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Premier Columbia River Salmon Fishing Charter

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Astoria, Oregon
  • $200 - $1,350 price range

Summary

Get ready for a full day of Chinook salmon fishing on the Columbia River with this private 8-hour charter. We'll head out at 7 AM, giving you and up to 5 others plenty of time to target these prized fish in some of the best waters the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Our expert guides know just where to find the big ones, and with a smaller group, you'll have more room to cast and a quieter, more focused experience. Whether you're an experienced angler or bringing along family for their first big catch, this trip is set up for success. We'll provide everything you need for a great day on the water, from gear to local knowledge. Just remember, it's called "fishing" not "catching" - but your chances are good for some impressive salmon and even better stories. Non-refundable deposit required to lock in your date.
Premier Columbia River Salmon Fishing Charter

Columbia River Salmon Hauls

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Angler fishing in OR with a single fish

Pumped with a solid Coho!

Coho salmon fishing in OR

Epic Coho lineup—sunny and successful!

5 lake trout caught in OR

Loaded with feisty Coho—sunny and smooth!

Best great fishing in Oregon with 2 anglers

Bleed bucket!

3 Chinook Salmon, fishing in OR

Solid Chinook haul on the Columbia!

Scenic landscape in OR, fishing

Crabbing great September-January!

A Coho Salmon caught while fishing in Oregon

Pumped with this shiny Chinook!

Anglers catching best, great fishing in OR

Proud moment with a sleek Coho!

Chinook salmon caught in OR

Classic Coho catch—clean and strong!

Angler with a 24-inch fish in Oregon

Massive Chinook—clean and powerful!

Angler fishing in OR with a single fish

Pumped with a solid Coho!

Coho salmon fishing in OR

Epic Coho lineup—sunny and successful!

5 lake trout caught in OR

Loaded with feisty Coho—sunny and smooth!

Best great fishing in Oregon with 2 anglers

Bleed bucket!

3 Chinook Salmon, fishing in OR

Solid Chinook haul on the Columbia!

Scenic landscape in OR, fishing

Crabbing great September-January!

A Coho Salmon caught while fishing in Oregon

Pumped with this shiny Chinook!

Anglers catching best, great fishing in OR

Proud moment with a sleek Coho!

Chinook salmon caught in OR

Classic Coho catch—clean and strong!

Angler with a 24-inch fish in Oregon

Massive Chinook—clean and powerful!

Angler fishing in OR with a single fish

Pumped with a solid Coho!

Coho salmon fishing in OR

Epic Coho lineup—sunny and successful!

5 lake trout caught in OR

Loaded with feisty Coho—sunny and smooth!

Best great fishing in Oregon with 2 anglers

Bleed bucket!

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Salmon Fishing Columbia River | Private 8 Hour Charter Trip

Get ready for a full day of world-class Chinook salmon fishing on the mighty Columbia River. This 8-hour private charter is all about you and your crew chasing some of the biggest, baddest salmon the Pacific Northwest has to offer. We'll hit the water at 7 AM sharp, giving us plenty of time to find the hot spots and put you on fish. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have space to spread out, work your rods, and reel in those chrome-bright kings. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, our expert guides will make sure you're in prime position for hooking into the catch of a lifetime.

What to Expect on the Water

This ain't no rushed fishing trip – we're talking a full 8 hours dedicated to putting you on salmon. We'll cruise to some of the Columbia's most productive fishing grounds, using our local knowledge to target areas where big Chinooks like to hang out. You'll be using top-notch gear and learning pro techniques to improve your chances of landing these powerful fish. The private charter setup means it's just your group on board, so you can focus on fishing without distractions. Whether you're bringing your fishing buddies or the whole family, there's plenty of room for everyone to get in on the action. And let's be real – there's nothing like the shared excitement when someone hooks into a monster king salmon.

