Why Charter an Experienced Fishing Guide on the Willamette River

The Columbia River is one of the most popular fishing destinations for locals and those heading to Oregon. However, that’s not the only area where you can get awesome catches with stunning views! For those who want something more unique, then you’ll want to head to Willamette River.

It’s a small yet amazing destination without anglers having to sacrifice the fish species diversity from the Columbia River. And if you want to make the most of your fishing trip there, I highly recommend chartering an experienced fishing guide on the Willamette River.

But why, exactly? Read on as I show you why to charter an experienced fishing guide on the Willamette River!

Why Charter an Experienced Fishing Guide on the Willamette River

You’re probably wondering – Why bother chartering a fishing guide when you can go fishing on your own? Here are just some of the reasons why you should be with a fishing guide on the Willamette River:

They know everything you need to learn

Fishing guides know how to fish, from how to use the equipment down to the techniques to follow to catch certain species. Whether you’re a beginner or expert in fishing, you will learn new things from the guide and get to improve your skills. These new lessons will be put to great use not only for the day but for the future fishing trips to come!

Furthermore, fishing guides are well-knowledgeable of the fishing rules and regulations of Oregon. They know the limits of how many fish you can catch in a day and they will make sure you both don’t break any rules that can risk your fishing licenses (and hefty fees).

Navigate the waters with a pro

If you are new to Willamette River, even if it’s a smaller body of water compared to other areas, it can still be overwhelming for newbies.

This is where fishing guides come along, guiding you throughout the waters and taking you to specific areas for a sure catch! They know where the fish are based on the weather, current, water temperature, among other factors. They will also know how to navigate the waters like a pro, so you can just focus on relaxing and readying your gear to start catching fish!

This will take away to hassle of having to multitask and maneuver a boat as you fish. Furthermore, you’re ensured that you’ll be in an area where fish are most likely staying, rather than getting lost or wasting time in places with no fishing opportunities.

Plus, your fishing guide can teach you a thing or two about navigating the waters and where to find fish to catch.

Find various fish species (and a sure catch!)

There are so many different types of fish you can catch when in the Willamette River, such as:

• Salmon
• Trout
• Smallmouth bass
• Largemouth bass

If you aren’t familiar with these fish species, your fishing guide will teach you all about what they are and how to catch them. You’ll have more variety on the fish you’ll catch and get a sure bite to reel in with someone guiding you along the way!

Experienced company and great service

Besides all of the services mentioned above, one of the best benefits a fishing guide can provide is their company! Who wouldn’t want to be with experts who share the same interests as you do?

You’ll have a fishing guide that will be with you, whether alone or with a group. He’ll teach you the ropes and you’ll have insightful conversations throughout the trip! While it may be fun to fish alone, you’d want to have someone who can give you some tips or to just keep you company as you wait to get that bite.

There are a lot of guides available in Oregon

Are you hesitant to hire a guide because you believe it’s hard to find one? In Oregon, that isn’t the case! There are a lot of fishing charters and fishing guides out there ready to assist you and take you out fishing in your chosen area. Because Oregon is known for recreational fishing, there are many businesses catering to providing guides and charters to help beginner and expert anglers

That said, it can be a bit confusing knowing which fishing guide and charter is good for you and your group. You will need to choose wisely and do your research, asking about packages and quotations. You can start here with us at Pastime Fishing Adventures, where we can give you quotations and packages suitable for your group!

Hire a Fishing Charter

Besides an experienced fishing guide, you should also consider a fishing charter. With an excellent fishing charter company to take you on the Willamette River, your trip will be more fun and convenient! This is great for those who are fishing on the Willamette River for the first time, or if you’ll be with a large group of family and/or friends

No need to rent a boat and a guide necessary! Besides this, fishing charters will usually have a professional crew and a fishing guide to show you the ropes. You’ll also have all the necessary equipment on board, along with other facilities everyone will enjoy.

Wrapping It Up

The Willamette River is an amazing body of water with diverse fish species you can catch! If you’d like to get a headstart on fishing escapades, then it’s best to hire an experienced guide to navigate the waters with you. You can reap many of the advantages an experienced guide offers, including a sure catch and many lessons learned. 

