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Top-Rated Columbia River Fishing in Astoria
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Astoria
- $500 - $600 price range
- Updated Date: November 15, 2025
Summary
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Columbia River Giants
Pro Angler's Paradise: Salmon & Sturgeon in Astoria
Get ready to test your skills against some of the Pacific Northwest's most challenging gamefish on this half-day charter with Fish Food Guide Service. We're talking serious fishing for serious anglers here in Astoria, where the mighty Columbia River meets the Pacific. This isn't your average tourist trip - it's a focused 6-hour session designed to put you on the fish and refine your technique. If you've got the experience and you're itching for a real test, Captain Jason's got just the trip for you.
The Lowdown on Your Day
We kick things off early, meeting at the dock at 6 AM sharp. That's prime time for salmon and sturgeon, so don't hit the snooze button. The Columbia River estuary is our playground, and it's a complex one. Tides, currents, and fish patterns change daily, but Cap'n Jason knows how to read the water like a book. You'll be working premium gear - top-notch rods and reels are provided, along with the bait that's hitting. Just bring your A-game, your fishing license, and any personal gear you swear by. This is a private charter for up to two anglers, so you'll have plenty of elbow room and one-on-one time with the captain to dial in your approach.
Tactics for Trophy Fish
Forget about lazy bobber fishing - we're talking active angling here. For salmon, we might be trolling with downriggers, working cut-plug herring, or casting spinners depending on the conditions. Sturgeon fishing is a whole different ballgame. We'll be anchoring up on prime holes, using heavy tackle and fresh bait to tempt these prehistoric giants. Be ready to set the hook hard and hang on tight - these fish don't give up easy. Captain Jason will be right there coaching you on technique, from the perfect bait presentation to the fine art of playing a big fish. It's all about maximizing your chances and turning those bites into landed fish.
Target Species Breakdown
Coho Salmon: Also known as silvers, these acrobatic fighters are a blast on light tackle. They average 6-12 pounds but can push 20. Coho hit hard and love to jump, so be ready for some reel-screaming runs. Peak season is typically August through September, but we start seeing early arrivals in July. Their orange-red flesh makes for some of the best eating around.
Chinook Salmon: The king of salmon, both in size and reputation. Chinooks in the Columbia can top 50 pounds, though 15-30 pounders are more common. These bruisers prefer deeper water and put up a dogged fight. Spring and fall runs give us two shots at these prized fish. If you're after a trophy salmon, this is your target.
Chum Salmon: The often-overlooked cousin in the salmon family, chums (or "dogs") can still put up a great fight. They average 8-15 pounds and have a more subtle flavor that's fantastic smoked. We see them in the late fall, usually October and November. They're not as common as other salmon species, so landing one is always special.
Shortnose Sturgeon: These living fossils are the ultimate test of an angler's patience and strength. Shortnose sturgeon in the Columbia can reach 6 feet and over 100 pounds. They're bottom feeders, so we'll be using heavy sinkers and fresh bait like salmon roe or sand shrimp. The fight is more about power than speed - be ready for a long, arm-burning battle. Remember, it's catch-and-release only for sturgeon, but the photo op is worth it.
Why Pros Pick This Trip
Look, there are plenty of "family fun" fishing trips out there. This ain't one of them. We're targeting the hardest fighting, most sought-after gamefish in the Northwest. It's challenging fishing that requires skill, patience, and a bit of grit. But for serious anglers, that's the whole point. You're not just casting and hoping - you're actively working to outsmart these fish, reading the water, and adjusting your technique on the fly. Plus, you've got a seasoned pro in Captain Jason sharing real-world tips you can apply to your own fishing back home. It's like a master class on the water.
Booking Your Spot
If you're still reading, chances are this is exactly the kind of focused fishing trip you've been after. Remember, we're limited to just two anglers per trip to keep things personalized and productive. That means spots fill up fast, especially during peak salmon runs. A non-refundable deposit locks in your date, so don't wait if you've got specific days in mind. Whether you're a local looking to up your game or you're planning the fishing trip of a lifetime to Astoria, this is your chance to tangle with some world-class fish. Give Fish Food Guide Service a call and let's get you on the water. The salmon are running, the sturgeon are hungry, and your next big fish story is waiting to be written on the Columbia.
Learn more about the species
Chinook Salmon
Chinook, or king salmon, are the heavyweight champs of the Columbia. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, with some monsters pushing 50. Look for them in deeper water, especially early morning or evening when they're most active. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they run upriver to spawn. Chinooks are prized for their rich, orange-red meat and powerful fights - they'll test your gear and your arms. To hook one, try trolling with herring or large plugs near the bottom. Fly anglers, go for bright patterns on cloudy days, darker ones when it's sunny. A local trick: use scent to mask your line and lures. These fish have keen senses and spook easily. Whether you're after a trophy or just want to tangle with the king of salmon, chinooks offer an unforgettable battle and some of the best eating around.
Chum Salmon
Chum salmon might not get the glory of kings or silvers, but they're a blast to catch. These ocean-bright battlers average 10-20 pounds and put up a scrappy fight. Look for them in the Columbia from late summer through fall as they push upriver to spawn. Chums prefer depths around 40 feet but come shallower at night. They're not picky eaters, so experiment with lures. Sight fishing can be a thrill - just don't cast right into the school or you'll spook 'em. Try a 7-9 weight rod with floating line and 20-pound mainline. Chartreuse flies are hot, but pink and purple work too. Here's a tip: prawns make great bait if you're not fly fishing. While some folks turn their nose up at chum for eating, smoked chum is delicious. Plus, their long runs and acrobatic jumps make for an exciting day on the water.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon are a real thrill to catch here in Astoria. These acrobatic fighters typically run 8-12 pounds, though some can hit 30. Look for them in calm spots under debris in the Columbia and its tributaries. They start showing up in late summer, with peak season in fall. Coho are prized for their bright orange meat and spirited fight - they can leap up to 6 feet out of the water! To land one, try swinging bright-colored spinners in fast water or twitching jigs with long tails in deeper pools. Float fishing with roe works well too. Just remember, these guys are quick and spook easily. A stealthy approach and light presentation go a long way. Whether you're after them for sport or the dinner table, coho offer an exciting challenge for anglers of all levels.
Shortnose Sturgeon
Shortnose sturgeon are living fossils, looking much like they did 70 million years ago. These armored bottom-feeders average 3-4 feet long and can live up to 70 years. You'll find them in the deep, muddy areas of the Columbia, using their whisker-like barbels to sniff out food. While they used to be prized for caviar, shortnose sturgeon are now endangered and off-limits to fishing. Still, it's a thrill to spot one of these prehistoric-looking fish. They're most active in cooler months when the water temperature drops. If you do hook one by accident, handle it gently and release it quickly. These slow-growing fish take years to mature, so every one counts. Keep an eye out for their distinctive shape - a short, rounded snout and rows of bony plates along their sides. It's a rare glimpse into the ancient history swimming beneath our boats.
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
