Oregon · Northern Oregon Coast
CHINOOK SALMON FISHING
IN ASTORIA
Astoria is an excellent destination for chinook salmon fishing, with peak season in April, May, September and good catches in March, June, August. Book a charter and target chinook salmon with local experts.
About Chinook Salmon Fishing in Astoria
The king of salmon and the most prized sportfish on the Pacific coast. Chinook — also called king salmon — are the largest Pacific salmon species, with trophy fish exceeding 50 pounds in Alaska and Northern California rivers. Their powerful runs and acrobatic fights make them the ultimate West Coast gamefish from spring through fall.
Chinook Salmon — universally called King Salmon — are the largest and most prized Pacific salmon species. These magnificent fish can exceed 50 pounds in Alaskan rivers and 30+ pounds in California and Oregon waters. Kings are anadromous, born in freshwater rivers, migrating to the Pacific Ocean to feed and grow for 2-7 years, then returning to their natal streams to spawn and die. Their chrome-bright ocean phase features a dark blue-green back speckled with black spots, bright silver sides, and a white belly. Spawning fish turn dark olive to maroon. Males develop a pronounced hooked jaw ("kype") and humped back during the spawn.
Scientific name: Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Chinook Salmon Seasonal Calendar — Astoria
Month-by-month availability for chinook salmon in Astoria, OR.
How to Catch Chinook Salmon in Astoria
Techniques & Bait
Ocean trolling with downriggers is the primary technique, running herring or anchovy cut-plugs at 30-120 feet behind flashers or dodgers. Mooching (drifting with weighted herring or anchovy) is a classic Pacific Northwest method. In rivers, back-trolling with Kwikfish, Mag Lips, or bait-wrapped plugs is deadly. Bank anglers do well drifting cured salmon roe under a float through holding water. In Alaska, backbouncing eggs or casting spinners (Blue Fox, Rooster Tails) in river systems produces trophy kings.
Recommended Tackle
Ocean trolling: 8-9 ft medium-heavy downrigger rod, level-wind reel, 25-40 lb mono or 50 lb braid. River fishing: 8'6"-10'6" medium-heavy rod, spinning or level-wind reel, 15-30 lb main line, 12-20 lb fluorocarbon leader. In Alaska, heavier gear (30-50 lb) is common for 40+ lb fish.
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Astoria
Top spots where local captains target chinook salmon and other nearshore species.
Columbia River South Jetty
The Columbia River South Jetty extends miles into the Pacific, creating nearshore structure where lingcod, rockfish, surfperch, and greenling hold along the submerged rock. The jetty's tip puts anglers near the bar's turbulent waters where ocean-going salmon and bottomfish congregate.
Clatsop Spit
Clatsop Spit at the south side of the Columbia River mouth offers surf-fishing for redtail surfperch, striped bass, and flatfish from a sandy beach where river and ocean currents converge. The spit's gradual slope and sand bar system create productive surf zone habitat.
Tillamook Head Reefs
The rocky reefs off Tillamook Head south of Astoria hold lingcod, cabezon, black rockfish, and blue rockfish in kelp-covered nearshore structure. The headland's exposed position catches nutrient-rich upwelling that supports productive reef ecosystems within a few miles of shore.
Seaside Reef
The nearshore reef structure off Seaside south of Astoria holds rockfish, lingcod, and greenling in rocky bottom from 30 to 80 feet deep. Small boats from Astoria and Seaside access the reef for quality bottom-fishing on calm ocean days.
Other Species in Astoria
More fish you can target while visiting Astoria.
Chinook Salmon Fishing in Astoria — FAQ
The peak months for Chinook Salmon fishing in Astoria are April, May, September. During these months, Chinook Salmon are most active and abundant in the Astoria area.
Chinook Salmon fishing charters in Astoria are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Ocean trolling with downriggers is the primary technique, running herring or anchovy cut-plugs at 30-120 feet behind flashers or dodgers. Mooching (drifting with weighted herring or anchovy) is a classic Pacific Northwest method. In rivers, back-trolling with Kwikfish, Mag Lips, or bait-wrapped plugs is deadly. Bank anglers do well drifting cured salmon roe under a float through holding water. In Alaska, backbouncing eggs or casting spinners (Blue Fox, Rooster Tails) in river systems produces trophy kings.
No — when you book a charter in Astoria, your captain provides all required Oregon fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Chinook Salmon regulations in Oregon include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Chinook Salmon in Astoria, you may also catch Rockfish, Lingcod, Dungeness Crab, Pacific Halibut, Coho Salmon. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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