Get ready for the ultimate fall salmon adventure on the legendary Columbia River and North Coast bays. This 8-hour private trip with True North Outdoors puts you right in the thick of the action during prime season. You'll be chasing monster Chinook and lightning-fast Coho as they make their annual run. With our expert guides, top-notch gear, and exclusive access to the hottest fishing spots, you're in for a day of rod-bending excitement and unforgettable memories.
Picture this: You're cruising along the misty Columbia River at dawn, surrounded by the vibrant colors of fall. Your experienced guide knows exactly where those big salmon are holding. As you set up your lines, the anticipation builds. Will your next cast hook into a chrome-bright Coho or a bulldozing Chinook? This private trip means you've got the full attention of your guide, maximizing your chances of landing that fish of a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time chasing salmon, we'll tailor the experience to your skill level and make sure you're dialed in on the best techniques.
On this trip, we'll be using a mix of trolling and back-bouncing techniques, depending on where the fish are holding. We'll set you up with top-of-the-line rods, reels, and the hottest lures that are producing results. Expect to use a combination of cut-plug herring, flashers with hoochies, and maybe even some kwikfish if the conditions are right. Your guide will walk you through each technique, showing you how to read the water and adjust your presentation for maximum success. It's not just about catching fish – it's about honing your skills and becoming a better angler with every cast.
Fall fishing on the Columbia has been on fire lately. Just last week, Jim from Portland hooked into a 35-pound Chinook that peeled line like a freight train. Sarah and her dad were out with us and doubled up on a pair of acrobatic 12-pound Cohos that had them grinning from ear to ear. And let's not forget about Mike's monster 42-pound "King" that took nearly an hour to land – now that's a fish story for the books!
Chinook Salmon: Also known as "King Salmon," these are the heavyweights of the Pacific Northwest. Fall Chinook on the Columbia can tip the scales at over 50 pounds, with average fish in the 15-30 pound range. They're renowned for their powerful runs and dogged fights. Chinook meat is prized for its rich, red flesh and high oil content, making it perfect for grilling or smoking. The best action for these brutes typically runs from late August through October.
Coho Salmon: Often called "Silvers," Coho are the acrobats of the salmon world. They're known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked, often leaping clear of the water multiple times during a fight. While generally smaller than Chinook, averaging 6-12 pounds, what they lack in size they make up for in feistiness. Coho flesh is a bit lighter in color but still packs that classic salmon flavor. The peak of the Coho run usually hits in September and October, providing some of the most exciting fishing of the year.
There's something special about fall salmon fishing on the Columbia that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the crisp morning air, the anticipation of that first bite, or the rush of adrenaline when a big Chinook slams your bait. But it's more than just the fishing – it's about creating memories with friends and family, swapping stories over a thermos of hot coffee, and disconnecting from the daily grind to reconnect with nature. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of bringing home a cooler full of fresh salmon for the dinner table.
Don't miss out on your chance to experience world-class fall salmon fishing on the Columbia River. Our 8-hour private trips are booking up fast, and prime dates are limited. Whether you're looking to check "landing a monster Chinook" off your bucket list or just want to spend a day on the water with good company and bent rods, we've got you covered. Give us a call or book online today, and let's make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. The salmon are running, the leaves are turning, and the fish are biting – what are you waiting for?
Chinook salmon, also called Kings, are the heavyweights of Pacific salmon. These bruisers typically run 15-30 pounds but can top 50 in our waters. They're known for powerful runs and dogged fights that'll test your gear and skills. Kings prefer deeper water, often hugging the bottom of river channels or hanging around submerged structure. Fall is prime time as they return to spawn, with the bite really heating up in September and October. Anglers love Chinooks not just for the challenge, but for their rich, flavorful meat – it's hard to beat on the grill. If you're after a monster, try slow-trolling with a herring rig near river mouths where they stage before heading upstream. Just be ready to hang on when one of these bruisers hits!
Coho salmon, or silvers, are the acrobats of our local salmon. Smaller than Kings at 8-12 pounds typically, what they lack in size they make up for in aerial displays. These feisty fish love to tailwalk and cartwheel when hooked, making for some exciting catches. You'll find them in calmer spots of rivers and estuaries, often hiding near logjams or undercut banks. Late summer into fall is the sweet spot for Cohos as they start their spawning run. Anglers prize them for their fight and their bright orange flesh, which is milder and less fatty than Chinook. To entice a strike, try twitching a bright-colored jig in holding water. The key is a slow, erratic retrieve – Cohos can't resist chasing down what looks like a wounded baitfish.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250