Salmon Fishing Charter Up to 4 PPL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Professional salmon fishing with Captain Matt and toptier equipmentHeated 26foot Hewes craft provides comfort during fishing tripsCrab trapping option included with all chartered fishing experiences
Ready to chase some serious salmon in Richmond waters? Captain Matt's got you covered with his top-rated 26-foot Hewes craft that'll keep you comfortable while you're out there battling chinook. This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience – we're talking a maximum of 4 anglers, which means more room to fish, better shots at the hot spots, and Captain Matt's full attention on putting you on fish. The heated cabin is a game-changer when the morning air has that bite to it, and trust me, you'll appreciate it during those early starts when the salmon are most active.
From the moment you step aboard, you'll notice this isn't some budget operation. Captain Matt runs a tight ship with world-class gear that can handle whatever Richmond's salmon throw at you. The beauty of fishing out of Richmond is the short run to productive water – we're talking 15 to 30 minutes max before lines are in the water. No burning half your day just getting to the fishing grounds like some other spots. The 26-foot Hewes is built for these waters, stable enough to fish comfortably but nimble enough to chase schools when they're on the move. Plus, that heated cabin means you can warm up between fish or when the weather turns, making this a customer favorite even during the cooler months when salmon fishing really heats up.
We're trolling for salmon here, which is hands-down the most effective way to cover water and find active fish in these Richmond waters. Captain Matt's got the trolling game dialed in – we're talking downriggers, quality rods that can handle big chinook, and a tackle box full of proven lures that have been crushing it in local waters. The technique is straightforward but requires the right touch: we'll run multiple lines at different depths, covering the water column where salmon are feeding. You'll learn to read the fish finder, watch for bait schools, and feel the difference between a small coho tap and a big chinook that wants to take you to the cleaners. The gear does most of the heavy lifting, but when that rod tip starts bouncing, it's all about technique and keeping steady pressure while that salmon makes its runs.
Chinook salmon are the real prize in these Richmond waters, and for good reason. These kings can push 20 to 30 pounds or more, with some monsters reaching 40-plus in the right conditions. They're aggressive feeders that'll slam a well-presented lure, but they're also smart enough to test your skills once hooked. Peak chinook action typically runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish often showing up during the summer months. What makes chinook so special is their fight – they'll make long, powerful runs that'll have your drag screaming, then turn and bulldoze toward the bottom. Landing a big chinook is something every angler needs to experience at least once.
Coho salmon bring a completely different energy to the fight, and they're absolute acrobats once you set the hook. These silver rockets typically run 8 to 12 pounds but make up for their smaller size with pure athleticism. Coho love to jump – and I mean really jump – often clearing the water multiple times during the fight. They show up in good numbers during late summer and early fall, making them a reliable target when you want consistent action. The beauty of coho is their willingness to hit a variety of lures, and they often travel in schools, so where you find one, you'll usually find more.
Chum salmon might not get the respect they deserve, but they're legitimate fighters that'll give you a workout. These bruisers typically weigh in between 10 to 15 pounds and are known for their stamina rather than their speed. Chum are fall-run fish, usually showing up in good numbers from late summer into early winter. They're particularly fun on lighter tackle because they'll use their broad shoulders to fight you in the current. While they might not jump like coho or make the blazing runs of chinook, chum have this dogged determination that'll wear you out if you're not ready for it.
This Richmond salmon charter delivers everything serious anglers are looking for: experienced guidance, quality gear, prime fishing grounds, and the chance to tangle with some world-class salmon. Captain Matt knows these waters inside and out, and that 26-foot Hewes with the heated cabin means you'll fish in comfort regardless of conditions. The small group size ensures everyone gets plenty of action, and the option to drop crab traps adds another dimension to your day on the water. Whether you're after your first chinook or looking to add to your salmon count, this is the kind of fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Don't wait until the best dates are gone – Richmond's salmon don't wait for anyone, and neither should you.
Hit the waters around Richmond aboard this solid 26' Hewescraft Pilothouse with Captain Matt. This 2011 cabin cruiser runs on twin 140HP Suzuki engines that'll get you to the salmon grounds in 15-30 minutes, cruising comfortably at 35 knots. The heated cabin keeps you warm during those early morning runs, while the fish finder helps locate schools of chinook. You'll troll with top-notch gear, and there's always the option to drop crab traps for a bonus catch. The boat's equipped with GPS, radar for foggy conditions, an icebox for your catch and cold drinks, plus a toilet and small kitchen. With space for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the rods without crowding each other. Perfect setup for targeting those Richmond area salmon runs.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaThe king of salmon, these fish are what everyone hopes to hook. Chinooks run 12-39 inches and typically weigh 7-15 pounds, though 20-30 pounders show up regularly in our waters. They're silver with black spots and prefer staying deep during the day since they're sensitive to light. Early morning and evening are prime time. What makes them special is their incredible fight and that rich, orange-pink meat that's hard to beat on the table. We troll with weighted gear to reach them in the depths. Pro tip: don't horse them up too fast - let them tire themselves out with those powerful runs, and you'll land more fish. The heated cabin comes in handy during those long battles!
Oncorhynchus KetaChums are the most underrated salmon out there. These medium-sized fish average 24 inches and 10-22 pounds, but don't let that fool you - they're scrappy fighters. In the ocean they're silver with a blue-green back, but spawning fish develop those distinctive pink stripes. They prefer depths around 15-40 feet during the day, moving shallower at night. Fall is prime season when they're moving through our area. What surprises people is how hard they fight and how good they taste when caught fresh from saltwater. They're actually pretty easy to spook, so the trick is to cast a few feet away from where you see them, not right into the school. Chartreuse flies work great, but prawns are hard to beat for bait.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are the acrobats of the salmon family - these fish will jump clean out of the water and put on a show. They average 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, with that classic silver body and dark blue-green back. Cohos love structure and calm areas, often hanging around debris and drop-offs. They're aggressive feeders and will hit bright lures hard. What guests love most is their fighting spirit - they'll leap up to 6 feet vertically and make several aerial displays. The meat is bright orange-red and tastes fantastic. When trolling, I like using bright pink or chartreuse spoons. Here's a tip: when one jumps, keep steady pressure but don't pull back hard or you'll tear the hook right out of their mouth.
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