Trolling for Trophies

On this trip, we'll be using a mix of trolling and mooching techniques to target Chinook salmon. We'll set up with downriggers to get our lures down where the big boys are cruising. You'll learn how to work your rod, feel for the bite, and set the hook when a king decides to chomp down on your offering. We use a variety of lures – from cut-plug herring to flashy spinners – depending on what the fish are keyed in on that day. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing; our guides will walk you through every step, from rigging up to playing a fish boat-side. And for you seasoned anglers, we're always happy to swap tactics and learn from each other out on the water.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook Salmon, aka King Salmon, are the star of the show on the Columbia River. These bruisers can tip the scales at over 50 pounds, with the average fish running a respectable 15-25 pounds. They're known for their hard-fighting nature and those heart-stopping runs that'll have your drag screaming. Chinooks in the Columbia are typically ocean-bright, with that signature blue-green back and silvery sides that flash in the sunlight. They're aggressive feeders, often hitting lures with bone-jarring strikes that'll wake you up faster than your morning coffee. The best time to target these giants is during their spawning runs, typically peaking in late summer to early fall. But don't sleep on the spring run either – those early-season kings can be absolute tanks. What makes Chinook so exciting to catch here is the combination of their size, strength, and the breathtaking scenery of the Columbia River Gorge as your backdrop. Landing one of these bad boys is a true accomplishment that'll have you grinning for days.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks who fish with us tend to make it an annual tradition, and for good reason. The Columbia River isn't just any old fishing spot – it's salmon central, with some of the most consistent Chinook action you'll find anywhere. Our private charters give you the freedom to fish at your own pace, whether that means going hard after the big ones or taking a more relaxed approach with family and friends. You're not just paying for a fishing trip; you're getting a full day of hands-on learning from guides who live and breathe this river. We're out here day in and day out, tracking fish movements and dialing in the bite. That local knowledge is priceless when it comes to putting you on fish. Plus, there's something special about having the boat to yourself – no competing for space or feeling rushed. It's all about quality time on the water, making memories, and hopefully landing some impressive salmon to show for it.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, if you're thinking about booking a Columbia River salmon trip, now's the time to pull the trigger. Our prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak Chinook season. This 8-hour private charter is the real deal – expert guidance, top-notch gear, and a full day dedicated to putting you on big, beautiful king salmon. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer, chase that personal best, or just enjoy a day on the water with your crew, we've got you covered. Remember, it's not just about the fish (though they're pretty darn important). It's about the experience, the stories you'll tell, and the memories you'll make out on the mighty Columbia. So grab your fishing buddies, clear your calendar, and let's get you hooked up with some chrome-bright Chinooks. Don't wait – those kings aren't going to catch themselves. Book your trip now and get ready for a salmon adventure you won't forget. Tight lines!

Learn more about the specie

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon are the kings of the Columbia, often stretching 3 feet or more and tipping scales past 30 pounds. These powerful fish spend years beefing up in the Pacific before surging upriver to spawn. You'll find them hugging deep channels and hanging around structure like sunken logs. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but we chase 'em year-round. Folks love targeting Chinooks for their legendary fights - when one of these bruisers hits, hold on tight! Their rich, orange flesh makes for incredible eating too. To up your odds, we'll often troll with cut-plug herring near the bottom. Here's a local secret: on sunny days, try blue or green lures to mimic the baitfish these big boys are after. Whether you're an seasoned angler or it's your first time out, landing a Columbia River Chinook is something you won't soon forget. Just be ready to work for it - these fish didn't get their "king" nickname by accident!

Chinook Salmon

About the Aluminum fishing

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 50

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Get ready for a full day of fishing action on the mighty Columbia River! This private 8-hour charter is all about targeting those prized Chinook salmon. Setting off at 7 AM, you and up to 5 buddies will have the boat to yourselves, giving you plenty of elbow room to cast and reel in comfort. Your expert guide knows all the prime spots where these hefty fish like to hang out, maximizing your chances of hooking into something big. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying your hand at salmon fishing for the first time, this trip offers the perfect mix of challenge and fun. Bring your A-game and get ready to make some awesome memories out on the water. With a full day ahead, you'll have time to really get into the groove and hopefully land some impressive catches to brag about later. Just remember, the deposit's non-refundable, so mark your calendars and get pumped for a day of salmon pursuit on one of the Pacific Northwest's most legendary rivers!
Brock Johnson’s Guide Service

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Brock Johnson’s Guide Service

Brock Johnson’s Guide Service offers guided Salmon, Sturgeon, and Crab fishing on the Columbia River near Astoria, Oregon. Fish from a 25’ Rogue boat with all gear included and expert support from Captain Brock.

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