Premier Salmon Fishing Trip in North Bend

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Coos Bay, OR
$350 - $450 price range

Summary

Ready to try salmon fishing but don't know where to start? This 8-hour intro trip from North Bend is perfect for beginners. We'll head out at 7 AM to inshore fishing grounds where you'll learn the basics hands-on. Your guide will walk you through gear setup, choosing the right bait, spotting bites, and netting your catch. No experience needed - we provide all the gear and coach you every step of the way. You're covered under our license too, so no need to buy your own. Depending on the season, you might land Chinook, Coho, Pink, or Sockeye salmon. We keep the pace relaxed and fun, so you can focus on learning without pressure. The base rate covers two people, but you can bring up to four more friends for $100 each. It's a great way to spend a day on the water, pick up new skills, and hopefully catch some fish!

Premier Salmon Fishing Trip in North Bend

Salmon School in Action

Five coho and chinook salmon in an OR fishing scene

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Custom Built River Wild Boat, Fishing Coos Bay

Oregon Perch Fishing Charters

Charter Fishing Coos Bay, OR

Learn the Ropes: 8-Hour Salmon Intro in North Bend

Ready to dip your toes into the world of salmon fishing? This 8-hour trip out of North Bend is the perfect way to get your feet wet. Whether you're a total newbie or just looking to brush up on your skills, our experienced guides will have you reeling in the big ones in no time. We'll cruise out to the prime inshore spots where salmon are biting, and show you everything you need to know to land your first catch. No need to stress about gear or licenses - we've got you covered from rod to reel.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll push off from the docks at 7 AM sharp, so grab your coffee and get ready for a day of hands-on learning. As we motor out to the fishing grounds, your guide will break down the basics - from setting up your gear to choosing the right bait. Once we're in position, it's time to drop lines and put those new skills to the test. We'll be targeting Chinook and Coho salmon, with a chance at Pink or Sockeye depending on the season. Don't sweat it if you're feeling a little green - our guides are pros at pacing the instruction to match your comfort level. By the end of the day, you'll be reading the water like a pro and maybe even have a few fish stories of your own to tell.

Fishing 101: Gear and Techniques

Leave your tackle box at home - we provide all the top-notch gear you'll need for a successful day on the water. You'll be working with premium rods and reels, perfectly suited for salmon fishing in these waters. We'll show you how to set up your line, attach the right lures, and present your bait in a way that's irresistible to salmon. You'll learn the art of detecting those subtle bites and the proper technique for setting the hook. When it's time to bring in your catch, we'll coach you through the netting process to make sure that fish makes it from the water to the boat. By the end of the trip, you'll have a solid grasp on the fundamentals of salmon fishing - skills you can use for years to come.

Top Catches This Season

Our intro trips have been red hot lately, with plenty of newbies landing their first-ever salmon. Just last week, we had a father-son duo who'd never fished before reel in a pair of hefty Chinooks. The look on their faces when they saw those silver sides flash in the water - that's what keeps us coming back day after day. Another group managed to hit the Coho jackpot, filling their limits with some of the feistiest silvers we've seen all year. Even if you don't land a monster, the thrill of feeling that first tug on your line is something you'll never forget.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these are the heavyweights of the Pacific Northwest. Chinooks can tip the scales at over 50 pounds, though 15-30 pounders are more common in our waters. They're known for their powerful runs and acrobatic leaps, making them a true test of any angler's skills. Spring and fall are prime times to target these bruisers, but we see decent action throughout the summer months as well. The fight of a Chinook is something every angler should experience at least once in their life.

Coho Salmon: Often called Silvers, these fish are the speed demons of the salmon world. They're smaller than Chinooks, usually in the 8-12 pound range, but what they lack in size they make up for in feistiness. Cohos are known for their quick, darting runs and tendency to throw hooks with spectacular aerial displays. They start showing up in our waters in late summer and stick around through fall. Their meat is prized for its rich, red color and delicate flavor.

Pink Salmon: These guys are the smallest of the Pacific salmon, typically weighing in at 3-5 pounds. Don't let their size fool you though - what they lack in weight, they make up for in numbers. During peak runs, it's not uncommon to hook into dozens of pinks in a single day. They show up in our waters every odd-numbered year, usually from July to September. Pinks are a great target for beginners, as their abundance means plenty of action and opportunities to practice your technique.