Hopefully, you learned a lot about why you should charter an experienced fishing guide on the Willamette River! If you’re looking for reputable fishing guides or a fishing charter to take you out to the waters, don’t hesitate to contact us now.

Everything About Seabass Fishing in Oregon

The United States of America is very rich in water resources and fish. Tourists can always count on sea or ocean fishing because they can fish in different natural areas but still consider local legislation requirements.

Oregon will delight fishers with an abundance of halibut, smelt, seabass, anchovies, and sardines. As a bonus, you can fish for crabs and oysters. Trips to the places of entry of the Pacific sturgeon are trendy.

Catching Seabass in Oregon

This schooling predatory fish lives at great depths in the cool seas of temperate and subarctic climates.

All seabass have a rounded body, slightly compressed from the sides, covered with small rough scales. Most deep seabass are colored in some shade of red. These fish have a large head with a large mouth, in which small triangular teeth are placed. The eyes are enormous. The lateral fins of this predator have a brush-like shape. The tail is rounded. All fins are red.

Fishing for seabass is possible at depths of over 300 meters. Sometimes this fish is caught in the bottom layers at a depth of about 2 km. Deep perch grows up to 50 cm long, reaching a weight of 5 kg.

The coastal seabass subspecies bears more resemblance to its freshwater “namesake.” In body shape, it looks more like a deep perch. One-color of this fish is gray-green with dark spots and vertical stripes.

Typically, the coastal subspecies live at depths of up to 30 meters. This fish grows up to a length of 30 cm and weighs up to 3 kg.

All perches are sedentary fish living in large schools. These fish are territorial predators. They don’t like strangers. They jealously guard their hunting grounds. Large seabasses try not to approach the shore. To catch large seabass, you need to move away from the beach. Small individuals appear near the coast, mainly in the morning from sunrise to 9.00. However, in bad weather (strong wind, big wave), this rule can be neglected.

Best Seabass Fishing Spots in Oregon

Oregon has over 110,000 miles of rivers, about 2,000 miles labeled Wild and Scenic. Seabass in Oregon is often found in rivers. If you are looking for unique seabass fishing spots in Oregon, check out some of them:

• Wallowa River, OR, USA. Flows through the Wallow Valley before joining the Grand Rond. The waters are famous for fishing, camping, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The upper part is relatively unspoiled, while the lower streams pass through open hilly hills.
• McKenzie River, OR, USA. A popular stop for fishing, camping, rafting, and kayaking, the Mackenzie River flows for 90 miles through the Cascade Ridge as it travels west to Willamette Valley.
• John Day River, OR, USA. The John Day River is the longest free river in Oregon and one of the longest in the United States. The Columbia River’s tributary, the John Day, runs 284 miles with elevations ranging from 265 feet to 9,000 feet. Parts of the river are designated National Wild and Scenic, with the river offering a variety of geological features
• Deschutes River, OR, USA. The Deschutes River, a national wild and scenic river, flows 175 miles through ruggedly beautiful landscapes.

Best Baits for Seabass in Oregon

Seabass is a predator. Therefore the bait for catching this fish must be of animal origin. This fish is happy to hunt for:

• Sea worms;
• Shellfish meat;
• Small fish;
• Crustaceans (shrimp);
• Pieces of chicken meat (cut breast);
• Giblets (Chicken liver and spleen);

The best bait for catching this fish is the sea worm and the meat of small fish. Artificial lures that are used in seabass fishing include:

• Small spoons;
• Active and passive jig lures;
• Deep-sea wobblers;

Seabass is a relatively slow fish. Therefore, you should not rush to reload the gear. She pecks eagerly, actively. Usually, there are no problems with playing seabass.

Common Techniques for Seabass Fishing

The most popular ways of fishing for seabass are

• Vertical donk;
• Trolling (at meager speed);
• Fishing with float tackle;
• Spinning (marine spinning);

The most effective is fishing for seabass on a vertical bottom.

