Columbia River Spring Chinook Charter
Spring Chinook are my first love. They are unrivaled on the plate and each one reminds me of that day I reeled in my first fish. I spent years learning how to adapt what I knew for Columbia River Spring Chinook. This is one of my favorite fisheries and I’m happy to share it with you..
Peak Season: April-May
Full Day: $250/Seat, $1,100 Private Boat (max 5)
Trip Includes:
✓ All Fishing Gear
✓ Bait and Lures
✓ Fish Filleting and Cleaning
✓ Ice and Bags for Fish
Fish Freezing and Shipping Available
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Trip Details
Departure Locations
Westport County Park
John Day County Park
What Do I Bring on a Spring Chinook Charter?
Weather appropriate clothing
Drinks
Snacks and lunch
What License Do I need?
Annual Option
Oregon Fishing License with Columbia River Basin Endorsement and Salmon Tag
OR
Washington Fishing License with Columbia River Endorsement and Salmon Harvest Card
Daily Option
Oregon Daily Fishing License with Columbia River Basin Endorsement and Catch Record Card (Free with License)
OR
Washington Daily Combination License with Columbia RIver Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement and Catch Record Card (Free with License)
How do I get my Catch Home?
Vacuum sealing, freezing, and shipping is available through Gezellig Seafoods and European Groceries in Downtown Astoria.
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. 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.
Spring Chinook Action
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. As the water warms the fight will pick up, making later season fish more fun to get to the boat. 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, a Spring Chinook can wake up and tap a tremendous reserve of energy.
