Beginner Crabbing and Salmon Fishing in Southern Oregon
Private Trip
River Fishing
Expertguided 810 hour combination crabbing and salmon fishing adventureBeginnerfriendly instruction on premier Southern Oregon rivers and coastal watersAll gear provided except food, drinks, and valid fishing license
Looking to dip your toes into the world of Pacific Northwest fishing? This 8 to 10-hour guided adventure with Matt Ford's Guide Service is built from the ground up for folks who are new to the game but ready to learn. We're talking about a legitimate day on the water that covers both river salmon fishing and coastal crabbing – two of Southern Oregon's best-kept secrets rolled into one epic outing. You'll work some of the region's most productive waters, from the legendary Rogue River to the lesser-known gems like the Sixes and Elk rivers, all while learning the ropes from guides who've been reading these waters for years.
This isn't your typical "throw a line and hope" kind of trip. We're covering serious ground, hitting prime salmon runs on rivers like the North and South Umpqua, Southfork Coquille, and the world-class Rogue, then switching gears to work crab traps along the coast. The beauty of this setup is that you get to experience two completely different fishing styles in one day – the fast-moving action of river salmon fishing and the patient, rewarding work of crabbing. Your guide handles all the logistics, from boat positioning to reading water conditions, while you focus on learning proper technique and landing fish. Since this is designed for beginners, expect plenty of hands-on instruction without any of the pressure you might feel on a hardcore charter. The one-on-one format means you get personalized attention and can ask all those questions you've been wondering about.
Everything you need comes with the trip – rods, reels, tackle, bait, and crab gear. We're talking quality equipment that actually works, not the bargain bin stuff that'll let you down when a big Chinook decides to make a run. For salmon, you'll learn drift fishing techniques that work in Southern Oregon's diverse river systems, from reading current seams to proper presentation in different water types. The crab side involves setting and checking traps, learning to identify keepers, and understanding tidal influences on crab behavior. Your guide will walk you through everything from knot tying to fish handling, plus all the little tricks that separate successful anglers from folks who just wet a line. Don't forget to grab your fishing license beforehand – that's the one thing we can't provide. Pack your own food and drinks too, because a full day on the water works up an appetite.
Coho Salmon are the acrobats of the salmon world, and Southern Oregon's rivers host some fantastic runs. These silver rockets typically run 8 to 12 pounds and are famous for their aerial displays when hooked. Coho are most active during fall runs, particularly in September and October, when they're pushing up rivers like the Rogue and Chetco. What makes them special for beginners is their willingness to bite and their manageable size – big enough to feel substantial but not so large they'll overwhelm a new angler.
Chinook Salmon represent the holy grail for many Pacific Northwest anglers. These kings can push 30 pounds or more in Southern Oregon waters, with the Rogue River producing some genuine giants. Spring and fall offer the best opportunities, with spring fish often being the most prized for their bright silver color and firm flesh. Landing a Chinook is a rite of passage – they're powerful, stubborn, and will test every bit of your tackle and technique.
Steelhead Trout are the ghosts of the river system, prized for their fighting ability and the challenge they present. These sea-run rainbows typically range from 6 to 15 pounds in Southern Oregon waters and are available year-round, with winter runs being particularly strong. Steelhead are known for their explosive runs and jumping ability, making them a favorite among serious anglers. Even smaller steelhead pack a serious punch and will give you a workout.
Lingcod represent the coastal side of your adventure, lurking around rocky structure and kelp beds. These prehistoric-looking predators can reach impressive sizes – 20 to 40 pounds isn't uncommon – and they're aggressive feeders that provide exciting action. Lingcod season typically runs from spring through fall, and they're known for their excellent table fare despite their somewhat intimidating appearance.
Yellowedge Grouper add an element of surprise to the offshore portion of your trip. These deep-water dwellers are prized for their excellent eating quality and the challenge of targeting them in deeper water. They're typically found in 150 to 400 feet of water along the continental shelf, making them a specialty target that requires specific techniques and knowledge of underwater structure.
Southern Oregon's fishing scene is world-class for good reason – diverse species, stunning scenery, and waters that produce year after year. This beginner-focused trip gives you a real taste of what makes this region special, from the power of a Rogue River Chinook to the satisfaction of pulling up a trap full of fresh Dungeness crab. Matt Ford's Guide Service brings the local knowledge and patient instruction that makes the difference between a good day and a great one. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly, but also know that you're investing in an education that'll serve you well for years of future fishing adventures. Ready to get started? The fish are biting, the crab are moving, and Southern Oregon's waters are waiting.
