5.0(3 Reviews)Oregon Salmon & Crab Charter - Winchester Bay
5.0(3 reviews)
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target salmon and Dungeness crab in prime Oregon watersExpert guides provide toptier gear aboard 28foot HewescraftFish Umpqua River and Pacific Ocean from Winchester Bay
Looking for a solid day of fishing on Oregon's coast? This shared 5-hour charter out of Winchester Bay puts you right where the salmon are biting and the Dungeness crab are waiting. SOA Charters runs their 28-foot Hewescraft to the hottest spots - whether that's working the Umpqua River or heading offshore into the Pacific. You're not stuck with just one fishing style here. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand and they'll put you on fish, plain and simple.
This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of elbow room to work your lines without bumping into the next guy. The captain and crew provide all the top-tier tackle you'll need - no need to drag your own gear unless you want to. They'll set you up with the right rods, reels, and terminal tackle for whatever species are running hot that day. The boat heads out from Winchester Bay and goes where the action is best. Some days that means staying in the bay and working the river mouth for fresh salmon coming in from the ocean. Other days you'll head offshore to target fish in deeper water. The crew reads the conditions and follows the bite - that's how you end up with fish in the box instead of stories about the ones that got away.
The fishing approach changes based on where you're working and what's biting. When targeting salmon in the river system, expect to troll with plugs, spinners, or fresh bait like herring or anchovies. The crew knows exactly what depth to run your gear and which colors are producing. Out in the ocean, you might be pulling flashers and hoochies through salmon schools or working deeper water with downriggers. For the crabbing side of things, they'll drop pots loaded with fresh bait while you're fishing. The Dungeness crabs around Winchester Bay are some of the best you'll find on the Oregon coast - sweet meat and good size. The crew handles all the crab pot work, so you can focus on keeping your salmon rod ready. They know the regulations inside and out, so you don't have to worry about size limits or seasons - they've got that covered.
"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 kings of the Pacific Northwest, and the ones running through Winchester Bay are absolute bruisers. These fish can push 30 pounds or more when they're fresh from the ocean, and they fight like freight trains once hooked. Spring and fall are prime time for big kings, though you'll find them moving through the area from late spring through early fall. What makes Chinook special is their rich, red meat and incredible fighting ability. When a big king takes your bait, you'll know it immediately - they make long, powerful runs that test your drag and your arm strength. The crew knows exactly where to find these fish based on tides, water temperature, and bait movements.
Coho Salmon might be smaller than their Chinook cousins, but they make up for it with pure acrobatic energy. These silver bullets love to jump when hooked, often clearing the water multiple times during the fight. Coho typically run 8 to 15 pounds in this area, with bright silver sides and incredible table quality. They're aggressive feeders and will hammer lures, making them a favorite for anglers who like consistent action. Late summer and early fall bring the best Coho fishing to Winchester Bay, when schools of these energetic salmon stage near the coast before heading upriver. The meat is excellent - lighter than Chinook but with great flavor and texture that's perfect for grilling or smoking.
Winchester Bay delivers some of Oregon's most consistent salmon and crab fishing, and this charter puts you right in the middle of the action. With experienced guides who know these waters intimately and gear that's ready to handle whatever you hook, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard. The 2 salmon and 12 crab limit per person means you'll head home with a cooler full of the Pacific Northwest's finest seafood. Whether you're a seasoned angler or getting back into fishing after years away, the crew will make sure you have the knowledge and support to make the most of your day on the water. Book your spot now and get ready to experience why Winchester Bay is a top-rated destination for Oregon salmon fishing.
This 2020 28-foot Hewescraft is built for serious salmon and crab fishing out of Winchester Bay. Twin 150hp Yamaha engines push her to 37 knots, getting you to the productive waters fast whether we're heading up the Umpqua River or offshore into the Pacific. The boat's equipped with everything you need for a successful day - outriggers for proper salmon trolling, a quality fish finder to locate the schools, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus VHF radio for communication. There's a built-in bait tank to keep your offerings lively, an icebox for your catch and cold drinks, and even a toilet for comfort during those long 5-hour trips. With space for 6 anglers, this Hewescraft handles Oregon's coastal waters with confidence while giving everyone room to fight fish. The setup is perfect for targeting both salmon and Dungeness crab, so you'll come back with a mixed bag of Pacific Northwest's finest.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of the salmon world, averaging 12-15 pounds but sometimes pushing 30+ pounds here in Oregon waters. These silver-sided bruisers with blue-green backs love deeper water, whether we're trolling the ocean or working the lower Umpqua. They're light-sensitive fish, so they stay deep during bright days - that's why we use downriggers and weighted gear. Best action happens early morning or late evening when they move up in the water column. What makes kings special is their fight and that rich, orange-pink meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Local tip: when we're trolling, I keep the boat speed around 2-3 knots and watch for bait schools on the fish finder. Kings follow the food, and herring or anchovies usually mean salmon are close.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are the acrobats of the bunch - pound for pound, they fight harder than any fish out there. These 8-12 pound rockets can jump six feet straight up when hooked, making for some wild action on lighter tackle. You'll find them in calmer waters near structure, often holding around the river mouth or just inside the bay where fresh and salt water mix. Cohos have that classic silver look with a dark blue-green back and taste just as good as kings with bright red meat. They're aggressive feeders, hitting everything from spinners to plugs. Best fishing is during their runs from late summer into fall. Here's my go-to trick: when they're being picky, switch to a bright pink or chartreuse spinner and work it through the deeper holes where they rest between runs.
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