Salmon Charter – $250 person Winchester Bay
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Professional salmon fishing with Captain Mark LaDuke aboard 2018 HewescraftTarget seasonal Chinook and Coho runs from Salmon Harbor MarinaAll fishing gear provided, licenses required for guided trip
You're looking at one of Oregon's top-rated salmon fishing experiences right here in Winchester Bay. Captain Mark LaDuke runs a tight ship – literally – with his 2018 Hewescraft that's dialed in for serious salmon hunting. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter operation. Mark knows these waters like the back of his hand, and when the salmon are running, there's no better place to be than right here on the Oregon coast. At $250 per person with a 2-angler minimum, you're getting access to world-class Chinook and Coho fishing without breaking the bank. Plus, all your gear is included, so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat.
Your day starts at Salmon Harbor Marina, launching from T Dock – or the main ramp on Tuesdays when things get shuffled around. Captain Mark's got his 2018 Hewescraft rigged with GPS and fish finder technology that takes the guesswork out of finding fish. This boat is built for Oregon's coastal conditions, meaning you'll stay dry and comfortable even when the Pacific decides to flex a little. The beauty of fishing with Mark is that he adapts to what the salmon are doing. Some days that means working the deeper channels, other days it's hitting the structure closer to shore. You'll learn to read the water through his eyes, picking up on the subtle signs that separate the pros from the weekend warriors. Whether you've been chasing salmon for decades or you're just getting your feet wet in the sport, Mark tailors the experience to your skill level. He's not the type of guide who just hands you a rod and hopes for the best – he's actively teaching, coaching, and putting you on fish.
Mark's got the tackle dialed in for Winchester Bay's salmon runs, and that makes all the difference when these fish are being finicky. You'll be working with quality rods and reels that can handle the fight these salmon bring to the table. The technique varies with conditions and what the fish are telling you, but expect to do some serious trolling with downriggers and perhaps some mooching when the bite calls for it. Mark's fish finder isn't just for show – he uses it to locate bait schools and temperature breaks where salmon like to hang out. The GPS keeps track of productive spots, so when you hit a honey hole, you can come back to it later in the day. All your terminal tackle, bait, and lures are provided, and Mark knows exactly what's been producing lately. He's constantly adjusting presentations based on what he's seeing on the water, whether that's changing up the trolling speed, switching lure colors, or adjusting the depth. Don't forget to grab your fishing license before you head out – it's required, and Mark will make sure you know the current regulations so you stay legal and keep your fish.
Winchester Bay's Chinook salmon are the stuff of legends, and for good reason. These fish, also called Kings, are the heavyweight champions of the salmon world. Most Chinook you'll encounter here range from 15 to 30 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into something pushing 40 pounds or more. These fish typically show up in good numbers from late spring through early fall, with peak action often happening in summer months. What makes Chinook so special isn't just their size – it's their fighting spirit. When you hook a King, you know it immediately. They'll make powerful runs, dive deep, and test every knot in your tackle. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for the grill or smoker, and there's nothing quite like fresh Chinook sashimi if you're into that. Coho salmon, or Silver salmon, bring a completely different energy to the fight. These fish are typically smaller than Chinook, usually running 6 to 12 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in acrobatics. Coho love to jump, twist, and put on a show that'll get your heart pumping. They're incredibly beautiful fish with bright silver sides that flash in the sunlight. Coho runs tend to peak later in the season, often providing hot action through fall when other species are winding down. The meat is excellent – a bit leaner than Chinook but still rich and flavorful. Both species respond well to the techniques Mark employs, and the variety keeps things interesting throughout the day.
Here's the deal: salmon fishing this good doesn't stay secret for long. Mark's calendar fills up fast during peak season, especially when word gets out that the fish are biting. At $250 per person, you're getting a world-class guided salmon experience that would cost twice as much in other parts of the Pacific Northwest. The 2-angler minimum means you can split the cost with a buddy and still have plenty of room to fish comfortably. Winchester Bay's salmon runs are seasonal, so timing matters if you want to maximize your chances. Mark knows exactly when to target Chinook versus Coho, and booking early gives you the best shot at prime dates. This is the kind of trip that turns into an annual tradition – the kind of day on the water that you'll be talking about for years. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with premium salmon or just want to experience Oregon's renowned fishery with a captain who knows how to put you on fish, this charter delivers. Don't wait until the season's winding down to book your spot. Give Mark a call, get on the calendar, and get ready for some of the best salmon fishing the Oregon coast has to offer.
Step aboard Captain Mark LaDuke's 23.8-foot 2018 Hewescraft, a well-rigged fishing machine built specifically for Oregon's challenging coastal waters. This boat combines serious fishing capability with the comfort needed for full-day salmon trips out of Winchester Bay. The 150 HP Yamaha main engine gets you to the fish quickly, while the 9.9 kicker motor provides precise boat control when you're working the productive waters where Chinook and Coho salmon feed. Modern GPS navigation takes the guesswork out of finding productive fishing spots, and the fish finder helps locate schools of baitfish and the salmon that follow them. The Hewescraft's proven hull design handles Oregon's ocean swells with confidence, keeping you fishing when other boats head for calmer water. Whether you're targeting early morning salmon runs or working the afternoon bite, this boat gives you the platform and equipment to make the most of your time on the water.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the heavyweights of our salmon runs, typically running 12-30 pounds with some pushing 40+ in good years. These silver-sided bruisers with black-spotted backs stay deep most of the day, so we fish them with downriggers and heavy tackle. They hit hard and fight dirty, making long runs that'll test your drag. The meat is rich and oily - perfect for grilling or smoking. Fall runs from September through November are prime time when they're feeding heavy before spawning. Local trick: when trolling herring, add a little spin to mimic an injured baitfish. Kings can't resist that wounded flutter, especially in the early morning bite.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are the acrobats of the bunch, averaging 8-12 pounds but making up for size with pure attitude. These chrome-bright fighters love to jump - I've seen them clear 6 feet trying to throw the hook. They cruise shallower than kings, often feeding near the surface on baitfish schools. Summer and early fall offer the best action when they're silver-bright and full of fight. The orange-red meat is fantastic eating, milder than king but still rich. Coho respond well to bright lures and flies in chartreuse, pink, and orange. Here's a tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but give them room to jump. Fight them too hard and they'll throw the hook every time.
Winchester Bay