Full-Day Salmon & Crab Combo in Tillamook Bay
Private Trip
River Fishing
Full-day private charter targets Chinook and Coho salmonDungeness crab fishing included in 8-hour adventureMaximum 2 anglers for personalized Tillamook Bay experience
If you're looking for the best of both worlds on Oregon's coast, this private charter delivers big time. We're talking about an 8-hour adventure that puts you right in the heart of Tillamook Bay's most productive waters, where you'll target trophy Chinook and Coho salmon while pulling crab pots loaded with Dungeness. With just 2 anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your lines. This isn't your typical crowded charter – it's a world-class fishing experience tailored to serious anglers who want to make the most of Oregon's coastal bounty.
Your day kicks off early as we head out into Tillamook Bay's legendary salmon grounds. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand – every channel, every drop-off, and every structure that holds fish. You'll be working prime spots where the Trask and Wilson rivers dump fresh water into the bay, creating those temperature breaks and current seams that salmon can't resist. The beauty of this combo trip is the rhythm – while you're trolling for kings and silvers, we're checking crab pots that were set earlier. It's non-stop action from the moment we leave the dock. The bay's protected waters mean you'll fish comfortably even when the ocean's rough, and the scenery is pure Oregon coast at its finest.
We run top-quality downriggers and use proven salmon trolling setups that consistently produce fish in Tillamook Bay. You'll fish with premium tackle – think quality rods, reliable reels, and fresh bait that salmon go crazy for. The captain provides everything including herring, anchovies, and an arsenal of proven lures like Flashtails and spoons in colors that work best for local conditions. For crabbing, we use commercial-grade pots baited with chicken and fish scraps – the Dungeness here are famous for their size and sweet meat. The technique is all about reading the water, adjusting depths based on tide and temperature, and knowing when to switch up your presentation. With only two anglers, you get hands-on coaching and can really dial in your trolling skills.
The Chinook salmon in Tillamook Bay are absolute bruisers, with fish regularly hitting the 20 to 30-pound mark. These ocean-bright kings are fresh from the Pacific and fight like freight trains when they hit your line. The bay's unique mix of saltwater and river influence creates perfect staging areas where salmon feed aggressively before heading upstream. Chinook are most active during the incoming tide when baitfish get pushed into the bay, and early morning or late afternoon often produce the biggest fish. What makes catching kings here so special is the setting – you're fishing in relatively shallow, protected water where you can really feel every headshake and run. These fish jump, they strip drag, and they'll test your skills as an angler.
Coho salmon, or silvers as locals call them, bring a completely different energy to the fight. These acrobatic fish average 8 to 15 pounds and are famous for their aerial displays once hooked. Tillamook Bay's Coho are incredibly aggressive, often hitting lures with violent strikes that'll wake you up fast. They prefer slightly shallower water than Chinook and are more likely to be found near structure or baitfish schools. The best part about targeting silvers is their willingness to bite – when they're in the mood, you can have multiple hookups in a short window. Their bright chrome sides and pink meat make them a favorite among anglers who appreciate both the fight and the dinner table quality.
This customer-favorite charter combines two of Oregon's most renowned fishing opportunities into one action-packed day. You're getting premium access to Tillamook Bay's best salmon fishing grounds plus the bonus of hauling Dungeness crab – it's like getting two trips for the price of one. The 2-angler limit means you won't be fighting for space or waiting your turn, and the captain can focus on putting you on fish instead of managing a crowd. Early morning departures give you the full 8 hours to work the tides and maximize your chances at limit catches. Whether you're after that trophy Chinook for the wall or just want to load the cooler with salmon and crab, this trending charter delivers the complete Oregon coast fishing experience. Book now and get ready for a day that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.
Get ready to fish from our brand-new 2023 River Wild Elite, a serious 26-footer that'll get you to the salmon and crab spots fast. This Yamaha 250 VMAX-powered rig cruises at 50 knots and handles Tillamook Bay's waters with ease. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when we're working structure for those finicky kings, while our state-of-the-art Garmin fish finder shows exactly what's swimming below. Built ocean-capable but perfect for river systems, this boat gives us the flexibility to chase fish wherever they're biting. GPS navigation and VHF radio keep us connected and on course. With room for up to 6 anglers but limited to just 2 guests for this premium charter, you'll have plenty of space to work lines and handle both salmon runs and crab pulls without feeling crowded.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the trophy fish everyone wants to hook in Tillamook Bay. These bruisers typically run 12-30 pounds, with some pushing 40+ pounds during peak runs. They love deeper water and structure, often holding near channel edges and drop-offs where the current brings food. Early morning and evening produce the best action when they move up from the depths to feed. What makes kings special is their incredible fight - they'll make long, powerful runs that test your gear and skills. Plus, that rich, orange-pink meat is unbeatable on the dinner table. My go-to tip: use heavy tackle and fish your bait right on the bottom with plenty of weight. Kings are light-sensitive, so they stay deep during bright conditions.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. These acrobatic fighters typically weigh 8-12 pounds and are famous for their aerial shows - they can jump 6 feet straight up when hooked. You'll find coho in the bay's calmer areas, often under debris or structure where they ambush prey. They're more active in the upper water column compared to kings, especially during their fall runs. What guests love most is the non-stop action once you find a school, plus their bright orange meat tastes fantastic. These fish respond well to movement, so I always tell clients to keep their lures active. Twitching jigs or swinging spinners works great, and don't be afraid to use bright colors like chartreuse or pink to grab their attention.
Portland, OR