5 Reasons to Book a Depoe Bay Oregon Fishing Charter

When in Depoe Bay, you’ll want to go crabbing or head to the open seas and try your hand at fishing. Because of the fishing and sightseeing opportunities out in Depoe Bay waters, there is an abundance of fishing charters to choose from. You’re probably wondering, ‘why should I book a Depoe Bay Oregon fishing charter in the first place?’

This article tackles the five primary reasons why you should book a Depoe Bay Oregon fishing charter for the trip of your life!

5 Reasons to Book a Depoe Bay Oregon Fishing Charter

You might be thinking about how expensive a Depoe Bay Oregon fishing charter can be. But when you think about it, you actually get more than what you pay for, especially if you’re an angler keen on catching a lot of fish and spending time with loved ones. Here are the reasons to book a Depoe Bay Oregon fishing charter:

Spend Time with Loved Ones

This is one of the most obvious reasons why you should book a Depoe Bay Oregon fishing charter. It’s a unique way to spend time with your family, friends, or romantic partner. Whether you want to connect with your children, parents, siblings, friends or go out on a date with an avid angler, you spend a ton of time together.

Fishing charters offer an enjoyable experience everyone will remember. There are many downtimes while fishing, and you can enjoy the vast waters and stunning views. You all get to slow down on the waters, having the long conversations you usually can’t have anywhere else. Have a no-device rule (unless it’s an emergency) and slow down a bit!

Besides this, you can also teach your loved ones how to fish or enjoy spending time doing a hobby you all love together. You’ll learn a lot, make new memories, and build your relationships in the best way possible.

If you’re going alone, you get to join other single anglers on tour, where you can make new friends and learn a lot.

Everything is Covered

Whether you’re new to fishing or an experienced angler, you won’t have to bring much or worry about the trip. The licensed captain and professional crew have got you covered with all you need.

You might not have all your fishing equipment with you due to the luggage restrictions, or you have none, to begin with yet. That’s fine because fishing charters would have the equipment on board, so you don’t need to spend buying any. They would usually offer the bet and latest fishing equipment, and the crew can teach you and your loved ones how to operate it.

Besides that, they can also teach you new fishing techniques, tips, and where to go around Depoe Bay to catch certain fish species.

That said, make sure that you get a Depoe Bay Oregon fishing charter that has the proper licenses and certifications to operate.

Not only is this for legalities and to ensure rules are followed, but for your protection and safety out in the waters.

Have a Unique Adventure

There are many kinds of fishing charter services to choose from. You can go fish near the shore for an hour or so, go deep sea fishing for half a day, or go overnight. Whatever the case may be, you can have the adventure of your life the way you want it.

Deep sea fishing allows you to head out miles offshore for at least half a day to catch the big one. Or, you can go bottom fishing and try new fishing techniques the expert crew can train you in. It has you truly feel like you’re in the ultimate fishing adventure!

Choose Specific Fish Species

If you have a specific fish species in mind, let the captain and crew know and they can take you to locations where fish are abundant. You will surely catch a few bites and have a great adventure as you go fishing.

For your loved ones who want to go whale watching or see certain marine life creatures in Depoe Bay, you can ask the fishing charter about it. They can navigate where to go and recommend when to schedule the fishing charter for a higher chance of catching or seeing the species you desire.

In Depoe Bay, you can catch a variety of fish, from salmon to halibut, walleye to sturgeon!

Focus on Having Fun

Some people consider renting their own boat and being the captain of their own ship, bringing their equipment and using loved ones as crew for help. This may be fun and add to the adventure, but it can also be very stressful and dangerous.

If you and your family aren’t as well-experienced to handle the boat, you can run into trouble. Furthermore, if you’re new to Depoe Bay, there’s a chance of getting lost and not going to places where you can surely get a catch.

Plus, bringing your own or purchasing fishing equipment is expensive, and you won’t have a crew helping you out.

That’s why a Depoe Bay fishing charter is worth the price. It may be a bit pricier per person compared to renting a boat, but you have everything you need. All you need to worry about is getting seasick, but other than that, you leave the professionals with the tough stuff as you enjoy the trip.

Wrapping It Up

When traveling to Depoe Bay, you must try to go on an ultimate fishing trip, or at least head out to the waters to go sightseeing! That’s why fishing charters are highly recommended when in the area, as they can take care of everything for you. With so many reasons why a Depoe Bay Oregon fishing charter is beneficial, it’s hard to see why you shouldn’t hire one!

Are you interested in availing a Depoe Bay Oregon fishing charter? Contact us now and learn all about our packages and what we can offer to meet your wants now!

