5.0(1 Reviews)West Coast Salmon Fishing for First-Timers
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Perfect introduction to West Coast salmon fishing for beginnersSmall group experience aboard 17foot Boston Whaler vesselFour to six hour guided trolling adventure targeting Chinook
Looking to get your feet wet with salmon fishing but not sure where to start? This 4-6 hour introductory trip with Fishing Storie Charters is exactly what you need. We've designed this experience for folks who are brand new to the sport, families wanting to try something different, or anyone who's been thinking about salmon fishing but feels a bit intimidated by longer charters. You'll spend your morning or afternoon aboard our reliable 17-foot Boston Whaler, learning the ropes while targeting some of the West Coast's most prized salmon species. No pressure, no rushing – just good fishing, beautiful coastal views, and plenty of hands-on instruction to get you started on the right foot.
Your day starts at the marina where you'll meet your guide and get a quick rundown of the boat and safety gear. The 17-foot Boston Whaler might seem compact, but it's perfect for this kind of fishing – stable, maneuverable, and just the right size for a personalized experience with up to two guests. We'll head out into prime salmon waters where the action typically happens within a few miles of shore. The West Coast's inshore waters are famous for their salmon runs, and depending on the season, you'll be targeting everything from feisty Coho to massive Chinook. Your guide will handle the navigation and fish-finding while teaching you the fundamentals – how to read the fish finder, what to look for in the water, and how different weather conditions affect salmon behavior. Don't worry about bringing anything except yourself and maybe a camera. We provide all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait you'll need.
Salmon fishing on the West Coast is all about trolling, and this trip gives you a perfect introduction to the technique. We'll set you up with medium-heavy action rods paired with level-wind reels – equipment that's forgiving for beginners but still gives you the sensitivity to feel what's happening down below. Your guide will show you how to work with downriggers to get your lures to the right depth where salmon are feeding. We typically run a combination of spoons, hoochies, and cut-plug herring depending on what the fish are hitting that day. You'll learn how to detect strikes, set the hook properly, and fight fish without losing them. The beauty of trolling is that it's active but not overwhelming – you're constantly moving, covering water, and adjusting your presentation based on what you're seeing. Your guide will explain why we're making each move, so by the end of the trip, you'll understand the thinking behind successful salmon fishing rather than just going through the motions.
"First Salmon experience for both of us, it was a great morning with a great guide , Trevor.We had an absolute blast and highly recommend this to anyone kicking tires on this adventure!!! We will be back" - Melinda
"This fishing charter was fantastic. Jason's enthusiasm and knowledge about fishing made the experience incredible. Despite the rainy weather, we managed to hook good size springs. I got caught up in the thrill of hooking and reeling in a fish. I would totally recommend Fishing Storie Charters for an experience of a lifetime! Thanks Jason!!" - Susan
Chinook Salmon, also called King salmon or "springs" by locals, are the heavyweight champions of West Coast waters. These bruisers can weigh anywhere from 15 to 40 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 50-plus. Chinook are most active during spring and early summer, though you can find them year-round in deeper waters. What makes them so special is their fighting ability – they'll make long, powerful runs that test your drag system and endurance. The meat is rich, oily, and perfect for grilling or smoking. Landing your first Chinook is a rite of passage that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
Coho Salmon, or Silver salmon, are the acrobats of the salmon world. These fish typically run 8 to 15 pounds and are absolutely famous for their aerial displays when hooked. Coho are most abundant from late summer through fall, and they love to feed aggressively in the top 30 feet of water. They're perfect for beginning anglers because they hit hard, fight clean, and don't require the heavy tackle that Chinook demand. The meat is firm and flavorful, and many guides consider Coho the best eating of all Pacific salmon species.
Pink Salmon show up in massive numbers during odd-numbered years, creating some of the most exciting fishing on the West Coast. These smaller salmon, usually 3 to 6 pounds, make up for their size with sheer numbers and willingness to bite. Pinks are great for kids and first-timers because the action can be non-stop when you hit a school. They're most common from late summer into early fall, and while they're not the strongest fighters, the constant action keeps everyone engaged and learning.
