Premium Salmon Charter in Winchester Bay, Oregon

Reel in Oregon's Prized Salmon with Capt. Mark

Ready to tangle with the Northwest's most iconic fish? Join Captain Mark LaDuke for a day of salmon fishing you won't forget on beautiful Winchester Bay. This ain't your average charter – we're talking about hooking into hard-fighting Chinook and lightning-fast Coho from a decked-out Hewescraft that'll put you right on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, Mark's got the know-how and gear to make your trip a success. So grab your fishing license and let's hit the water!

What to Expect on the Water

We'll meet bright and early at Salmon Harbor Marina, where you'll hop aboard Mark's 2018 Hewescraft. This boat's a fisherman's dream, kitted out with top-notch GPS and fish finders to put us on the bite. We've got room for up to four anglers, but there's a two-person minimum to make the trip happen. Once we're out on Winchester Bay, we'll be targeting both Chinook (King) and Coho (Silver) salmon, depending on the season and what's running hot. Mark provides all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. Just remember to grab your Oregon fishing license before you show up – we can't hit the water without it!

Trolling Tips & Techniques

On this trip, we'll be focusing on trolling – the bread and butter method for hooking into big salmon around here. We'll set up with downriggers to get our lures down where the fish are hanging out. Mark's a pro at reading the water and adjusting our spread for maximum action. You might be working cut-plug herring, hoochies, or maybe even some local "secret sauce" lures that have been crushing it lately. Keep your eyes peeled for signs of fish – jumping salmon, birds working the water, or that telltale blip on the fish finder. When a rod goes off, it's all hands on deck! These salmon put up one heck of a fight, so be ready for some serious action when you're reeling one in.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook Salmon: Also known as Kings, these are the heavyweight champs of the Pacific salmon world. Winchester Bay's Chinook can push well over 30 pounds, with some monsters topping 50! They're known for their deep, powerful runs and head-shaking jumps that'll test your arms and your drag. Chinook meat is prized for its rich flavor and high oil content – perfect for grilling or smoking. The main Chinook run typically kicks off in late spring and peaks in summer, but you can find some biters well into fall.

Coho Salmon: Don't let their smaller size fool you – Coho (or Silvers) are pound-for-pound some of the scrappiest fish you'll hook into. These acrobatic fighters love to tailwalk across the surface and make blistering runs that'll have your reel singing. Coho average 6-12 pounds here, but bigger ones aren't uncommon. Their flesh is a bit lighter and milder than Chinook, making them super versatile in the kitchen. The Coho action usually heats up later in the summer and can provide red-hot fishing well into October.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Winchester Bay isn't just another fishing spot – it's salmon central. This place has a well-earned reputation as one of Oregon's top salmon fisheries. The mix of freshwater from the Umpqua River and the nutrient-rich Pacific creates the perfect conditions for these fish to grow big and strong. Plus, you're fishing in the shadow of the Oregon Dunes, with stunning coastal scenery all around. But the real kicker? It's the rush of battling a chrome-bright salmon fresh from the ocean. There's nothing quite like feeling that first big hit, watching your rod double over, and hearing that reel start to scream. Whether you're here to fill the freezer or just for the pure sport of it, a day chasing salmon on Winchester Bay is hard to beat.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, if you're thinking about salmon fishing in Oregon, this is the trip you want to be on. Captain Mark knows these waters like the back of his hand and has the track record to prove it. You're getting a top-notch boat, all the gear you need, and a guide who's passionate about putting clients on fish. At $250 per person (remember, two-angler minimum), it's a killer deal for a shot at some of the best salmon fishing the West Coast has to offer. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give Mark a call, and let's get you out on the water. Who knows? Your next cast could be the one that hooks into the salmon of a lifetime. See you on the bay!