5.0(3 Reviews)Oregon Salmon & Crab Charter from Winchester Bay
5.0(3 reviews)
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target salmon and Dungeness crab in prime Oregon watersFish Umpqua River and Pacific Ocean from Winchester Bay28-foot Hewescraft accommodates up to 6 guests comfortably
Looking for a solid day on the water targeting fresh salmon and tasty Dungeness crab? SOA Charters runs a shared 5-hour trip that covers all the productive water around Winchester Bay. We'll fish the Umpqua River when the salmon are stacked up there, or head out into the Pacific Ocean when that's where the action is hottest. You're not locked into one spot – we go where the fish are biting that day. With limits of 2 salmon per person and 12 crab each, there's plenty of opportunity to fill the cooler with some of Oregon's finest seafood.
You'll be fishing from a 28-foot Hewescraft that's built for these waters – stable, comfortable, and designed to handle whatever the Pacific throws at us. The boat takes up to 6 anglers, so you'll have room to move around and won't be elbow-to-elbow with other fishermen. Captain Travis and the crew provide all the rods, reels, tackle, and crab gear you need, plus they know these waters like the back of their hand. They'll put you on fish whether you're a first-timer or been doing this for decades. The trip runs 5 hours, giving you solid time to work both salmon and crab without feeling rushed. Weather and fish behavior determine whether we stay in the river or push out to the ocean – flexibility is key to success out here.
For salmon, we're primarily trolling with downriggers and diving planers to get your bait or lures down to where the fish are holding. In the river, that might mean working the deeper holes and current breaks where Chinook and Coho stage before heading upstream. Out in the ocean, we'll troll the productive zones where baitfish concentrate and salmon feed actively. The crew sets up all the gear – you just need to know how to work the rod when a fish hits. For crabbing, we run Dungeness crab rings baited with fresh fish or chicken. The rings go down while we're salmon fishing, then we check them periodically throughout the trip. It's a perfect combination since crab pots work while you're focused on your salmon rod. All bait, tackle, and crabbing gear is included, so you just show up ready to fish.
"Travis and Tom were awesome. Took extra time with our son on his first ocean fishing adventure and made sure everyone had a great time. Our son thought he had a 'fish on' about every 30-45 seconds and Tom and Travis never got tired of letting him know what was and wasn't a fish on the line. They answered all of his (and my questions since I hadn't been ocean fishing in over 20 years) and were gracious, funny, and kind. Great trip with great people." - Justin
"Limited on Coho and Dungeoness crab! Great trip. Captain was awesome. I will be back!" - Christopher
Chinook salmon are the main target here, and for good reason – these are the heavyweight champions of Pacific salmon. Winchester Bay Chinook commonly run 15-30 pounds, with bigger fish always possible. They're strongest in late spring through early fall, moving between the ocean and river depending on spawning timing and feed patterns. When you hook a mature Chinook, expect a serious fight with powerful runs and head shakes that'll test your drag system. These fish are prized for their rich, firm meat that's perfect for grilling, smoking, or making into salmon steaks. The Umpqua River system produces some of Oregon's finest Chinook, and they're incredibly fun to target whether trolling herring, spinners, or cut bait.
Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the trip – they're smaller than Chinook but pound-for-pound some of the most acrobatic fish in the ocean. These silver bullets typically range 6-12 pounds and are famous for their jumping ability once hooked. Coho are excellent table fare with bright red meat that's slightly milder than Chinook. They respond well to smaller spoons, hoochies, and bait, often hitting aggressively when you find a school. Peak Coho fishing usually runs from late summer into fall, and they'll stage in both the lower river and nearshore ocean waters. When the Coho bite is on, you can have multiple hookups and steady action that keeps everyone on the boat busy.
Dungeness crab add the perfect complement to your salmon fishing adventure. These tasty crustaceans are available year-round in Oregon waters, with peak numbers during fall and winter months. Winchester Bay sits in prime Dungeness habitat where sandy and muddy bottoms provide ideal crab conditions. A keeper male Dungeness must measure at least 5¾ inches across the shell, and the meat is sweet, tender, and considered some of the best eating on the West Coast. Crabbing works perfectly with salmon fishing since the rings fish themselves while you focus on your salmon rods – it's like getting two trips in one. Fresh-cooked Dungeness crab legs make an outstanding complement to your salmon fillets for a true Oregon seafood feast.
This shared charter gives you access to top-rated Winchester Bay fishing without booking an entire boat. SOA Charters has the local knowledge, quality equipment, and customer service that keeps anglers coming back season after season. The 5-hour trip length hits the sweet spot – long enough to work both salmon and crab properly, but not so long you're exhausted by the end. With salmon and crab limits that let you take home serious meat, plus the flexibility to fish river or ocean based on conditions, you're getting maximum value for your fishing dollar. Deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. Whether
This 2020 Hewescraft is your ticket to prime salmon and crab fishing waters off Winchester Bay. At 28 feet with twin 150hp Yamaha engines, she'll get you to the hot spots fast, cruising at 37 knots to where the fish are biting. Whether we're working the Umpqua River or heading offshore into Pacific waters, this boat handles it all. Outriggers keep your lines spread wide for salmon trolling, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure. The bait tank keeps your offerings fresh, and when you're hauling in limits of 2 salmon and 12 Dungeness crab per person, the icebox keeps everything cold. GPS and radar navigation mean we fish safely in any conditions, and the VHF radio keeps us connected. With room for 6 anglers and a head onboard, you'll fish comfortably all day. This Hewescraft is built for serious Pacific Northwest fishing.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKnown as King Salmon for good reason—these are the giants of the salmon world, typically running 15-30 pounds in our waters, with some bruisers pushing even bigger. Chinook have silver sides with distinctive black spots covering their back, head, and tail, plus that telltale black mouth. They're strong fighters that prefer deeper water, whether we're trolling the ocean swells or working the deeper holes in the Umpqua. Peak season runs late spring through fall when they're feeding heavy before their spawn. What makes them special is that incredible reddish-orange meat—top-shelf table fare. Here's a local tip: when we're river fishing, I like running herring or roe deeper than most folks think. These fish often sit near bottom in 15-25 feet, so don't be afraid to get your bait down there.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are pure adrenaline—pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish you'll encounter. Running 8-12 pounds typically, they're smaller than Chinook but what they lack in size they make up for with acrobatics. These fish will jump, tail-walk, and put on a real show. Coho prefer the mid-water column and love structure—around logs, rocky areas, or where currents meet. Best fishing is usually late summer into fall when they're staging for their spawning runs. The bright orange meat is fantastic eating, and guests love the action-packed fights. Here in the Umpqua system, I've found success running bright lures—pinks and chartreuse work great. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them. Let them jump and tire themselves out, then work them to the net.
5.0 out of 5.0Josh Jolicoeur, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Travis and Tom were awesome. Took extra time with our son on his first ocean fishing adventure and made sure everyone had a great ...
Limited on Coho and Dungeoness crab! Great trip. Captain was awesome. I will be back!
Christopher Anderson , Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. Thank y...
Oregon