Combo Salmon & Bottom Fishing Adventure
Nothing beats a day on the water when you get to target multiple species and really make your trip count. This combo salmon and bottom fishing adventure with DG Columbia Adventures gives you the best of both worlds – the adrenaline rush of hooking into a chrome-bright salmon and the steady action of pulling bottom fish up from the depths. It's a single-angler experience, so you get the captain's full attention and can fish at your own pace without worrying about lines getting tangled with other guests.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early when we meet at the dock. We'll load up the gear and head out to where the fish are biting. The beauty of this combo trip is versatility – we're not locked into one technique or one spot. When the salmon are moving through, we'll troll or drift fish in their travel lanes. When the bottom bite is hot, we'll anchor up over structure and drop down for rockfish, lingcod, or whatever's holding tight to the seafloor. You'll get hands-on experience with different fishing methods, and since it's just you on board, we can switch gears quickly when the action heats up. The boat comes equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle for both salmon and bottom fishing, plus all the terminal gear you'll need.
Techniques & Tackle Setup
For salmon, we'll be using medium to heavy action rods with level wind reels spooled with 20-30 pound test. Depending on conditions and what the fish want, we might troll with flashers and hoochies, drift fish with herring or anchovies, or even cast spinners if we find fish close to structure. Bottom fishing requires heavier gear – we're talking 6-8 foot rods with conventional reels loaded with 40-60 pound braid. We'll use sliding sinker rigs, rockfish jigs, or live bait depending on what species we're targeting and how deep we're fishing. The captain will show you how to work each setup properly, from setting the drag for a screaming salmon to feeling the subtle bite of a lingcod mouthing your bait. Since you're the only angler aboard, there's plenty of time to master each technique.
Top Catches This Season
Salmon fishing here delivers consistent action when these fish are in their migration patterns. Chinook salmon, also called kings, are the trophy fish most anglers dream about. These powerful fighters can weigh anywhere from 15 to 40 pounds, with occasional monsters pushing even bigger. They're most active during their spawning runs, typically in late spring through early fall, though timing varies by specific location and run. What makes chinooks special is their incredible strength – they'll strip drag on long runs and jump clear out of the water trying to throw the hook. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for grilling or smoking. Coho salmon, or silvers, are smaller but pound-for-pound some of the scrappiest fish you'll encounter. They average 8-15 pounds and are absolute acrobats when hooked, often jumping repeatedly and making sudden direction changes that keep you on your toes.
On the bottom fishing side, you'll encounter rockfish species like yelloweye, canary, and vermillion rockfish. These colorful fish live along rocky reefs and drop-offs, usually in 60-300 feet of water. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for fish and chips or ceviche. Lingcod are another popular target – these prehistoric-looking predators can grow massive, with fish over 30 pounds not uncommon. They have mouths full of sharp teeth and will engulf anything that looks like an easy meal. The fight is more of a bulldogging battle than the speed runs of salmon, but pulling a big ling up from 200 feet of water will definitely test your arms and back.
Time to Book Your Spot
This combo trip gives you maximum variety and the personal attention you deserve with a single-angler charter. Whether you're looking to put some quality fish in the cooler or just want to experience different fishing techniques, this adventure covers all the bases. The captain's local knowledge means you'll hit the most productive spots for whatever species are biting best. With no meals included, you can bring your own snacks and drinks to keep you fueled throughout the day. Book your trip with DG Columbia Adventures and get ready for a day of non-stop fishing action that targets the best species these waters have to offer.