Seabass Season in Oregon

The most optimal time for catching seabass is from August to December. Often, a good bite of the seabass happens in April. The most active biting is observed at dusk at sunset.

Seabass Fishing Regulations in Oregon

Oregon requires an angler to fish seabass with only one rod. The law is the same for catching all types of fish – either donka, spinning, floating rod, or fly fishing. You cannot lower more rods from the boat than licensed anglers in the boat.

Cooking Oregon Seabass

Well-baked seabass is a portioned fish with minimum bone content. A very tasty and juicy cape of fish is baked and fried equally well in foil, leaves, and even a sea salt coat. It is believed that for such baked fish, it is enough to serve the sauce. However, seabass with vegetables will be tastier for a regular lunch. You can add baked vegetables or boiled potatoes.

Hiring a Fishing Charter for Halibut Fishing

It’s always wise to charter a fishing guide. They ensure every part of your trip goes as well as possible, and provide you with everything you’ll need as you fish.

This includes a competent captain and an experienced local guide, excellent fishing gear, accommodations, and their fishing license. So, all you need to do is to prepare yourself for a great and memorable adventure.

If you’re thinking of hiring a fishing charter, check out Newport Oregon Fishing Charters. Alternatively, you can browse our blog for more guides about everything related to fishing, or contact us for any questions and inquiries.

Other Fish to Catch in Oregon

 Besides seabass, Oregon houses sea creatures like Dungeness crab, cabezon, lingcod, salmon, and halibut. 

Top 10 Most Romantic Things To Do in Portland, Oregon

When around Portland, Oregon, you might find it difficult to find places for a good date. Amid the pandemic, a lot of places have closed with events canceled, so things are rather restrictive. No more concerts or cozy nooks from bars, and while the cinemas are slowly opening, why not go for something more than the usual?

Portland is a great place to explore, and even during this pandemic, you can still enjoy a dating life and make new memories with people around the area. As long as you are safe and healthy, try any of these romantic things to do in Portland, Oregon!

Romantic Things to Do in Portland

If you’re out of ideas on what to do when dating in Portland, try any of these suggestions:

Hike in Forest Park

Parks are the typical date idea these days, as you are outdoors with the ability to socially distance. Plus, you get some exercise with fresh air, which can make a positive environment with a date.

Portland is home to some of the largest parks in the country, so head on out and enjoy a slow stroll, intense run, or a hike? Forest Park is the best place to go, as it covers almost 5,160 acres with up to 80 miles of trails, so you’ll never run out of places to explore!

Enjoy the thick canopy of trees that will keep you warm even as it rains, and maybe grab a bite to eat after, having much more to talk about? You can even go fishing in some parks and enjoy the water life!

Have dinner in a food cart pod

Speaking of grabbing a bite to eat, you’re probably wondering where! Portland is home to amazing restaurants and local food places, so the choices are endless.

One of the things that make Portland’s culinary scene so popular is the smorgasbord of food cart options around the area. You’ll find neighborhoods with at least one food cart, which are usually organized into pods. No need to worry about having different cravings with your date, since you can find different cuisines (like delicious salmon) that suit those taste buds.

Take advantage of happy hour

If you and your date want a drink to loosen up for deeper conversations and/or more fun, then look for open bars that have happy hour promos! You’ll find a few bars and pubs open with promos and discounts to entice customers back in as restrictions ease. There are great places that have beautiful views and an environment suitable for deep talks and lots of good times.

However, don’t drink too much, especially if you’re the designated driver!

Talk in a café

Don’t like alcohol? No problem!

Cafes are one of the go-to destinations for dates as well, which are a good option if you can only go out during the afternoon. You’ll find a lot of cafes around Portland that serve up specialty coffees, teas, and tasty pastries!

Head to the coast

If you have the whole day to spend with your date, have a road trip and head to the coast! You can head to the beach or other towns such as Seaside and Cannon Beach, where you can rent a fishing charter and make the day out of it with lots of fishing and water activities.

