Oregon Coast Salmon & Crab Combo
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8hour combo trip targeting salmon and Dungeness crabIncludes all gear, bait, and instruction for beginnersWeekend availability October through November, 2guest maximum
Picture this: you're out on the Oregon Coast at dawn, setting crab pots in productive waters before the sun fully breaks the horizon. Then you're trolling for salmon in some of the Pacific Northwest's most productive waters, with the rugged coastline as your backdrop. This 8-hour combo trip with Fassiottos Guide Service packs two of Oregon's best fishing opportunities into one action-packed day. Running Saturdays and Sundays from October through November, this trip is perfectly timed for peak salmon runs and prime crab season. With space for just two anglers, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your lines without crowding.
Your day starts early at 5:30 AM, but trust me, it's worth dragging yourself out of bed. We'll kick things off by running to productive crab spots and dropping your Dungeness pots for a long soak while we chase salmon. The beauty of this combo approach is that your crabs are working for you while you're focused on hooking into Chinook and Coho. All your gear, bait, and instruction come included, so whether you're a seasoned angler or someone who's never held a fishing rod, you're covered. The Oregon Coast in fall offers some of the most consistent salmon action of the year, and these waters hold both bright ocean Chinook and feisty Coho that'll test your skills. After hours of salmon fishing, we'll circle back to check those crab pots – there's always that moment of anticipation as we pull each pot to see what's been crawling around down there.
This is classic Pacific salmon trolling at its finest. We'll be running downriggers with flashers and spoons, herring, or plugs depending on what the fish are showing us that day. The Oregon Coast demands respect – these aren't small water fish. Chinook here can push 30 pounds or more, and even the Coho fight with that ocean strength that'll make your arms burn. We'll adjust our depth based on where we're marking fish on the sonar, typically running anywhere from 40 to 120 feet down. The crab operation is straightforward but effective – we use properly weighted pots loaded with fresh bait in spots that have produced consistently over the years. Water depth, bottom structure, and current all play into where we set those pots. You'll learn to read the subtle differences in how your rod tip behaves when you've got a salmon versus just current or weeds.
The Chinook salmon here are the real trophy fish – these ocean-bright kings average 15-25 pounds but can easily push into the 30-pound range. They're powerful, stubborn fighters that'll take long runs and test every knot in your setup. Peak season runs from late September through November, which perfectly aligns with our trip dates. What makes Chinook special is their size and the way they fight – it's not just about the weight, it's about that deep, bulldogging power that makes you question whether you're hooked into a fish or a submarine. Coho salmon, on the other hand, bring the acrobatics. These silver rockets typically run 8-15 pounds but what they lack in size they make up for in pure energy. They'll jump, run, and generally try every trick in the book to throw your hook. The best part about October and November Coho is they're still ocean-fresh and chrome-bright. Steelhead are the wild card in this fishery – not always present in large numbers, but when you hook into one of these sea-run rainbows, you'll know it immediately. They combine the power of a Chinook with the aerial displays of a Coho, making them the most challenging fight pound-for-pound.
This top-rated combo trip fills up fast, especially on those prime October weekends when both the salmon and crab fishing are at their peak. With only two spots available per trip, you're getting a personalized experience that larger charter operations simply can't match. The Oregon Coast's fall salmon runs don't wait for anyone, and crab season has its own rhythm that doesn't always align perfectly with salmon timing – except during these magical October and November months. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, but that's standard in the guide business when you're holding prime weekend dates during peak season. Whether you're planning a father-son fishing adventure, a couples' getaway, or just want to experience world-class Pacific salmon fishing with a side of fresh Dungeness crab, this trip delivers on all fronts. The combination of species variety, personalized service, and timing during the best part of the season makes this a customer favorite that books up months in advance.
Hit the Oregon Coast waters in our well-equipped 2021 Alumaweld skiff, a 23-foot aluminum workhorse that's perfect for your salmon and crab combo adventure. With a reliable Yamaha F200 main engine plus a backup 9.9, this boat delivers the power and stability you need for productive fishing in coastal waters. The GPS keeps you on course to the best spots while the fish finder helps locate those salmon schools. Our onboard icebox ensures your catch stays fresh and your drinks cold during the 8-hour trip. Built to handle Oregon's dynamic coastal conditions, this skiff gives you a stable platform for both pulling crab pots and battling Chinook and Coho salmon. Whether you're dropping lines or hauling in Dungeness crab, you'll appreciate the boat's spacious layout and smooth ride as you work the productive waters off the Oregon Coast.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the heavyweights of the salmon world, averaging 12-20 pounds but regularly hitting 30+ pounds off the Oregon Coast. These silver-sided bruisers with black-spotted backs stay deep during daylight hours, so we fish them with heavy tackle and downriggers. October through November is prime time as they stage near river mouths before spawning runs. What makes them special? Pure power - they'll strip line like freight trains and put up long, dogged fights. The meat is rich and buttery with that deep red color everyone wants. My go-to trick is running herring behind a flasher at 40-80 feet - keep your drag loose because when a big king hits, it's game on.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are the acrobats of our waters, typically running 8-12 pounds with bright chrome sides and that classic salmon fight. Unlike their deeper-dwelling Chinook cousins, cohos often hunt closer to the surface and aren't afraid to show off with some serious air time when hooked. They're aggressive feeders during our fall season, making them perfect targets for October and November trips. What guests love most is their scrappy nature - they jump, run, and never give up easy. The orange-red meat is fantastic eating too. Here's a local trick: when we see birds working the surface, that's where the cohos are chasing baitfish. Troll bright spoons or flies through those feeding schools for fast action.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are ocean-going rainbow trout that average 24 inches and pack serious muscle from their time in salt water. These chrome rockets prefer moving water near river mouths and estuaries, especially around structure like submerged rocks or fallen trees. Fall through early spring is when they're most active in our coastal waters, staging before their spawning runs. What makes steelhead special is their reputation as the ultimate gamefish - pound for pound, nothing fights harder or jumps higher. They're incredibly challenging to hook but worth every effort. The meat is firm and clean-tasting. Pro tip: steelhead have excellent eyesight, so use lighter leaders and natural presentations. When you feel that subtle tick on your line, set the hook fast.
Oregon Coast