Oregon Salmon Fishing on Coastal Rivers | SOA

Reel in the Big One: Oregon River Salmon Fishing

Get ready to chase some of the most sought-after game fish in the Pacific Northwest on our full-day salmon fishing adventure. We'll hit one of Oregon's prime coastal rivers - the Coos, Coquille, Umpqua, or Siuslaw - depending on where the bite is hottest. These rivers are the real deal when it comes to salmon fishing, offering world-class opportunities to tangle with hard-fighting Chinook and coho. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, our expert guide will put you on the fish and show you the ropes of river salmon fishing.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll meet up bright and early at the boat ramp, load up our gear, and head out to where the salmon are running. Depending on river conditions and fish behavior, we might be trolling plugs and spinners through deep holes or drifting with bobbers and bait. Our comfortable, well-equipped boat can handle up to four anglers, so bring your fishing buddies or the whole family. As we work our way down the river, you'll be surrounded by stunning coastal scenery - towering evergreens, rocky cliffs, and maybe even some wildlife sightings. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, ospreys, and river otters. The real action starts when a chrome-bright salmon takes your bait and the fight is on!

Hooking Into Oregon Salmon

River salmon fishing is all about reading the water and adjusting your technique to match the conditions. We'll be using top-quality gear including G.Loomis rods, Shimano reels, and locally-tied leaders. If we're trolling, we'll use plugs like Flatfish or Kwikfish, or maybe run some spinners behind divers. For drift fishing, we'll rig up with salmon eggs or sand shrimp under a sliding bobber. Our guide will show you how to properly set the hook, fight the fish, and land it safely. These river-run salmon are incredibly strong, so be ready for some serious battles. Nothing beats the rush of a big Chinook peeling line off your reel or a acrobatic coho leaping clear out of the water!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook Salmon: Also known as king salmon, these are the heavyweight champs of Pacific salmon. Oregon's coastal rivers see both spring and fall runs of Chinook, with fish averaging 15-25 pounds and monsters pushing 50+ pounds not unheard of. They're prized for their rich, red flesh and put up an incredible fight. Chinook love to hold in deep pools and along current seams. Fall is typically the peak season, but some rivers see good spring runs too.

Coho Salmon: These feisty fighters, also called silvers, are known for their acrobatic leaps and blistering runs. While typically smaller than Chinook (averaging 6-12 pounds), what they lack in size they make up for in attitude. Coho are often more aggressive biters and will readily hit lures and flies. They start showing up in the rivers in late summer and peak in the fall. Their bright silver sides and blue-green backs make them a beautiful catch.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing Oregon's coastal rivers that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Maybe it's the heart-pounding excitement of hooking into a trophy salmon, or the peaceful serenity of drifting through pristine wilderness. Our trips offer the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Even if the fishing is slow (which is rare!), you're guaranteed to have a great day on the water surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery Oregon has to offer. And when the bite is on? Well, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of landing a hard-earned salmon and knowing you'll be enjoying some of the finest seafood in the world for dinner.

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're a die-hard salmon fanatic or looking to cross river fishing off your bucket list, our Oregon salmon trips deliver the goods. We provide all the gear, knowledge, and local expertise to put you on fish - all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a lucky hat). Fall is prime time for salmon runs, but we fish year-round and can always point you towards the best action. Spots fill up fast during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your dates. Give us a call or book online today, and get ready for an unforgettable day chasing chrome on Oregon's legendary salmon rivers. Trust us, once you feel that first big pull on the end of your line, you'll be hooked for life!