%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F21853%2Fimages%2F1739380606936fishingchartericons.png&w=1200&q=100)
Pro Anglers' Columbia River Salmon Charter
- Published Date: August 29, 2025
- Fishing
- $125 - $225 price range
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2Fabd906c6-9ed1-49b5-b8d4-2274bb5df870%2Fratecard%2F448274947_464912479569880_5960818621629589040_n.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Salmon Catch of the Day
Catch and release sturgeon fishing is picking up. Rose had a great time battling this beautiful white sturgeon into the boat.
null
null
null
Catch and release sturgeon fishing is picking up. Rose had a great time battling this beautiful white sturgeon into the boat.
null
null
null
Catch and release sturgeon fishing is picking up. Rose had a great time battling this beautiful white sturgeon into the boat.
Pro Anglers' Paradise: Salmon Fishing in Astoria
Ready to chase some serious salmon? Jack Creek Guided Adventures has you covered with our Pro Anglers Salmon Fishing Charter right here in Astoria, Oregon. We're talking prime Columbia River fishing, focused on the legendary Buoy 10 salmon run. This isn't your average day on the water – it's a 6-hour, expert-led adventure designed for anglers who know their stuff and want to land some trophy fish.
What to Expect on the Water
Our charters are all about giving you the best shot at hooking into some monster salmon. We'll cruise out to the hottest fishing spots, whether that's right in the Columbia or venturing into Nehalem Bay or even the Pacific Ocean if that's where the bite is on. With room for up to six guests, you've got plenty of elbow room to cast, whether you're bringing the whole family or meeting up with your fishing buddies. And don't sweat the gear – we've got top-notch rods, reels, and all the safety equipment you need. Our guides know these waters like the back of their hand, so you'll be in good hands from cast-off to fish-on.
Inside the Fishing Action
When it comes to salmon fishing in Astoria, we're all about using tried-and-true techniques that put fish in the boat. We'll likely be trolling with downriggers, using a mix of bait and artificial lures that the salmon can't resist. Keep an eye on your rod tip – when it starts bouncing, it's game on! Our guides will show you the ropes if you're new to this style of fishing, or swap tactics with you if you're a seasoned pro. The Columbia River estuary is known for its strong currents and ever-changing conditions, so we'll adapt our approach throughout the day to stay on the fish.
Top Catches This Season
While we don't have specific customer reviews to share, our Pro Anglers Salmon Fishing Charter has been a hit with serious fishermen looking to tangle with some trophy Chinook. Guests often rave about the thrill of battling these powerful fish in the dynamic waters of the Columbia. The mix of saltwater and freshwater creates a unique fishing environment that keeps even experienced anglers on their toes.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Chinook Salmon, also known as King Salmon, are the crown jewels of the Columbia River. These powerhouses can tip the scales at over 50 pounds, though 20-30 pounders are more common (and still a heck of a fight). Chinook are known for their explosive runs and deep dives that'll test both your gear and your arms. The best time to target these beauties is during the famous Buoy 10 fishery, typically from August through early September. That's when hordes of ocean-bright Chinook stack up at the mouth of the Columbia, ready to battle their way upriver. Hooking into one of these chrome-bright torpedoes is an angler's dream – they're at their peak condition, full of fight, and absolutely delicious if you decide to keep one for the grill.
While Chinook are our main target, don't be surprised if you also tangle with some hard-fighting Coho Salmon. These smaller cousins of the Chinook (usually in the 6-12 pound range) are known for their acrobatic fights and silvery sides. They often show up in good numbers from mid-August through September, providing fast action and tasty fillets.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Fishing the Columbia River out of Astoria isn't just about the catch – it's about the whole package. You've got the stunning backdrop of the Oregon coast, the rush of the mighty Columbia meeting the Pacific, and the chance to tangle with some of the biggest, baddest salmon in the Lower 48. Our Pro Anglers charter is designed for those who take their fishing seriously. We're not here for a scenic cruise (though the views are pretty awesome) – we're here to put you on fish and send you home with memories of screaming reels and bent rods.