You’ll definitely have a memorable day with tons of photos and fun moments! However, this is more of a third or fourth date idea, not one for first dates, especially if you just met the person!

Have a picnic in the local park

You don’t need to go so far just to have fun on a date. Your local park is a nice place to head to, especially since Portland has a lot of large parks! Washington Park, Cape Arago State Park, The Rose Garden, and Portland Japanese Garden are some of the best parks around the area, to name a few.

You can plan a picnic, either taking out food from a nearby restaurant or doing it old school and packing a picnic basket with the mat and homemade food. Just make sure that you’re well-dressed for the weather and that there’s a plan B just in case it rains!

Explore the city

The city has so much to offer and if you like to stay within the hustle and bustle of it, then there are various sights and memories to experience, such as:

• Portland Brewery Bike Tour for some exercise and exploring with drinks
• Powell’s City of Books for book lovers
• Voodoo Donuts, one of the famous donut shops in Portland for dessert
  

Go to a museum 

If you and your date love art and want to explore the different creative parts of the city, then head to a museum. The Portland Art Museum is a good place to start, being an interactive destination with museum tours, rotating programs, and performances, as well as a photo booth and Art Pub!

Learn about history

Besides art museums, there are also amazing historic attractions where you can learn more about Portland, whether you’re a local or just visiting. Check out the Pittock Mansion, Architectural Heritage Center Tours, the Oregon Symphony, and more!

Relax in a hotel

This isn’t exactly made for the first few dates, but if you’re spending time with a loved one, why not hit up a fancy hotel in Portland and live the luxurious life? It’s relaxing, you get all the getaway you need from work, and you can enjoy every moment of it with your partner in crime!

Wrapping It Up

Stumped about what you and your date can do when in Portland, Oregon? You’ll be surprised with the limitless options there are, from going out to the beautiful parks down to having a bite in delicious restaurants. With good company and fun activities, you’ll probably be getting even more dates with that special someone!

Hopefully, you got ideas from these romantic things to do in Portland. If you’ve got a date coming up, plan ahead and make sure to have a memorable date to remember. Good luck!

Why Choose Newport, Oregon for Your Next Fishing Charter

Fishing charters are excellent ways for you to go fishing successfully, with better chances of getting ‘The Big One!’ And when in Newport, Oregon, fishing charters are a must, with many locals and tourists hiring charters to navigate around the waters to get sure catches.

But wait, you’re probably wondering: What does Newport have to offer when it comes to fishing? And why should it be your next destination as you get a fishing charter?

If you’re wondering, ‘why choose Newport, Oregon for your next fishing charter?’, then read on to find out the advantages of the area!

Why Choose Newport, Oregon for Your Next Fishing Charter

There are so many reasons why Newport should be your next fishing destination. These are just some of them:

Newport is a beautiful city

Newport Beach looks like a Southern California town, with a ton of sun, surfing, sandy beaches, and laidback luxury! If you’re an angler, the fishing scene here is pretty popular, too.

Newport is known for coastal fishing for inshore game fish, and the area gives you easy access to Catalina Island, so you can take on an even bigger game.

The area isn’t only known for its fishing scene, though. It’s got a ton of beaches to visit for more fun outdoor and water activities. You can find piers and jetties, go surfing, swim, or go shopping for souvenirs and delicious food. There will be something for EVERYONE, may you be a local or from out of town.

Outside the beach and waters, Newport is a great place to take a vacation in. After fishing, grab a bite to eat, where restaurants serve dishes from fresh fish like salmon. Or, you can go to the beautiful parks, lighthouses, and other historical attractions to learn more about the area!

Your entire vacation here won’t be spent fishing, of course, so let it be in an area like Newport where there is so much to do for the entire family to enjoy!

You can catch so many different fish

Newport, especially Newport Beach, is described as the heaven of game fishing. You can find a ton of different fish species here, may it be offshore pelagics or feisty inshore fish. It isn’t only for expert anglers, but for beginners and those totally new to holding a fishing rod!