Everything You Need to Know About Portland Oregon Fishing Charters

Portland is a unique area to visit for various reasons, especially for anglers. There are numerous fishable rivers around the area, from the Columbia River down to the Willamette River. That’s why you can find numerous Portland, Oregon fishing charters around to give you the best fishing trip of the season!

But before you go on to Portland, Oregon, what should you know about the fishing scene? This article will show you what to expect when fishing in Portland, Oregon, and why you need reputable fishing charters for your trip. Read on!

Everything You Need to Know About Portland Oregon Fishing Charters

With so many fishing opportunities in Portland, you’re probably a bit overwhelmed with all the information. Let’s cut it down to different sections and show you the basics to prepare you better when in the area.

Where to Fish

Here are some of the more popular rivers in Portland, known for their excellent fishing opportunities:

Columbia River

The Columbia River is one of the largest rivers in the US and one of the more popular ones for fishing. It runs right through Portland, where you can find a ton of salmon, sturgeon, and steelhead. Here, you’ll also find many guided fishing charters to help you locate and catch a ton of fish.

Willamette River

This river is known for bisecting Portland into west and east sides and being one of the US rivers that have salmon and steelhead fishing opportunities in large metropolitan areas.

You can find boaters drifting beneath bridges to find salmon and steelhead, as well as shad, smallmouth bass, and sturgeon. This is another popular area where you can find fishing charters for hire.

Clackamas River

Find a lot of native Chinook and Coho salmon, summer and winter steelhead, and many trout varieties in the Clackamas River. It is popular among anglers all year long, even having a boat ramp nearby.

Sandy River

Sandy River attracts a lot of people, including fly and baits fishers. The calm waters would also attract rainbow trout and winter steelhead, along with Chinook and Coho salmon.

Wilson River

This is one of the best areas where you can catch Chinook salmon and steelhead. Wilson River would flow west, and through Tillamook State Forest, where you can find campgrounds and day-use areas, anglers can take advantage of to access the river easily.

Where Else to Fish

Of course, there are so many other lakes and parks to go to for fishing as well, such as:

• Bethany Lake Park
• Gilbert River
• Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site

What Fish to Catch

Here are some of the best fish you can catch when around Portland, Oregon:

Salmon

Portland is also popular for its salmon runs every year, which starts with the spring chinook salmon. That’s why many Portland, Oregon fishing charters begin their operations come mid-March, so clients can get their hands on some Chinook salmon to show off to their friends.

During the summer, sockeye and chinook salmon come along, found in Columbia River and similar areas, you’ll find summer steelhead. Come fall season; the Coho salmon comes out with more Chinook salmon!

Steelhead

While smaller than salmon, steelhead can put up a fight, so you get to have a fun day fishing when targeting this fish species. They look similar to salmon, but steelhead is rainbow trout that made the run to oceans and back. There are two types of steelhead seasons in Portland.

There is the summer steelhead, where they weigh about 6-12 pounds on average. There is also the winter steelhead, where they weigh about 8-12 pounds on average.

Sturgeon

Sturgeon look like prehistoric fish and are commonly found in Columbia River and Willamette River bottom feeders. These fish can grow up to 12 feet long and reach up to 150 years, hence their prehistoric appearance!

When in Portland, sturgeon fishing is from November to June and given their size, expect a ton of action as you try reeling them in. You’ll be wrestling oversized sturgeon, and when you do get to catch it, it will be a sight to behold!

Portland Oregon fishing charters offer trips where you can get the opportunity to catch spring salmon while also battling it out with huge sturgeon, making it fun for all types of anglers.

Why Hire a Portland Oregon Fishing Charter?

Now that you know where to fish, the type of fish to expect, and when to find them, the next question is: Why hire Portland Oregon fishing charters?

Here are a few things to learn about Portland, Oregon, fishing charters, which can help make your trip a more memorable one:

They offer transportation

Portland Oregon fishing charters already have the boat ready, with a licensed captain, professional crew, and amenities that children and adults will appreciate. All you need to do is sit back and relax without worrying about maneuvering the boat.

You have a guide and gear.

The professional crew and captain will know where to go, having driven around the Portland waters for years. There’s no risk of getting lost or going to areas without fish, so you don’t waste time and energy.

Furthermore, they have high-quality gear available for you to rent and use, with the crew teaching you how to use the gear and what technique to try on the fish you want to catch.

There’s no need to prepare for anything.

As mentioned, you already have a boat, the crew, and even fishing gear. The only thing you’ll need to prepare for is your budget and yourself, as well as some food. That said, some fishing charters even include food in their packages!

