Full Day Salmon & Sturgeon Fishing in Astoria
Shared Trip
River Fishing
8hour Columbia River trip targeting salmon and sturgeonExpert Captain Jason provides guidance for all skill levelsEquipment and bait included, weekend departure at 6 AM
Get ready for an epic day on the Columbia River with Fish Food Guide Service, where Captain Jason knows exactly where the salmon and sturgeon are hanging out. This 8-hour shared charter kicks off at 6:00 AM sharp, giving you the best shot at both species during their prime feeding windows. You'll be fishing some of the most productive waters on the West Coast, where the Columbia meets the Pacific and creates a perfect storm of nutrients that draws in massive schools of salmon and prehistoric sturgeon. Whether you're a weekend warrior or picking up a rod for the first time, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Captain Jason runs a tight ship with a maximum of 2 guests, so you're getting personalized attention without the crowds you'll find on those cattle-boat charters. The day starts early because that's when the fish are active - while other anglers are still drinking their coffee, you'll already be working the best spots. The Columbia River system around Astoria is legendary for a reason: it's where ocean-bright salmon stack up before their spawning runs, and where massive sturgeon patrol the deeper channels looking for their next meal. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped boat with all the gear provided - quality rods, reels, and the right bait for whatever's biting. Jason's been working these waters for years and knows how to read the conditions, from tide changes to water temperature, adjusting techniques throughout the day to keep you hooked up. Just bring your fishing license, some snacks, and be ready to learn a thing or two about what makes this fishery so special.
This isn't your typical cast-and-hope fishing trip - Captain Jason employs time-tested methods that produce results on the Columbia. For salmon, you'll be learning proper drift fishing techniques using the current to present your bait naturally, plus anchor fishing in productive holes where salmon congregate before their upstream journey. Sturgeon fishing is a whole different game, involving heavy tackle and strategic positioning in the deeper channels where these bottom-dwellers cruise. Jason provides instruction on reading your rod tip for subtle sturgeon bites - these fish can mouth your bait for minutes before committing, and knowing when to set the hook is an art form. You'll be using circle hooks for sturgeon conservation, learning proper catch-and-release techniques that ensure these ancient fish continue thriving. The boat is rigged with quality fish finders to locate structure and schools, but Jason's local knowledge of seasonal patterns and current breaks is what really puts fish in the boat. By the end of the day, you'll understand why timing, tides, and technique matter more than luck when it comes to consistent success on the Columbia.
Coho salmon are the acrobats of the Columbia, averaging 8-12 pounds of pure silver energy that'll test your drag system and reflexes. These fish hit hard and jump repeatedly, making for some of the most exciting battles you'll experience in fresh water. Coho runs typically peak from August through October, with fish fresh from the ocean showing off that chrome-bright coloration that makes for perfect photos. What makes coho special is their aggressive nature - they'll chase down a properly presented bait or lure with the kind of attitude that gets your heart racing.
Chinook salmon are the kings of the Columbia for good reason, with fish regularly topping 20-30 pounds and occasional monsters pushing 40-plus. These are the fish that make grown anglers shake with excitement - powerful, deep-fighting salmon that use the Columbia's current to their advantage. Spring and fall runs offer the best opportunities, with spring fish being ocean-bright and fat, while fall fish are showing their spawning colors but still pack serious power. Landing a Columbia River king is a bucket-list experience that'll have you planning your next trip before this one's over.
Chum salmon might not get the respect they deserve, but these bruisers average 10-15 pounds and fight with a stubborn determination that'll surprise first-timers. They show up in good numbers during fall runs, often when other salmon species are thinning out. Chums have distinctive tiger stripes and hooked jaws that make them easy to identify, and their fighting style involves long, powerful runs that'll test your patience and your tackle.
Shortnose sturgeon are living dinosaurs that can live over 60 years and reach impressive sizes in the Columbia system. These prehistoric fish are incredibly strong, using their torpedo-shaped bodies to bulldoze through the current in ways that'll make you question your drag settings. What's amazing about sturgeon fishing is the anticipation - you might sit for an hour without a bite, then suddenly your rod doubles over with 50+ pounds of ancient fish on the other end. The Columbia's sturgeon population is healthy and well-managed, making catch-and-release fishing for these giants both sustainable and addictive.
