4 Hour Salmon Morning Charter Oregon Coast
Private Trip
River Fishing
Morning salmon charter targeting Chinook and Coho speciesLight tackle trolling and jigging on productive river stretchesAll equipment provided with professional fish cleaning service
If you're looking for a top-rated salmon fishing experience on the Oregon Coast, this 4-hour morning charter with Captain Kenneth hits all the right notes. Starting at 6:00 AM sharp from Lincoln Beach, you'll be targeting both Chinook and Coho salmon on the productive river stretches that make this area famous among local anglers. With space for up to 2 guests at $350 (additional anglers $175 each), it's perfectly sized for couples, father-son trips, or anyone wanting personalized attention on the water. The captain handles all the gear, licenses are on you, and your catch gets cleaned at the end – that's the kind of service that keeps folks coming back season after season.
You're getting on the river when the fish are most active, which is why that 6:00 AM start time isn't negotiable. The early morning bite is legendary around Lincoln Beach, and Captain Kenneth knows exactly where these salmon hold based on current conditions and seasonal patterns. This isn't a cattle-boat operation – with just 2 guests max, you get the kind of one-on-one instruction that makes all the difference between going through the motions and actually learning how to fish these waters. The trip runs April through October, covering the prime salmon runs that draw anglers from across the Pacific Northwest. You'll work productive holes, follow fish movement, and adjust tactics based on what's happening in real time. The captain reads the water, you work on your technique, and together you put fish in the boat.
This charter focuses on three proven methods: light tackle fishing, trolling, and jigging. Captain Kenneth switches between these techniques based on current river conditions and where the fish are holding. Light tackle keeps things sporting and gives you a real fight when you hook into a 20-pound Chinook. Trolling covers water efficiently and is perfect for locating active schools, while jigging works magic in deeper holes where big fish sulk. All rods, reels, and tackle are provided, so you can focus on learning what works rather than worrying about gear. The captain adjusts presentations throughout the morning – maybe starting with spinners in the current, switching to plugs when fish move shallow, or dropping jigs when salmon stack up in the deeper water. It's this adaptive approach that separates a good fishing trip from a great one.
The Chinook salmon that run these Oregon Coast rivers are the stuff of fishing legends. These kings average 15-25 pounds but can push 30-plus when conditions are right. They show up in late spring and stay through early fall, with the best action typically happening during the morning hours when water temperatures are coolest. What makes Chinook special is their raw power – when one hits, you know it immediately. They make long runs, jump clear of the water, and test every knot you've tied. Local anglers target them because they're both challenging to catch and excellent eating. Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the trip. These silver bullets are smaller than Chinook, usually running 8-15 pounds, but they're absolute acrobats when hooked. Coho love to jump, and their aerial displays make for some of the best fishing photos you'll ever take. They're also more aggressive feeders, which means steady action throughout the morning. The Coho run peaks in late summer and early fall, perfectly timed with the later part of the charter season. Both species are native to these waters and represent some of the healthiest salmon runs on the Oregon Coast.
This 4-hour morning charter delivers everything serious salmon anglers want: early start times, productive water, proven techniques, and a captain who knows these rivers inside and out. At $350 for two people, you're getting world-class salmon fishing without the crowds or long travel times of more remote destinations. The personalized instruction, quality gear, and fish cleaning service make this a customer favorite among both local anglers and visiting fishermen. Remember to bring your valid Oregon fishing license and salmon tag – Captain Kenneth handles everything else. With the charter season running April through October, you can plan your trip around the specific runs you want to target. Book early, especially for peak season dates, because word gets around fast about guides who consistently put clients on fish.
Your salmon fishing adventure runs on a reliable 24-foot Willies boat designed specifically for Oregon's coastal rivers. The 200 HP Yamaha engine provides smooth, quiet power that won't spook the fish while moving between productive holes and runs. Captain Kenneth uses GPS navigation and advanced fish finder technology to locate salmon holding areas and track underwater structure where Chinook and Coho like to stage. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, giving your group of 2 plenty of space to work different techniques without tangled lines. Radar keeps you safe during those early morning runs when river fog rolls in thick. Built for these waters, the Willies design handles river currents and tidal influences with ease, letting you focus on your rod tip instead of wondering about the ride. All the electronics are positioned where the captain can quickly read conditions and adjust your fishing strategy as salmon move through their migration routes.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of our coastal waters, typically running 15-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 40+ pounds. These silver-sided beauties with black-spotted backs prefer deeper water and structure like submerged logs or rocky drop-offs. They're less surface-oriented than coho, so we target them with downriggers and weighted gear. Peak season runs May through September when they're moving through our river systems. What makes kings special is their powerful, bulldogging fight - they won't jump much but they'll test your drag system. The meat is rich, oily, and perfect for the grill. Pro tip: kings have soft mouths, so keep steady pressure but don't horse them - let the rod do the work and they'll come to the net easier.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are the acrobats of the Pacific, averaging 8-12 pounds and known for their aerial displays when hooked. These bright silver fish with dark backs love to hang around structure in 20-60 feet of water, especially near river mouths and rocky points. Best fishing runs July through October when they're staging before their spawning runs. Coho are aggressive feeders and will hit lures with authority, then put on a jumping show that gets everyone excited. Their firm, red meat is excellent eating. Unlike kings, coho will often feed closer to the surface, making them perfect for our trolling and jigging techniques. Local trick: when you hook one, keep your rod tip low during those first few jumps to prevent them from throwing the hook.
Lincoln Beach, OR