Wrapping It Up

Hopefully, you learned a lot about what it’s like to fish in Portland, Oregon. If you would like to hire fishing charters for your next trip, feel free to contact us to acquaint you with the different services we offer.

Best Fish to Catch on a Columbia River Fishing Charter

Did you know that the Columbia River is the biggest river around the American West? Because of its size, it’s safe to assume that there are a ton of fishing opportunities.

Well, that is true! There are a ton of fish species you can chase when out here, and it’s best that you do so with a Columbia River fishing charter. That way, you have a guide to take you to the best places for fishing and all you need to worry about is how to fight off a large game fish!

But wait, what are the best fish to catch on a Columbia River fishing charter anyway? Learn what to expect when on a fishing charter and see what fish you can catch (and show off) when in the Columbia River.

Best Fish to Catch on a Columbia River Fishing Charter

There are so many fish to catch on a Columbia River fishing charter, but which ones are the best to focus on? Here are the most popular ones that will leave your friends impressed!

Chinook Salmon

This salmon variety would return to Columbia River in three runs during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. They are also known as springers, which is the most prized variety when we talk about the salmon. Plus, chinook are the largest in the Pacific Ocean, also called the king salmon!

While the spring Chinook run a bit smaller compared to the ones coming in summer and fall, this Chinook is the tastiest and best to eat. It’s said that the chinook is comparable to the Copper River in terms of flavor.

The spring Chinook begin returning during the late winter, though you’ll want to head to the waters from Match to June in the lower river.

If you’re eyeing to get big salmon, then you’ll want to fish for salmon during the summer. This isn’t only the most popular time for Chinook, but expect large fish! They are known as June Hogs because of their size.

As for the fall Chinook, they are also just as big as the ones you’ll find during the summer season, and it’s best to target them from August to September in the lower river.

Summer Steelhead           

Also known as ‘summers’, the Summer Steelhead would arrive during long periods of spring and summer season. They head upriver to their natural spawning grounds, as well as the artificial hatcheries located in Oregon and Washington.

Usually, beach anglers would catch summer steelhead as they stay close to fairly shallow waters of 6-12 feet in depth. However, boaters in fishing charters that anchor in steelhead travel lanes will also have a lot of opportunities.

That said, they are pretty challenging to catch, which is why it’s best to be on a charter. You will want to catch summer steelhead in the lower river area between May to June.

River Trout

While Columbia River would run too warm during the summer to catch a lot of trout, you can still find sizable rainbow trout around the river reservoirs. They are still worth looking out for and make a great gamefish for beginners.

Plus, trout is a delicious fish you’ll want to take home for dinner! When targeting trout, you’re better off going farther downriver.

River Sturgeon

River sturgeon are huge fish that some people may see as great white sharks! Columbia is home to some of the biggest sturgeon species around, which includes the great white sturgeon.

These are awesome gamefish to catch and release, and with their huge size, you’ll want to snap a photo to share with friends. Just prepare your strength. While sturgeon aren’t aggressive, they are heavy, so a strike will have you feel like you were hit by a truck!

Northern Pikeminnow

How is Northern Pikeminnows part of this list? They aren’t best known for being awesome gamefish or for eating.

However, they are the best for beginners and pretty fun to catch when you come across them. They are small, might be worth eating, and they are the best to target if you’re a complete beginner or if you’d like to teach your little ones to fish.

Plus, did you know that you can trade in Northern Pikeminnows for cash? The Bonneville Power Administration has a sport-reward program paying anglers who catch pikeminnows to help with the salmon and steelhead population. Some anglers have caught enough pikeminnows to earn a few thousand dollars every season, so why not get paid to do what you love?

If you would like to catch pikeminnows, find them below dams or in areas where they can lay outside the strong current, ready to eat any smaller fish they come across. You can use bait and lure techniques when catching them.

Before you set out to the waters, take note that Washington and Oregon issued advisories regarding the fishing limit for anglers, as well as what fish to avoid eating or catching. This is for your health and for the sake of the overall fish population in the Columbia River.

A Columbia River fishing charter will keep you up to speed in regards to the rules and regulations set by the local departments. Furthermore, they can guide you on what fish to catch and where to find them in the area.

Wrapping It Up

There’s no denying that the Columbia River offers some of the best fishing opportunities worldwide. That’s why you need to know the type of fish to expect so you can prepare your gear (and strength) to catch some of the biggest game fish. Don’t stress too much, though. Fishing charters will guide you to the best spots and even provide the appropriate fishing gear.

Hopefully, you are now well-informed on the best fish to catch on a Columbia River fishing charter. If you haven’t found the best fishing charter to work with yet, feel free to contact us and see what services we have to offer for you when fishing in the Columbia River.

