Private Smallmouth Bass Fishing on Umpqua River
Shared Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Private 8hour Smallmouth Bass charter with expert guideTarget Smallmouth Bass, Chinook and Coho Salmon speciesPerfect for beginners and families with gear included
The Umpqua River has earned its reputation as one of Oregon's premier fishing destinations, and for good reason. When you book this private 8-hour charter with Josh Sutch Guide Service, you're getting exclusive access to some of the most productive smallmouth bass waters in the Pacific Northwest. This isn't your typical crowded fishing experience – with just two anglers maximum, you'll have personalized instruction, prime fishing spots all to yourself, and the flexibility to adapt your day based on what's biting. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first serious fishing adventure or you're looking to dial in your bass techniques, this trip delivers the kind of hands-on experience that creates lasting memories.
Your day starts early with Josh's expert eye for reading the river conditions and weather patterns that drive fish behavior. The Umpqua's diverse structure – from rocky ledges and deep pools to shallow flats and fallen timber – creates perfect habitat for multiple species, making every cast feel like it could produce something special. You'll spend eight full hours working through different sections of the river, learning to identify productive water and understanding how smallmouth bass relate to structure throughout the day. The relaxed pace means there's time to really absorb the instruction, practice your casting accuracy, and enjoy the stunning Oregon scenery. Josh provides all the gear you'll need, but feel free to bring your own rods if you've got favorites. The beauty of a private charter is that everything revolves around your group's experience level and interests – beginners get patient instruction on basics like setting the hook and fighting fish, while experienced anglers can focus on advanced techniques and reading water.
Smallmouth bass fishing on the Umpqua requires a versatile approach since these fish can be incredibly finicky depending on water temperature, flow levels, and seasonal patterns. Josh typically starts the day with reaction baits like spinnerbaits and crankbaits to cover water quickly and locate active fish. As conditions dictate, you'll switch to more finesse presentations – think drop shots, ned rigs, and soft plastics worked slowly around structure. The river's current creates unique opportunities to use jigs and tubes in ways that still-water bass anglers rarely experience. You'll learn to position the boat for optimal presentations, use the current to your advantage, and recognize the subtle strikes that smallmouth are famous for. All rods are matched with appropriate reels spooled with quality line – usually fluorocarbon for finesse work and braid for heavy cover situations. Josh keeps tackle boxes stocked with proven Umpqua patterns, from crayfish-imitating jigs to shad-pattern crankbaits that trigger aggressive strikes from both bass and the occasional bonus salmon.
The Umpqua's mixed fishery creates opportunities that keep every trip interesting and unpredictable. Smallmouth bass are the primary target, but this river system supports an incredible diversity of species that can turn any cast into a surprise. Lake sturgeon provide heart-stopping moments when they take a bait intended for bass – these prehistoric giants can reach impressive sizes in the Umpqua system and offer a completely different kind of fight. Striped bass push into the river during certain times of year, bringing their trademark power and speed that tests both equipment and angling skills. The salmon runs add another dimension entirely, with both Chinook and coho moving through the system during their respective seasons. Josh's local knowledge ensures you're targeting the right species with appropriate techniques, whether that means switching to heavier tackle for a potential sturgeon encounter or adjusting presentations when salmon are in the area. The beauty of this mixed fishery is that you never know what's going to grab your offering next.
Lake sturgeon represent the Umpqua's most unique fishing opportunity, with these ancient fish reaching lengths that can exceed six feet in the river system. They're bottom feeders that cruise the deeper holes and channel bends, typically more active during cooler months when water temperatures drop. Landing a sturgeon is a bucket-list experience – their prehistoric appearance and surprising strength create memories that last a lifetime. These fish require patience since they're not aggressive feeders, but when one takes your bait, you'll know immediately that you're connected to something special.
Striped bass bring saltwater power to freshwater fishing, with fish in the 15-25 pound range providing explosive strikes and blistering runs. They're most active during spring and fall migrations, often feeding aggressively on baitfish schools in deeper pools and current seams. Stripers fight with incredible determination, making multiple runs and testing every connection in your tackle system. Their seasonal presence makes encounters special since they're not always available, but when they're in the system, they provide some of the most exciting fishing the Umpqua has to offer.
Smallmouth bass are the river's bread and butter species, with populations that support consistent action throughout most of the season. These fish average 12-16 inches with occasional specimens pushing 18-20 inches that provide serious battles on appropriate tackle. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action as water temperatures hit optimal ranges, but summer fishing can be outstanding during low-light periods. Smallmouth fight with incredible tenacity for their size, jumping repeatedly and making strong runs that keep constant pressure on your equipment.