In Newport Beach, you can find these fish species:

• Calico Bass
• California Halibut
• White seabass
• Yellowtail Amberjack
• Tuna
• Halibut
• Barracuda
• Sand bass
• Rockfish
• And many more!

So if you’re looking to catch the big one, Newport is the way to go.

You can fish in so many areas

Newport, as I always say, is home to so many areas to fish in! There are also a ton of fishing methods to use when in the area, making it diverse and versatile.

You can head to the Newport Harbor Entrance that has a lot of sand bass and halibut or the Newport Artificial Reef for many large and common gamefish. There is also the Corona Del Mar State Beach that is near Laguna Beach, where you can catch calico bass or sheepshead!

And of course, let’s not forget Newport Beach, where you can find a variety of fish to catch!

There are various hotels nearby

What happens after an entire day of fishing or exploring Newport? For sure, you’ll be pooped!

You wouldn’t want to go back to a hotel that looks old and dingy, or that takes miles and miles to go back to. Fortunately, Newport is home to many hotels and types of comfortable accommodation.

Many of them are located within beaches, so you simply need to walk back to your accommodation to get a good night’s sleep. These areas are accessible to the beach, attractions, shops, and modes of transportation, so you won’t have trouble going around Newport.

In Newport Beach alone, you can find the following:

• Newport Channel Inn
• Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa
• Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
• Doryman’s Newport Beach Hotel and Inn

Fishing charters are advantageous here

What’s great about Newport is that there are a ton of fishing charters you can choose from. Since it has one of the biggest recreational harbors on the West Coast, you won’t only find a ton of fish to catch and fishing stores that sell and rent equipment, you will also find different fishing charters available.

That way, planning for the ultimate fishing escapade is made even easier when in Newport!

And let’s not forget about the many helpful benefits fishing charters offer in Newport. Not only will they be able to take you to the areas rich in fish for a sure catch, but they can also provide helpful advice on navigating the waters and fishing techniques! You’ll learn a lot about the species of fish you plan to catch in specific areas and how to catch them successfully.

Furthermore, fishing charters like ours offer equipment for rent, so you won’t have to worry about bringing anything but yourself, your fishing license, and a set of extra clothes. Fishing charters have the whole day planned and you get to keep what you catch and enjoy the views while you’re at it.

Wrapping It Up

If you’re planning your next fishing escapade and want to use a fishing charter, then Newport is the way to go! With its amazing benefits and rich fishing life, you’ll have fun with your buddies as you get sure catches with professional fishing charters. Just make sure that you choose reputable fishing charters to take you to the best places to catch fish!

Hopefully, you learned a lot about fishing in Newport and why you should hire a fishing charter here. If you’re heading to Newport and looking to hire a fishing charter, contact us now and we can provide affordable quotations and topnotch services. Have fun fishing with us!

Everything About Cabezon Fishing in Oregon

Spend a day fishing in Newport, Rhode Island, and you will see why many anglers compare this experience to classic deep-sea fishing. Anglers worldwide rely on trolling and bottom fishing for this technique and local fishers are no exception. Unsurprisingly, deep-sea fishing in Newport, Rhode Island, includes a lot of bottom fishing for cabezon.

Although the cabezon (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus) is not a fish widely known or destined for coastal anglers anywhere other than the west coast, it remains a welcome catch for those who regularly catch the rugged coastlines of these regional waters. Found from British Columbia across northern Baja California, the cabezon is often an accidental catch by those who fish on the bottom adjacent to shelves, reefs, and rocky tops.

Catching Cabezon in Oregon

Cabezon is a fish without scales. She has extensive bone support. This support goes under the skin through the cheek from the very eye. Cabezon has 11 spines on its dorsal fin. There is also a thick spine in front of the eyes and a fleshy flap in the middle of the muzzle.

Two more extended flaps are located immediately behind the eyes: many small teeth and a wide mouth. The color is different, but it is usually red, green, or brown. Usually, 90% of redfish are males. 90% of green fish are female. The pulp is blue, like the internal organs.

Cabezon usually average 4 pounds or less but can grow up to 18 pounds; Washington State’s current record is 23 pounds. While they can dwell in much deeper waters, most end up 120 feet or less.

