Offshore Salmon Fishing | Winchester Bay Charters

Reel in Salmon Gold on Winchester Bay

Ready for some serious salmon action? Our 5-hour shared charter out of Winchester Bay is your ticket to hooking into some of Oregon's prized catches. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, we've got everything dialed in to make sure you leave with a cooler full of fish and a boatload of memories. We'll hit either the Umpqua River or the Pacific Ocean, depending on where the bite's hottest. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for a day of non-stop fishing and jaw-dropping coastal scenery.

What's the Deal?

Picture this: You're out on the water as the sun's coming up, rod in hand, waiting for that telltale tug. Our captain's got us dialed into the perfect spot, whether it's trolling the river or heading out to the ocean grounds. We provide all the top-notch gear you need - rods, reels, bait, the works. You just bring your A-game and maybe a lucky hat. With a limit of two salmon per person, we're aiming to get everyone their fish. And let me tell you, nothing beats the rush of battling a fresh-run Chinook or coho. It's five hours of pure fishing excitement, and we'll work our tails off to make sure you're on the fish.

Rigging Up for Success

We run a tight ship when it comes to our fishing setup. Depending on where the salmon are biting, we'll either be trolling the Umpqua or mooching out in the ocean. If we're river bound, expect to see downriggers deployed with flashers and herring rigs - a combo that drives salmon wild. Ocean fishing? We might switch to mooching rods with cut-plug herring. It's all about matching the hatch and presenting baits that these fish can't resist. Our deck hands are pros at keeping fresh bait on the hooks and adjusting our presentations on the fly. You'll pick up some serious salmon fishing know-how just by watching these guys work.

Fish Tales from the Deck

"We had a great time today with Captain Travis and his Deck hand. They really worked hard to get us on the fish, despite the rough seas. Plus we all limited out on crab. I would totally recommend going out with SOA charters if you want a great experience fishing the ocean. Thank you again for the great trip Capt. Travis." - Howard

"Travis and his baiter did an excellent job. They worked hard at finding the best spots to catch fish on our excursion, they kept the bait fresh and changed tackle as needed. Both were personable, friendly, helpful, and skilled at their jobs. The boat was clean and well kept. Travis even extended our trip to ensure everyone had the chance to catch a fish despite a front moving in and making it more challenging to get salmon to bite. They kept up with river and bar changes to ensure we had a safe and enjoyable trip. Unfortunately, the bar was closed by the Coast Guard for ships smaller than 40 ft in length due to water conditions which prevented us from having more opportunity to catch fish. I highly recommend the charter. No children were on the charter we took so I can not speak to how well they do with children but they were very helpful to both novice and experienced fishers." - Judith

Winchester Bay's Finned Prizes

Chinook Salmon: These are the kings of the Pacific, and for good reason. Also known as king salmon, these bruisers can tip the scales at over 50 pounds. They're known for their hard-fighting spirit and rich, flavorful meat. In Winchester Bay, we typically see Chinooks from spring through fall, with the peak usually hitting in August and September. When you hook into one of these bad boys, be ready for a battle - they'll test your arms and your drag like nothing else.

Coho Salmon: Don't let their smaller size fool you - coho, or silver salmon, are pound-for-pound some of the scrappiest fish in the ocean. These acrobatic fighters are known for their spectacular jumps and blistering runs. We usually see coho show up later in the summer, with the fishing heating up in September and October. They average around 8-12 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 15-pounder. Their meat is prized for its delicate flavor and is fantastic on the grill or smoker.

While salmon are our main targets, don't be surprised if we run into some bonus catches. Depending on the season, we might also encounter lingcod, rockfish, or even the occasional halibut. It's all part of the adventure when you're fishing these rich Oregon waters.

Time to Land Your Limit

Look, if you're itching to feel the pull of a chrome-bright salmon on your line, there's no better place to do it than Winchester Bay. We've got the local knowledge, the right gear, and the determination to put you on fish. Whether you're looking to stock your freezer or just want to experience the thrill of battling these incredible fish, our 5-hour shared charter is the way to go. The season's heating up, and the fish are calling. Don't miss your chance to be part of the action. Give us a call, book your spot, and get ready for a day of fishing you won't forget. Trust me, once you feel that first hit, you'll be hooked for life.