5.0(4 Reviews)Private Salmon and Crab Fishing Charter – Coos Bay
5.0(4 reviews)
Shared Trip
River Fishing
Private 8-hour salmon and crab fishing combo tripTargets Chinook and Coho salmon in Coos Bay watersAll gear provided with expert local guide instruction
When you're looking for a combo fishing trip that delivers both salmon action and fresh crab for the dinner table, this 8-hour private charter with Josh Sutch Guide Service hits the sweet spot. We're talking about targeting Chinook and Coho salmon in some of Oregon's most productive waters, then switching gears to pull crab pots loaded with Dungeness. This isn't your typical half-day trip – you'll spend a full day on the water learning techniques, working prime fishing spots, and heading home with a cooler full of fresh seafood. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Josh provides the local knowledge and hands-on instruction that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on Coos Bay.
This private charter accommodates up to two anglers, which means you get personalized attention and can fish at your own pace without competing for rod time. We start early to hit the prime salmon bite, working the deeper channels and structure where Chinook and Coho stage during their runs. Josh knows these waters like the back of his hand – he'll position you over productive bottom, adjust techniques based on current conditions, and keep you on fish throughout the morning hours. After working the salmon bite, we shift focus to crabbing, which gives you a chance to relax while the pots soak and adds variety to your catch. The Oregon coast can serve up some rolling swells, so come prepared with seasickness remedies if you're prone to motion sensitivity. All fishing gear, crab equipment, and safety gear are provided, so you just need to show up ready to fish.
For salmon, we primarily troll with downriggers, using a combination of spoons, spinners, and cut-plug herring to match what the fish are feeding on. Josh adjusts depth and speed based on sonar readings and fish activity – sometimes we're working 30 feet down, other times we're dropping to 80 feet or more to find where the salmon are holding. He'll teach you how to read the rod tips for strikes, proper fighting techniques to avoid losing fish, and the best way to handle salmon once they're boatside. The crabbing portion involves checking and re-baiting pots that Josh sets in productive areas known for holding good numbers of keeper-size Dungeness. You'll learn how to measure crabs, identify males versus females, and handle them safely. It's a more relaxed part of the trip, but there's real satisfaction in pulling up pots heavy with fresh crab that you'll be cooking up that same evening.
"Josh was amazing! We went out with 2 adults and 4 kids and he went above and beyond to make the experience wonderful for everyone from start to finish. We will definitely book with Josh again." - Jason
"Josh is a great captain and a great fisherman. I will book this trip again in the future if he is available. also take Dramamine before you go out on the Oregon coast . the rolling swells are ruff but i alway felt safe." - Ian
"Our family of dive travelled with captain Josh to catch Salmon. Best fishing times are afternoon and morning, but we only had some time for mid day. He went beyond the traditional expectation guiding fishing and crabbing by the end of the day and allowed our family to have some great memories to take home with us." - Luke
Chinook salmon are the kings of the Pacific, and Coos Bay sees strong runs of these bruiser fish from late spring through early fall. These are the salmon that can tip the scales at 20, 30, even 40 pounds when conditions are right. They're powerful fighters that make screaming runs and test your drag system – there's nothing quite like the solid weight of a mature Chinook on the end of your line. They tend to hold deeper than other salmon species and are often found near structure or current breaks where baitfish concentrate. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for grilling or smoking, and a single large Chinook can feed a family for several meals.
Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the table – they're acrobatic fighters that jump, twist, and put on aerial displays that keep you on your toes. Also called silver salmon, they typically range from 8 to 15 pounds and are known for their aggressive strikes and spirited fights. Coho often feed closer to the surface than Chinook, especially during morning and evening hours when they're chasing schools of anchovies and sardines. Their firm, pink meat has excellent flavor and texture, making them a favorite among anglers who appreciate both the fight and the table fare. They're also more likely to hit flashy lures and can provide consistent action when they're in the area.
This combo trip gives you the best of both worlds – the excitement of salmon fishing combined with the productive satisfaction of pulling fresh crab. Josh's local knowledge and commitment to putting clients on fish has earned him a solid reputation among both visiting and local anglers. The 8-hour format allows plenty of time to work both salmon and crab without feeling rushed, and the private charter setup means you're not dealing with crowded conditions or waiting for other anglers. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before committing. With salmon runs timing varying by season and crab typically being most productive during certain tidal conditions, Josh can help you pick the optimal dates for your trip. Don't wait too long to secure your spot – prime dates during peak salmon season fill up quickly, and there's nothing worse than watching other boats come back loaded while you're stuck on shore wishing you'd booked earlier.
Get ready to fish the productive waters of Coos Bay aboard our restored 22-foot Willie Boats jet boat. This Mercury 240HP-powered vessel cuts through Oregon's coastal waters at speeds up to 38 knots, getting you to the prime salmon and crab spots quickly. Recently restored in 2023, she's equipped with GPS navigation and fish finder technology to help locate those Chinook and Coho salmon hiding in the depths. The shallow-draft jet drive design lets us access fishing areas other boats can't reach, while the spacious deck provides plenty of room for casting lines and hauling in crab pots. Built tough for Oregon's coastal conditions, this boat delivers both speed and stability whether you're trolling for salmon or dropping crab gear in Coos Bay's rich waters.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the giants of the Pacific, commonly running 15-30 pounds in our waters with some bruisers pushing 40+. These silver-sided fighters with black-spotted backs prefer deeper water and structure around Coos Bay, especially near drop-offs and current breaks. They feed heavily on herring, anchovies, and squid, making them prime targets from late spring through early fall. What makes kings special is their raw power - they'll strip line and test your drag like no other salmon. The rich, orange meat is restaurant-quality. My go-to tip: fish early morning or evening when they move up from the depths, and don't be afraid to get your bait down 60-80 feet where the big ones cruise.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are pure acrobats, jumping clean out of the water when hooked and putting on a show that gets everyone excited. Running 8-15 pounds typically, these bright silver fish with dark backs love the mid-water column around structure and bait schools. They're aggressive feeders, hitting everything from spoons to live bait with attitude. Peak season runs from summer into early fall when they're feeding heavily before their spawning run. Coho have that bright red-orange meat that tastes fantastic grilled or smoked. Here's a local trick: when you see them jumping or working bait on the surface, switch to lighter tackle and work the top 20-30 feet of water - they'll often hit right away.
5.0 out of 5.0Trip actually didnt take very long. Just go grab the pods, take out crab and come home. If you’re looking for more of an action ad...
Josh was amazing! We went out with 2 adults and 4 kids and he went above and beyond to make the experience wonderful for everyone ...
Josh is a great captain and a great fisherman. I will book this trip again in the future if he is available. also take Dramamine b...
Our family of dive travelled with captain Josh to catch Salmon. Best fishing times are afternoon and morning, but we only had some...
Coos Bay