Many large cabezon can be taken in shallow water, sometimes only a few feet deep. This can often occur in or around tidal pools when the bait is dropped into underwater crevices and grottoes using a butt pole.

Best Cabezon Fishing Spots in Oregon

With nicknames such as “City by the Sea” and “Sailing Capital of the World,” Newport is the ideal destination for visitors to spend time on the water. This picturesque town attracts fishers from all over the world for its beautiful beaches and New England charm.

Best Baits for Cabezon in Oregon

While whole and sliced ​​baits such as anchovies, mackerel, and herring can be hit with hungry cabezones, their favorite food is the wide variety of crustaceans and shellfish surrounding the areas they live.

You cannot harvest natural bait at low tide in a place where you plan to take a quick seafood trip to pick up a few whole, unpeeled shrimp or thawed squid.

Frozen shellfish and mussels that are not local bait and tackle are poorly inferior to those you harvest fresh but will work as a last resort. Crabs and copper penny shrimp work pretty well when hung from a hook.

Common Techniques for Cabezon Fishing

Fortunately, the cabezon is not shy of hooks and has largemouths that are well suited for inhaling whole baits like rock crabs, young octopuses, cracked mussels, and ghost shrimp.

Unlike many predator species that like to roam open water searching for food, the cabezon prefers to play the waiting game hidden in their rocky abode until their unsuspecting prey is right under their noses.

Then they quickly run out and inhale the food, and then return to where they came from. While small shore anglers can fish more cabezones, their regular spawning migrations in shallow waters put them within reach of shore fishers.

Dropper loops or reverse dropper loops are the most common ways of presenting your lure, but many anglers also have consistent success with catching shrimp, crabs, squid, or strip bait that has been attached to a lead bait. Always make sure your hook matches the size of the bait you are using.

Cabezon Season in Oregon

Spring cabezon fishing can be some of the best fishing of the year. By March, cabezon stocking is well underway in lakes and reservoirs throughout the state. Fishing also can be excellent for holdover fish – cabezon stocked the previous year that have overwintered, and gotten big and hungry.

Seabass Fishing Regulations in Oregon

In Oregon, it is illegal to use canned corn as bait… But to catch such a violator will not be easy because when he sees an inspector, he will instantly eat all the evidence.

Cooking Oregon Seabass

There is not much fish in the sea that is as tasty as cabezon. They have a soft, flaky, yet firm texture that goes well with various seafood recipes. One thing that surprises many anglers who are filleting cabezon for the first time is the aquamarine color of their raw flesh. In both cases, the fillet turns snow white once cooked. Keep in mind, however, that their caviar is poisonous to eat raw or cooked. Therefore, caviar lovers should look elsewhere.

Hiring a Fishing Charter for Halibut Fishing

It’s always wise to charter a fishing guide. They ensure every part of your trip goes as well as possible, and provide you with everything you’ll need as you fish.

This includes a competent captain and an experienced local guide, excellent fishing gear, accommodations, and their fishing license. So, all you need to do is to prepare yourself for a great and memorable adventure.

If you’re thinking of hiring a fishing charter, check out Newport Oregon Fishing Charters. Alternatively, you can browse our blog for more guides about everything related to fishing, or contact us for any questions and inquiries.

Other Fish to Catch in Oregon

Besides cabezon, Oregon houses sea creatures like Dungeness crab, seabass, lingcod, salmon, and halibut. 

Everything You Need to Know About Columbia River King Salmon Fishing

Are you planning on going Columbia River King Salmon fishing? You’re probably wondering how to go about it to increase the chances of successful catches. But before you get there, there are things you need to know about to get the best chances of getting a king salmon for yourself.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about Columbia River King Salmon fishing for your next trip!

About the Columbia River King Salmon

I know how challenging it can be trying to score a Columbia River King Salmon, especially if you’re new to this! That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, though.

Before we get into effective fishing tips, let’s first talk about the king salmon.

