Ready to chase some of the Pacific Northwest's most prized catches? Coultas Custom Charters has you covered with this full-day salmon and steelhead adventure on Oregon's stunning coastal rivers. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, this trip is tailored to give you the best shot at landing some serious chrome. We're talking about battling hard-fighting Chinook, lightning-fast Coho, and acrobatic steelhead in their native waters. So grab your rain gear and let's hit the river!
Your day starts early - we're talking first light early. But trust me, there's nothing like watching the mist rise off the river as you gear up for a full 8 hours of prime fishing time. Your guide will have the boat prepped and loaded with all the tackle you need. We'll cruise to some of the hottest holes and runs, switching up techniques based on what the fish are doing that day. Expect to cover a good stretch of river, from deep pools where big Chinooks like to hold, to faster water where aggressive Coho and steelhead often strike. Your guide will be right there, offering tips on reading the water, perfecting your cast, and playing fish like a pro. And when that rod doubles over? Get ready for some serious action!
We'll be using a mix of techniques depending on the species we're after and river conditions. For salmon, be ready to learn the finer points of back-bouncing roe, pulling plugs, and maybe even some bobber dogging if the water's right. Steelhead often call for a more finesse approach - think side-drifting or float fishing with jigs or bait. Don't sweat it if these terms are Greek to you - your guide will break it all down. We provide top-notch rods, reels, and all the terminal tackle. Just bring your personal gear (think warm layers, rain gear, and maybe some snacks) and we'll handle the rest. Oh, and a camera - you'll want proof when you land that trophy fish!
Chinook Salmon: These bruisers are the kings of the Pacific salmon world, and for good reason. In our coastal rivers, expect fish in the 15-40 pound range, with some real monsters pushing 50+ pounds. Chinooks are known for their bulldozer fights - when one of these takes your bait, hold on tight! They've got serious power and will use every ounce of it. Fall is prime time for these beasts, but we get some nice spring and summer runs too.
Coho Salmon: Don't let their smaller size fool you - Coho (also called silvers) are pound-for-pound some of the scrappiest fish you'll hook. These acrobatic salmon love to jump and run, making for an exciting fight on lighter tackle. We typically see them in the 6-12 pound range, with some pushing 15+. Coho start showing up in late summer and peak in the fall. They're aggressive biters and often hit lures with a vengeance, making them a blast for anglers of all skill levels.
Steelhead: If salmon are the heavyweight champs, steelhead are the welterweights of the river. These sea-run rainbow trout are prized for their lightning-fast runs and aerial displays. We get both summer and winter runs in our coastal rivers, with fish typically ranging from 5-15 pounds. Hooking into a fresh, chrome-bright steelhead is an experience you won't forget. They're known for being finicky biters, but when you do connect, be ready for an all-out brawl!
There's something special about fishing Oregon's coastal rivers. Maybe it's the misty mornings, the towering evergreens lining the banks, or the knowledge that each cast could connect you with a fish of a lifetime. Our guests often tell us it's the whole package - world-class fishing in a stunning natural setting, with guides who know these waters like the back of their hand. Whether you're here to check salmon off your bucket list or you're a steelhead junkie chasing that chrome addiction, this trip delivers. And hey, even on slower days, you're still spending quality time on some of the most beautiful rivers in the country.
If you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of Oregon's hardest-fighting fish, don't wait to book this trip. Our prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak salmon and steelhead runs. Remember, this charter is perfect whether you're a total newbie looking to learn the ropes or an experienced angler wanting to fine-tune your river game. Coultas Custom Charters provides all the gear and know-how - you just bring the enthusiasm and maybe a lucky hat. So what are you waiting for? Book your spot now and get ready for a day of world-class fishing on Oregon's wild and scenic coastal rivers. Trust me, that first screaming run from a fresh Chinook or the acrobatic leap of a winter steelhead will have you hooked for life!
Chinook salmon, also called kings, are the heavyweights of Pacific salmon. These bruisers typically run 15-30 pounds but can top 50 in our coastal rivers. Look for them holding in deeper pools and runs, especially near structure. Fall is prime time as they push upstream to spawn. Chinooks are prized for their rich, fatty meat and bulldog fighting style. When hooked, they'll often make powerful runs and try to wrap you around every obstacle in the river. To improve your odds, try drifting roe or sand shrimp under a float through likely holding water. The key is getting your bait down in front of these bottom-hugging fish. Nothing beats the heart-pounding thrill of battling a trophy king on light tackle in a swift coastal river.
Coho, or silvers, are the acrobats of the salmon world. Averaging 8-12 pounds, they're known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. You'll find them in coastal rivers from late summer through fall, often in slower water than Chinooks. Cohos are aggressive and will readily strike lures, making them a blast on light tackle or fly gear. Their orange-red flesh is prized for its delicate flavor. For best results, target cohos early in their run when they're bright and full of fight. A local trick is to use small, bright spinners retrieved with a stop-and-go action - the pauses often trigger strikes from following fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to salmon fishing, hooking into a chromer coho is sure to get your heart racing.
Steelhead are the sea-run form of rainbow trout, returning to our coastal rivers bigger and stronger after time in the ocean. These chrome-bright missiles average 5-12 pounds but can push 20. You'll find them in faster water - look for tail-outs of pools and seams along current edges. Winter and summer runs give us year-round action, with peak seasons in winter and early spring. Steelhead are legendary for their powerful fights and acrobatic leaps. They're challenging to catch, which is part of the allure for many anglers. To up your odds, try swinging a bright streamer fly or drifting a small jig under a float through likely runs. The grab can be subtle, so stay alert. There's nothing quite like the electric jolt when a fresh steelhead slams your offering - it's an addiction that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 8
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 10