Chum Salmon, or Dog salmon, are the bulldogs of the salmon family. These fish can reach 15 to 20 pounds and are known for their incredible stamina rather than flashy jumps. Chum are most active in late fall and early winter, making them a great target when other species have moved on. They're excellent for learning proper fish-fighting techniques because they make long, steady runs that teach you how to work with your drag and pump-and-wind effectively. The meat is leaner than Chinook but still makes excellent table fare when handled properly.
This introductory salmon fishing trip hits all the right notes for anyone wanting to experience West Coast fishing without jumping into the deep end. You'll get quality instruction, hands-on experience with proven techniques, and a real shot
Meet your fishing partner for the day – a reliable 17' Boston Whaler Montauk that's built for West Coast waters. This classic center console is the perfect size for up to 2 anglers, giving you plenty of room to cast, fight fish, and move around without feeling cramped. The modified-V hull cuts through coastal chop smoothly, so you can focus on your lines instead of getting bounced around. With generous storage for tackle boxes, coolers, and your catch, plus an easy-to-clean deck that handles fish slime and bait spills like a champ, this Whaler is designed for serious fishing fun. Whether you're learning to troll for salmon or just enjoying the coastal scenery between bites, this boat delivers comfort and reliability on every outing.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook are the kings for good reason - these bruisers can hit 20-30 pounds and will test every bit of your tackle. They're deep dwellers, usually hugging bottom in 60-100 feet of water, and they don't give up easy. Spring through early summer is when they're most active, feeding on herring and anchovies. What guests love about kings is the raw power - no fancy jumps, just bulldogging runs that'll make your arms burn. The meat is premium stuff, rich and buttery. Since they're light-sensitive, early morning and evening are your best shots. Pro tip: when you hook one, let them run initially. Don't try to horse them up right away - that's how you lose gear. These fish have stamina, so settle in for a battle. The reward is worth every minute of the fight.
Oncorhynchus KetaChum salmon don't get the respect they deserve - these tough fighters average 10-15 pounds and make epic migrations up our coast. In the ocean they're bright silver, but as they mature you'll see those distinctive tiger stripes. They prefer depths around 15-40 feet during the day, moving shallower at night to feed. Fall is prime time when they're staging before their spawning runs. What makes chum interesting is their curious nature - they'll follow lures for a while before deciding to hit. The meat is excellent when caught fresh in saltwater. Here's the trick with chum: they spook easily, so don't cast right into a school. Work the edges with chartreuse or pink flies about 10 feet off the group. They'll investigate and often commit to a well-presented lure.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon are the acrobats of the salmon world - these silver rockets will jump clean out of the water and put on a real show. They typically run 8-12 pounds and fight way above their weight class. You'll find them in 20-50 feet of water, often hanging around structure like kelp beds and drop-offs. Summer through early fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily on baitfish. What makes coho special is their aggressive nature - they'll chase down a lure like a dog after a tennis ball. The meat is rich and orange-red, perfect for the grill. Here's a guide secret: when trolling, vary your speed every few minutes. Coho love that erratic action, and a speed change often triggers strikes when they're following but not committing. They're pure fun on the rod.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPink salmon are perfect for beginners - they're scrappy little fighters that average around 5 pounds and show up in good numbers during summer runs. Also called humpbacks for the distinctive bump males develop, these are the smallest Pacific salmon but what they lack in size they make up for in attitude. You'll find them in cooler waters, often closer to shore than other salmon species. They love cold currents and will hit bright pink jigs and spoons that mimic the crustaceans they feed on. The meat has that classic salmon pink color from all the krill they eat. Best tip I can share: when you see them jumping and rolling on the surface, that's your cue to get those lures down about 10-15 feet where they're actively feeding. Great table fare and a blast to catch on lighter tackle.
5.0 out of 5.0First Salmon experience for both of us, it was a great morning with a great guide , Trevor.We had an absolute blast and highly rec...
Melinda Sumner, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
This fishing charter was fantastic. Jason’s enthusiasm and knowledge about fishing made the experience incredible. Despite the rai...
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