Winter Steelhead Fishing on Oregon's Premier Rivers
Private Trip
River Fishing
8hour winter steelhead fishing on premier Oregon riversExpert Captain Jason provides all equipment and fish cleaningPrivate trips for two guests maximize fishing success
Nothing beats the rush of hooking into a chrome-bright winter steelhead on one of Oregon's legendary rivers. This 8-hour guided trip with Captain Jason puts you right where the action is—whether that's the productive runs of the Siuslaw, the deep pools of the Siletz, or the classic drift boat water on the Umpqua. We're talking about a full day on the water starting at 6 a.m., when the fish are most active and you've got the best holes to yourself. Jason's been working these rivers for years and knows exactly where to position you for the best shot at landing one of Oregon's most prized game fish.
Your day kicks off before sunrise, which is exactly when you want to be hitting the water for winter steelhead. Captain Jason picks the river based on current conditions—maybe it's the Siuslaw if recent rains have stirred things up just right, or the Umpqua if water levels are perfect for drift fishing. You'll spend eight solid hours working the prime runs and holes, switching spots as needed to stay on the fish. This isn't a rushed half-day deal where you're checking your watch—we're committed to putting in the time it takes to connect with these powerful fish. The boat stays comfortable even in winter weather, and Jason's got the local knowledge to keep you fishing productively all day long. Every piece of gear is provided, from the rods and reels down to the terminal tackle, so you can focus entirely on reading the water and working your presentation.
Winter steelhead fishing here is all about drift fishing with roe, sand shrimp, or spinners—depending on what the fish are responding to that day. Jason sets you up with quality rods that have the backbone to handle a strong steelhead but enough sensitivity to detect those subtle winter bites. The reels are loaded with fresh line and he's got all the weights, swivels, and hooks you'll need for different water conditions. You'll be learning to read the current, adjusting your drift to keep bait in the strike zone, and feeling for that telltale thump when a steelhead picks up your offering. The technique takes some practice, but Jason walks you through everything—from mending your line to setting the hook when you get a bite. These rivers fish best from a drift boat, letting you cover more water and hit spots that bank anglers can't reach. The winter months mean the fish are fresh from the ocean and fighting at their absolute peak.
Winter steelhead are the ultimate prize for Pacific Northwest anglers, and these three rivers consistently produce fish in the 8-15 pound range. The chrome-bright hens are thick and powerful from their ocean feeding, while the bucks show off those distinctive hooked jaws that make for great photos. What makes winter steelhead so special is their incredible strength—a 10-pound fish will test your skills and your gear like nothing else in freshwater. They're known for those spectacular jumps and long, screaming runs that can take you well into your backing. The Siuslaw, Siletz, and Umpqua all have different characteristics, but they share one thing in common: they host serious runs of native winter steelhead from December through March. These fish are sea-bright and aggressive, having just left the rich feeding grounds of the Pacific. The cold water keeps them active and means they'll fight harder and longer than summer fish. Jason's been guiding these waters long enough to know which holes produce consistently and how to adjust techniques based on water temperature and clarity.
Steelhead trout are essentially ocean-going rainbow trout that return to freshwater to spawn, but that simple description doesn't do justice to what they become after years in the Pacific. Winter steelhead typically range from 6-20 pounds in these rivers, with the average fish running 8-12 pounds of pure muscle and attitude. They feed heavily on anchovies, sardines, and krill in the ocean, which gives them that distinctive silver coloration and incredible strength. Unlike their summer cousins, winter steelhead are actively feeding when they enter freshwater, making them more aggressive and willing to take bait or lures. The best fishing happens from December through February when water temperatures are in the 38-45 degree range—cold enough to keep the fish active but not so cold that they become lethargic. These fish are anadromous, meaning they're born in freshwater, migrate to the ocean, then return as adults to spawn. The ones you'll encounter on this trip are typically 3-5 years old and have spent 1-3 years in the ocean putting on serious size and strength. What makes them so exciting to catch is their unpredictability—they might jump six feet out of the water, strip 100 yards of line in seconds, or bulldoze into deep cover. Every hookup is different, and landing one requires patience, skill, and a little bit of luck.
This kind of world-class winter steelhead fishing doesn't come around every day, and Captain Jason's calendar fills up fast during prime season. You're getting eight full hours with an experienced guide who knows these rivers like his backyard, plus all the gear and even fish cleaning at the end of the day. The Siuslaw, Siletz, and Umpqua represent some of the best steelhead water on the Oregon coast, and having the flexibility to fish whichever river is performing best gives you a serious advantage. Winter steelhead fishing is all about timing and local knowledge—two things you can't fake and can't learn overnight. This trip puts you in the right place at the right time with the right techniques to connect with Oregon's most sought-after game fish. Don't let another winter season pass without experiencing what these legendary rivers have to offer.
Our 2020 ClackaCraft 18' drift boat cuts through Oregon's winter waters like it was built for chasing steelhead – because it was. This beauty handles the Siuslaw, Siletz, and Umpqua rivers with ease, thanks to her 8HP Mercury that'll push you upstream at 10 knots when you need to reposition for that perfect drift. The quiet hull won't spook fish in those crystal-clear winter pools where steelhead love to hold. Built with two anglers in mind, you'll have plenty of room to work your lines without tangling up with your fishing buddy. The onboard icebox keeps your lunch fresh and your drinks cold during those long winter days on the water. Captain Jason knows exactly how to read these rivers and position the boat for prime steelhead lies – whether you're swinging flies through deep runs or bouncing bait along rocky bottoms.
Eugene, Oregon