Prime Salmon Fishing with Josie Mac Sportfishing
Private Trip
Dedicated salmon fishing adventure with Josie Mac SportfishingAll rods, tackle, and trolling weights included in packageSingle guest capacity ensures personalized inshore fishing experience
Get ready for some serious salmon action during peak season with Captain Josie Mac. This personalized inshore fishing trip runs from June 27th through July 22nd, targeting the legendary Chinook salmon when they're moving through our waters in numbers. With just one angler per trip, you'll get the full attention of an experienced captain who knows exactly where these kings are holding and what they're biting. This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience – it's quality fishing time focused on putting you on the fish that matter.
Your salmon fishing adventure starts early when these fish are most active and feeding. Captain Josie Mac provides a completely rigged setup, so you don't need to worry about bringing tackle or wondering if you've got the right gear. We're talking quality rods matched with proven reels, fresh line, and all the terminal tackle that's been producing fish in these waters. The boat comes equipped with two trolling weights included in your trip cost, which is usually plenty for most fishing conditions. If we need to adjust our presentation and add more weight to get down to where the salmon are holding, extra trolling weights run just $10 each – or feel free to bring your own 2.5-pound weights if you've got them. The approach here is straightforward: we're going to put lines in the water where salmon are feeding and use techniques that have been putting fish in the boat all season long.
Salmon fishing success comes down to covering water at the right depths and speeds, and that's where trolling shines. We'll be running a spread of lures and bait that matches what Chinook salmon are feeding on during this time of year. The included trolling weights let us get our offerings down into the strike zone, typically anywhere from 20 to 80 feet depending on conditions and where we're marking fish on the sonar. Your gear setup includes everything from the rod holder to the net – rods are matched to the technique with enough backbone to handle a big king but sensitive enough to feel the subtle bites these fish sometimes give. The tackle box is stocked with proven producers: spoons, plugs, and cut-bait rigs that have been accounting for fish throughout the season. We'll adjust our trolling speed based on water temperature and fish activity, usually running between 2.5 to 4 mph to trigger strikes from active salmon.
The Chinook salmon we're targeting during this June-July window are some of the best fish you'll find in these waters all year. These aren't just any salmon – we're talking about mature kings that have been feeding heavily and putting on serious weight. Fish in the 15 to 25-pound range are common during this peak season, with the possibility of hooking into something even bigger when conditions are right. The beauty of fishing during this specific timeframe is that you're hitting the sweet spot when multiple age classes of Chinook are moving through the area. Younger fish in the 8 to 12-pound range provide plenty of action and excellent table fare, while the mature spawners offer the kind of fight that gets your heart pumping. Water temperatures during late June and July create ideal conditions for salmon activity, keeping them active and feeding throughout longer periods of the day.
Chinook salmon are the undisputed kings of the salmon world, and for good reason. These powerful fish are built for long runs and deep dives that will test your skills and your tackle. During the June 27th to July 22nd season, Chinook are in prime condition – thick through the shoulders and loaded with energy from months of ocean feeding. What makes them so exciting to target is their unpredictable nature: one fish might come to the boat like a log, while the next one takes you on a 10-minute battle that has you wondering if your drag is set right. Size-wise, you're looking at fish that commonly range from 10 to 30 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 40 pounds or more. The best part about July Chinook fishing is that these fish are still bright and chrome, having recently moved in from deeper water where they've been gorging on baitfish. Their flesh is at peak quality – firm, rich, and perfect for the grill or smoker. Chinook behavior during this period is fairly predictable: they'll be relating to structure, current breaks, and temperature changes where baitfish concentrate. Early morning and evening periods typically produce the most consistent action, though these fish can be caught throughout the day when you find the right depth and presentation.
This peak salmon season doesn't last forever, and the prime dates from June 27th through July 22nd represent some of the most productive fishing you'll find all year. With only one angler per trip, spots fill up fast among locals who know when the fishing is best. Captain Josie Mac's approach of providing everything you need – from quality gear to proven tackle – means you can focus on what matters most: fighting fish and enjoying your time on the water. The personalized attention you'll get on a single-angler charter makes a huge difference in both your success rate and overall experience. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with premium salmon fillets or just want to experience the rush of battling a big Chinook, this is your chance to get on the water during prime time. Don't wait until the season is over to wish you'd booked – secure your spot now and get ready for some of the best salmon fishing of the year.
Berkeley, CA