Oregon Coast Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Kings and Coho Salmon in Oregon's open ocean watersBottom fishing grounds provide variety of additional catch opportunitiesSingle guest capacity ensures personalized offshore fishing experience
Picture this: you're heading out into the Pacific at first light, coffee still warm in your hands, as we chase some of the Oregon Coast's most prized salmon. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a full adventure that starts with trolling for Kings and Coho, then shifts gears to drop lines on productive bottom structure where lingcod and black sea bass are waiting. Matt Halseth Guide Service has been putting anglers on fish in these waters for years, and this combo trip is exactly why folks keep coming back season after season.
We'll meet before sunrise and get you rigged up with everything you need for a successful day. The first part of our trip focuses on salmon trolling in the open ocean – we're talking about running multiple lines at different depths, covering water efficiently, and positioning ourselves where the bait fish are stacked up. The Oregon Coast offers some of the most consistent salmon fishing on the West Coast, and we know exactly where these fish like to travel based on current conditions, water temperature, and bait movements. After we've had our fill of salmon action, we'll transition to bottom fishing some of my favorite rocky structure and reef systems. This is where the day gets really interesting – you never know if that next drop is going to produce a hefty lingcod or a scrappy black sea bass. The variety keeps everyone engaged, whether you're a seasoned angler or this is your first time fishing the Pacific.
For the salmon portion, we'll be trolling with downriggers and divers, running everything from herring and anchovies to flashers and hoochies. I've got all the gear dialed in – from the rod selection to the exact trolling speeds that produce fish in these waters. We'll adjust our spread based on what the fish are telling us, whether that means running deeper, changing our lure colors, or moving to different water. When we switch to bottom fishing, we're talking about heavy jigs, live bait rigs, and sometimes larger swimbaits that really get the lingcod fired up. The rocky bottom structure along the Oregon Coast creates perfect habitat for these species, but it also means we need to fish smart to avoid losing too much tackle. I'll walk you through the techniques and make sure you're comfortable with the gear before we start dropping lines. Everything's provided – rods, reels, tackle, and bait – so you just need to show up ready to fish.
Chinook salmon, also known as King salmon, are the crown jewel of Pacific Northwest fishing. These fish can push 30-40 pounds in our waters, and when one hits your line, you'll know it immediately. The best action typically happens from May through September, with peak season hitting during summer months when these salmon are feeding heavily before their spawning runs. What makes Kings so special is their fight – they'll make powerful runs, jump, and test every bit of your drag system. Plus, there's nothing quite like fresh King salmon on the dinner table. Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the boat. These silver rockets are known for their aerial displays and aggressive strikes. They typically run smaller than Kings, averaging 8-12 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in pure energy. Coho are often more willing to hit surface presentations, making them perfect for anglers who love watching their lures work. Peak season runs from June through October, with September often producing some of the hottest action. Lingcod are the ultimate bottom predator and arguably the most fun fish to catch in these waters. These ambush hunters can exceed 40 inches and 20 pounds, with their prehistoric looks and massive mouths making every catch a photo opportunity. They're most active during cooler months, from October through April, when they move into shallower water to spawn. What makes lingcod special is their aggressive nature – they'll often grab a jig and refuse to let go, making for some exciting battles near the boat. Black sea bass round out our target species list with their scrappy attitude and excellent table fare. These fish are structure-oriented and can be found around rocky reefs and kelp beds throughout the year. While they don't grow as large as lingcod, typically ranging from 1-5 pounds, they make up for it with numbers and willingness to bite. Sea bass are perfect for keeping the action consistent when other species are being finicky.
This combo trip gives you the complete Oregon Coast fishing experience in one day – from the rush of a screaming salmon run to the satisfaction of pulling a big lingcod off the bottom. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer, check some species off your bucket list, or just spend a day doing what you love most, this charter delivers on all fronts. The Oregon Coast's fishing opportunities are world-class, and there's no better way to experience them than with a guide who knows these waters inside and out. Don't wait too long to secure your spot – the best fishing days book up quickly, especially during peak season. Contact Matt Halseth Guide Service today and let's get you hooked up with some of the Pacific's finest fish. Trust me, after one trip out here, you'll already be planning your next one.
Hit the Oregon waters aboard our brand new 2025 Riverwild Pro-Steelheader, rigged with twin Yamaha outboards (250 and 9.9) that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast and ready for action. This boat's built for serious anglers chasing salmon and bottom fish along the coast. We've loaded her with top-notch electronics including GPS navigation, radar for those foggy Oregon mornings, VHF radio to stay connected, and a fish finder that'll put you right on top of the fish. Whether we're trolling for Kings and Coho in the open ocean or dropping lines on productive bottom structure, this rig handles Oregon's coastal waters like a dream. The Pro-Steelheader's design gives you plenty of room to fight fish and work the deck, while the reliable Yamaha power ensures smooth runs to the hottest spots. Perfect for dedicated anglers who want to experience Oregon's legendary salmon fishing and diverse bottom species in comfort and style.
Centropristis StriataThese aren't common in Oregon waters - Black Sea Bass are primarily an East Coast species found from Maine to Florida. They're plump, dark-colored fish in the grouper family that prefer rocky bottoms, wrecks, and structure in less than 120 feet of water. What's unique about them is they start life as females then change to males as they grow larger. They average 2-4 pounds but can reach 8+ pounds, putting up a solid fight until they break the surface. The meat is excellent - firm, white, and mild. Summer is prime time when they gather near shore around structure. If you were targeting them on the East Coast, the key would be fishing right on the bottom near rocky areas or wrecks with squid strips or clam baits on a two-hook rig, since they're opportunistic bottom feeders that grab whatever looks tasty.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaThe kings of salmon, Chinook are the largest Pacific salmon and the prize everyone's after. These bruisers average 15-20 pounds but can push 30+ in our waters, with that distinctive black mouth and gums. They prefer deeper water and are light-sensitive, so we target them early morning or evening using downriggers and weighted gear. What makes kings special is their incredible strength - they make long, powerful runs that'll test your equipment and skills. The rich, orange-red meat is unbeatable on the table. Kings feed heavily on baitfish like anchovies and herring in the open ocean. Here's what works: troll deeper than you think, around 60-120 feet, using large spoons or plugs behind flashers. The bite is often subtle with these big fish, so watch your rod tips carefully for that slight tick before they load up.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver bullets of the Pacific, Coho salmon average 8-12 pounds and are absolute acrobats when hooked - they'll jump clean out of the water trying to shake your line. These "silvers" hang in the upper water column during summer and fall runs, making them perfect for trolling with bright spoons or plugs. What makes Coho special is their aggressive nature and willingness to hit lures, plus that beautiful orange-red meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They fight hard right to the boat, often making last-second runs that'll test your drag. Here's a local trick: when you see birds working the surface, cast bright chartreuse or pink jigs underneath - Coho are usually feeding below the baitfish schools, and they can't resist a flashy presentation worked through their feeding zone.
Ophiodon ElongatusDon't let the name fool you - these aren't cod at all, but they're some of the meanest-looking fish in our waters with those gnarly teeth and oversized heads. Lingcod hang around rocky bottom structure in 30-300 feet, where they ambush anything that swims by. They're homebodies that rarely stray far from their territory, making them reliable targets year-round. What guests love is their aggressive nature - once hooked, they bulldoze toward the bottom rather than making flashy runs. Females can hit 20+ pounds while males stay smaller. The meat is excellent eating, sometimes even bright blue before cooking. My go-to tip: drop a heavy jig right to the bottom near rocky structure and work it slow. These lazy predators won't chase far, but they'll hammer anything that bounces near their lair.
Portland, OR