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Premier Astoria Salmon & Sturgeon Fishing Trip
- Published Date: August 29, 2025
- Fishing
- Astoria
- $500 - $600 price range
- Updated Date: November 15, 2025
Summary
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River Monsters Caught
Reel in the Big Ones: Astoria Salmon & Sturgeon
Get ready for a fish-filled adventure on the mighty Columbia River! This full-day weekend trip with Fish Food Guide Service is your ticket to some of the best salmon and sturgeon action Astoria has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, Captain Jason's got you covered with top-notch gear, proven techniques, and insider knowledge of where the fish are biting. It's time to set your alarm clock early and join us for an unforgettable day on the water.
What to Expect on the Water
Rise and shine, anglers! We'll meet bright and early at 6:00 AM, ready to hit the Columbia River running. This shared trip means you'll be joining other fishing enthusiasts, so come prepared to swap stories and maybe even a little friendly competition. Captain Jason will get you set up with quality rods, reels, and bait – all you need to bring is your fishing license and a good attitude. Over the course of 8 hours, we'll target both salmon and sturgeon, adjusting our tactics based on what's biting. Don't worry if you're new to this; the captain will walk you through everything from proper casting techniques to reading the river. And for you seasoned pros, Jason's always got a few tricks up his sleeve to help land that trophy fish.
Techniques That Land Lunkers
On this trip, we'll be pulling out all the stops to get those salmon and sturgeon on the hook. For salmon, expect to do some trolling with downriggers, using flashers and cut-plug herring to entice those chrome-bright beauties. We might also mix it up with some plunking from anchor if the conditions are right. When it comes to sturgeon, we'll likely be posting up in known holes, using heavy tackle and tasty bait like smelt or salmon eggs. The captain will show you how to detect those subtle sturgeon bites and set the hook just right. Throughout the day, we'll be adjusting our depths, speeds, and bait presentation to match what the fish want. It's all about reading the water and staying one step ahead of these smart river dwellers.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Coho Salmon, also known as silvers, are the acrobats of the Columbia. These feisty fish are known for their spectacular jumps and hard-fighting nature. Typically weighing 6-12 pounds, with some trophy fish pushing 20+, Cohos are a blast to catch on light tackle. They start showing up in late summer and peak in early fall, making our weekend trips prime time for hooking into these silver bullets. Cohos are not only fun to catch but also delicious on the grill – talk about a win-win!
Shortnose Sturgeon are the living dinosaurs of the Columbia River. These ancient fish can live up to 100 years and grow to impressive sizes. While we practice catch-and-release for these protected fish, the thrill of landing one is unforgettable. Shortnose sturgeon typically range from 3-6 feet in length and put up an incredible fight. They're bottom feeders, so we'll be dropping our bait right where they're lurking. The best part? Sturgeon fishing is good year-round, so there's always a chance to tangle with these prehistoric powerhouses.
Chinook Salmon, or Kings, are the heavyweight champions of the Columbia. These bruisers can tip the scales at 30 pounds or more, with some monsters pushing 50+. Chinooks are prized for their rich, flavorful meat and their legendary fighting ability. Spring and fall are the prime seasons for these behemoths, but we can target them throughout the summer months as well. Landing a Chinook is often the highlight of an angler's trip – are you ready to test your skills against the king of salmon?
Chum Salmon, while less common, are still an exciting catch when they make their appearance. Also known as dog salmon, these fish typically weigh 7-15 pounds and are known for their distinctive tiger-stripe pattern when spawning. Chums usually show up in the Columbia later in the fall, adding some variety to our catches. While not as prized for eating as Chinooks or Cohos, Chums still put up a great fight and are a welcome addition to any angler's species list.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Fishing the Columbia River out of Astoria isn't just about the catch – it's about the whole experience. The misty mornings giving way to stunning river vistas, the camaraderie of sharing the boat with fellow anglers, and the heart-pounding excitement when a rod doubles over with a big fish. Captain Jason's wealth of local knowledge means you're not just fishing, you're getting an insider's tour of one of the Northwest's most productive waterways. And let's not forget the bragging rights that come with landing a monster sturgeon or limit of salmon. Whether you're a local looking for a weekend escape or a visitor wanting to sample some of Oregon's best fishing, this trip delivers memories that'll have you planning your next outing before you even hit the dock.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, folks, let's not beat around the bush – these weekend trips fill up fast, and for good reason. With a max of just two guests per trip, you're getting personalized attention and the flexibility to really make the most of your day on the water. Remember, a non-refundable deposit is required to lock in your date, so don't wait until the last minute. Whether you're dreaming of battling a prehistoric sturgeon or filling the cooler with fresh salmon, this full-day adventure with Fish Food Guide Service is your ticket to Columbia River glory. Grab your fishing buddy, secure your spot, and get ready for a day of rod-bending, drag-screaming action. The fish are waiting – are you ready to answer the call?
Learn more about the species
Chinook Salmon
Chinook salmon, also called kings, are the heavyweights of the Pacific salmon world. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, with some monsters pushing 50 or more. They're in our waters from spring through fall, with peak runs in late summer. Kings prefer deeper water, so we'll often troll near the bottom or along steep drop-offs. These fish are prized for both their fight and their rich, flavorful meat. When a big king hits, hold on tight - they're known for powerful runs that'll test your arms and your gear. To up your chances, try trolling with herring at first light or dusk when they're most active. A local secret is to use a chartreuse flasher ahead of your bait - it seems to trigger more strikes. Landing a trophy Chinook is an experience you won't soon forget!
Chum Salmon
Chum salmon might not get the glory of kings or silvers, but they're a blast to catch. These underrated fighters average 10-15 pounds and can push past 20. You'll find them in the Columbia from late summer through fall, often in shallower water than other salmon species. Chums are known for their dogged fights - they might not jump like cohos, but they'll give you a run for your money. Their meat is milder than other salmon, making great smoked fish. Sight-casting to schools of chums is a real thrill. Use a 7-9 weight fly rod or medium spinning gear. Bright flies or lures in chartreuse, pink, or purple work well. Here's a pro tip: cast just beyond the school and retrieve through it. Spook one fish and you might lose the whole bunch. It's an exciting way to fish that'll keep you on your toes!
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon are a real treat to catch here in Astoria. These acrobatic fighters typically run 8-12 pounds, though some bruisers can top 20. Look for them in calmer areas near debris or in the main river. They start showing up in late summer, with peak runs in fall. Cohos are known for their high-flying antics when hooked - be ready for some airtime! Their bright orange meat is fantastic on the grill too. To entice a bite, try swinging bright-colored flies or spinners through faster water. In slower spots, twitching a jig with a long tail can do the trick. My go-to is a chartreuse or pink pattern - seems to drive 'em wild. Just remember to keep your line tight when they jump, or you might lose that trophy fish!
Shortnose Sturgeon
Shortnose sturgeon are prehistoric-looking fish that can live up to 70 years. They average 2-3 feet long but can reach nearly 5 feet and 60 pounds. You'll find them in deep, muddy areas of the Columbia River, where they use their whisker-like barbels to sniff out food on the bottom. These armored giants are slow-growing and endangered, so we practice strict catch-and-release. Spring and fall are best for encountering them. Anglers love the unique challenge of landing one - it's like reeling in a submarine! Use heavy tackle and fish near the bottom with natural baits like worms or shrimp. A local trick is to look for deep holes with slower current. Remember, patience is key with these ancient fish. It's all about the experience of connecting with a living fossil.
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
