Columbia River Spring Chinook Charter

What to Expect During a Spring Chinook Charter

I will let you know the exact meeting time and location a day or so ahead of time. Weather and tides decide the schedule for a safe bar crossing and biting fish. Once loaded up and the safety briefing is done we will head out to the fishing spot.

During the early season, our destination will be upriver near Puget Island, Washington, Cathlamet, Washington, and Clifton, Oregon. Later in the season I tend to fish lower near Altoona, Washington, and Rice Island. Depending on the tide and wind we will either troll or anchor up with plugs. Springer fishing can be slower paced and it’s a great time to catch up with old friends. The ultimate reward is an amazing tasting fish and a chance to break off the winter doldrums.

What is Spring Chinook Fishing Action Like?

Whether we’re trolling or on anchor, we’re waiting for a rod to bend over with the force of a fish. For this early fishery each bite is precious and we’ll want to make the most of it. No mater what you do, DO NOT SET THE HOOK. The fish will hook themselves on either the plug or the bait. Salmon are naturally acrobatic but cooler water can shift their strategies. Early on, expect runs and switchbacks, especially near the boat. As the water warms the fight will pick up with jumping and longer runs being more common. Your job is to get the fish turned and guide it to the net. Do not let their slower action deceive you though. Once near the boat, even an early Spring Chinook can wake up and tap a tremendous reserve of energy.