Prime Salmon & Crab Charter in Winchester Bay

Oregon's Best Salmon & Crab Charter Fishing

Ready for some world-class salmon fishing and crabbing in the Pacific Northwest? SOA Charters has you covered with our top-rated 5-hour shared charter out of Winchester Bay, Oregon. We'll hit the Umpqua River or head out into the big blue Pacific – wherever the fish are biting best. Our seasoned crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for a real treat. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, we've got the gear and know-how to put you on the fish. And with a limit of 2 salmon and 12 crab per person, you'll have plenty to show for your day on the water.

What to Expect on the Water

Hop aboard our 28' Hewescraft – she's a beauty and perfect for these waters. We can take up to 6 guests, so bring your buddies or make some new fishing friends. The crew will get you set up with top-notch gear and show you the ropes if you're new to this kind of fishing. We'll be targeting both Chinook and Coho salmon, and trust me, when one of these bad boys hits your line, you'll know it. While we're out there, we'll drop some crab pots too. There's nothing like fresh Dungeness crab to round out your catch of the day. Just remember, the deposit's non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you book.

Trolling Tactics & Ocean Terrain

We'll be doing a mix of trolling and mooching, depending on where the fish are and how they're behaving. If we're hitting the Umpqua, we might be working the deeper holes or drifting along current seams. Out in the ocean, we'll be looking for bait balls and temperature breaks where the salmon like to hang out. We use a variety of lures and baits – herring, anchovies, spinners, you name it. The crew will have everything rigged up just right. As for the crabbing, we'll drop our pots in some secret spots the skippers have dialed in over the years. While we're fishing, those tasty Dungeness will be crawling right in.

What Anglers Are Saying

"Travis and Tom were awesome. Took extra time with our son on his first ocean fishing adventure and made sure everyone had a great time. Our son thought he had a "fish on" about every 30-45 seconds and Tom and Travis never got tired of letting him know what was and wasn't a fish on the line. They answered all of his (and my questions since I hadn't been ocean fishing in over 20 years) and were gracious, funny, and kind. Great trip with great people." - Justin

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook Salmon, also known as King Salmon, are the heavyweight champs of the Pacific Northwest. These bruisers can tip the scales at over 50 pounds, though 15-30 pounders are more common on our charters. Chinooks are known for their incredible strength and stamina – when one of these guys takes off, you'd better hold on tight! They've got a rich, orange-red flesh that's packed with flavor. Peak season for Chinooks in our area is typically from late spring through early fall.

Coho Salmon, or Silver Salmon, might be a bit smaller than their Chinook cousins, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight. These acrobatic fish love to jump and run, making for an exciting battle on lighter tackle. Cohos usually range from 6-12 pounds, with some reaching up to 20. Their meat is a bit lighter in color than Chinook but just as delicious. We see the best Coho action from mid-summer through fall.

And let's not forget about those Dungeness Crab! While not a fish, these tasty crustaceans are a major draw for our charters. Oregon's Dungeness are known for their sweet, tender meat. Legal keepers have to be male and measure at least 5 3/4 inches across the shell. When the pots come up full of these beauties, it's like hitting the seafood lottery. Crab season here typically runs from December through August, so we've got a long window to get you some.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're itching for some of the best salmon fishing and crabbing the Oregon coast has to offer, you've found it. Our 5-hour shared charter is the perfect way to get out there and experience what Winchester Bay is famous for. Whether you're a local looking for your salmon fix or a visitor wanting to taste what the Pacific Northwest is all about, we've got you covered. Remember, we're limited to 6 guests per trip, so don't wait too long to lock in your spot. The fish are out there waiting, and the crab pots are ready to go. All we need now is you. So what do you say? Ready to make some waves and fill that cooler? Book your trip with SOA Charters today and let's get after it!