Coho salmon enter the system during their spawning runs, typically from late summer through fall depending on rainfall and river conditions. These silver bullets are known for their acrobatic fights, often jumping multiple times when hooked. Fresh coho in the 8-12 pound range provide spectacular battles with their combination of speed and aerial displays. Their seasonal availability makes each encounter feel special since the timing window is relatively narrow.
Chinook salmon represent the Umpqua's heavyweight champions, with mature fish often exceeding 20-30 pounds during peak run timing. These powerful fish test both equipment and angling skills with their deep, sustained runs and bulldogging fights. Spring and fall runs
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a fully restored 22-foot Willie Boats jet boat, perfect for navigating the Umpqua River's waters in pursuit of smallmouth bass and salmon. This 2023-restored vessel packs a powerful 240HP Mercury engine that'll get you to the hottest fishing spots quickly, while the shallow-draft jet design lets you access those hard-to-reach areas where the big fish hide. The boat comfortably handles your private group of 2, giving you plenty of room to cast, fight fish, and move around the deck. Built-in GPS navigation keeps you on course to productive waters, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure below. The Willie Boats hull design handles river conditions smoothly, so you can focus on your technique rather than holding on. With space for all your gear and plenty of rod storage, this jet boat is built specifically for serious Oregon river fishing.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of our river system - the largest Pacific salmon and a true trophy. These bruisers typically run 12-39 inches and 15-30 pounds, with silver sides, blue-green backs, and distinctive black spots on their fins and tails. They prefer deeper water and stay close to bottom structure during daylight, being light-sensitive. Fall brings the best action during their spawning runs, though we target them through summer too. What sets kings apart is their raw power and stamina - they make long, determined runs that test your tackle. The rich, red meat is prized by chefs everywhere. Early morning and evening produce best results. Local secret: use weighted baits to get down where they cruise, and don't be afraid to go heavy on your tackle - these fish demand respect.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are spectacular fish that put on quite a show. These acrobatic fighters typically run 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, with bright silver sides and dark blue-green backs. They're found in deeper pools and runs, often under cover like fallen trees or undercut banks. Fall is prime time when they're running upstream to spawn, though we see them through summer too. What makes cohos special is their aerial displays - they can jump 6 feet vertically and make multiple runs. The bright orange-red meat is outstanding table fare. During spawning season, males develop hooked jaws that make them look prehistoric. Pro tip: bright colors like chartreuse and pink work well, especially in slightly stained water. Swing spinners through likely holding spots.
Acipenser FulvescensLake sturgeon are true freshwater giants and some of the coolest fish you'll encounter here. These prehistoric beasts can live over 100 years and reach impressive sizes - most we catch run 3-6 feet and 30-100 pounds. They're bottom feeders with cartilaginous skeletons, using barbels to feel around rocky areas and deep holes for crayfish, worms, and small fish. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're more active in warmer water. What makes them special is their ancient lineage - they've been around since dinosaur times. The fight is steady and powerful rather than acrobatic. My tip: use a glob of nightcrawlers on heavy tackle and fish near drop-offs or deep eddies where they forage.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in the Umpqua. These bronze fighters typically run 12-18 inches and 2-4 pounds, with females growing larger. They love rocky bottoms, fallen timber, and current breaks in clear water. Spring and fall fishing is prime when they're active in shallower areas, while summer finds them deeper in cooler water. What makes smallmouths special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, dive, and make blistering runs that'll surprise you. Early morning and evening are best for consistent action. The meat is firm and tasty too. My go-to technique: weightless soft plastics rigged weedless work magic around structure. Let them sink naturally and twitch them gently - smallmouths can't resist that action.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are aggressive fighters that'll test your skills on the Umpqua. These silver beauties with their distinctive dark stripes typically run 20-40 pounds, though bigger ones cruise these waters. They're structure-oriented fish, hanging around rocky areas, drop-offs, and current breaks where baitfish gather. Spring through fall provides consistent action, especially during dawn and dusk when they feed actively in moving water. What guests love most is their powerful runs and stubborn fights - they don't give up easily. The meat is excellent eating too, with sweet, flaky white flesh. Here's a local trick: focus on areas where faster current meets slower water. Stripers ambush prey in these transition zones, and a well-placed live bait or spinner can trigger explosive strikes.
Coos Bay