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Premier Astoria Salmon & Sturgeon Fishing Trip
- Published Date: August 29, 2025
- Fishing
- Astoria
- $500 - $600 price range
Summary
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River Monsters Caught
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!
Weekend Salmon & Sturgeon Fishing in Astoria
Get ready for some serious rod-bending action on the mighty Columbia River! This 8-hour charter with Fish Food Guide Service puts you right in the heart of Astoria's legendary salmon and sturgeon fishery. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, Captain Jason's got you covered with all the gear, know-how, and local intel to make this a trip to remember. We'll be targeting some of the river's hardest-fighting fish, so come prepared for an early start and a full day of non-stop fishing excitement.
What to Expect on the Water
Rise and shine, anglers! We'll be meeting at the dock at 6 AM sharp, ready to hit the Columbia's most productive fishing grounds. This shared charter maxes out at just two guests, so you'll have plenty of elbow room and personal attention from the captain. Don't sweat it if you're new to salmon or sturgeon fishing – Captain Jason will walk you through everything from bait selection to proper hook-setting techniques. We'll be using top-notch rods, reels, and bait provided by the guide service, so all you need to bring is your fishing license and a good attitude. The Columbia can dish out some wild weather, so layer up and be ready for anything from sunny skies to a classic Pacific Northwest drizzle.
Techniques & Tackle Talk
Depending on the season and what's biting, we'll be employing a mix of fishing methods to put you on the fish. For salmon, expect to do some trolling with downriggers, using cut-plug herring or flashy artificial lures to entice those chrome-bright beauties. When we're after sturgeon, we'll likely be anchoring up and bottom fishing with some seriously heavy tackle. Think chunky sinkers, circle hooks, and bait like fresh salmon roe or pickled squid. Captain Jason's always got a few local tricks up his sleeve, so don't be surprised if he busts out some unconventional (but effective) techniques. Throughout the day, he'll be sharing tips on reading the water, understanding fish behavior, and maybe even a few secret spots that only the locals know about.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Coho Salmon: Also known as silvers, these acrobatic fighters are a favorite among Astoria anglers. Typically ranging from 8-12 pounds, coho are known for their spectacular leaps and blistering runs. They start showing up in the Columbia around July, with peak fishing often happening in September. Their flesh is prized for its rich, orange color and delicate flavor – perfect for the grill or smoker.
Chinook Salmon: The kings of the Pacific salmon world, Chinooks (or king salmon) are the heavyweight champs of the Columbia. These bruisers can tip the scales at over 40 pounds, though 15-25 pounders are more common. Spring and fall runs offer the best shot at hooking into one of these monsters. Chinooks are revered for their firm, red flesh and high oil content, making them a top choice for sashimi lovers.
Shortnose Sturgeon: Don't let the name fool you – these prehistoric-looking fish can grow to impressive sizes in the Columbia. While the fishery is strictly catch-and-release, tangling with a 6-foot sturgeon is an experience you won't soon forget. They fight like freight trains and can take you on epic battles lasting over an hour. Sturgeon fishing peaks in the winter months, but they can be caught year-round with the right tactics.
Chum Salmon: While not as common as coho or Chinook, chum salmon (also called dog salmon) make an appearance in the Columbia during their fall run. They're known for their distinctive tiger-striped coloration when spawning. Chums typically weigh in around 10-15 pounds and put up a respectable fight. Their meat is lighter in color and oil content compared to other salmon species, but still makes for excellent table fare when fresh from the river.
Black Sea Bass: These tasty bottom-dwellers aren't the primary target on this trip, but they're a welcome bonus catch when fishing near rocky structure. Black sea bass average 1-3 pounds and are known for their firm, white flesh. They're often caught while fishing for other species, adding some variety to the day's catch. If you hook into one, you're in for a delicious fish fry!
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Astoria's fishing scene is the real deal, folks. Where else can you battle prehistoric sturgeon in the morning and fill your cooler with prime salmon fillets by afternoon? The Columbia River estuary is a unique ecosystem where freshwater meets the Pacific, creating a nutrient-rich environment that draws in massive numbers of fish. Add in the stunning views of the Oregon coast, the chance to spot bald eagles or sea lions, and the satisfaction of learning from a seasoned local guide – it's no wonder anglers from all over the country make the pilgrimage to these waters.