Everything You Need to Know About Columbia River Sturgeon

It’s fun to fish in the Columbia River, with the vast waters and tons of different species of fish to catch. Whether you’re on land or on a fishing charter, you get to hone your fishing skills while taking home a fish or two. One of the species people look out for is the Columbia River sturgeon, which is popular in the area.

But what is the Columbia River sturgeon and what is there to know about it? Read on to learn more about this interesting species!

About the Columbia River Sturgeon

Sturgeon are natives to the rivers of central California to Alaska, which is part of North America’s west coast. You can find the highest number of sturgeon in Columbia River, with two types of them swimming around: Green and white.

Green sturgeon would inhabit saltwater estuaries and brackish backwaters, while white sturgeon are even more numerous and actually inhabited the Columbia! This is why this article will focus more on the white sturgeon.

In terms of freshwater fish, sturgeon are the largest and can grow over 10 feet long and more than 1,000 pounds.

They would also grow slowly, living very long lives. Sturgeons can live between 80-100 years, with female sturgeon not reaching their spawning maturity until they are 15 years old (or older). Even after spawning begins, they tend to span every 2-11 years after!

In Columbia, commercial fishing for this species started in the 1880s, peaking in 1892 when 5.5 million pounds of sturgeon were harvested. Unfortunately, the sturgeon population decimated in 1899 due to overfishing, with harvest staying low until the 1940s.

As sturgeon population recovered and commercial fishery began expanding, the total harvest steadily increased between the 70s and 80s. This is combined with restrictions on the sizes of fish that are legally allowed to be harvested to maintain the population.

There is much to learn about the sturgeon, more specifically the white sturgeon. Here are some interesting facts about them:

Physical Description

Sturgeon have various distinguishing characteristics, with an elongate and cylindrical body. While it doesn’t have any scales, it has 5 rows of ‘scutes’ along its body, which are bony plates and very sharp in younger fish. Similar to sharks, a sturgeon’s skeleton is made of cartilage rather than boke.

It has 11-14 plates in front of its single dorsal fin, 38-48 plates from its head down to the central caudal axis, as well as 912 from its head down to the pelvic fins. Sturgeon has white ventral surfaces while its dorsals are light gray.

As for its mouth, sturgeon have ventral, moderately-sized mouths that point downward. They have no teeth but use their vacuum-like mouth to siphon up food instead. You can recognize sturgeon through its short broad snout that has 4 barbels, which are close to its snout than their mouth.

Habitat

White sturgeon have spent their lives in various habitats, from streams to rivers, marine waters to estuaries. While they are anadromous fish, they spend most, if not all, of their lives in freshwater if they’re unable to head to the seas.

These fish historically occurred on the Pacific Coast and reproduced in three large river system, including the Columbia River. Unfortunately, the construction of dams along rivers has negatively impacted the sturgeon population due to the creation of landlocked population while destroying their spawning grounds.

Today, white sturgeon continue to be distributed in the river systems of Pacific northwest, though the populations are isolated with limited migration within lakes and pools making up the new dammed rivers.

Reproduction

White sturgeon would be born in freshwater and while they are able to head to saltwater, it’s not necessary for completing their lifecycle.

The specific reproductive windows aren’t known, but with sturgeons in general, males would reproduce for about 10-20 years, while females reproduce for 15-25 years. Their age of maturity or size varies, with spawning occurring when physical environments trigger egg development, which would cue ovulation. Females can release up to 3 million eggs, with fertilized eggs sticking to river bottoms once they make contact with it.

There are different factors to consider that trigger spawning, such as the water strength and temperature, day length, and the like.

Landlocked sturgeons are known to have spawned during times where river flow is at its peak, having white water velocities dispersing to prevent eggs from clumping. These fish are broadcast spawners as they release eggs and sperm when in fast water.

Behavior

Adult sturgeon would spend most of their times near the seashore, though they can also be found up to 30 meters underwater. They move in large rivers during the early spring, spawning by May to June. Sturgeon would also ascend far inland for spawning.

As for landlocked sturgeon, they would also migrate. During springtime, sturgeon move up from rivers and stay congregated in certain areas throughout the summer season. They are sedentary during the summer season and would inhabit the river’s deepest holes.

Food Habits

White sturgeon are opportunistic feeders and would feed on the bottom using their long snouts while detecting food with their barbels.

When they are small and younger, they would feed on clams, crayfish, fish eggs, mussels, and worms. As they grow bigger, they start preying on fish like anchovies, lamprey, salmon, shad, and smelt.

Wrapping It Up

The Columbia River sturgeon is quite an interesting species and worth trying to catch at least once in your lifetime! With its unique appearance and history, it may make you want to learn even more about the other species that live in Columbia River.

