift fish with roe, pulling kwikfish through salmon lies, or bouncing bait along the bottom for sturgeon. The beauty of fishing these river systems is the variety – one cast you're working a deep pool for steelhead, the next you're targeting a sandy bottom where sturgeon cruise. Chuck's technique changes with the seasons and species, but his approach stays consistent: fish where the fish are, use what they want, and be ready when they bite.
"Personally, I have been on 6 different fishing charters all across North America - deep sea fishing, sturgeon fishing, fly fishing - you name it. My brother and Dad combined have about double that, and we all agreed that Captain Chuck is by far the most knowledgable, entertaining, humourous, encouraging, and passionate fishing guide we have ever had. Always had an extra reel in case our line broke, took us to the best locations on the river, made us laugh till our stomachs hurt multiple times, and didn't mock us to much for casting our lines into the trees. I would recommend him to anyone that asked, and we are talking about going again later this year as well. Captain Chuck has over 28yrs of experience fishing nearly every river, nook, and lake in the Northwest, and you won't find a better guide or a more memorable trip on this website. Even on a slow day of catching fish, we went home with four large gallon bags of beautiful steelhead trout. Don't hesitate to reserve him, you won't regret it." - Aaron
"Chuck was a great Captain. Knew the water and the fish. Had a wonderful day out on the river. Will definitely go out with Chuck" - Michael
Lake Sturgeon are the river's gentle giants, and hooking one is like tying into a freight train. These prehistoric fish can live over 100 years and grow massive – we're talking potential weights over 100 pounds. They're bottom feeders with a taste for salmon eggs, worms, and cut bait. Sturgeon fishing requires patience since they're not aggressive biters, but when one picks up your bait, you'll know it. The fight is less about speed and more about endurance – they use their weight and the current to test your drag system. Best part? Most sturgeon are catch and release, so you're tangling with fish that have been around longer than your grandfather.
Rainbow Trout in these waters are absolute rockets. They average 2-4 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, jumping clear out of the water and making blistering runs that'll burn drag. Spring and early summer offer the best action when they're feeding heavily on insects and smaller baitfish. These trout are opportunistic and will hit everything from spinners to drift-fished eggs. What makes them special here is their condition – bright silver with that distinctive pink stripe, they're some of the healthiest rainbows you'll find in the Pacific Northwest.
Pink Salmon might be the smallest Pacific salmon, but don't let size fool you. During their runs, usually in odd-numbered years, they school up thick and provide non-stop action. They're aggressive biters that hit small spoons, spinners, and flies with authority. Pinks average 3-5 pounds and are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. They're also excellent table fare when caught fresh from the ocean, with firm pink flesh that's perfect for the grill.
Coho Salmon are the acrobats of the salmon world. When you hook a coho, expect aerial displays that'll have you scrambling for your phone to get photos. They average 8-12 pounds and are known for their aggressive feeding behavior and spectacular fights. Coho hit a variety of lures but are particularly fond of flashy spoons and herring. They're excellent eating with rich, red meat that's perfect for smoking or grilling. Peak season runs from late summer through fall when they're staging in river mouths before their spawning runs.
Chinook Salmon are the kings for good reason – they're the largest Pacific salmon and put up legendary battles. Mature chinooks can exceed 30 pounds, and fighting one in river current is a genuine test of angling
This rugged 22-foot Alumweld jet boat cuts through Chehalis waters like a knife, getting you to those productive salmon and steelhead holes other boats can't reach. The shallow-draft design navigates rocky runs and tight spots where big fish hide. Your gear stays organized while the fish finder pinpoints schools below and GPS marks your hottest spots for return trips. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long battles with chrome-bright salmon. Built tough for Washington's demanding rivers, this aluminum workhorse handles everything from spring chinook runs to fall coho action. With space for three anglers plus your guide, there's room to work fish without bumping elbows when that sturgeon decides to make a run.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook, or King salmon, are the ultimate prize - the largest of all Pacific salmon. These bruisers typically run 12-39 inches and 7-15 pounds, but can easily hit 20-30 pounds in good water. They're light-sensitive, so they stay deep during the day, making early morning and evening your best bets. Look for them in the deepest holes and channels where they can ambush prey. What makes them special is that incredible strength - once hooked, they'll make long, powerful runs that'll have your drag screaming. The reddish-pink meat is restaurant-quality, and landing one is a memory that lasts forever. Since they prefer deeper water, you'll need weighted gear to get down to them. Pro tip: don't rush the fight - these fish have stamina to match their size, so let your drag do the work and be patient. They'll often make several big runs before giving up.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or silvers, are some of the most acrobatic fish you'll ever hook. These beauties typically run 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, with bright silver sides and that distinctive dark blue-green back. What sets them apart is their incredible jumping ability - they can leap 6 feet straight up when hooked. You'll find them in calmer areas under cover, especially where rivers connect to larger water bodies. Fall is prime time when they're moving upstream to spawn, and that's when their sides turn that beautiful maroon color. The orange-red meat is top-notch eating, and the fight is something else - they'll test every knot you've tied. They like to hold in deeper pools and eddies during the day. My advice: use bright patterns like chartreuse or pink, and when you're swinging spinners in fast water, let them work naturally with the current instead of fighting it.
Acipenser FulvescensThese prehistoric giants are living fossils that have been around since the dinosaurs. Most sturgeon we catch run 3-6 feet and 30-100 pounds, though they can get much bigger. They're bottom-dwellers that love deep holes and drop-offs in our river system, using their whisker-like barbels to feel around for food. Since they're slow-growing and long-lived, we practice catch and release. What makes them special is their armored plating instead of scales and their incredible fighting power once hooked. They'll make long, steady runs that'll test your gear. Best fishing is with heavy tackle and nightcrawlers on the bottom. Pro tip: when you feel that subtle tap, give them time to mouth the bait before setting the hook - they're not aggressive feeders like other fish.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPink salmon, also called humpbacks, are the smallest but most abundant Pacific salmon we see. They average around 4-5 pounds but are scrappy fighters that make great targets for beginners and pros alike. You'll recognize them by the black oval spots on their backs and that characteristic hump that develops during spawning season. They love cold water around 50°F and typically run in rivers and streams during their spawning migrations. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare - that pink flesh gets its color from the crustaceans they eat. They have a short 2-year life cycle, so timing is everything. Best results come with bright pink jigs or hoochies that mimic their natural prey. Here's a local trick: add some herring oil to your lure to really get their attention when they're being picky.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are the bread and butter of our freshwater fishing here. They typically run 8-24 inches and 2-8 pounds, with that distinctive pink stripe along their silver sides. You'll find them in cooler water with good flow - look for them near gravel beds, undercut banks, and anywhere there's cover. Spring through fall are prime time, especially during morning and evening feeding periods when they're hitting insects on the surface. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - these fish will jump and run like crazy once hooked. The meat is excellent too, with that pink flesh full of omega-3s. They prefer water temps between 55-64°F, so we target deeper pools in summer heat. My go-to tip: keep your bait moving slightly off the bottom, and don't be afraid to try bright colors when the water's a bit murky.
5.0 out of 5.0Personally, I have been on 6 different fishing charters all across North America - deep sea fishing, sturgeon fishing, fly fishing...
Chuck was a great Captain. Knew the water and the fish. Had a wonderful day out on the river. Will definitely go out with Chuck
Chehalis, WA