Spring Chinook Salmon begin to enter the Columbia near Astoria in March. each year. The best time to target them in our area is from mid-April to mid-May. I offer Spring Chinook trips beginning in Mid March.

Summer Chinook start coming into the Columbia River near Astoria in June. The seasons can be limited depending on the year’s run size. I typically fish for them as part of my Spring Salmon trips. We also catch Summer run Chinook during ourSummer Ocean Salmon fishing.

The best time to fish for Ling Cod and Rock Fish in Astoria is in April, May, and June. Ling Cod are also generally available in July but we may need to travel farther to catch them. We do need good weather to fish in the ocean. You should plan on having flexible plans, especially if you are planning on fishing earlier in the year.

May and June are the best times to fish for Sturgeon near Astoria. Later in the summer the sturgeon move lower in the estuary and the population of crab and sculpins increases. These creatures steal bait and make it harder to catch sturgeon.

Coho Salmon fishing usually opens up in the Ocean near Astoria in late June. They are usually quite plentiful from the beginning. It is not uncommon to have boat limits within a couple of hours. The fish tend to be smaller earlier in the season, however they can approach 15 pounds by the end of July. Coho begin to enter the mouth of the Columbia in August. The peak fishing for the largest Fall Coho happens in September and October. Coho are part of the extended Buoy 10 Salmon Season.

The local tradition says that crabbing is always best in months that end with “R” . This is when the crab are the most plentiful and when the commercial season hasn’t started yet. Crab molt during the late summer so giving them a few months after that is generally a good idea in order to have the most meat. Crabbing can be done year round and we commonly catch keeper crab in combination with other ocean trips.

The Buoy 10 Salmon fishing season in Astoria starts on August 1st. The first week is usually very good. Many of the Chinook will be of the Tule variety during this time. These fish are fun to catch and generally provide the hardest fights. Their eating quality is not as high as Upriver Bright fish caught later in the season. Strong runs of both Upriver Bright Chinook and Coho are present starting the fourth week of August. This generally kicks off the best time for Buoy 10 fishing. The season for Chinook usually ends after Labor Day weekend. Coho Salmon fishing is usually good through mid-October. and this is a great time to avoid the crowds.

Yes! One of the advantages of a small boat charter is that I have a lot of flexibility. Being there when someone catches that first fish is one of the best parts of being a guide. There are some restrictions though. Children must be a minimum of 33lbs in weight so that they fit in the life jackets. Additionally, please provide notification ahead of time so that the proper size life jacket can be provided. Children are required to have adult supervision on board with them.

Absolutely! While some trips do have a two person minimum, most of my trips are open to single individuals. Some of the most fun days happen when fishing brings a group of strangers together and new friends are made.

For trips where the boat is not fully booked, well trained pets can be brought on board! Call ahead so that we can go over any risks and make sure that we will have room. Please be aware that there are additional risks in bringing a pet fishing. They often don’t know that hooks are sharp, and that bait is not always good for them. Salmon can also carry parasites that if eaten raw can make an animal sick. If your pet damages equipment you will be responsible for any damage that it causes. I cannot be responsible for any injuries to your pet if it gets hurt.

Service animals are allowed, and are limited to dogs and miniature horses. Service animals must meet federal ADA requirements (the animal must perform a task that supports the individual with the disability. That task cannot simply be the mere presence of the animal). If your animal is an emotional support animal, please see the policy for pets in the section above. Please notify me ahead of time if you are bringing a service animal so that I can make sure to be prepared to accommodate your needs. Service animals cannot pose a risk to the safety or operation of the vessel, crew, or passengers.

Please call to discuss what your specific challenges are. Some common accommodations include using a step stool to help you get in and out of the boat. I often arrange fishing gear so that you can fish while seated. Unfortunately at this time there is not a guaranteed way to lift someone from a wheelchair into the boat, however if you have someone to help you we may be able to team up in order to help you access a trip

If you have any medical issue which impairs your ability to stand on a boat please let me know. For many of our trips we can experience a lot of rocking so you may need to be assigned a spot that allows you to reel in a fish while seated.

For safety and insurance reasons I am unable to allow drinking alcohol while on board. Alcohol can also contribute to being seasick. Over consumption of alcohol can also lead to lost fish and lost gear. Being sober is the best way to keep the memory of the great time you had on the water!