Top Catches This Season
While every day on the water is different, Fish Food Guide Service has been putting clients on some impressive catches lately. We're talking 30+ pound Chinooks that'll make your arms ache, limits of hard-fighting coho, and the occasional sturgeon that'll have you questioning whether you hooked the Loch Ness monster. Remember, it's not just about the size of the fish – it's about the memories you'll make and the stories you'll tell. That said, don't forget to bring a camera – you might just land the fish of a lifetime!
Time to Book Your Spot
Listen up, anglers – this isn't your average weekend fishing trip. We're talking about a chance to fish some of the most productive waters on the West Coast with a guide who knows every eddy and hole like the back of his hand. Whether you're dreaming of battling a trophy Chinook or crossing sturgeon off your bucket list, this Astoria charter delivers the goods. But here's the catch: these weekend trips fill up fast. Like, really fast. So if you're thinking about it, don't wait. Grab your fishing buddy, secure your spot with that deposit, and get ready for a day on the Columbia you'll be bragging about for years to come. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not booking sooner. Tight lines, and we'll see you on the water!
Learn more about the species
Black Sea Bass
Black sea bass are a blast to catch, with their aggressive bite and strong, bulldogging fight. These bottom-dwellers typically run 1-4 pounds, but can reach 8+ in our waters. You'll find them around rocky structure, sunken wrecks, and jetties in depths of 60-120 feet. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore. Black sea bass are hermaphrodites - they start as females and can change to males as they grow larger. They're beautiful fish, with dark blue-black coloration and white-spotted scales. For the best action, use medium tackle with cut bait or squid near the bottom. Here's a pro tip: when you find one, you've likely found a bunch. They school up, so work an area thoroughly. As a bonus, black sea bass are excellent eating with firm, white flesh.
Chinook Salmon
Chinook, or king salmon, are the heavyweight champs of the Columbia. These brutes can top 30 pounds, with some monsters pushing 50+. They're known for deep, powerful runs and are prized for both their fight and flavor. Look for them in cold, fast-moving water, often hanging near the bottom. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate upriver to spawn. Chinook have a blue-green back, silver sides, and black spots on their tail and upper fins. When targeting kings, go deep with heavy gear. Trolling with herring or large plugs works well. Here's a local secret: early morning or late evening are best, when they're most active. The thrill of battling one of these giants, paired with their rich, oil-packed meat, makes Chinook a bucket-list fish for many anglers.
Chum Salmon
Chum salmon, also called dog salmon, are often overlooked but can offer some great action. They average 10-15 pounds but can reach over 30. You'll find them in coastal areas and lower river sections, typically in fall as they return to spawn. Chums are known for their long migrations, sometimes traveling over 2,000 miles. They're not as acrobatic as other salmon, but they're strong fighters, especially in current. Look for them in depths of 15-40 feet when ocean fishing. Chums change dramatically as they near spawning - males develop a hooked jaw and tiger-stripe patterns. For the best results, try sight casting with bright flies or lures. A local trick: use chartreuse-colored flies, they seem to trigger more strikes. While not as prized for eating as other salmon, smoked chum is delicious.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon are a real treat to catch on the Columbia. These acrobatic fighters typically run 8-12 pounds, though some monsters push 30 inches and 20+ pounds. Look for them in calm areas near debris or in large river systems. They're famous for their spectacular leaps when hooked. Coho have a dark blue-green back, bright silver sides, and white belly with black spots. The meat is bright orange-red and delicious. We usually target them from late summer through fall as they return to spawn. Coho respond well to bright lures - chartreuse and pink are top colors. Pro tip: when fishing holding water, try twitching a jig with a long tail. The erratic action drives coho crazy. Just remember, these fish can jump 6 feet vertically, so keep that rod tip up when you hook one!
Shortnose Sturgeon
Shortnose sturgeon are prehistoric-looking fish with five rows of bony plates along their bodies. They average 3-4 feet long and 20-30 pounds, though some can reach 60 pounds and live up to 70 years. You'll find them in deep, muddy areas of the Columbia, where they use their whisker-like barbels to sniff out food on the bottom. Shortnose sturgeon are slow-growing and endangered, so we practice catch-and-release only. They put up a dogged, powerful fight when hooked. The best time to target them is spring through fall using heavy tackle and natural baits like worms or shrimp fished right on the bottom. Remember to use circle hooks to reduce injury. While we can't keep them, it's a thrill to see these living fossils up close - they've been around since dinosaur times!
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
