Winchester Bay Salmon Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour charter targets Coho and Chinook salmon speciesWinchester Bay offers West Coast's most productive salmon fisheriesCaptain provides all fishing gear and bottled water onboard
If you're looking for some of the best salmon fishing on the Oregon coast, Winchester Bay and the Umpqua River should be at the top of your list. Captain Jamie Standifer runs one of the most productive salmon charters in the area, and for good reason – these waters consistently produce limits of both Chinook and Coho salmon. This 8-hour private charter gives you and up to five friends the chance to fish some prime water without dealing with crowds. Jamie provides all the tackle you'll need, plus bottled water to keep you going through the day. Just grab your Oregon fishing license, pack some snacks and drinks, and get ready for what could be your best salmon fishing day of the year.
Your day starts early at Winchester Bay, where the Umpqua River meets the Pacific. This spot has earned its reputation as one of the West Coast's top salmon destinations, and once you see the action firsthand, you'll understand why anglers travel from all over to fish here. Captain Jamie knows these waters like the back of his hand – he'll position you right where the fish are holding, whether that's in the river mouth, along the jetties, or out in the bay depending on conditions and what the salmon are doing that day. The 8-hour trip gives you plenty of time to work different areas and techniques, so even if the bite is slow in one spot, there's always another productive area to try. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped boat with room for six anglers, so everyone has space to fish comfortably without getting lines tangled.
Winchester Bay salmon fishing involves a mix of techniques depending on where the fish are and what they're biting. Captain Jamie comes prepared with everything from trolling gear for working the deeper water to casting setups for when salmon are feeding closer to structure. The Umpqua River system offers both tidal and freshwater fishing opportunities, so you might find yourself pulling plugs in the lower river or running spinners through the holes where salmon stack up. Jamie provides all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle – he knows exactly what works best in these waters and keeps his gear dialed in for maximum success. If you're new to salmon fishing, don't worry – Jamie will walk you through the techniques and help you feel the difference between a salmon bite and bottom contact. Experienced anglers will appreciate his local knowledge and willingness to share what's been producing.
Chinook salmon are the main draw here, and Winchester Bay consistently produces some impressive kings. These fish typically range from 15 to 30 pounds, with occasional monsters pushing 40-plus pounds. Chinooks are powerful fighters that make long runs and test your drag system – there's nothing quite like the first surge when a big king realizes it's hooked. They're also fantastic eating, with rich, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking. Coho salmon provide non-stop action when they're in the system. These silver bullets usually weigh between 6 and 12 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in attitude. Cohos are acrobatic fighters that jump, run, and generally go crazy once hooked. They show up in good numbers during their peak runs, and it's not unusual to hook multiple fish in a short period when you find a school. The meat is excellent – slightly lighter than Chinook but still rich and flavorful.
Chinook salmon are available here from late spring through fall, with peak fishing typically occurring from July through September. These are the fish most anglers dream about – the heavyweight champions of the salmon world. Winchester Bay Chinooks are known for their size and strength, having spent years in the ocean building muscle and fat reserves. When you hook into a 25-pound king in the current, you'll understand why salmon fishing becomes an obsession for so many people. The key to consistently catching Chinooks here is understanding their movement patterns and preferred holding areas, something Captain Jamie has dialed in through years of experience.
Coho salmon typically arrive in Winchester Bay from late summer into early fall, creating some of the most exciting fishing of the year. These fish are aggressive feeders and will hit a variety of lures and baits. What makes Cohos special is their fighting spirit – they're like the lightweight boxers of the salmon world, quick and full of tricks. A 10-pound Coho can feel like a much bigger fish because of how hard they fight. They're also more likely to jump than Chinooks, which adds to the excitement. Many anglers actually prefer Coho fishing because the action tends to be faster-paced, with more hookups per hour when the bite is on.
Winchester Bay salmon fishing with Captain Jamie Standifer offers everything you want in a charter – productive water, experienced guidance, and the chance to catch fish you'll be talking about for years. The combination of Chinook and Coho salmon in one fishery makes this trip appealing to anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're after a trophy king for the wall or a cooler full of eating fish, these waters can deliver. The 6-person capacity makes it perfect for family trips or groups of friends who want to fish together without sharing the boat with strangers. Remember to get your Oregon fishing license ahead of time, and don't forget to bring a cooler for your catch – you're going to need it. Book your spot now and get ready to experience some of the best salmon fishing the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Your salmon fishing adventure starts aboard our well-equipped 6-passenger motorboat, perfectly suited for targeting Coho and Chinook in Winchester Bay's productive waters. The vessel features a reliable fish finder to locate schools and track bottom structure where salmon love to hang out, plus GPS navigation to mark those hot spots for return trips. An onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh during the 8-hour journey, while the toilet ensures comfort during those long runs to the fishing grounds. Captain Jamie has this boat dialed in for salmon fishing success, with all the gear you need already aboard. The spacious layout gives everyone room to fight fish without tangling lines, and there's plenty of deck space for landing those chunky Chinook. Whether we're trolling the river mouth or heading offshore for deeper water salmon, this boat handles the Umpqua River conditions with ease. Just bring your license, snacks, and drinks - everything else is ready to help you fill the cooler with some of Oregon's finest salmon.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the trophy fish everyone's after here on the Umpqua. These bruisers typically run 12-30 inches and 15-25 pounds, though we see some real monsters pushing 40+ pounds during peak runs. They're smart fish that hug the bottom in deeper water, especially around structure and drop-offs. Early morning and evening produce the best bites when they're actively feeding. What makes kings special is that incredible fight - they'll make long, powerful runs that test your drag and patience. The meat is absolutely top-notch too, with that rich orange-red color and buttery texture. Here's a local tip: when trolling, keep your bait or lure just off the bottom using a fish finder. Kings are light-sensitive, so they stay deep during bright conditions. We use heavy tackle and cut herring or plugs to reach them where they live.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are pure dynamite on the end of your line. These acrobatic fighters average 12-24 inches and 8-12 pounds, but what they lack in size compared to kings, they make up for in aerial shows. Coho love to jump - sometimes clearing the water by 6 feet - which makes for some heart-stopping moments. You'll find them in the main river channels and around creek mouths where they stage before heading upstream. They prefer the middle water column and aren't as bottom-hugging as their king cousins. Peak season runs from late summer through fall when they're bright and aggressive. The meat is fantastic - firm texture with that classic salmon flavor. Here's something that works well for us: bright colored lures like chartreuse or hot pink really trigger strikes. They're curious fish, so don't be afraid to work your presentation with some action.
Elmira, OR