I hope that this article helped you learn more about the Columbia River sturgeon! If you are interested in catching this fish species soon, then contact us for our fishing charter rates. We have the professional crew to help direct you to areas where you can find Columbia River sturgeon to catch.

How to Choose the Best Oregon Deep-Sea Fishing Charter

The best Depoe Bay Deep sea fishing charter will offer you the time of your life, giving you and your loved ones the chance to get away from work and be at peace with the waters. Whether you’re with family, friends, or going alone, you’ll get to learn a lot while appreciating the amazing views of Oregon!

And when in Oregon, you can expect to find a ton of deep sea fishing charters to choose from, which is a blessing and a curse. With so many of them available, which one is the best for you? Read on as I show you how to choose the best Oregon deep sea fishing charter!

Choosing the Best Oregon Deep Sea Fishing Charter

Deep sea fishing charters are trips on private vessels, run by experienced captains and fishing guides with additions crew members. These fishing charters are great for introducing people to fishing, or to take experienced anglers to certain fisheries if they are targeting specific species.

Charters are tailored to suit just about any fishing skill level, may you be a novice or experienced angler. Regardless of what your skill level is, the goal is to learn how to cast fishing lines, catch fish, and of course, enjoy the waters.

The prices of deep sea fishing charters depend on how long the trip is, where to go, and how many people will be on board. You can check out rates to know how much you can expect to shell out. With deep sea fishing, you are heading out to a much farther area than usual!

Now that you’re familiar with what fishing charters are, how can you select the best Oregon deep sea fishing charter? Here are important factors to consider:

Who’s Going to the Best Depoe Bay Fishing Charter?

Consider the size of your group. Remember, you’re not fishing from a ship, with these private vessels having limited room! While deep sea fishing charters would have larger boats and accommodate more people, the number is still limited. Furthermore, the more people in the group, the more expensive it may be. However, you can save by dividing the costs of the fishing charter.

The number of people going will also affect the size of boat you will use, which is why the prices increase. You might also want to consider a shared charter instead of a private one, which is suitable for those who are less than 4 people in a group. You get to save a bit more with shared charters while making new friends.

What Experiences Do You Want?

What are you fishing for? Do you have a particular fish species you’d like to catch?

In Oregon, there are a variety of fish species you can catch, from small ones for beginners up to huge ones for experienced anglers, especially in the deep sea! Ask the captain if they are able to take you to places where your wanted fish species are and if there are any extra charges for such trips.

Other than the fish you want to catch, think of the experiences you’d like. Are you traveling with family and want your children to learn fishing while enjoying the waters? Are you a beginner yourself and want to learn the ropes? Or do you want to go all out as an experienced angler, in hopes to catch the big one.

Charter services would come with a variety of options! For instance, there are deep sea fishing charters that offer trolling options, which are best for beginners and families with children. But if you’re going to the deep sea, it’s best to head for high speed trolling and experience an expedition like never before!

When are You Going?

Once you know how many people are going, another important factor is the date of your trip. There are various factors to consider when planning the date, such as Oregon’s fishing season, the specific species you’d like to catch, the weather conditions, and more.

The price may also be affected by these factors, with prices increasing during peak season. If you want to save up, it’s best to reserve a fishing charter ahead rather than a few days before.

How Long Will You Be Out?

Deep sea fishing charters offer various trip lengths, from partial 2-hour trips up to overnight.

If you would like to have a fishing trip lasting for only 2-4 hours, you can opt for the partial or half-day trip. However, when it comes to deep sea fishing charters, it is recommended to go for full day or overnight trips, as it would take at least 8-10 hours to get the real fishing and deep sea experience.

Take note that, because you will be taking the longer trip, the more expensive it would be, as you are paying for the boat, fuel, crew, and the like. That said, you get your money’s worth as you’re taken cared for the entire time!

How Much Is It?

If you want to get your money’s worth, know what you’re paying for and ask what the deep sea fishing charter comes with.

There are some fishing charters that include food and drinks, as well as their own fishing gear to get you started. Check if their inclusions (and the trip itself) are worth the price and ask for a breakdown, so you know what you’re paying for.

Also look into their refund policy, in case you and your party can’t attend because of unexpected circumstances.

Best Depoe Bay Fishing Charter: Wrapping It Up

Finally, make sure that you research the company and look into their customer reviews, their websites, even their fishing licenses and everything else about them and their reputation. This ensures that you’re getting the most suitable captain, boat, and crew for you.

Hope this list helped you out! If you’d like to schedule a deep sea fishing charter for your next trip, consider our services and contact us for our packages today!