You may smoke or vape during your trip. If your smoking/vaping device generates butts or other waste you will need to bring an appropriate container for it. You will also need to smoke on the downwind end of the boat. I do not want vapors, smoke or ashes to impact others around you. Smoking is not allowed in any enclosed areas of the boat. Do not throw buts in the water.

No. I must follow federal regulations. These prohibit the possession or use of Cannabis or federal schedule 1 substances on board. The recent executive order did not change this. It’s also generally better to stay sober for your trip from a safety perspective.

Absolutely! This is encouraged. Please be respectful of others who may have allergies. Any food will need to be cooked ahead of time. Perishables should be stored appropriately. Sharing food and tasty snacks is also encouraged! I have met some great sandwich and jerky makers while fishing.

You can bring a backpack for snacks, extra clothing, etc. Everything you bring should fit into a backpack approximately the size of one you would send a child to school with. Waterproof bags are recommended. Inexpensive and durable ones can be found on Amazon

The Columbia River bar has a reputation for danger. In recent times the safety of the bar has increased due to modern navigation aids, safety equipment, and weather forecasting. Thousands of small and large vessels cross the bar without incident each year. I have personally crossed the bar hundreds of times in my current boat. I am experienced with how it can change and understand what the limits of my particular vessel. More importantly, I understand my own limits. I take my responsibilities as a captain very seriously. With that said, each bar crossing is different. Before crossing, I pay attention to the current bar report, tides, and weather forecast. I use every precaution and tool available to ensure a safe bar crossing. I have and will turn back if I do not believe it to be safe. I will not risk your safety, my safety, or my vessel for the sake of a trip. If the forecast looks marginal, I will contact you ahead of time about backup plans.

Online fishing forums sometimes talk about rough water and careless boaters during the Buoy 10 fishing season. These things do happen and as a captain, it is generally my job to try to avoid them. One advantage of using an experienced fishing guide is that you don’t have to worry about managing these things. I typically choose places with fish and fewer crowds. I also often fish on the edge of the crowd. The fishing tends to be better there anyways. I also use my experience to avoid rough water. It is often harder to fish where the water is rough. WIth that said, sometimes fishing around a lot of other boats or in rough water is unavoidable. I do my best to keep things smooth and avoid anyone that isn’t operating safely.

I carry all of the Coast Guard required equipment and a few extras. This includes, Type I life jackets with strobes, fire extinguishers, VHF marine radio, first aid kit, emergency flares, and a throwable flotation device. During the trip, all adults will wear an automatically inflating life vest. Individuals under 90 lbs will be provided with a vest type life jacket to wear during the trip. Emergency procedures are printed on a placard in the boat. I also conduct a safety briefing before we leave the dock.

I have completed adult first aid and CPR training. Additionally, I have completed the required US Coast Guard coursework and exams. This coursework includes safe navigation, understanding weather and tides, and emergency procedures while underway.

This will very much depend on the nature of the emergency. If it is something that can be handled on the boat I will do so. This includes basic first aid. If the emergency is more serious, I will contact help using either the VHF marine radio or cell phone. I also may direct other passengers in how to help manage the situation. I will do everything I can to prioritize the safety of my passengers.

Depending on the time of year, the boat may be equipped with a covered top and propane heater. This is typically through the months of October through May. Please verify ahead of time, however you should always dress for the weather.

There is limited ability to charge phones onboard, you may need to share the charging port with others. You will also need to bring your own charging cord.

I carry first aid supplies in case of an emergency. There are also blankets if you get seriously cold. I strongly recommended that you dress appropriately for the weather and bring plenty of water or other hydrating fluids with you. You will need to bring your own supplies if you experience a condition that requires regular medication such as diabetes or asthma. If you experience a medical emergency I am trained in adult first aid and CPR. If the problem cannot be resolved on the water I will provide appropriate first aid and call emergency responders for help if necessary.

A hand urinal is provided for those who can take care of business standing up. A bucket toilet and wipes are provided if you need to sit down. Please be aware that there is minimal to no privacy on board due to the size of the boat, however we will ask everyone to be as tactful as possible.

This can happen to the best of us. Meclizine (also called non-drowsy Dramamine™) is one of the most effective medications,. You should take it the night before your trip and one hour before you get on the boat. Have an additional dose available in case you get nauseous during your trip. In a worst case scenario you may be returned to port. If a return to port would significantly disrupt the trip for others on the boat, I may choose to continue the trip. I do generally carry a bottle of Meclizine on board as well. Just be aware that it can take a little while to kick in.