This 21-foot JetCraft puts you right where the salmon are running. Restored in 1984 with a powerful 350-hp Chevy engine, she cuts through Southern Oregon's rivers at a smooth 55 mph, getting you to the best fishing spots fast. Perfect for working the productive waters of the Rogue, Umpqua, and Chetco rivers where beginners can learn proper techniques for both salmon fishing and crabbing. The spacious deck gives you plenty of room to handle your gear and land fish, while the reliable jet drive navigates shallow runs and rocky areas that stop other boats. Whether you're setting crab traps along the coast or casting for salmon in the river channels, this boat handles it all with the stability and speed you need for a successful day on the water.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon, known as kings, are the heavyweight champions of our local rivers. These massive fish can reach 30+ pounds in our waters, with their distinctive black mouths and gums setting them apart from other salmon. You'll find them in the deeper pools and channels of the Rogue, Umpqua, and coastal rivers, typically staying near the bottom since they're light-sensitive. Spring and fall runs offer the best opportunities, with fish moving through from May into October depending on the system. What makes kings special is their size and strength—hooking a 20-pounder will test your tackle and skills. The rich, orange-red meat is considered the finest table fare among salmon. These fish are smart and spooky, preferring early morning or evening bites when light levels are low. They feed heavily on baitfish, making them perfect targets for trolled lures or drifted baits. Here's a key tip: use enough weight to keep your bait near the bottom where kings cruise, and be patient—they often follow lures before committing to bite.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are some of the most acrobatic fish you'll hook in our rivers. These beauties average 8-12 pounds and put on quite a show with their jumps—they can leap 6 feet straight up. You'll find them in the deeper pools and runs of the Rogue, Umpqua, and other local rivers, especially during their fall runs from September through November. What makes cohos special is their bright silver sides with that distinctive dark blue-green back and scattered black spots on the tail. The meat is top-notch with that classic orange-red color that tastes amazing on the grill. Best fishing happens early morning or evening when they're more active. Here's a local trick: when swinging spinners through fast water, let them swing completely across the current before retrieving. Cohos often hit right at the end of that swing when the lure starts to lift.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod are the ugly bruisers of our rocky reefs—all teeth and attitude in a mottled brown package. Despite the name, they're not actually cod but aggressive predators that'll grab anything fitting in their massive mouths. Females can hit 30+ pounds while males stay under 20, and they're surprisingly easy to catch once hooked since they prefer fighting over fleeing. You'll find them around rocky structure from 30-300 feet deep, especially areas with strong current where they ambush prey. They're available year-round, but spring and summer offer the best action when they're more active. What guests love is the surprise factor—lingcod often slam baits hard and their gnarly appearance always gets a reaction. The white, flaky meat is excellent eating too. These bottom-dwellers hide in rocky lairs, so heavy jigs work best to get down to them. Local tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and reel fast—they'll try to wrap you around the rocks if you give them slack, and their sharp teeth can cut light line easily.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are the ultimate challenge fish—same species as rainbow trout but built like chrome torpedoes after years in the ocean. These sea-run beauties average 24 inches but can reach 45 inches and fight harder than anything else in our rivers. They love the deeper holes and boulder-strewn runs in the Rogue, Umpqua, and coastal streams, using cover like fallen trees and rock ledges. Winter runs peak from December through March, with some summer fish trickling through too. What hooks people on steelhead is their raw power and stubborn nature—they'll strip line and jump repeatedly. The silvery, streamlined bodies with black spots make them unmistakable. Unlike salmon, they can survive spawning and return to sea multiple times. Prime time is mid-fall through spring in our waters. Pro tip: when drifting bait or lures, keep your offering just off the bottom where steelhead cruise—too high and they won't see it, too low and you'll snag constantly.
Hyporthodus FlavolimbatusYellowedge grouper aren't found in Oregon waters—they're an Atlantic species living in deep reefs from North Carolina to Brazil. These chunky fish with their distinctive yellow fin edges prefer depths of 400-600 feet around rocky structure and muddy bottoms. They average 30 pounds and can reach 40+ pounds, making them serious tackle-busters when hooked in deep water. The Gulf fishing season varies by regulations, but they're generally available year-round in their home waters. Anglers target them for the challenge of deep dropping and their excellent eating quality—the white, flaky meat holds moisture better than most fish with a mild flavor. Deep dropping with heavy tackle and multiple hooks is the standard approach, using cut bait like mackerel or squid. Since they're solitary fish that claim territory, finding one spot often means repeat success. Pro tip for deep water grouper fishing: use circle hooks and keep steady pressure on the way up—these powerful fish will try to dive back into the rocks and break you off if you give them any slack in that long fight to the surface.
Oregon