Full Day Salmon Fishing Charter
Private Trip
River Fishing
Full day salmon fishing across Columbia River, Willamette, and Pacific OceanAll gear, rods, and bait included for up to four guestsProfessional guided service targeting seasonal Oregon salmon runs
When you're serious about salmon fishing in Oregon, you want a charter that knows where the fish are biting throughout the day. This full-day adventure with JT's NW Guide Service takes you across three premier fisheries - the Columbia River, Willamette River, and Pacific Ocean - following the salmon as they move and feed. Starting at 6:00 AM, you'll spend eight solid hours on the water with a captain who reads conditions like a book and adjusts tactics on the fly. Whether you're new to salmon fishing or you've been chasing these silver bullets for years, this trip is designed to put fish in the boat and teach you something new about Oregon's world-class salmon runs.
Your day kicks off early because that's when salmon are most active. JT's approach is simple but effective - start where the bite is hottest and follow the fish throughout the day. You might begin trolling the Columbia's deeper channels for Chinook, then move to shallower water for Coho, or head out to the ocean if conditions are right. The boat handles up to four anglers comfortably, with space for six if you're bringing the whole crew. Everything you need is provided - top-tier rods, reels, tackle, and bait - so you can focus on what matters: landing fish. The captain knows these waters intimately and will position you over productive structure, current breaks, and feeding zones where salmon congregate. Expect to cover serious water as conditions and fish movement dictate the game plan.
Salmon fishing here isn't a one-size-fits-all game, and your captain adjusts techniques based on species, location, and conditions. In the Columbia, you'll likely troll with diving planers or downriggers, running cut-plug herring, spinners, or spoons at different depths until you find the strike zone. The Willamette often calls for lighter tackle and more finesse - back-bouncing eggs or pulling kwikfish in the current. When ocean conditions allow, it's all about finding bait balls and working the edges with everything from flasher-and-hoochie setups to whole herring. The gear provided handles everything from scrappy Coho to bull Chinook, and the captain will teach you the subtleties of each technique. You'll learn to read your rod tip, feel the difference between a fish and debris, and understand why certain colors and presentations work better in different water conditions.
The salmon runs in Oregon's rivers and coastal waters offer some of the best fishing on the West Coast, with each species bringing its own challenge and reward. Chinook salmon, the kings of the Pacific, are the most prized catch here. These bruisers can push 30-40 pounds and are known for their power and stamina. Spring Chinook enter the Columbia as early as February, with the run peaking through summer. They're fighters that test your drag and demand respect - when you hook into a fresh king, you'll know it immediately. Coho salmon arrive later in the season and are absolute acrobats, jumping clear of the water and making blistering runs. They're smaller than Chinook but pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish you'll encounter. Sockeye salmon are less common but highly sought after for their rich, red meat and determined fight. Pink salmon run in odd-numbered years and provide fast action when they're around. White sturgeon, while not salmon, are also targeted and can reach massive sizes - these prehistoric fish can live over 100 years and provide an entirely different kind of battle with their bulldogging power and incredible size.
There's something addictive about salmon fishing in Oregon waters, and it goes beyond just catching fish. The variety keeps things interesting - you never know if the next bite will be a chrome-bright Coho or a tank Chinook. The scenery doesn't hurt either, with the Columbia Gorge providing a dramatic backdrop and the Pacific Ocean offering that big-water feel. What really brings anglers back is the learning curve. Salmon fishing rewards attention to detail, and there's always something new to pick up - reading water, understanding tides, recognizing productive structure. The seasonal nature of the runs means each trip feels different, with changing conditions, fish behavior, and techniques. Plus, there's the table fare factor - fresh Oregon salmon is as good as it gets, and knowing you caught your own dinner makes it even better. The camaraderie on the boat matters too, whether you're fishing with family, friends, or meeting new people who share your passion for getting on the water.
Oregon's salmon seasons are prime time for good reason, and the best charter dates fill up fast. This full-day trip gives you the best shot at multiple species across varied water, and with all gear included, you just need to show up ready to fish. The 72-hour cancellation policy protects your investment while ensuring the boat runs when weather cooperates. Whether you're planning a family fishing trip, celebrating a special occasion, or just need to get out on the water, this charter delivers the complete Pacific Northwest salmon experience. The early start time maximizes your chances, and eight hours gives you plenty of opportunity to dial in the bite and put together a memorable day. Don't wait until prime season is booked solid - reserve your spot with JT's NW Guide Service and get ready for some of the best salmon fishing Oregon has to offer.