Most of my clients that fly in use the Portland International Airport (PDX). Portland is served by several major and regional carriers, The drive from Portland is approximately 2 hours. Rental cars are available both in Portland and in Astoria. I generally recommend flying in the day before and planning on departing at least the day after your fishing charter.

If money is no concern, jet charter flights are available directly into the Astoria Airport (AST)

Our area has a large number of different lodging options ranging from national chains to boutique hotels. Please be aware that booking early will save you a significant amount of money. Last minute rates at mid level hotels can exceed $450 per night during the peak summer season. RV camping is also available at several sites, including Hammond, Warrenton, Gearhart, and Seaside. There are also RV campgrounds and hotels on the Washington side of the river in Chinook and Ilwaco.

The easy answer is “as soon as you know that you’re going to go fishing”. This lets you arrange for the best rates on hotel and travel costs. It’s not uncommon for your fishing charter to be one of the least expensive parts of your trip. Some times of the year are easier to get seats than others and larger groups should definitely book earlier. The months of July and August fill more quickly than the rest of the year. The peak of the Buoy 10 salmon season is the last week of August through Labor Day weekend. If you want to fish during that time, I suggest booking as early as possible.

Most of my summer and fall trips leave from the West Basin marina in Astoria, Oregon. Pickup from other Oregon side marinas is possible depending on the trip. Please contact me ahead of time. Washington does not allow Oregon licensed guides to pick up clients for fishing trips from the Washington side.

One of our local downtown businesses, Gezellig Seafood and European Groceries offers freezing, vacuum packing, and shipping services. Several of my clients have used their services and been quite happy. They are a separate business and charge their own fees for this service. Crab must be cooked prior to shipping. Big Game Fishing in Hammond offers crab cooking and cleaning services. I fillet and clean fish and crab as part of your trip if you do not need any extra services.

Sometimes weather, last minute regulation changes, or other unexpected difficulties pop up. I will let you know as soon as possible. You will have the opportunity to re-schedule or I will return your deposit. I cannot refund other travel related expenses that you have incurred. If you have travel insurance, I can provide documentation for you.

Yes! The following groups can access discounts on their trip at any time. Make sure to either bring or send a copy of your documentation ahead of time.

Veterans/Active Duty military/first responders and their dependents: 10% discount. (Active Duty ID card, DD-214, VA medical card, VA benefits letter, CHAMPVA insurance card).

Foster Children: free. (Copy of current placement letter).

I often provide discounts for early booking, repeat clients and multiple day bookings. Please contact me for details or watch my facebook page.

Journalists, influencers, and others are more than welcome to share their experiences! I do ask that you make sure that any other clients who appear in your content give permission. I do periodically host trips for journalists and others. Decisions about complimentary or hosted trips are made on a case by case basis. Contact me directly at jerad@riverwandererouttdoors.com to inquire about hosted trips. I can also give you suggestions on additional places and activities to include in your trip.

I will do what I can to put you on fish. Fish are wild animals and do not listen to me (although I’m pretty good at figuring out what they want). I can guarantee that you will experience the waters in and around Astoria in a boat that I love.

You are responsible for ensuring that you follow all federal and state laws and regulations. This includes laws that prohibit littering, polluting waterways, and harassing wildlife. You are also responsible for following all fishing regulations for the area that you are fishing in. If you intentionally violate the law you will be the one that receives and pays for the ticket. Fishing regulations can change on a daily basis. You should review the regulations at wdfw.wa.gov and myodfw.com.

Intentional violation of the law will result in the ending of your trip. You will be returned to port without a refund. Insistence on retention of fish or shellfish that are not legal to retain will result in relevant wildlife authorities being notified.

I will use my understanding of the most current regulations. With that said, I am not a lawyer and cannot give legal advice. If I make a decision that results in a fishing regulation violation, I will inform the enforcement officers that it was my fault. Law enforcement officers make the final decision about who receives any citations.

Accidents happen. A big fish can break a pole, gear can get snagged and lost, sometimes things fall overboard. You are not responsible for any accidental loss or damage to equipment being used for the purpose of fishing. If you intentionally damage, destroy, or lose equipment you will be responsible for replacing that equipment. If the loss was unintentional but due to intoxication, repeated carelessness, or repeated failure to follow instructions you may be responsible as well.

Yes, if you are likely to pose a risk to the safety and operation of the vessel, yourself, or others. As captain, I am solely responsible for making that judgment.