5.0(4 Reviews)Private Salmon and Crab Fishing Charter – Coos Bay
5.0(4 reviews)
Shared Trip
River Fishing
Private 8hour salmon and crab fishing charter in Coos BayTarget Chinook and Coho salmon plus fresh crab catchAll gear included with expert guidance for beginners to pros
Ready for a full day of productive fishing on Oregon's coast? Captain Josh Sutch knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on both salmon and crab during this combo charter. We're talking about an 8-hour private trip that covers all the bases – from trolling for hard-fighting salmon to pulling crab pots loaded with Dungeness. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, Josh provides all the gear and local knowledge you need to make this trip count. Coos Bay and the surrounding waters offer some of the best salmon fishing on the Oregon coast, and adding crab to the mix means you're heading home with a cooler full of fresh seafood.
This isn't your typical half-day fishing trip – we're dedicating a full 8 hours to maximizing your time on productive water. The day starts with targeting Chinook and Coho salmon using proven techniques that work in these coastal waters. Josh knows exactly where the fish are holding based on current conditions, tides, and seasonal patterns. After working the salmon grounds, we'll shift gears to check crab pots that were set earlier, giving you a completely different but equally rewarding fishing experience. The boat is set up to handle both activities comfortably, with plenty of space for two anglers to fish without getting in each other's way. Don't worry about bringing anything – all rods, reels, tackle, and crabbing gear are provided. The only thing you need to focus on is enjoying the fight when that rod tip goes down.
We'll be primarily trolling for salmon using downriggers and divers to get your bait and lures down to where the fish are feeding. Josh runs quality gear – think sturdy salmon rods paired with smooth reels that can handle the pull of a big Chinook. For bait, we'll be using fresh herring, anchovies, and proven lures that produce results in these waters. The crabbing portion involves checking pots that have been soaking in prime Dungeness habitat. These pots are baited with fish carcasses and positioned in areas where crabs naturally congregate. Josh handles all the technical aspects – setting depths, reading the fish finder, and knowing when to move spots if the action slows down. The beauty of this combo trip is the variety – one minute you're battling a salmon on rod and reel, the next you're hauling up a pot full of keeper-sized crab.
"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 heavyweight champions of Pacific salmon, and Coos Bay waters produce some beauties. These fish typically range from 15 to 30 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 40 pounds or more. Chinooks are available year-round in these waters, but late spring through early fall offers the most consistent action. What makes them so sought-after isn't just their size – it's the way they fight. When a big king hits your gear, you'll know it immediately. They make long, powerful runs that test both your equipment and your skills. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for grilling or smoking. Josh knows the specific depths and locations where these fish cruise, adjusting tactics based on water temperature and bait presence.
Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the table. These silver rockets are known for their aerial displays and aggressive strikes. Typically weighing 8 to 12 pounds, Cohos make up for their smaller size with pure athleticism. They're often found in shallower water than Chinooks and will readily take both bait and lures. Peak Coho season runs from late summer into fall, when they're staging near river mouths before their spawning runs. The meat is excellent table fare with a milder flavor than Chinook, and they're perfect for anglers who want fast action and plenty of bent rods. Don't let their size fool you – a hot Coho will give you a workout and provide plenty of photo opportunities when they go airborne.
This combo trip gives you the best of both worlds – the adrenaline rush of fighting salmon and the satisfaction of pulling up crab pots loaded with fresh Dungeness. With only two spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of fishing time. Josh's local knowledge and quality equipment stack the odds in your favor, whether you're after your first salmon or looking to add to your tally. The 8-hour format means we can adapt to conditions and move between salmon and crab fishing to maximize your success. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. If you want to experience world-class salmon fishing combined with productive crabbing in some of Oregon's most beautiful coastal waters, this is your trip. The cooler space is there – now it's time to fill it up.
Your fishing platform for this Coos Bay adventure is a freshly restored 22-foot Willie Boats jet boat that cuts through Oregon's coastal waters with authority. The 240HP Mercury engine pushes this rig to 38 knots, getting you to the salmon grounds fast and back to port with your catch. Recently brought back to life in 2023, she's built tough for these Pacific Northwest waters where Chinook and Coho run strong. The GPS keeps you on course while the fish finder helps locate schools holding in deeper water. With room for your party of two plus gear, you'll have plenty of space to work the rods and handle crab pots. This jet boat setup handles both the river mouths where salmon stage and the nearshore waters where Dungeness crabs wait in the pots. Clean, reliable, and ready to put you on fish.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the heavyweights of our salmon runs, commonly hitting 15-25 pounds with some bruisers pushing 30+. These silver-sided giants with their distinctive black-spotted tails prefer deeper water and structure around Coos Bay. They're bottom huggers during bright daylight, so we fish them deep with downriggers and heavy gear. Fall brings the best action as they stage near river mouths before spawning runs. What makes Kings special is their raw power - they'll test your drag and stamina like no other salmon. The rich, orange-pink meat is restaurant quality. Pro tip: when trolling, slow down more than you think. Kings want that bait crawling along at 2-3 knots, not racing by.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are pure athletes - smaller than Kings at 8-12 pounds, but they'll jump clean out of the water and run your line like crazy. These acrobatic fighters love the upper water column around structure and kelp beds in Coos Bay's calmer spots. Late summer through fall is prime time when they're staging before their spawning runs. Cohos have this bright silver look with minimal spotting that makes them easy to identify. What guests love most is their aerial show - they can jump 6 feet straight up and put on a real circus act. The bright orange meat tastes fantastic too. My go-to trick is using bright lures like pink or chartreuse spoons when the water's murky - Cohos are aggressive and will hammer flashy presentations.
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