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Expert-Guided 8-Hour Astoria Fishing Adventure
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Astoria
- $500 - $600 price range
Summary
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Reeling It In
Living the dream!
Salmon hook for the day!
Perfect catch!
salmon fishing at Columbia river!
Astoria Oregon fishing charters
Come and join the fun!
Child Friendly Charter
Sunset and Oregon Fishing
Columbia river fishing
sturgeon fishing
Living the dream!
Salmon hook for the day!
Perfect catch!
salmon fishing at Columbia river!
Astoria Oregon fishing charters
Come and join the fun!
Child Friendly Charter
Sunset and Oregon Fishing
Columbia river fishing
sturgeon fishing
Living the dream!
Salmon hook for the day!
Perfect catch!
salmon fishing at Columbia river!
Reel in the Big One: 8-Hour Columbia River Adventure
Get ready for a full day of fishing action on the mighty Columbia River with Fish Food Guide Service. This 8-hour shared fishing trip out of Astoria, Oregon is your ticket to hooking into some of the Pacific Northwest's most prized catches. Whether you're after hard-fighting salmon or the prehistoric sturgeon, Captain Jason knows all the hotspots and will put you on the fish. Kicking off at the crack of dawn, you'll have plenty of time to work different techniques and locations to maximize your chances of a cooler full of fillets.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early, but trust me, it's worth it. Meet at the dock at 6 AM sharp, where you'll hop aboard a well-equipped fishing vessel ready to take on the Columbia. Captain Jason will run you through a quick safety briefing and gear check before heading out. As you cruise to the first fishing spot, keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles soaring overhead or sea lions popping up to say hello. The Columbia River estuary is teeming with life, and you never know what you might see.
This isn't a leisurely boat ride – we're here to fish! Depending on the season and what's biting, you might be trolling for salmon, dropping bait for sturgeon, or trying your hand at some light tackle action for sea bass. Captain Jason's years of experience mean he knows just where the fish are holding and what they're hungry for. He'll have you rigged up and fishing in no time, showing you the ropes if you're new to the game or swapping tactics with more seasoned anglers.
Techniques That Land the Lunkers
When it comes to salmon fishing on the Columbia, we've got a few go-to methods that consistently put fish in the boat. Trolling with herring or anchovies is a classic technique that mimics the salmon's natural prey. We'll set up a spread of rods, each with slightly different depths and presentations to figure out what the fish want that day. If the bite is on, you might hear the buzzing of multiple reels as everyone scrambles to their rods – it's controlled chaos at its finest!
For sturgeon, we typically anchor up and fish the bottom with heavy tackle. These prehistoric beasts can grow to massive sizes, so we use stout rods and reels spooled with braided line to give us the best shot at landing them. Fresh bait is key – we might use salmon eggs, sand shrimp, or even chunks of fish depending on what's working. When a sturgeon takes the bait, hold on tight! These fish are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps, giving you a fight you won't soon forget.
Top Catches This Season
While we don't have specific customer reviews for this trip, anglers on the Columbia River have been having a banner year. Reports of 30+ pound Chinook salmon and oversized sturgeon stretching well over 8 feet have been coming in regularly. The key to success is often persistence and being in the right place at the right time – exactly what an experienced guide like Captain Jason provides.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Coho Salmon: Also known as silvers, these acrobatic fighters are a favorite among anglers. Typically weighing 6-12 pounds, Coho are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They start showing up in the Columbia in late summer and stick around through fall. Their firm, orange flesh makes for excellent eating, whether grilled, smoked, or turned into gravlax.
Chinook Salmon: The king of salmon, Chinooks are the heavyweights of the Columbia. These bruisers can tip the scales at over 40 pounds, though 15-25 pounders are more common. Spring and fall are prime times to target these prized fish. They're treasured for their rich, fatty meat that's perfect for the grill or smoker. Landing a big Chinook is often the highlight of an angler's season.
Shortnose Sturgeon: These living fossils are a unique catch in the Columbia. While not as large as their white sturgeon cousins, shortnose sturgeon still put up an impressive fight. They're bottom-feeders, so we target them with bait near structure or in deeper holes. Remember, sturgeon fishing is catch-and-release only in most areas, but the thrill of landing one of these prehistoric fish is unforgettable.
Chum Salmon: While not as common as other salmon species in the Columbia, chum (also called dog salmon) can provide exciting action when they're running. They typically show up in late fall and are known for their tenacious fights. While not considered the best eating among salmon, they're still a worthy adversary on rod and reel.
