Fall Salmon Fishing on Columbia River | True North

Fall Salmon Bonanza on the Columbia River

Get ready for some serious rod-bending action on the mighty Columbia! Our 8-hour fall salmon trip puts you right in the thick of one of the Pacific Northwest's most epic salmon migrations. From September to October, the lower and mid-Columbia turns into a highway for hefty Chinook and silver-sided Coho making their way upstream. This is the time when seasoned anglers and newcomers alike have a shot at landing the catch of a lifetime.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll launch at first light, when the river's misty and the bite's often hottest. Our 26-foot North River is decked out with top-notch gear and electronics to put us on the fish. Depending on where they're running, we might start by trolling the deep channels or working the rip lines where tributaries dump in. If the river's not producing, we're not afraid to trailer up and hit the coastal bays where salmon stage before their final push. This is a hands-on trip – you'll learn to work the downriggers, set your own baits, and we'll coach you through the fight when that chrome missile hits. Expect a mix of relaxed cruising and intense bursts of action when we find a hot school. By the end of the day, you'll be talking like a seasoned Columbia River angler.

Techniques That Land Lunkers

Fall fishing on the Columbia is all about versatility. We'll likely start off trolling with downriggers, using a mix of cut-plug herring and flasher/hoochie combos that mimic the baitfish these salmon have been chasing in the ocean. If we mark fish holding in deeper holes, we might switch to bounce-balling or back-trolling with eggs. When the bite's on fire, nothing beats casting spinners or twitching jigs in the shallows where salmon rest on their journey upriver. We've got all the gear you need, from G. Loomis rods to Shimano reels spooled with fresh line. Just bring your lucky hat and be ready to put in some work – landing a 30+ pound Chinook is no joke!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"Captain Hugh put us on the fish early and kept the action going all day. He is incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, professional, and patient. The planning and communication were excellent—he checked in multiple times before the trip, ensuring we knew the details of where to be, when to arrive, and what to expect. His boat is top-notch, well-maintained, and equipped with high-end gear. We can't wait to book another trip with him and highly recommend Captain Hugh to anyone looking for an amazing fishing experience!" - Matt

"Hugh put on a master-class demontration of how to guide on this trip. He is truly one of the best guides i have fished with. Our boat was a mix of new fisherman, and those with experience. He was able to meet each client where they were on their fishing journey, teach valuable skills, and have a ton of fun doing it. his joy of the sport is infectious, and we just had an awesome time... he is very good at teaching the teamwork aspect of the sport too. by mid day i felt as though the whole boat was in sync, and celebrating every fish landed agnostic to which person hooked it. so fun to share in that with my friends, and the new people i got to meet on the boat. Hugh attracts good people into his life so if your trip with him is shared with others, my guess is you will enjoy meeting them and learning a little of their life's story on the water. the two that i had not met before the trip were return clients for him, and both added positively to my experience... a happy boat catches lots of fish and we certainly were a happy boat and we caught LOTS of fish. Thank you Hugh!!! tight lines buddy :)" - Kenneth

"Two years in a row at Buoy 10, Astoria, Oregon with Hugh Harris, Owner of True North Outdoors LLC. Top notch gear and boat. Hugh is a great guide and teacher as I am a novice. Caught the largest wild Chinook today that ODFW has registered this year." - Paula

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook Salmon: These are the kings of the Columbia, and for good reason. Fall Chinooks, also known as "upriver brights," can tip the scales at over 50 pounds. They're notoriously hard-fighting fish that'll put your arms and gear to the test. Chinooks start entering the river in August, with peak numbers usually hitting in mid-September. These fish are prized not just for their size, but for their rich, red flesh that's loaded with healthy omega-3s. When a big king hits your line, hold on tight – you're in for the fight of your life!

Coho Salmon: Don't let their smaller size fool you – Coho, or silver salmon, are pound-for-pound some of the most acrobatic fish you'll ever tangle with. Fall Coho typically range from 8 to 12 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and fight. These chrome-bright missiles are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Coho tend to run a bit later than Chinooks, with the best action often happening from late September into October. They're also more likely to hit lures and flies, making them a favorite for anglers who like a more active fishing style.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, the fall salmon run on the Columbia isn't some secret – anglers from all over the world mark their calendars for this. Spots on our trips fill up fast, especially for those prime weeks in September when both Chinook and Coho are running strong. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to tangle with some trophy salmon or a first-timer wanting to experience the thrill of the Columbia, we've got you covered. Our 8-hour trips give you the best shot at landing that fish of a lifetime, all while soaking in the stunning scenery of the Pacific Northwest. Don't spend another fall wishing you were out here – grab your spot now and get ready for some world-class salmon fishing. The big ones are waiting!