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Premier Columbia River Salmon Fishing Charter

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Astoria, Oregon
  • $200 - $1,350 price range
  • Updated Date: November 15, 2025

Summary

Get ready for a full day of Chinook salmon fishing on the Columbia River. This private 8-hour trip is all about you and your group, with room for up to 6 anglers. We'll set out at 7 AM, giving us plenty of time to find the best spots. The Columbia's known for its big salmon, and we'll be targeting some real beauties. Our expert guide knows these waters inside and out, so you're in good hands whether you're a seasoned angler or trying this for the first time. There's nothing quite like the rush of hooking into a big Chinook, and with a full day on the water, your chances are solid. We've got all the gear and know-how - you just bring your enthusiasm and maybe a buddy or two. It's a great way to spend quality time outdoors, make some memories, and hopefully land that fish of a lifetime. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so check our Trips & Rates page for details before you book.
Premier Columbia River Salmon Fishing Charter

Chinook Action Shots

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Coho and chum salmon caught in OR

Grocery run!

6 coho salmon, chum salmon, and coho salmon caught in OR

Hooked a big Chinook while fishing in Astoria waters.

4 people fishing in OR with 5 fish

Reeling in silver salmon on a Columbia River adventure.

10 people fishing on a river in OR

First salmon of the season on an Astoria fishing trip.

4 coho salmon and rainbow trout caught while fishing in OR

Scenic Columbia River views while fishing near Astoria, Oregon.

6 coho and chinook salmon caught while fishing in OR

Fresh catch of the day on an Astoria guided fishing trip.

Chinook salmon caught in Oregon during fishing

Early morning salmon run on an Astoria fishing charter.

Two people fishing in OR

Casting lines for Chinook salmon with Brock Johnson.

5 rainbow trout caught while fishing in OR

Celebrating a successful catch on the Columbia River.

Two rainbow trout and coho salmon caught while fishing in OR

Astoria’s best guided fishing trips with expert captains.

Coho and chum salmon caught in OR

Grocery run!

6 coho salmon, chum salmon, and coho salmon caught in OR

Hooked a big Chinook while fishing in Astoria waters.

4 people fishing in OR with 5 fish

Reeling in silver salmon on a Columbia River adventure.

10 people fishing on a river in OR

First salmon of the season on an Astoria fishing trip.

4 coho salmon and rainbow trout caught while fishing in OR

Scenic Columbia River views while fishing near Astoria, Oregon.

6 coho and chinook salmon caught while fishing in OR

Fresh catch of the day on an Astoria guided fishing trip.

Chinook salmon caught in Oregon during fishing

Early morning salmon run on an Astoria fishing charter.

Two people fishing in OR

Casting lines for Chinook salmon with Brock Johnson.

5 rainbow trout caught while fishing in OR

Celebrating a successful catch on the Columbia River.

Two rainbow trout and coho salmon caught while fishing in OR

Astoria’s best guided fishing trips with expert captains.

Coho and chum salmon caught in OR

Grocery run!

6 coho salmon, chum salmon, and coho salmon caught in OR

Hooked a big Chinook while fishing in Astoria waters.

4 people fishing in OR with 5 fish

Reeling in silver salmon on a Columbia River adventure.

10 people fishing on a river in OR

First salmon of the season on an Astoria fishing trip.

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Full Day Salmon Fishing on the Columbia River

Get ready for a prime day of Chinook salmon fishing on the legendary Columbia River. This full-day private charter is all about giving you and your crew the best shot at landing some hefty kings. With Brock Johnson's Guide Service, you're in for 8 solid hours on the water, kicking off at the crack of dawn when the bite is hot. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the game, this trip is tailored to maximize your time and improve your chances of hooking into some serious Columbia River chrome.

Trip Overview

Picture this: You and up to five of your fishing buddies, out on the mighty Columbia, with nothing but open water and the promise of monster Chinooks ahead. We'll push off at 7 AM sharp, giving us plenty of time to hit the prime spots before the day heats up. This isn't some crowded party boat situation – it's just you, your group, and a dedicated guide who knows these waters like the back of their hand. We're talking about a full 8 hours of uninterrupted fishing time, perfect for dialing in your technique and giving those salmon nowhere to hide. The Columbia's got a rep for producing some absolute tanks, and we'll be right where the action is. Bring your A-game, because these kings don't mess around – we're here to put you on fish that'll make your reel scream and your arms burn.

