Oregon Coast Salmon & Rockfish Expedition

Ocean Salmon & Rockfish: Oregon's Summer Bounty

Ready for a summer fishing adventure that'll have you reeling in some of Oregon's top game fish? Our 8-hour ocean salmon and rockfish combo trip is the real deal. From June through August, we'll hit the Pacific waters off the stunning Oregon coast, chasing hard-fighting Chinook and Coho salmon, plus some hefty bottom-dwellers like lingcod and black rockfish. It's a full day of non-stop action that'll test your skills and fill your cooler. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, we've got you covered with all the gear, know-how, and prime fishing spots to make it happen.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll kick things off bright and early, meeting at the docks before sunrise. After a quick safety briefing and gear check, we'll motor out to where the big ones are biting. The beauty of this combo trip is the variety - we'll start trolling for salmon, then switch gears to bottom fishing later in the day. You'll get to try different techniques and target multiple species, keeping things exciting all day long. And it's not just about the fish - keep your eyes peeled for whales, seals, and seabirds as we cruise along the picturesque Oregon coastline. Just remember, the ocean can be unpredictable, so we always prioritize safety and might need to adjust our plans based on weather and sea conditions.

Techniques & Gear Rundown

For salmon, we'll be using downriggers to get our bait down to the right depth, trolling with herring, anchovies, or flashy hoochies to entice those chrome-bright fighters. When we switch to bottom fishing, we'll drop weighted jigs or bait rigs to the seafloor, working the rocky reefs where lingcod and rockfish hang out. We provide all the tackle and bait, plus top-notch rods and reels suited for ocean fishing. Don't forget to bring a valid fishing license, some snacks, and layers - it can be chilly out there even in summer. Oh, and pack your camera - you'll want proof of that monster chinook you landed!

What Anglers Are Saying

"Would highly recommend this company! I was one of 6 people who Hugh took out and help all of us nearly hit our limits. He was incredibly knowledgeable, and a great story teller. 4/6 of us had no experience at all and by the time the day was over we were a well oiled machine and a team. He also helped by cleaning and filleting them after a couple great photos. Fun conversationalist and I feel like he truly cares about making this a fun experience for people. Wish there was a 6th star to leave him!" - Spencer

"This was my first guided salmon fishing trip, and I must say, it blew all my expectations out of the water. Talk about an amazing experience! We started our adventure early in the morning with lots of instructions before we headed out. Not knowing much about salmon fishing in a group, I really appreciated that. Hugh answered everyone's questions and made us feel very comfortable about hitting the water. All the nervousness that I had was gone, he turned it into nothing but pure excitement." - Scott

"Excellent experience, such a fun day on the water! Our boat had experienced anglers + it was my first guided trip, and we all learned from Hugh about the river, the fish, techniques... Hugh really wanted us all to catch one. He took us to different spots, tried different lures - he knows what works and worked really hard, and our boat caught 3 nice keepers + my native chinook that went back. I can't wait to go again!" - Alison

Species You'll Want to Hook

Coho Salmon: Also known as silvers, these acrobatic fighters are a blast to catch. They typically range from 6-12 pounds but can get much bigger. Cohos are known for their spectacular jumps and blistering runs when hooked. They start showing up in June and stick around through the summer, with peak fishing usually in July and August. Their orange-red flesh is prized for its delicate flavor, making them a favorite for the grill or smoker.

Chinook Salmon: The kings of the Pacific, these bruisers can top 50 pounds, though 15-30 pounders are more common in our waters. Chinooks are the heavyweights of the salmon world, known for their powerful fights and rich, fatty meat. They're typically caught closer to the bottom and put up a stubborn battle all the way to the boat. Landing a big chinook is often the highlight of an angler's season.

Lingcod: These toothy predators are the wolves of the Pacific reef ecosystem. With mottled blue-green coloration and a mouth full of sharp teeth, they're as fun to look at as they are to catch. Lingcod can grow over 50 pounds, but most we catch are in the 5-15 pound range. They lurk near rocky structure and hit jigs and bait with aggressive strikes. Their white, flaky meat is excellent for fish tacos or beer-battered fish and chips.

Black Rockfish: These schooling fish are the bread and butter of our bottom fishing. They're abundant, eager biters, and make for great eating. Most black rockfish run 2-5 pounds, but bigger ones pushing 8-10 pounds aren't uncommon. They often feed in mid-water around kelp beds and reefs, hitting jigs and bait with quick, sharp strikes. Their mild, white flesh is versatile in the kitchen - great for everything from simple pan-fries to more elaborate recipes.

Time to Book Your Spot

Our 8-hour ocean combo trips are hands-down one of the best ways to experience the diversity of Oregon's coastal fishery. You'll have shots at trophy salmon, tasty bottomfish, and everything in between. Plus, with our experienced guides handling all the details, you can focus on what matters - having a great time on the water and hopefully landing some fish of a lifetime. These trips fill up fast during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your dates. Give us a call or book online, and get ready for an awesome day of fishing off the beautiful Oregon coast. See you on the water!