Salmon Charter – $250 person Coos Bay
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Guided salmon fishing with Captain Mark LaDuke aboard equipped HewescraftTarget seasonal Chinook and Coho runs with provided gear$250 per person with two-angler minimum requirement
When you think Oregon salmon fishing, Coos Bay should be at the top of your list. Captain Mark LaDuke has been putting anglers on fish in these waters for years, and his track record speaks for itself. You'll fish from his 2018 Hewescraft – a boat built for Oregon's coastal conditions and equipped with all the electronics you need to find fish. At $250 per person with a two-angler minimum, this isn't your budget weekend trip, but it's priced right for what you get: a full day with one of the area's most reliable guides, all tackle included, and access to some of the best salmon runs on the West Coast.
Mark runs his operation out of Coos Bay's main boat ramp, and you'll meet him there bright and early. Parking's available behind the marina office – look for Monkey Business restaurant as your landmark. The 2018 Hewescraft is set up specifically for salmon fishing with quality GPS and fish finder technology that'll help locate schools and structure. You're not dealing with an old rental boat here; this is a purpose-built fishing machine that handles Oregon's coastal waters like it was made for them. The day starts with a safety briefing and game plan based on current conditions and where fish have been showing up. Mark provides all the gear, from rods and reels to tackle and nets, so you can travel light. Just bring your fishing license – that's required for everyone – and dress for changing weather because Oregon coast conditions can shift fast.
Salmon fishing in Coos Bay is primarily a trolling game, and Mark's got the setup dialed in. You'll be running downriggers with flashers and herring or pulling plugs and spoons depending on conditions and what the fish are hitting. The GPS and fish finder aren't just for show – they're constantly working to locate bait schools and mark structure where salmon like to hang. Mark adjusts speed, depth, and lure selection based on water temperature, tides, and recent fish reports. The Hewescraft handles multiple lines without getting tangled up, and the boat's layout gives everyone space to fight fish properly. Rod holders keep everything organized when you're moving between spots, and the net's ready when someone hooks up. This isn't chuck-and-chance fishing; it's methodical trolling that puts you in the strike zone consistently.
Chinook salmon are the main draw here, and for good reason. These fish run 15 to 40 pounds in Coos Bay waters, with the occasional monster pushing even bigger. Chinooks are present from late spring through fall, with peak action typically hitting mid-summer through early fall. They're aggressive feeders when conditions are right, and they fight like nothing else in these waters. The initial run when a big Chinook hits your gear is something you'll remember – they'll strip line and test your drag before settling into the kind of deep, powerful fight that makes your arms ache. Local Chinooks are bright and fresh when they're moving through the bay system, making them excellent table fare.
Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the trip. These silver rockets typically run 8 to 15 pounds and make up for smaller size with acrobatic fights that'll have you scrambling for the rod. Cohos are jumpers – they'll come out of the water multiple times during a fight, and their speed and agility keep you guessing right until they're in the net. Peak Coho season runs from late summer into fall, overlapping with the Chinook runs for some of the year's best mixed-bag fishing. They're aggressive biters that'll hit a variety of lures, and their fighting style makes every hookup feel like a victory. Plus, Cohos are outstanding eating fish with firm, flavorful meat that works great smoked or grilled.
Captain Mark LaDuke's salmon charters fill up fast during peak season, especially when word gets out about good fishing. At $250 per person, you're getting professional guide service, quality equipment, and access to prime salmon waters that produce fish year after year. The two-angler minimum keeps group sizes manageable and ensures everyone gets personal attention when fish are biting. Remember to grab your Oregon fishing license before the trip – you can get one online or at local sporting goods stores. This is world-class salmon fishing with a captain who knows these waters inside and out. Don't wait until prime season is booking solid – reserve your spot now and get ready for some of Oregon's best salmon action.
Step aboard Captain Mark LaDuke's 2018 Hewescraft, a 23.8-footer built to handle Oregon's productive salmon waters around Coos Bay. This reliable fishing platform runs on a 150 HP Yamaha with a 9.9 kicker for trolling precision when targeting those seasonal Chinook and Coho runs. The boat comes loaded with GPS navigation and fish finder technology to locate schools and structure where salmon concentrate. At $250 per person with a 2-angler minimum, you'll have access to quality gear and local knowledge that makes the difference between stories and empty coolers. Captain Mark provides all tackle and expert guidance for both experienced anglers and newcomers to Pacific salmon fishing. The setup handles rockfish, halibut, and tuna trips too when seasons align. You'll meet at the main boat ramp with convenient parking behind the marina office near Monkey Business restaurant. Just bring your valid Oregon fishing license and be ready to work some of the West Coast's most consistent salmon grounds.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the heavyweights of the salmon world, running 15-30 pounds with some bruisers pushing even bigger. These silver-sided fighters with black-spotted tails prefer deeper water and tend to hug the bottom, especially during bright daylight. The fall runs through Coos Bay are legendary - that's when mature fish push through on their way to spawn. What makes targeting them so rewarding isn't just the hard fight they put up, but that rich, orange-pink meat that's pure gold on the dinner table. Kings are light-sensitive, so they stay deep most of the day. My go-to trick here is getting your gear down to 40-60 feet and trolling slow with herring or spoons early morning or late evening when they're more active.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilvers are the acrobats of salmon fishing - 8-12 pound fish that'll jump clean out of the water and give you a show you won't forget. They cruise shallower than Kings, often working the mid-water column and near structure where baitfish gather. The late summer and early fall runs bring hungry, aggressive fish into Coos Bay that'll hit lures hard and fight dirty. What guests love most is their unpredictable nature - one minute they're deep, next they're launching themselves skyward trying to throw the hook. The meat is bright orange and tastes fantastic. Here's a local tip: when the silvers are around, try bright pink or chartreuse spinners in the top 30 feet of water. They can't seem to resist the flash and action.
Winchester Bay