Our 28-foot Nemesis is built for serious salmon fishing on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Twin Yamaha 250s get you to the hot spots fast at 46mph, while the stable hull keeps you comfortable when working the drift. The spacious deck gives your group of four plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Our fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, and GPS keeps us on productive water throughout the 8-hour trip. The built-in icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during long stretches between bites. Whether we're trolling the main stem Columbia or working the confluence, this boat handles Oregon's premier salmon waters with ease. All premium tackle and gear included.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook are the kings for a reason - these bruisers can push 30+ pounds in Oregon waters, though most run 15-25 pounds. They've got black spots on their back, tail, and all fins, plus that telltale black mouth and gums. Being light-sensitive, they stick to deeper water during the day, making early morning and evening your best shots. Spring and fall runs offer different opportunities in the Columbia system. What draws people is the combination of size, fight, and incredible eating quality - that rich, orange-pink meat is restaurant-grade. They're also indicators of healthy water, so catching one means you're in good habitat. Since they hug bottom in deeper water, you need weight to get down to them. Herring works great for bait, but plugs and spoons trolled deep are deadly effective. Remember: these fish are smart and spooky, so keep noise down and presentations natural.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho, or "silvers," are the acrobats of the salmon family - expect jumps up to 6 feet when you hook one. They run 8-12 pounds typically, with dark blue-green backs and bright silver sides that turn reddish during spawning. You'll find them in calmer waters around structure like fallen trees or deeper pools in the Columbia and Willamette systems. Fall runs are prime time, September through November. What guests love is the fight - coho are scrappy and unpredictable, making long runs and aerial shows. The orange-red meat is fantastic eating, milder than sockeye but still rich. These fish can live up to 5 years, so you might hook anything from a feisty jack to a mature adult. My go-to trick: in fast water, swing bright spinners. In holding water, twitch jigs with long tails for extra movement. Chartreuse and pink patterns work great on bright days.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPink salmon, or "humpies," are the smallest Pacific salmon but make up for size with numbers and attitude. They average around 5 pounds and 20 inches, with that distinctive hump on their back during spawning. In Oregon waters, you'll catch them bright silver from the ocean or darker colored when they've been in rivers. They love cold water around 50 degrees and hit best during their odd-year runs. What makes pinks fun is they're perfect for beginners - aggressive biters that aren't too picky about presentation. The meat's lighter than other salmon but still tasty, especially grilled or smoked. Their 2-year life cycle means they're either abundant or scarce depending on the year. Pro tip: bright pink jigs or hoochies work best - seems like they're attracted to their own color. Add some herring scent to really get their attention.
Oncorhynchus NerkaSockeye are the fiery redheads of the salmon world - they start silver in the ocean but turn brilliant red with green heads when they hit freshwater to spawn. Running 4-15 pounds and 18-32 inches, they're smaller than kings but pack serious attitude. You'll find them in the Columbia system May through September, swimming close to bottom in cooler water. What makes sockeye special is their rich, oily red meat - absolutely top-shelf eating that fetches premium prices. They're also called red salmon for good reason. Here's the trick: use smaller flies in low water, bigger ones when it's high. When water hits 60+ degrees, try dry flies. These fish have their mouths constantly opening and closing as they move upriver, so timing your presentation at mouth level is key to connecting.
Acipenser TransmontanusOregon's white sturgeon are living dinosaurs - these massive fish can hit 100+ years old and grow over 12 feet long. They're bottom feeders with no teeth, using their barbels to feel around for shrimp, clams, and small fish in the Columbia's deeper holes and channels. Spring through early summer is prime time when they move into rivers to spawn. What hooks people is the sheer size potential and prehistoric look - bony plates instead of scales, cartilage bones like sharks. The meat's excellent too, firm and mild. Bring heavy tackle with 80lb braid because even smaller ones are powerful. Here's the key tip most folks miss: sturgeon bite incredibly gently at first. They'll mouth your bait for minutes before committing. When you feel that first light tap, don't set the hook - just wait patiently until you feel a solid pull, then reel fast.
Oregon