Black Sea Bass: These tasty bottom-dwellers are a fun change of pace when salmon aren't cooperating. Found around rocky structure and reefs, sea bass put up a good scrap on light tackle. They're excellent eating fish, with firm white flesh that's great for fish tacos or simply grilled with lemon and herbs.
Time to Book Your Spot
An 8-hour fishing trip on the Columbia River with Fish Food Guide Service is more than just a chance to catch fish – it's an opportunity to experience one of the West Coast's most productive fisheries with a knowledgeable local guide. Captain Jason's expertise means you'll be fishing the best spots with the most effective techniques, maximizing your chances of hooking into something big.
Remember, this shared trip has a capacity of just two anglers, so you'll get plenty of personal attention and guidance throughout the day. While meals aren't included, you're welcome to bring snacks and drinks to keep your energy up during the action-packed day.
Don't miss out on your chance to create lasting memories and maybe even land the catch of a lifetime. Spots on these popular charters fill up fast, especially during peak salmon runs. Book your trip now and get ready for an unforgettable day on the water in beautiful Astoria, Oregon. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your schedule is clear before locking in your date. Tight lines and see you on the river!
Learn more about the species
Black Sea Bass
Black sea bass might not be common in our Oregon waters, but they're a blast to catch if you're fishing the East Coast. These chunky members of the grouper family usually weigh 2-4 pounds but can reach 8 or more. You'll find them around structure like wrecks, reefs, and jetties in 60-120 feet of water. They're most active in late spring and summer when they move inshore to spawn. Anglers love their firm, white meat and the fight they put up. For the best luck, use a medium-weight rod with 20-30 pound line and fish near the bottom with squid or cut bait. A local trick is to look for bigger males in deeper water - they often have a blue tint and a hump on their head during spawning season. Just remember, these fish are hermaphrodites - all start as females and some later become males!
Chinook Salmon
Chinook salmon, also known as kings, are the largest of the Pacific salmon species. They can reach over 3 feet long and weigh 30 pounds or more. You'll find them in the deeper, colder parts of the Columbia River and out in the Pacific. They're prized for their size, fighting ability, and rich, flavorful meat. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're migrating. Kings are sensitive to light, so early mornings or evenings are best. To land one of these bruisers, try trolling with herring or large plugs in 30-60 feet of water. A local trick is to use a chartreuse and blue combo on bright days, switching to darker colors like purple and black when it's cloudy. Be ready for a battle - these fish will test your gear and your arms!
Chum Salmon
Chum salmon are often overlooked, but they're a blast to catch. They average 2-3 feet long and 10-20 pounds. You'll find them in both the Columbia River and coastal streams, especially in fall when they're spawning. Chums are known for their long migrations, sometimes traveling over 2,000 miles! They're not as prized for eating as other salmon, but they fight hard and are fun to target. Look for them in depths of 15-40 feet in the ocean or near the mouths of rivers in fall. Sight casting with flies is popular - use chartreuse or pink patterns. A tip from me: don't cast right into a school, but a few feet off to the side. Chums spook easily, so a stealthy approach is key to hooking into one of these silver torpedoes.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon are a favorite around here, usually weighing 8-12 pounds but can get up to 30. You'll find them in calm spots under debris in rivers connected to the ocean. They're acrobatic fighters, known for jumping up to 6 feet out of the water. Coho have a distinctive blue-green back with silver sides and a white belly. We typically target them in late summer and fall when they're migrating back to freshwater to spawn. Anglers love their bright orange meat and sporty nature. For the best luck, I recommend swinging bright-colored spinners in fast water or twitching jigs with long tails in calmer holding areas. Just remember, these fish can be spooky, so a stealthy approach is key.
Shortnose Sturgeon
Shortnose sturgeon are prehistoric-looking fish with five rows of bony plates along their bodies. They average 3-4 feet long and can weigh up to 60 pounds. You'll find them in the deeper, muddy areas of the Columbia River estuary. They use their whisker-like barbels to search the bottom for food like mollusks and small fish. Sturgeon fishing is catch-and-release only since they're endangered, but they put up an impressive fight. Spring and fall are usually the best times to target them. When you're fishing for sturgeon, use a heavy-duty rod with plenty of backbone. Bait your hook with salmon eggs, sand shrimp, or squid and fish it right on the bottom. Be patient - these prehistoric fish are slow and deliberate eaters.
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