What sets us apart is our local knowledge and dedication to giving you the best shot at a great day on the water. We keep tabs on the latest fish reports, adjust our tactics based on tides and conditions, and aren't afraid to run a bit further if that's where the bite is happening. Plus, with our six-person max, you're getting a more personalized experience than you'd find on bigger party boats.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to test your skills against some world-class Columbia River salmon, our Pro Anglers Salmon Fishing Charter is calling your name. Remember, the prime Buoy 10 season is limited, and spots fill up fast. We're talking about some of the best salmon fishing you can find without heading to Alaska, right here in beautiful Astoria, Oregon. Whether you're a local looking for your annual salmon fix or planning a fishing trip of a lifetime, we've got you covered.
Don't forget – our trips are catch-and-release friendly, but if you want to take home some fresh salmon for the dinner table, we can help you with that too (just make sure you've got your licenses squared away). And while we provide all the gear you need, feel free to bring your lucky rod if you've got one.
Ready to lock in your dates? Give us a call or shoot us an email to check availability. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your calendar is clear before you book. Trust us, once you've experienced the thrill of battling a chrome-bright Columbia River Chinook, you'll be planning your next trip before you even hit the dock. Let's go fishing!
Learn more about the species
Chinook Salmon
# Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Chinook salmon is also known as King Salmon and is the largest of the Salmon species. It is a popular game and commercial fish. Oncorhynchus tshawytscha is similar to its brethren Coho salmon and Rainbow trout. King Salmon has silver sides and blue-green back. It has black spots on the head, back, tail, and all the fins. It also has a black mouth and gums. Wild salmon are well known for their hard fighting ability and excellent table fare. ## Chinook Salmon Size and Weight Chinook salmon is a large fish and it can grow from 12 to 39 inches and weighs around 7 to 15 pounds. But depending on the habitat, weight can exceed 20 - 30 pounds. ## Chinook Salmon Interesting Facts • They can live up to 7 years. • This specie is anadromous. They migrate to Seawater and later return to spawn in freshwater. • Oncorhynchus tshawytscha die soon after spawning. • King salmon have reddish-pink or orange meat. • Males are more colored than females and have a distinguished nose and upper jaw. • Chinook salmon leaves a water body if the habitat starts degrading, making it a good indicator of the water conditions. ## Chinook Salmon Habitat Young Chinook salmon can be found in freshwater and estuaries. Adults move into the open Ocean for better nutrition and food. The fish can also be found in cold streams, especially in hiding places such as tree roots. Snow melting into lakes and streams also helps their environment. ## Chinook Salmon Spawning Chinook salmon are ready to spawn from 2 to 7 years of age. Female makes redds or gravely nests and lays the eggs. Depending on spawning time and temperature, hatching takes place in early spring or late winter. ## Chinook Salmon Food Young Chinook salmons feed on plankton, insects, small fish, and invertebrates. Adult Salmon in Ocean also enjoy many organisms such as sand lance, pilchards, squids, herrings, and crustaceans. ## Chinook Salmon Fishing Chinook salmon is sensitive to light so they stay at water bottom mostly. So, anglers should use weighted baits. The best time for fishing them is early morning or in the evening. Ship Creek in Anchorage, Alaska, and Lake Oahe in South Dakota are among the top spots to fish them. • Fly fishing King salmon is very exciting, but keep in mind to not swing too far and keep the fly swimming in water. • When Salmon fishing in lakes, down-rigging and trolling works best. • Anglers can also still fish in deep water using a herring. • Trolling is also an effective method using plugs, spoons, live or dead bait. ## Chinook Salmon Baits and Lures Fly Fishing: when selecting flies for king salmon, most of the time exact fly pattern is not overly important. However, depending on a bunch of variables (light, water levels, location, etc.) fly color can make a big difference. Some examples include rhea tube intruders, bunny leeches, marabou tubes, shanked intruders, minnows. On a bright day lean towards bright color combos like chartreuse/blue or pink/orange, and for cloudy/dark days blue/black and purple/black color combos. Other Fishing: Use of plugs, spoons, trolling flies, live or dead bait, sand shrimps ## Chinook Salmon Distribution Chinook can be found in the colder water of the Pacific Ocean from the coast of Alaska, Western Canada, Oregon, Idaho, Washington State, and Northern California. It has been introduced in Great Lakes of United States and can also be found in Japan and Russia.
About the Jack Creek Guided Adventures
%2F%2Fusers%2Fabd906c6-9ed1-49b5-b8d4-2274bb5df870%2Fvehicle_picture%2Fscreenshot2025-02-12190315.png&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
