Types of Fish to Catch On Your Columbia River Fishing Trip

by | Apr 22, 2020 | Uncategorized

Columbia River Fishing Guide: Best Seasons And Species To Catch

The Columbia River is a great fishing destination for finding a great variety of exciting fish throughout the year. If you’re planning a trip to the Columbia River for some intense fishing, you’ll have a lot of choices. Knowing what kind of fish you are likely to find in different parts of the river can help you decide when to plan your trip. Whether you plan on making the trip on your own or on a fishing charter with your friends, these are the fish you are likely to find in the waters.e.


Popular Columbia River Game Fish

Most people who visit Oregon for fishing are interested in catching popular species like salmon, trout, and sturgeon. Luckily, Columbia River fishing has great options throughout the year.

Though it is relatively easy to catch them, it is important to know that the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife has very strict regulations regarding the fish. For example, what times of the year they can be caught, how big they need to be, and other things that can affect your catch. 

If you’re unsure of all the regulations, you can hire a local guide to help you navigate all the rules. When you hire a fishing charter in Oregon, they often come with a local guide who can help you fish safely.

Chinook salmon

There’s a reason why Chinook salmon is known as the “King” of salmon – it is the largest of all salmon varieties. You can find them in the Columbia River in the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Chinook salmon are often at their largest during the summer, but you’ll find more to catch in the fall. 

Chinook salmon is among the tastiest fish out there, so they’re a “must catch” if you’re coming to Columbia River!

Coho salmon

You’ll begin to see some coho salmon intermingling with chinook salmon in the summer, but fall is where they really start to pick up in number. If you want to fish for coho salmon, Columbia River is undoubtedly the best place to fish.

Coho salmon are a little shy when trying to lure them in, so you will have to be more patient with this fish.

Sockeye salmon

If you’re fishing for salmon in the summer on the Columbia River, it is likely that you’ll pick up one or two Sockeye salmon. With red bodies, these eye-catching fish are a great way to open the salmon season if you’re in town!

Steelhead

The Steelhead is among the biggest and most exciting catches you can make on the Columbia River. If you want to catch this beautiful fish, you’ll have better chances in the summer when they have higher numbers.

Just make sure you’re ready to put the work in to reel this strong fish in!

Sturgeon

There are two varieties of sturgeon you can find in the Columbia River: the White sturgeon and the Green sturgeon. While you can easily catch a sturgeon in Oregon all year long, you’re more likely to come across the White variety. These exceptionally long and bony fish make for an exciting catch on any fishing trip! 

Smallmouth bass

These small fish can be found up and down the Columbia River. If you’re familiar with fishing for Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass should be easy. You’ll find that many of the same tips for catching Largemouth bass also apply to catch its smaller cousin. They are harder to catch in the winter and tend to crowd around ledges and boulders. If you plan on catching some Smallmouth bass, it will be useful to use smaller lures than usual. 

Why Hire a Fishing Charter

It can be a complicated task to organize a fishing trip on the Columbia River. That’s true whether it’s your first time or your 100th time. Finding the right boat, organizing the right permit, putting together all your equipment, and finding the best spots to fish are all complicated tasks. That’s why we recommend that you hire a Columbia River fishing charter to make your trip easier and simpler.

Advantages of Hiring a Fishing Charter

With a hired fishing charter, many of the things you’ll need to do are taken care of. For example, you won’t have to shop around for the best price on a boat – instead, you’ll have full access to a boat that’s given in the package. Equipment, lures, and even bags are also provided. Beyond that, you’ll love having a local seasoned guide to help you find the best fishing spots and help you make the catch you want!

Fishing charters on the Columbia River are popular throughout the year. So don’t miss out on your chance and book one now. 

Why Charter An Experienced Fishing Guide on the Columbia River

by | Mar 24, 2020 | Blogs

Why Charter An Experienced Fishing Guide on the Columbia River

I have been fishing on the Columbia River for my whole life. Since I was a kid, my Dad brought me here to catch walleye, salmon, and sturgeon. I love sharing this area fellow anglers!

Fishing on the Columbia River is popular for fishing enthusiasts eager to catch beautiful freshwater fish. But if you’re interested in fishing on the Columbia River, why not cut the stress out of the trip? You can do that by hiring a fishing charter in Oregon to help make the experience easier and simpler.

If you’ve never hired a fishing charter for your fishing trips before, this is a great place to start! We’ve put together this beginner’s guide to help you understand what they are, how they can help you on your fishing trip, and why they’re the best choice for a fishing adventure on Columbia River.


All About Columbia River Fishing 

The Columbia River is the fourth-largest river in the country, located in the Pacific Northwest region. It has been a source of local economy and culture in the region for centuries. This is because of the incredible variety of fish you can find in the river. 