Weekend slots with Fish Food Guide Service fill up fast, especially during peak salmon runs when every serious angler in the Pacific Northwest wants to be on the Columbia. Captain Jason's reputation for putting clients on fish, combined with the intimate 2-person charter experience, makes this one of the most sought-after fishing trips in Astoria. The early morning departure means you'll beat the weekend crowds and fish the prime hours when both salmon and sturgeon are most active. Don't forget to grab your Oregon fishing license before the trip - you can pick one up online or at local tackle shops. A non-refundable deposit secures your spot, which is standard for high-demand charters like this. Whether you're looking to check Columbia River salmon off your bucket list or want to tangle with a prehistoric sturgeon, this full-day adventure delivers the kind of fishing memories that last a lifetime. Book now and get ready to experience why the Columbia River around Astoria is considered world-class salmon and sturgeon water.
Captain Jason's 26-foot Alumaweld cuts through Columbia River waters at 40 knots, getting you to the best salmon and sturgeon spots fast. This 2019 boat handles six anglers comfortably with plenty of deck space for fighting fish. The 250HP Mercury engine delivers reliable power while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working productive holes. Modern fish finder technology helps locate schools, and the GPS ensures we stay on the most productive waters. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the full 8-hour day. Radar system means we fish safely even when morning fog rolls in off the Pacific. Built tough for the Columbia's big water and designed for serious fishing - this rig gets you where the fish are biting.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the trophy everyone's after - the biggest salmon in the Pacific. These bruisers commonly hit 15-20 pounds here on the Columbia, with 30+ pounders showing up regularly during prime runs. They prefer deeper water and low-light conditions, so early morning and evening fishing pays off. Spring and fall runs bring the best opportunities, with fish staging in the main river channels. Kings fight with raw power rather than acrobatics, making long, determined runs that'll test your drag. That deep red meat is absolutely top-shelf eating. Since they're light-sensitive, get your gear down deep with weighted setups. My tip: use fresh herring and fish it slow - kings like to inspect their meals before committing.
Oncorhynchus KetaChum salmon are the sleepers of the Columbia - underestimated but surprisingly fun to catch. These silver-sided fighters average 10-15 pounds and make some of the longest migrations of any Pacific salmon. You'll find them in the main river during fall runs, often in the same areas as cohos but holding a bit deeper. They're not as flashy as other salmon, but they'll give you a solid fight with steady runs. The meat's lighter than kings or cohos but still good eating when fresh. Fall is prime time when they're moving through on their spawning migration. Here's the trick: they spook easily, so don't cast right into a school. Work the edges with chartreuse flies or small spoons for best results.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon, as we call them locally, are pure dynamite on the end of a line. These acrobatic fighters average 8-12 pounds and love to jump when hooked - sometimes clearing 6 feet out of the water. You'll find them in the Columbia's deeper channels and around structure, especially where fresh water mixes with the Pacific. Fall runs from September through November offer the best action when they're staging before spawning. What makes cohos special is their aggressive nature and that bright orange meat that tastes fantastic smoked or grilled. Pro tip: when one jumps, bow your rod tip toward the fish to keep slack out of the line - that's when most people lose them.
Acipenser BrevirostrumThese prehistoric giants are catch-and-release only since they're protected under the Endangered Species Act, but hooking one is still a thrill. Shortnose sturgeon can reach 50+ pounds and live decades in the Columbia's deeper holes and muddy bottoms. They use those whisker-like barbels to vacuum up crabs, mollusks, and small fish from the river floor. Spring through early fall gives you the best shot at one. What's amazing is you're fighting a fish that's virtually unchanged for millions of years - like landing a living fossil. When you feel that steady, heavy pull instead of violent runs, you know you've got a sturgeon. Always use circle hooks and handle them gently for a quick photo and release.
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