Sockeye Salmon: Also known as Red Salmon, these fish are prized for their deep red flesh and rich, flavorful meat. They're not as common in our inshore waters as the other species, but when we do get them, it's a real treat. Sockeyes typically weigh in at 5-8 pounds and are known for their hard-fighting nature. They usually start showing up in June and stick around through July. Landing a Sockeye is like hitting the salmon lottery - it's a fish you'll definitely want to get in the boat.

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're looking to get your kids hooked on fishing or just want to learn a new skill yourself, this 8-hour intro trip is the perfect way to dive into the world of salmon fishing. You'll walk away with a solid foundation in fishing techniques, a deeper appreciation for these incredible fish, and maybe even a cooler full of fresh salmon. Our experienced guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge and making sure you have a blast on the water. Don't let another season slip by - grab your spot on one of these top-rated trips and start your salmon fishing journey today. The fish are biting, and there's no better time to learn than right now. See you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, or kings, are the largest Pacific salmon and a top trophy for anglers. They average 10-50 pounds but can reach over 100. You'll find them in deeper coastal waters and large river systems. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they migrate to spawning grounds. Kings are renowned for their powerful fights - be ready for long runs and dogged battles. Their rich, red flesh is considered the finest eating of all salmon. To land a big king, try trolling with downriggers using large plugs or herring. In rivers, drift-fish roe or swing big flies. Kings often hug the bottom, so get your bait down deep. My local tip: scent is key, so use fresh bait or scented artificials.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, also called silvers, are a blast to catch. They typically run 8-12 pounds but can reach over 30. You'll find them in coastal waters and rivers from July through November. Cohos are known for their acrobatic fights - they'll leap and tailwalk across the surface. Their bright orange flesh is prized for its rich flavor. Target cohos by trolling with flashy spoons or plugs, or cast spinners in rivers. They often hold in slower pools behind structure. For fly fishing, try swinging bright streamers. My go-to trick is using a chartreuse hoochie - cohos can't resist that color. The fall run is prime time, when the fish are aggressive before spawning.

Pink Salmon

Pink salmon are the smallest Pacific salmon, usually 4-5 pounds but can reach 15. They're nicknamed "humpies" for the distinctive hump males develop during spawning. Look for them in coastal waters and rivers from July to September. Pinks are fun to catch on light tackle - they put up a scrappy fight for their size. Their meat is lighter and milder than other salmon, great for smoking or grilling. To target pinks, try casting small, bright lures like pink jigs or spinners. Fish near the surface in moving water. Pinks aren't picky eaters, so experiment with different retrieves until you find what works. Pro tip: smear some fish oil on your lure to make it extra enticing.

Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye salmon, also called reds, are a unique catch. They're smaller than other Pacific salmon, usually 4-8 pounds. You'll find them in lakes and rivers connected to the ocean, with the biggest runs from June to August. Sockeyes are known for their bright red spawning color and rich, flavorful meat - it's why they're so prized commercially. These fish can be tricky to catch since they mainly eat plankton. In rivers, try small, bright flies or tiny spinners. The key is to fish where they're concentrated, like mouths of spawning streams. My favorite technique is sight-fishing with a light fly rod when they're schooled up. It's exciting to watch them react to your fly. Remember, timing is everything with sockeyes.

About the Custom built River Wild

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha engine

Maximum Cruising Speed: 50

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Ready to dip your toes into salmon fishing? This 8-hour trip from North Bend is perfect for beginners looking to learn the ropes. Your friendly guide will show you the ins and outs of gear setup, bait selection, and proper techniques as you cruise the inshore waters. Don't worry if you've never held a rod before - you'll get hands-on coaching every step of the way. The boat comes fully equipped with top-notch rods, tackle, and safety gear, so you can focus on honing your skills. With room for up to 6 people, it's a great day out with friends or family. You're covered under the guide's license, saving you the hassle of getting your own. Depending on the season, you might land Chinook, Coho, Pink or Sockeye salmon. The pace is relaxed, allowing you to soak in the knowledge and enjoy yourself on the water. By the end of the day, you'll have a solid foundation in salmon fishing basics - and hopefully a few good catches to show for it!

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