The Columbia River is the home of many kinds of migrating fish. These fish move from the oceans to the rivers to spawn at the end of their life cycles. Among the fish you can find in the river are salmon (including coho and chinook) and sturgeon. But you can also find bass and walleye fish! This variety of fish makes Columbia River a unique fishing location.

The Oregon Department of Fishing and Wildlife has regulations in place to protect the fisheries populations in the river. Because of the dynamic and migratory nature of many fish in the Columbia River, it is important to keep up with the updates on regulations that the ODFW releases. These include the dates for the seasons and how many fish you are allowed to catch. 

This is especially true if you are looking to catch salmon (as many fishing enthusiasts do). Each type of salmon will have its own dedicated season as well as regulations on what fish you are allowed to keep.

 

Advantages of Chartering a Fishing Guide

Fishing on the Columbia River comes with a number of fishing regulations that should be followed. But aside from this, fishing in the vast expanse of the Columbia River needs some local knowledge. Only local knowledge can help you find the best places to fish.

Both of these things are taken care of when you hire a fishing guide. They can help you understand the local regulations and bring you to the best fishing spots.

If you are not sure where to find a fishing guide, we recommend hiring a fishing charter for the Columbia River. A fishing charter comes with a hired boat, equipment, bait, and a guide. You will be able to use all these for the duration of your fishing adventure. 

Not only do fishing charters simplify the planning process for your trip, but they can also make the trip less stressful by doing all the work for you. That means that they allow you to simply lay back and fish to your heart’s delight. Fishing charters are also a great idea if you plan to go fishing in groups or in pairs, as you get a better bang for your buck than when you have to hire the boat and the equipment separately. 

If you are new to fishing on Columbia River, it is overall safer, more convenient, and better if you hire a fishing guide to come with you. Better yet, hire a fishing charter in Oregon to help make the experience easier and simpler. 


What Else You Can Do In Oregon

While fishing is certainly one of the state’s most popular activities (and for good reason), there are also many attractions and activities that you can plan for your visit besides fishing. For example, you can take advantage of the state’s many state parks for sight-seeing, hiking, taking picnics, or even whale-watching! You can also learn more about the incredible marine life in the state with a visit to the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

Also within Oregon is the Columbia River Gorge, a designated National Scenic Area, with jaw-dropping views and awe-inspiring waterfalls that are a must-see on your days away from fishing. The Columbia River ecosystem simply has so many features and attractions that you will never get bored. It is most definitely one of the best things to see in Oregon.

So if you’re planning to visit Oregon for a fishing trip like no other on the Columbia River, make sure that you contact Pastime Fishing Adventures to hire a fishing guide or a fishing charter to help make your fishing adventure more fun and less stressful. We have a number of dedicated fishing charters for Columbia River fishing whether you are looking to catch sturgeon, walleye, or salmon! Just make sure to contact us while slots are still open for the year.

 

 

 

Top 10 Things to Do While Visiting the Oregon Coast

by | Mar 20, 2020 | Blogs

Top 10 Things to Do While Visiting the Oregon Coast

I love the Oregon Coast and live here half of the year. With so many attractions, experiences, and landmarks on the Oregon Coast, it can be hard to narrow down your itinerary to the must-see attractions in Oregon. Whether it is your first time visiting or if you are a regular visitor coming for the Oregon fishing charters, there’s always something to do! 

That’s why we’ve put together the list of top 10 essential things to do and see if you’re visiting the Oregon Coast. So if you’re coming alone, with your special someone, or in a group, make sure to leave some time to check out these fantastic activities and attractions.

What to Do on the Oregon Coast

1. Visit Cape Arago State Park

Found right at the end of Cape Arago Highway, the Cape Arago State Park is more than worth the drive to South Oregon to see its majestic views of the Pacific Ocean. With a history dating back to one of the first European expeditions in the 1500s, standing at Cape Arago State Park can help give you a better view of this beautiful area. And if you’re patient enough, stick around to see the migrating whales and the beautiful fishing charter boats! You can choose to have a picnic, go fishing, or simply stay for the sights.

2. Visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium

Whether you’re alone or with your young family, a visit to see the incredible marine life at the Oregon Coast Aquarium is sure to be a hit. The Aquarium has some of the best and most interesting selections of animals and marine life from all over the Oregon coasts. They also offer guided tours if you’re looking to add a more educational view to your trip.

3.  Take a Trip to the Historic Port City of Astoria

Astoria has so many beautiful attractions to see and fun activities to do that we suggest making a day out of visiting this incredible city. From the Astoria Column where you can see the expanse of the Columbia River to the hiking trails found at Saddle Mountain State Natural Area, you can spend the day learning about the long history of the Oregon Coast (and have fun while you do it).

