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Expert-Guided 8-Hour Astoria Fishing Adventure
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Astoria
- $500 - $600 price range
- Updated Date: November 15, 2025
Summary
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Columbia River Catches
Reel in the Big Ones: Columbia River Adventure
Get ready to chase some serious fish on the mighty Columbia River! This full-day shared trip with Fish Food Guide Service puts you right in the heart of Astoria's legendary salmon and sturgeon fishing. We're talking 8 solid hours on the water, kicking off bright and early at 6 AM. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, Captain Jason's got your back with all the local know-how and gear you need to land a monster.
What's the Deal?
This ain't your average fishing trip, folks. We're targeting the heavyweights of the Columbia – salmon that'll make your arms ache and sturgeon that look like they swam straight outta Jurassic Park. The boat's set up for a max of two anglers, so you'll get plenty of elbow room and one-on-one time with the captain. Fair warning: we don't provide meals on this one, so pack a cooler with enough grub and drinks to keep you fueled up all day. Oh, and don't forget to grab your fishing license before you show up – we can't hit the water without it!
Techniques That Land Lunkers
We're not messing around when it comes to putting fish in the boat. Captain Jason's dialed in on two killer techniques that flat-out produce. First up, we'll do some trolling – that's where we cruise along, dragging lures behind the boat that mimic injured baitfish. It's like ringing the dinner bell for hungry salmon. When we're after those prehistoric sturgeon, we switch gears to bottom fishing. We'll anchor up over their favorite haunts and send down some irresistible bait. It's a waiting game, but when that rod doubles over, hold on tight – you're in for the fight of your life!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Coho Salmon: These silver bullets are the sprinters of the salmon world. Typically weighing in at 8-12 pounds, what they lack in size they make up for in acrobatics. When a coho hits your lure, be ready for some airborne action! They start showing up in late summer and stick around through fall. The meat on these bad boys is bright orange and absolutely delicious on the grill.
Chinook Salmon: Now we're talking about the kings of the Columbia. These bruisers can top 50 pounds, though 20-30 pounders are more common (and still a handful!). Chinooks are known for their powerful runs and head-shaking fights. They've got a deeper, richer flavor than coho and are prized by both sport and commercial fishermen. Spring and fall are prime time for these beasts.
Shortnose Sturgeon: Don't let the name fool you – there's nothing "short" about these living fossils. While not as massive as their white sturgeon cousins, shortnose can still stretch well over 4 feet long. They're bottom-dwelling ambush predators with a vacuum-like mouth perfect for sucking up prey. Sturgeon fishing is all about patience and feeling for that subtle bite, but once hooked, you're in for a slugfest.
Chum Salmon: The underdogs of the salmon world, chums (also called "dogs" for their canine-like teeth during spawning) don't get as much love as kings and silvers. But don't sleep on these fighters! They average 8-15 pounds and can put up a scrappy battle. Chums typically show up later in the fall, and while not as prized for eating as other salmon, they're still a blast to catch.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Look, I could go on all day about the fish, but it's more than just what's on the end of your line. There's something special about being out on the Columbia as the sun comes up, watching ospreys dive for their breakfast while snow-capped volcanoes loom in the distance. And let's be real – the bragging rights that come with landing a 40-pound king salmon or wrestling a prehistoric sturgeon? That's the stuff fishing dreams are made of.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to tangle with some of the Pacific Northwest's most sought-after gamefish, this is your chance. Remember, we're talking about a shared trip, so it's perfect if you're flying solo or bringing a buddy. Captain Jason's knowledge of the river is second to none, and he'll work his tail off to put you on fish. Just keep in mind that to lock in your date, you'll need to put down a non-refundable deposit. Trust me, it's worth it – these trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot, and let's go show those salmon and sturgeon who's boss!
Learn more about the species
Chinook Salmon
Chinook, or king salmon, are the biggest salmon species in the Columbia. These bruisers average 10-50 pounds but can top 100. Look for them from spring through fall, with peak runs in May-June and August-September. Kings prefer cooler, deeper water and often hug the bottom. They're prized for their rich, flavorful meat and incredible fighting ability. When hooked, a big chinook will peel off line and make powerful runs. Trolling with herring or large plugs is effective. One local trick is to use scent on your lures – kings have an excellent sense of smell. Early morning and evening are prime times, especially on sunny days when they're light-sensitive. Landing a Columbia River king is a real trophy, so bring your A-game and be ready for an epic battle.
Chum Salmon
Chum salmon, sometimes called dog salmon, are the underdogs of Pacific salmon but shouldn't be overlooked. They average 10-20 pounds and can reach over 30. You'll find them in the Columbia from late summer through fall as they return to spawn. Chums prefer cooler water and often stick close to shore. They're not known for fancy jumps, but they'll give you a solid fight on lighter tackle. The meat is milder than other salmon, making great smoked fish. Sight fishing for chums can be a blast - look for their distinctive tiger stripes when they start coloring up. Try bright flies or spinners in chartreuse, pink, or purple. Local tip: cast just ahead of the school instead of right into it to avoid spooking them. Chums may not be the glamour fish, but they're fun to catch and an important part of our river ecosystem.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon, also called silvers, are a blast to catch on our Columbia River trips. These acrobatic fish typically run 8-12 pounds but can get up to 20. Look for them from late summer through fall as they return from the ocean. Cohos love to hang around river mouths and estuary areas before heading upstream to spawn. They put up an impressive fight, often leaping clear out of the water when hooked. The meat has a bright orange color and mild flavor that's great for grilling or smoking. To improve your odds, try trolling with flashy spoons or plugs that mimic small baitfish. One local tip - on overcast days, go with darker lure colors like black and purple. When the sun's out, switch to brighter patterns to get their attention.
Shortnose Sturgeon
Shortnose sturgeon are prehistoric-looking fish that can live up to 70 years. They average 2-3 feet long but can reach over 4 feet and 60 pounds. You'll find them hanging out near the bottom in deep, slow-moving parts of the Columbia. These guys use their whisker-like barbels to sniff out food in the mud. While they're endangered and can't be targeted, you might spot one while fishing for other species. Sturgeon are known for their powerful fights and occasional jumps. If you do happen to hook one accidentally, handle it carefully and release it quickly. The best time to see shortnose sturgeon is spring through fall when the water's warmer. Pro tip: use circle hooks when bottom fishing to reduce the chance of deep-hooking these protected fish.
About the Fish Food Guide Service
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