King Salmon is a favorite for recreational fishers, also called the Chinook Salmon. It is known by other names as well, such as the blackmouth, quinnat, or the chub. Furthermore, they are known to be powerful fish, weighing more than 14 kilograms.

These fish would spawn in the large rivers of Alaska and California, though you may also find them in streams in the BC and Yukon. Production and spawning would occur in major river streams usually, including the Columbia River.

After the eggs hatched, king salmon would stay in freshwater, with the duration depending on water temperature. In southern locations, some king salmon will migrate after spending 3 months in freshwater, while others stay for up to 1 year. In northern areas, king salmon would spend at least 1 year in freshwater.

Since they are large and in coastal waters, they are a favorite prey for killer whales, with many commercial and recreational fishermen catching them, too. They are usually caught by hook and line fisheries, chasing and biting lures or baited hooks that are trolled through waters.

That said, they are an unusual Pacific salmon species, as the color of adult flesh would range from white to pink, until a deep red. They have a dark back and green-blue sheen, but they darken when spawning in freshwater, having reddish fins and belly.

Guide to Columbia River King Salmon Fishing

If you don’t know it yet, the Columbia River is the biggest one in the American West. Its grand size comes great fishing opportunities, which is why you find a ton of people fishing for King Salmon.

Catching king salmon isn’t as easy as 1-2-3 though. While fairly easy, it requires skill and the right fishing equipment. That said, here are helpful tips you can follow to catch king salmon in the Columbia River.

Use 360 Flashers

This tool was introduced a few years ago, which is different compared to the classic flashers. As the name suggests, this lure would rotate in a circle, with the purpose of increasing the area it’s presented. Besides that, it would also function as a standard flasher with various colors available to catch the light for attracting fish.

You may want to use this for better chances of attracting more king salmon. That said, be sure to use these flashers only when you are trolling.

Stack Wobblers

Wobblers are a classic lire for salmon, so this is a pretty helpful tip. Use two or three on the line rather than just one.

The common technique for bank anglers or expert boat fishers is to use 2-3 different wobbler colors or styles. This increases the odds of getting a catch.

Keep the distance between lures by at least 2 feet, lowering your line slowly. If you are a boat angler, you may want to consider using floats when the currents are slow.

Focus on Tide Turns

The Columbia River would be affected by the Pacific Ocean. When tides rise and fall, the river would experience the same until Bonneville Dam. Such changes in currents will agitate or inform king salmon and other fish, which would cause them to become more aggressive.

When the tide rises, salmon would ride the incoming water or slow currents and make their way upriver. When it falls, the fish would either go down near the bottom or go to the seas.

Invest in a tide chart and pay full attention to any tide changes. If there are tide changes, fish would make decisions, with slack or change tide being more productive fishing hours.

Try Dead Drifting

If you are fishing above the Bonneville Dam, the tides won’t affect the river. However, this will also be where you can find a lot of fishing opportunities, including those for king salmon.

From the Cascade Locks and above, this river is tamed and is now a series of lakes. To fish here successfully, head to the river or creek mouths. When the spring sun arrives, the fish will pause near river mouths, confirming where their home stream is. During the summer and fall run, the areas are havens to protect fish from warm water the dam creates.

From this area, anglers would use cured salmon eggs, which have dead drifted near bottoms. However, never take your eyes far off rivers, as the bites tend to be subtle. When you are hooked and it is salmon, expect bent rods and screaming reels.

Use Tuna Fish as Bait

There are reputable bait sellers popular in the area. It is best to use tuna fish, filling molded plastic lures with bait or scent. Tuna is a local favorite, which salmon are very attracted to. You can use this bait and troll it with regular or 360 flashers.

It’s best to use tuna as bait during the fall, though they are also effective during the spring and summer runs.

Wrapping It Up

There are a ton of fish you can find when fishing in the Columbia River, including the king salmon. With the right tips and strategies, you can achieve a few catches and even explore the many other fish species.

Hopefully, this article gave insight on Columbia River king salmon fishing. Utilize these tips and strategies so you can get sure catches and more salmon fishing opportunities now.