Hey there, anglers! Ready to get your lines wet in some of the best salmon fishing waters on the West Coast? Our 4-hour private trip out of North Bend is your ticket to hooking into the action. Late summer brings a surge of salmon to our local waters, and we're here to put you right on top of the action. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, we've got you covered with top-notch gear and the local know-how to make your trip a success.
Picture this: You're out on the water as the sun's just starting to peek over the horizon, the air's crisp, and there's that unmistakable buzz of anticipation. That's how we kick off every trip at 7 AM sharp. We'll spend four solid hours targeting multiple salmon species, using techniques that are dialed in for our local conditions. Our trips are set up for two guests, but if you've got a bigger crew, no sweat – we can accommodate up to six anglers total. Just remember, it's an extra $100 per person beyond the first two. Trust me, having a few extra hands on deck can make for some exciting moments when the bite is on!
Alright, let's talk shop. When it comes to salmon fishing in North Bend, we're not messing around. We use a mix of trolling and mooching techniques, depending on where the fish are holding and what they're biting on. Our boats are kitted out with downriggers, which let us get our lures down to exactly where the salmon are cruising. We typically run a spread of cut-plug herring, hoochies, and spoons – all proven salmon-slayers in these parts. Don't worry if some of these terms are new to you; we'll walk you through everything on the water. The key is to keep your bait in the strike zone and be ready when that rod goes off – these salmon hit hard and run fast!
Let's break down the salmon species you might tangle with on your trip. Each one's got its own personality on the end of your line, and they're all a blast to catch.
Pink Salmon, or "humpies" as we call 'em, show up in big numbers during odd-numbered years. They're usually in the 3-5 pound range, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers. When a school of pinks moves through, it's non-stop action.
Coho Salmon, also known as silvers, are the acrobats of the bunch. These fish will tail-walk across the surface and make blistering runs that'll have your drag singing. Averaging 6-12 pounds, hooking into a big coho is like hitting the jackpot – they fight hard and taste even better.
Chinook Salmon, or kings, are the heavyweights. These bruisers can tip the scales at 30 pounds or more, and they've got the power to match. When a king decides to dive, you'd better hang on tight. Landing a big Chinook is the highlight of many anglers' seasons.
Sockeye Salmon might be smaller, usually 4-8 pounds, but they're pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. They're also prized for their rich, red flesh – perfect for the grill or smoker.
Look, I've been guiding these waters for years, and I still get pumped every time we hook up with a salmon. There's something special about fishing here in North Bend. Maybe it's the way the mist hangs over the water in the early morning, or the thrill of watching your rod tip bounce when a salmon hits. Whatever it is, it keeps folks coming back season after season. And let's be real – there's nothing quite like the taste of fresh-caught salmon. Whether you're grilling it up with just a squeeze of lemon or going all out with a cedar plank recipe, you can't beat it.
Alright, here's the deal – our prime salmon season doesn't last forever, and slots fill up fast. If you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of these hard-fighting fish, now's the time to book. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer, cross salmon fishing off your bucket list, or just enjoy a morning on the water with good company, we've got you covered. Grab your spot now, and let's make some fishing memories that'll have you grinning long after you're back on dry land. Trust me, once you feel that first salmon on the line, you'll be hooked for life. See you on the water!
Chinook salmon, also called kings, are the heavyweights of the Pacific salmon world. They average 20-30 pounds but can top 50. You'll find them in deep, cold waters of rivers and coastal areas. Kings are distinguished by their black mouth and gums, and black spots on their back and tail. They're prized for their size, fight, and rich, flavorful meat. Late summer to early fall is prime time to target these bruisers. They're light-sensitive, so fish deep with weighted baits, especially in early morning or evening. A local tip: try trolling with herring at different depths until you find where they're holding. Landing a king salmon is a true accomplishment - they'll give you the fight of your life and a story to tell for years.
Coho salmon, or silvers, are a favorite around here. They typically run 8-12 pounds and put on an acrobatic show when hooked. Look for them in calmer areas of rivers and estuaries from late summer into fall. Cohos have dark backs, silver sides, and small black spots on their upper body. They're known for their hard-fighting spirit and delicious orange-red meat. To land a coho, try twitching a bright jig in holding water or swinging spinners in faster currents. A local secret is to use pink lures - cohos can't seem to resist them. These fish will test your skills and provide some great action, whether you're an experienced angler or just starting out.
Pink salmon are the smallest Pacific salmon, averaging 4-5 pounds but packing a punch for their size. They're known for their slight hump and oval spots on the tail. Pinks run in huge numbers during even-numbered years, preferring cooler coastal waters. We target them from July to September as they stage near river mouths. Anglers love pinks for their scrappy fights and mild, light-colored meat. They'll hit small, bright lures like pink hoochies or jigs. A local trick is to smear some herring oil on your lure to really get their attention. Pinks are great for beginners since they're plentiful and eager biters. Just remember to fish close to the bottom where they travel and you'll be hooking into these feisty little salmon in no time.
Sockeye salmon, or reds, are a unique catch. They're smaller than other Pacific salmon, typically 4-8 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in flavor. Look for their distinctive blue-green backs and lack of spots when they're in the ocean. From May to September, they run upriver to spawn, turning bright red with green heads. Sockeyes are known for their rich, firm meat - it's considered the best eating among salmon. They can be tricky to catch since they mainly feed on plankton, but they'll hit small lures and flies. Try using a #6 wet fly or small, bright spinners. Fish close to the bottom in rivers where they travel. A local secret is to watch for schools pushing wakes in shallow water - that's your cue to cast ahead of them for some exciting action.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha engine
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300