Summer Ocean Chinook and Coho (Private Boat)
Private Trip
Target fall Chinook and early Coho outside Columbia River mouthPrivate boat accommodates up to six guests for offshore trollingFish bite on herring, anchovies, spinners and various bait rigs
When the water warms up and the salmon start stacking thick just outside the Columbia River mouth, you know it's time for some serious fish-catching action. This private boat charter puts you right where the fall Chinook and early Coho congregate to bulk up on baitfish before their spawning run. We're talking about prime offshore waters where "Whack 'em and Stack 'em" isn't just a saying - it's what happens when you hit the right school at the right time. With room for up to six anglers, this top-rated charter gives your crew the space and flexibility to work multiple lines while targeting some of the Pacific Northwest's most prized salmon species.
We'll be wheels up at first light, heading straight out to where the current creates those magical seams that hold feeding salmon. The Columbia River plume creates distinct water color changes and temperature breaks where baitfish concentrate - and that's exactly where we want our gear. You'll spend the day trolling these productive zones aboard a private vessel that's equipped for serious salmon fishing. The beauty of having your own boat means we can adjust our approach based on what the fish are telling us. If the bite is hot in one area, we stay put. If we need to cover water to find active schools, we've got the freedom to move. The ocean conditions here are generally manageable during summer months, making this fishery accessible to anglers of all experience levels while still delivering world-class action.
These Columbia River mouth salmon aren't picky eaters - they'll hammer just about anything that looks like food. Our go-to setups include whole herring on bait rigs, which is absolutely deadly when the fish are feeding aggressively. We'll also run spinners in various colors and sizes, plus stuffer baits that mimic the anchovies these salmon are gorging on. Downriggers keep our offerings in the strike zone, typically anywhere from 15 to 60 feet depending on where the fish are holding. The key is reading the electronics and adjusting depth until you find the sweet spot. When a school of Coho fires up and starts chasing gear, it's pure chaos in the best possible way. Rods will be bouncing, drag will be screaming, and you'll understand why this fishery has such a devoted following among Pacific Northwest anglers.
Chinook Salmon are the heavyweight champions of this fishery, with ocean-bright fish ranging from 15 to 40 pounds showing up in good numbers during summer months. These king salmon are in their prime feeding mode, packing on weight before heading upriver, which means they're aggressive and fight like freight trains. The best action typically happens from July through September when mature Chinook stage outside the Columbia mouth. What makes these fish so special is their combination of size and strength - a 30-pound ocean Chinook will test your tackle and your stamina like few other fish can. Plus, the meat quality is absolutely phenomenal when they're this fresh from the ocean.
Coho Salmon bring a different kind of excitement to this charter, known for their acrobatic fights and willingness to eat just about any lure or bait you throw at them. These silver bullets typically run 8 to 15 pounds and are famous for their aerial displays once hooked. Early summer Coho are particularly aggressive, often traveling in schools that create those epic "fishing rodeo" scenarios where multiple rods go off simultaneously. They're also more likely to bite throughout the day compared to Chinook, which tend to be most active during low-light periods. The beauty of targeting Coho in ocean water is that they're at peak condition - bright chrome sides, firm flesh, and maximum fighting ability.
This customer favorite charter fills up fast once word gets out about the bite, and for good reason. Having a private boat means your group gets personalized attention, the flexibility to fish at your own pace, and the ability to stay on productive water without worrying about other anglers. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with premium salmon or just want to experience one of the Pacific Northwest's renowned fisheries, this trip delivers the goods. The combination of productive waters, quality gear, and expert local knowledge gives you the best shot at that "Whack 'em and Stack 'em" day every salmon angler dreams about. Don't wait too long to secure your dates - prime summer slots book well in advance as regulars return year after year for this world-class salmon action.
The Good Ju Ju cuts through Pacific swells like she was born for it, and honestly, she was. Built specifically for the choppy waters off Astoria, this fishing machine sports an extra heavy hull that'll keep you steady when the Chinook and Coho are running hot. Her wide beam creates a rock-solid fishing platform where up to 6 anglers can work their lines without bumping elbows. GPS keeps us locked on the productive seams, while the fish finder shows exactly what's swimming below. When schools of silvers start chasing bait and your reel starts screaming, you'll appreciate having a boat that stays put instead of getting pushed around by wind and current. The VHF radio keeps us connected to the fleet and harbor, plus her deep cockpit gives plenty of room to fight fish and sort your catch. She's designed for one thing - getting you on the Columbia River mouth bite when these ocean-fresh salmon are feeding heavy and hitting everything from herring rigs to spinners.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaThese are the kings of the Columbia - massive salmon that can hit 20-30 pounds out here in the ocean. Chinook hang deeper than most fish since they're light-sensitive, so we run our gear down where the big ones cruise. Summer's prime time when they stack up outside the river mouth, bulking up on baitfish before their spawning run. What makes them special? Pure power. When a king grabs your line, you know it - they've got the muscle to match their size. Plus, that rich orange meat is tough to beat on the dinner table. Local tip: don't rush the fight. These fish have stamina, so let your drag do the work and keep steady pressure. They'll tire out, but it takes patience.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are the acrobats of our waters - 8 to 12 pounds of pure energy that'll jump clean out of the water when hooked. They school up in summer just outside the Columbia mouth, and when you hit a hot school, it's game on. Coho are aggressive feeders and will slam anything that moves, which is why we call it a "rodeo" when they start hitting. What guests love most is the fight - these fish go airborne and don't quit. They're also fantastic eating with that bright orange flesh. The key with coho is speed - when you see one jump, get ready because there's usually more around. Keep your gear moving and don't be afraid to work the water column until you find where they're feeding.
Astoria, OR