Tillamook Bay Spring Chinook Adventure
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Spring Chinook salmon during peak MayJune seasonSixhour offshore adventure accommodates two guests maximumShared trip format provides camaraderie with fellow anglers
Looking for a solid day chasing spring kings on one of Oregon's most productive salmon waters? Our Tillamook Bay guided trips put you right in the action during the peak of the spring Chinook run. From May 1st through June 1st, we're hitting both the inshore flats and venturing offshore when conditions allow, targeting fresh chrome bright salmon that'll test your tackle and fill your cooler. This is a shared trip with room for two anglers, so you'll split costs while doubling the fish stories. No meals included means more room in the boat for gear and fish – just bring your appetite for some serious salmon fishing.
Your six-hour adventure starts at the crack of dawn when the bite is hottest and the water's still calm. We launch from Tillamook Bay and work our way through some of the most productive salmon water on the Oregon coast. Depending on tides, weather, and where the fish are holding, we'll target structure around the jetties, work the deeper channels inside the bay, or push offshore to hit the ocean bite. Spring Chinook are creatures of habit, and they follow predictable patterns – but that doesn't make them easy. These fish are aggressive feeders when they're moving, but they can be finicky when pressured. That's where local knowledge pays off. I've been working these waters for years and know exactly where to position the boat based on tide changes, bait movements, and seasonal patterns that most weekend warriors miss completely.
We're primarily trolling for these spring kings, using a combination of divers, downriggers, and lead core to get our offerings down to where the fish are feeding. Herring is the go-to bait – we'll run whole plug cut herring behind flashers and dodgers, along with some proven hardware like Coho Killers and Blue Fox spinners when the bite calls for it. I provide all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle, but if you've got a favorite setup, bring it along. We're typically fishing 20 to 80 feet of water depending on conditions, and these Chinook aren't shy about hitting baits presented properly. The key is matching your speed to the water temperature and adjusting your spread based on what the fish finder is showing. When we mark fish, we'll make multiple passes through the zone until we connect or they move off. It's chess match between angler and fish, and patience usually wins the day.
Spring Chinook salmon are the crown jewel of Pacific Northwest fishing, and Tillamook Bay produces some genuine trophies during the May run. These fish average 15 to 25 pounds, with plenty of 30-pounders mixed in and the occasional 40-pound bruiser that'll have you questioning your drag settings. Spring kings are ocean-bright chrome with that distinctive black-spotted tail and back – fresh fish that haven't been in the system long enough to lose their sea strength. They're incredibly aggressive fighters, making long runs and aerial displays that'll get your heart pumping. What makes spring Chinook special is their timing – they're feeding heavily as they stage outside river mouths, making them prime targets for trolled baits. The meat quality is absolutely top-tier, with firm red flesh that's perfect for the grill or smoker. These fish have been feeding on anchovies, sardines, and krill in the deep ocean, giving them that rich flavor that salmon enthusiasts crave. May through early June is prime time because the fish are concentrated, the weather's cooperative, and the bite windows are predictable if you know where to look.
Spring Chinook fishing on Tillamook Bay is a short-season opportunity that sells out fast among serious salmon anglers. The narrow window from May 1st to June 1st means every trip counts, and weather delays can cut into your chances quickly. Shared trips like this one offer incredible value – you get professional guiding, quality gear, and local expertise at a fraction of what private charters cost. Plus, fishing with another angler often leads to friendly competition that makes the day more memorable. I've seen plenty of new friendships form over net jobs and fish stories. The combination of inshore and offshore fishing means we can adapt to conditions and follow the fish, whether they're holding in the bay's deeper holes or feeding in the ocean surf. Book early to secure your dates, and remember that spring weather on the Oregon coast can change quickly. We fish in most conditions, but safety always comes first. This trip consistently produces fish for anglers who show up ready to learn and put in the work – and trust me, when you feel that first spring king load up your rod, you'll understand why we call this the best fishing of the year.
Captain Craig's 29' D Tech aluminum fishing vessel cuts through Tillamook Bay waters with authority, powered by a reliable 250 HP engine that gets you to the prime Chinook spots efficiently. This sturdy boat handles both inshore and offshore conditions with ease, accommodating up to six anglers with plenty of room to work your lines. The advanced electronics package includes GPS navigation and fish finder technology to locate those legendary Spring Chinook salmon lurking in the depths. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your beverages cold during the 6-hour adventure. The wireless trolling motor allows for stealthy approaches when fish are finicky. Wheelchair accessible design ensures every angler can experience the excitement of hooking into a powerful Chinook. Built for serious fishing, this vessel provides the perfect platform for targeting salmon in Tillamook's productive waters from May through June.
Garibaldi, OR, United States