4. Hire a Fishing Charter for a Day Out on the Water

Undoubtedly, one of the best and most popular things to do on the Oregon Coast is to take advantage of the variety of fish and marine life in the waters. We especially recommend hiring a fishing charter for all your fishing experience needs. Not only will they take care of providing the boat and all the fishing equipment you need, but you’ll also get an experienced guide to help you find the best spots for salmon, halibut, or tuna. Fishing charters can also help you navigate the complicated regulations set up by the Oregon Department of Fishing and Wildlife.

 5. Visit the Ecola State Park

When on the Oregon Coast, you should absolutely make sure to see all the incredible views at your disposal. And very few views can beat the one you can find at the Ecola State Park, where the shining and crisp blue waters of the ocean compete with the bliss and serenity at the park. You can have a picnic or spend the day hiking its many trails.

 6. Spend the Day on the Seaside Promenade

More commonly known as the “Prom”, the Seaside Promenade has all the charms that keep visitors coming back. It is one and a half miles of a concrete sidewalk right on the beaches of the coast. With a number of attractions on the Prom and on the beach itself, it’s a great activity for groups or for families with small children.

7. Admire the Views at Boiler Bay

Known as the whale watching capital of the state, Boiler Bay is a special place to visit for anyone interested in the outdoors and in marine life. Found right at the north of the state, Boiler Bay also has great views that can provide a backdrop to picnics, relaxations days, or even some fun activities on the beach.

8. Hike at Cape Perpetua

There are a couple of ways to enjoy the views at the peak of Cape Perpetua: you can either park near the top of it and enjoy the view from there, or you can take advantage of its scenic hiking trails. We recommend the latter if you’re into staying active and want to enjoy the views on the way up as well as the view on top.

9. Have Some Fun at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

If you’re interested in something vastly different from all the beaches and coastal views you typically see in Oregon, do a 180 and spend the day at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. It has some of the best coastal dunes in the country and they have a range of fun outdoor activities for families and groups like riding OHVs and sand sledding.

10.  Spend the Day Eating at Local Restaurants

Aside from the attractions and landmarks to see, the Oregon Coast also has some great places for a bite to eat. With menus that focus on the incredible variety of fish and marine life found on the Oregon Coast, you can delight your palate with meals that suit any number of budgets.

 Why You Should Hire a Fishing Charter

Fishing is a top-rated activity for any tourist or visitor coming to the Oregon Coast because of the incredible availability of fish as well as the sheer number of fishes you can catch. Whether you’re a fan of salmon, tuna, or halibut, you can spend the day fishing and relaxing. That’s why we recommend fishing charters in Oregon to help you make that day perfect. Choose from a range of packages that suit your needs and let us take care of all the rest. Slots are limited so make sure to hire well in advance of your trip!

Fresh, Oregon-Coast Lingcod with Creamy Pesto Sauce

by | Mar 6, 2020 | Uncategorized

Fresh, Oregon-Coast Lingcod with Creamy Pesto Sauce

I just finished a wonderful dinner with my wife and would like to share my recipe with you. I recently guided a lingcod fishing trip out of Depoe Bay, Oregon and have plenty of fresh fish to cook up. With easy access to bottom fish year-round, I have had a lot of experience cooking these fish in a number of different ways and this is by far one of my favorites! I hope you enjoy the recipe. Please let me know if you try this and how it turns out for you.
 
Ingredients:
2 Lingcod Fillets
1 c. Half & Half
1/4 c. Parmesan Cheese
Olive Oil
2 T. of Flour
Small Onion
Salt & Pepper
Pre-made Pesto Sauce
 
Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet to medium-high heat. Once hot, add fish and cook on one side 4-5 minutes. Salt and pepper to your liking. While this cooks, chop a small onion and sauté on medium heat in a small pan. When the onion is transparent add 2 T of flour and stir. Fish should be done on one side so flip it over and season to taste.
Now back to the onions. Add 1 c. half & half to the pan. Whisk till smooth and add one handful parmesan cheese (approximately 1/4 c. As this melts, whisk slowly not to make a mess. Once this is nice and creamy add a pre-made pesto to taste.
 
Your fish should be done now. Plate and add sauce over fish.
 
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we have!

Trolling for Lingcod off the Coast of Depoe Bay, Oregon

by | Mar 6, 2020 | Uncategorized

Trolling for Lingcod off the Coast of Depoe Bay, Oregon

Recently on a salmon fishing trip I guided off the bay near Depoe Bay, Oregon we kept catching lingcod while trolling with herring. This is highly unusual because bottom fish are often caught using jigs bounced off the bottom. This went on all morning and a idea came to mind, why not do this on a regular basis? On the last two trips, I have had clients try my normal jigs with very little success. We retied gear to a mooching rig and boom! Limits of lingcod and bass, so if the next time your out and the fish have lockjaw try trolling.