Hooks in the Water

On this trip, we're not messing around with lightweight tactics. We're going after Chinook salmon, the heavyweights of the Pacific Northwest, and that calls for some serious gear. We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on the conditions and where the fish are holding. Expect to do some trolling with downriggers, dragging herring or cut-plug baits that these kings can't resist. We might also bust out some plunking gear if the water levels are right – there's nothing like the thump of a big Chinook hitting a Kwikfish on a slack line. The Columbia's got some deep channels and swift currents, so we'll be using stout rods, beefy reels spooled with heavy line, and sharp hooks that can turn those tough Chinook jaws. Don't worry if you're new to these methods – your guide will be right there, showing you the ropes and making sure you're set up for success. Just be ready to put in some work, because when a 30-pounder decides to take you for a ride, you'll need all hands on deck.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Let's be real – there's a reason why salmon fishing on the Columbia is world-renowned. This river's got a reputation for producing some absolute giants, and every cast has the potential to connect you with the fish of a lifetime. But it's not just about the size of the catch. It's about that rush you get when your rod doubles over and line starts peeling off your reel. It's the camaraderie of cheering on your buddies as they battle a chrome-bright king to the net. And let's not forget the bragging rights that come with bringing home some of the best-eating fish you'll ever taste. Our regulars come back year after year because they know that a day on the Columbia with us isn't just a fishing trip – it's a full-on adventure with memories that'll last a lifetime.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook Salmon, also known as King Salmon, are the crown jewels of the Columbia River. These powerhouses are the largest of the Pacific salmon species, and they've got the fight to match their size. We're talking about fish that can easily top 30 pounds, with some monsters pushing past the 50-pound mark. Chinooks are known for their deep, powerful runs and their ability to turn on a dime, testing both your gear and your skills as an angler.

The Columbia's Chinook runs are stuff of legend, with fish starting to show up in the spring and continuing through the fall. Summer Chinooks, also called June Hogs, are especially prized for their size and oil-rich meat. These fish are built like linebackers, with broad shoulders and thick, muscular bodies that have powered them hundreds of miles upriver. When you hook into one, be prepared for a battle royale – these fish don't give up easily.

What makes Chinook fishing on the Columbia so special is the combination of quantity and quality. Not only do you have a shot at hooking into multiple fish in a day, but each one has the potential to be a personal best. And let's not forget about the eating – Chinook salmon are considered the cream of the crop when it comes to flavor, with rich, red flesh that's loaded with healthy omega-3s. Whether you're grilling, smoking, or making sushi, Columbia River Chinook are hard to beat.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're even thinking about salmon fishing on the Columbia, you need to lock in your date now. These trips fill up fast, especially during peak season when the big runs are coming through. We're offering you a full day on the water, with just your group and a guide who eats, sleeps, and breathes Columbia River salmon fishing. This is your chance to get away from the crowds, focus on filling the fish box, and maybe even land that wall-hanger you've been dreaming about.

Remember, we're limited to six anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of elbow room and personal attention. Whether you're bringing your fishing buddies for a day of friendly competition or treating the family to an unforgettable outing, this trip is built for making memories and putting fish in the boat. Don't wait until the last minute and risk missing out on the hottest bite of the season. Give us a call, reserve your spot, and get ready for some of the best salmon fishing the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Just be warned – once you experience Chinook fishing on the Columbia, regular fishing might never feel the same again.

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.

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 an epic day chasing Chinook salmon on the mighty Columbia River! Our 8-hour private charter is perfect for groups of up to 6 anglers looking to maximize their time on the water. We'll set out at 7 AM, giving you a full day to target these prized fish in some of the Pacific Northwest's most productive spots. Our experienced guide will put you on the fish and share local knowledge to boost your chances of success. With plenty of room to cast and reel, you'll enjoy a comfortable, focused fishing experience tailored to your group. Whether you're aiming to land a trophy catch or just soak in quality time with friends and family, this trip delivers. Bring your A-game and get ready for big pulls, bent rods, and the satisfaction of battling these powerful salmon. It's the perfect recipe for making lasting memories and potentially going home with some tasty fillets too!
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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