Columbia River Chinook Salmon Private Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday chinook salmon fishing on Lower Columbia RiverPrivate charter accommodates up to six guests maximumAll fishing equipment and gear provided by experienced captain
Picture this: you're drifting through the productive waters of the Lower Columbia River at first light, rod in hand, waiting for that telltale thump of a chinook hitting your gear. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to target some of the Pacific Northwest's most prized salmon in waters that have been producing trophy fish for generations. J. Standifer Guide Service knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on fish in both the Lower Columbia River and the productive backwaters of Scappoose Bay.
Your full-day private charter accommodates up to six anglers, making it perfect for family groups or a crew of fishing buddies who want the boat to themselves. Captain Standifer provides all the tackle, bait, and expertise you need – just bring your fishing license, some snacks, and get ready for a day of serious salmon fishing. The Lower Columbia River offers diverse fishing opportunities, from the main stem current breaks where chinook stage before heading upriver, to the quieter sloughs and bays where coho salmon cruise the shallows. Scappoose Bay adds another dimension to your day, with its maze of channels and structure that holds fish throughout the season. The beauty of a private charter means the captain can adjust tactics based on what's working best that day and what your group wants to target.
Columbia River salmon fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Your captain will likely start with trolling setups using diving weights or downriggers to get your offerings down to where the salmon are holding. Herring, anchovies, and spinners are go-to baits in these waters, often fished behind flashers or dodgers that create the flash and vibration salmon can't resist. In Scappoose Bay, you might switch to lighter tackle and work the structure with jigs or drift fishing techniques. The key here is letting the current do the work while you maintain contact with your bait. Your guide will have rods rigged and ready, switching between setups as conditions dictate. When the bite is on, you'll be using medium to heavy action rods with quality reels that can handle the runs these fish are famous for. The captain knows exactly where to position the boat in relation to current, structure, and holding water – that's the difference between hoping for a bite and consistently putting fish in the boat.
The Lower Columbia River system produces two distinct salmon species that keep anglers coming back year after year. Chinook salmon, also called kings, are the main attraction here and for good reason. These fish average 15-25 pounds but can push well over 30 pounds during peak runs. Spring chinook start showing up in March and April, with these fish being some of the highest quality table fare you'll find. Summer and fall runs bring different opportunities, with fish staging in the lower river before making their spawning journey. What makes chinook so special is their fight – they're powerful, stubborn, and will test your drag system with long, sustained runs. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for the grill or smoker.
Coho salmon, or silvers as many locals call them, bring a different kind of excitement to your day. These acrobatic fighters typically run 8-12 pounds but make up for their smaller size with aerial displays that'll get your heart pumping. Coho are notorious for their jumping ability, often clearing the water multiple times during a fight. They show up in good numbers from late summer through fall, and they're absolute table fare champions with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for any preparation. In Scappoose Bay, coho will cruise the shallower water, making for some visual fishing opportunities when conditions are right.
The Lower Columbia River isn't just another salmon destination – it's a world-class fishery that produces consistent results when you fish with someone who knows the water. Captain Standifer's local knowledge, combined with quality gear and a private charter experience, gives you the best shot at filling your cooler with premium Pacific salmon. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your Columbia River technique or a newcomer wanting to experience what Northwest salmon fishing is all about, this trip delivers. The combination of the main river fishing and Scappoose Bay's unique opportunities means you'll see different types of water and fishing styles in a single day. Don't wait on this one – prime dates fill up fast, especially during the best fishing windows. Book your private Columbia River salmon charter now and get ready for a day of fishing you'll be talking about all season long.
Our well-equipped motorboat is your ticket to productive salmon fishing on the Lower Columbia River and Scappoose Bay waters. This reliable fishing vessel comfortably handles up to 6 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day chasing chinook. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools of salmon while GPS navigation keeps us on the most productive fishing spots. You'll appreciate the spacious deck layout that gives everyone room to fight fish without tangling lines. The icebox keeps your catch fresh throughout the day, and the onboard toilet means more time with lines in the water instead of heading back to shore. Whether you're trolling the main river channel or working the quieter waters of Scappoose Bay, this boat handles both environments with ease. The experienced captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Just bring your fishing license, food, and drinks for a full day of salmon fishing in some of Oregon's most productive waters.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKnown as "King" salmon for good reason – these are the biggest of the Pacific salmon, averaging 15-30 pounds in our waters with some real bruisers pushing 40+. Chinooks have that distinctive black mouth and gums, plus silver sides with black spots scattered across their backs and tails. They're deep fighters, preferring to stay near the bottom rather than jumping like their coho cousins. We target them from late spring through fall when they're moving through the Columbia on their spawning runs. What makes them special isn't just the size – their rich, orange-red meat is outstanding table fare. Here's a local trick: when trolling, keep your gear deep and use a cut-plug herring with a slow, steady pull. These fish are line-shy, so lighter leaders often mean more hookups.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are pure excitement – they'll jump 6 feet out of the water and put on an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping. Running 8-15 pounds on average, cohos are smaller than kings but make up for it with attitude. Look for them in the quieter backwaters and eddies, especially around structure like fallen trees or bridge pilings. They're most active during their fall run from August through October. The bright silver sides and dark blue-green backs make them easy to identify, and that orange-red meat tastes fantastic. What I love about cohos is how acrobatic they are – no lazy bottom fighting here. Pro tip for our waters: when they're jumping and missing your lure, slow down your trolling speed. Sometimes that change in presentation is all it takes to turn follows into solid hookups.
Elmira, OR