Oregon Spring and Fall Salmon Fishing
We are able to fish for Spring Chinook and Fall Chinook Salmon in the rivers and intercoastal waters near Eugene, Oregon including the Willamette, McKenzie, South Santiam, Sisulaw, Smith and Umpqua.
Spring Chinook, called “springers”, arrive in our local rivers about the first of May and fishing lasts until the latter part of June. One of the most popular techniques for Spring Chinook is back-bouncing cured salmon eggs or sand shrimp or a combination of both in the deeper holes of the river. Bait-wrapped kwikfish of various colors can also be effective back trolled in the deeper water sections while fishing from a drift boat. These are only two of many techniques that can be effective for Spring Chinook.
Fall Chinook can enter the lower sections of some intercoastal tidewater as early as mid July. Salmon that enter lower tidal waters during the morning incoming tides are responsive to cut plug herring, spinners and Kwikfish trolled near the bottom.
Later, these fall salmon will keg up in the upper reaches of tidewater to wait for the fall rains. Salmon fishing techniques for these fish include: Trolling spinners or bobber fishing with cured salmon eggs and/or sand shrimp along the tidewater banks. Both methods can be effective on the incoming tide. In the fall, the changing season brings with it shorter days, cooler mornings, and lower water temperatures. As the fall rains raise river levels, Chinook Salmon start up the rivers and they can be caught using the same techniques that are used for Spring Chinook.
The following is a short list of salmon fishing gear and salmon tackle that I like to use for Spring and Fall Chinook Salmon fishing.
- 9′ medium or medium heavy casting rod for line weight 15 to 20 lb.
- Star drag casting reel that will hold at least 200 yards of monofilament
- Good quality 20 lb monofilament
- A 40 pound test Spiderwire Spectra when bobber fishing
- Brand name, made in the USA swivels, snaps etc.
- Hooks: Owner, Gamakatsu or Eagle Claw
- Kwikfish, “Tee” Spoons and Blue Fox Spinners
Oregon Salmon Fishing Tip: Tuna Balls for Salmon Fishing
Guided Oregon River Salmon Trip Information
Location: Eugene, Oregon . We can help with hotel/motel accommodations if needed.
IMPORTANT: Advanced and early bookings are required for the best Spring and Fall Salmon fishing dates that meet with your travel and fishing schedule. Don’t wait to contact me.
Your investment for a two person, full day trip is $375.00 this includes pickup in Eugene, lunch, cold or hot drinks and all Salmon tackle and bait is provided
A one day Oregon fishing license and salmon tag is $16.75/day
Corporate and group rates available and we can arrange for extra boats if needed.
For more information, please contact me.