Shared Columbia River Fall Chinook
Shared Trip
River Fishing
Target fall Chinook salmon on Columbia River watersEighthour guided trips with all tackle includedSmall groups of two guests maximum per trip
Picture yourself hooked up to a 30-pound Chinook salmon at first light, your drag screaming as one of the Pacific's most prized fish makes its legendary run. That's exactly what you're signing up for with Jesse's Guide Service on the mighty Columbia River. This isn't just another fishing trip—it's your shot at tangling with fall Chinook during their peak season, when these silver bullets are thick in the system and absolutely loaded with fight. Running from Astoria's saltwater influence all the way up to Hood River's scenic gorge, we're covering some of the most productive salmon water on the West Coast.
We're talking serious early bird fishing here—4:30 AM departure means you'll be sipping coffee while most folks are still dreaming. But trust me, those pre-dawn hours are pure gold for Chinook fishing. The Columbia's a big river with big fish, and we'll be working the prime zones where these salmon stage up during their spawning run from August through early September. You're getting a full 8-hour day on the water, which gives us plenty of time to chase the bite as it develops. Some mornings they're stacked up in the deeper holes near Bonneville, other days we might find them pushing through the slot at Cascade Locks. That's the beauty of covering water from Astoria to Hood River—we can follow the fish and the action. Expect to see some beautiful country too, especially as we work up into the gorge where those towering cliffs frame the river. Just remember to layer up because morning temps can be chilly, even in late summer, and bring your own snacks since we're focused on fishing, not catering.
When you're targeting 15 to 40-pound Chinook salmon, you need gear that can handle the punishment, and that's exactly what we're bringing to the party. We're talking heavy-action rods paired with quality reels spooled with serious line—none of that light tackle stuff when these fish are on the feed. The Columbia River fall Chinook bite calls for specific techniques that have been proven over decades of serious salmon fishing. We'll be working everything from plugs to spinners to fresh bait, depending on what the fish are telling us that day. The key is staying mobile and reading the water, which means we might be back-bouncing in the morning and switching to plug pulls by afternoon. All your tackle, lures, and gear are included in the trip, so you don't need to stress about having the right setup. These fish didn't earn their reputation as fighters for nothing—expect powerful runs, head shakes that'll rattle your fillings, and that classic Chinook bulldogging that makes your arms burn. The Columbia's current adds another element to the fight, and when you hook one of these chrome-bright beauties in moving water, you'll understand why salmon fishing gets in people's blood.
Chinook salmon are the undisputed kings of Pacific salmon, and the Columbia River fall run represents some of the finest examples you'll find anywhere. These aren't your typical hatchery fish—we're talking about wild genetics and hatchery supplements that have been feeding heavily in the ocean, returning as absolute tanks. Fall Chinook typically range from 15 to 35 pounds, with the occasional bruiser pushing 40-plus that'll test every knot in your system. What makes these fish so special is their timing and condition. Unlike spring Chinook that have been in freshwater for months, fall fish are fresh from the salt, absolutely chrome bright and packed with ocean muscle. They hit hard, fight harder, and when you finally get one to the net, that silver flanks and hooked jaw of a mature salmon is a sight that never gets old. The Columbia's fall run peaks right during our season from August through early September, which means you're fishing when these salmon are at their absolute prime. They're aggressive, territorial, and actively feeding as they push upriver, making for some of the most consistent Chinook action you'll find on the West Coast. Plus, there's something special about catching salmon in the Columbia—this river system has been supporting these runs for thousands of years, and you're tapping into that ancient cycle when you hook one of these magnificent fish.
With only 2 spots available per trip, this isn't the kind of fishing experience you can wait until the last minute to book. Fall Chinook season is short but sweet, running just over a month from August 1 through September 4, and the best fishing windows fill up fast with repeat customers who know exactly what they're getting into. Don't forget to grab your Oregon fishing license and Columbia River endorsement ahead of time—you can pick these up online or through Jesse if you need help navigating the regulations. The non-refundable deposit system means we're both serious about making this happen, and honestly, once you've experienced world-class Chinook fishing on the Columbia, you'll understand why folks plan their entire year around this season. Whether you're a seasoned salmon angler looking to add the Columbia to your list or someone ready to step up to serious big-fish action, this trip delivers the goods. Book your spot now and get ready for the kind of fishing that creates stories you'll be telling for years to come.
You'll be fishing from a solid 24-foot North River boat that's built to handle the Columbia River's currents and conditions. This motorboat seats up to six anglers comfortably, giving you plenty of room to work your lines and land those fall Chinook. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you need to sneak up on fish, while the GPS and fish finder help locate the best salmon holding spots from Astoria all the way to Hood River. The boat comes loaded with quality rods, reels, and all the heavy tackle you need for these hard-fighting salmon. Just grab your Oregon license, dress in layers for that 4:30 AM start, and get ready for some serious salmon action on one of the West Coast's premier fishing waters.
Astoria