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Top-Rated Salmon Fishing in Pacific Northwest
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Washington
- $300 - $450 price range
Summary
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Salmon Strikes
Big Coho Salmon catch on a partly cloudy day in Montesano!
Partly cloudy skies set the stage for a mix of fishing techniques in Montesano!
Rainbow Trout on the line in partly cloudy Montesano!
Big catch and cloudy skies make for the best fishing day in Montesano!
Big Coho Salmon and Rainbow Trout blasted today in Montesano!
Huge Chinook Salmon caught while jigging in partly cloudy Montesano!
Huge Bull Trout and Coho Salmon slayed in Montesano's partly cloudy waters!
Huge Coho Salmon reeled in on a partly cloudy day!
Big Coho Salmon catch on a partly cloudy day in Montesano!
Partly cloudy skies set the stage for a mix of fishing techniques in Montesano!
Rainbow Trout on the line in partly cloudy Montesano!
Big catch and cloudy skies make for the best fishing day in Montesano!
Big Coho Salmon and Rainbow Trout blasted today in Montesano!
Huge Chinook Salmon caught while jigging in partly cloudy Montesano!
Huge Bull Trout and Coho Salmon slayed in Montesano's partly cloudy waters!
Huge Coho Salmon reeled in on a partly cloudy day!
Big Coho Salmon catch on a partly cloudy day in Montesano!
Partly cloudy skies set the stage for a mix of fishing techniques in Montesano!
Reel in Salmon on an 8-Hour River Adventure
Get ready to chase some of the Pacific Northwest's most prized catches on this full-day salmon fishing trip with Miller's Sportfishing. We're talking eight solid hours of casting, fighting, and (hopefully) landing monster salmon in some of the region's most productive rivers. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, our expert guides will put you on the fish and show you the ropes of river fishing. Pack your lunch, grab your lucky hat, and let's hit the water!
What's the Deal?
This isn't your average day on the river. We're setting out for a full 8 hours of non-stop salmon action. Our seasoned captains know these waters like the back of their hand and will take you to the honey holes where the big ones lurk. You'll be targeting various salmon species including the hard-fighting Coho, the massive Chinook (King salmon), and the vibrant Sockeye. As a bonus, you might even tangle with some rainbow trout or the elusive steelhead. We provide all the gear you need – top-notch rods, reels, and the right bait and lures for the day's conditions. Just bring your A-game and be ready to reel!
Rigging Up for River Fishing
River fishing for salmon is a whole different ballgame compared to lake or ocean angling. We'll be using techniques like back-bouncing, drift fishing, and maybe even some fly fishing if conditions are right. Expect to learn about reading the water, identifying prime holding spots, and presenting your bait or lure just right to entice a strike. We'll show you how to properly set the hook when a salmon takes your offering and coach you through the fight. These fish can put up one heck of a battle, so be prepared for some serious action when you hook into a chrome-bright salmon fresh from the ocean!
What the Anglers Are Saying
"Went out with Jim today for my first time ever, he was super patient and informative on every aspect, put us on good fishing holes, and was extremely knowledgeable... Definitely recommend him, and I will definitely be back out for steelhead" - Daniel
Fish on the Line
Coho Salmon: Also known as silvers, these acrobatic fighters are a blast to catch. They typically range from 8-12 pounds but can get much bigger. Coho are known for their spectacular jumps and runs when hooked, giving anglers an adrenaline-pumping fight. They start entering the rivers in late summer and peak in fall, with bright silver sides that turn darker as they move upstream.
Chinook Salmon: The kings of the Pacific salmon world, Chinooks are the largest of the species and the ultimate prize for many anglers. These bruisers can top 50 pounds, though 20-30 pounders are more common. They enter the rivers earlier than other salmon, with some runs starting in spring and continuing through fall. Landing a big Chinook is a true test of skill and equipment – be ready for long, powerful runs and epic battles.
Sockeye Salmon: Don't let their smaller size fool you – sockeye are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting salmon out there. They typically weigh 5-8 pounds and are prized for their rich, red flesh. Sockeye runs usually peak in mid to late summer. These fish can be finicky biters, but when you dial in the technique, the action can be fast and furious.
Rainbow Trout: While salmon are the stars of the show, don't overlook the opportunity to tangle with some beautiful rainbow trout. These spotted beauties put up a great fight on light tackle and are excellent eating. Rainbows in river systems can range from small 10-inchers to trophy fish over 5 pounds.
Steelhead Trout: The sea-run cousin of the rainbow trout, steelhead are the stuff of angling legend. These chrome-bright rockets are some of the hardest fighting fish in freshwater. Winter and summer run steelhead provide year-round opportunities for anglers willing to brave the elements. Hooking into a fresh steelhead is like tying into a freight train – hang on tight!
Lock in Your Spot on the River
There's nothing quite like the rush of feeling a big salmon hammer your bait and the screaming run of your reel as it peels off line. This 8-hour trip gives you the best shot at experiencing that thrill and potentially landing the catch of a lifetime. Our expert guides will work their tails off to put you on fish and ensure you have a great day on the water. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with some prime salmon fillets or just want to experience the excitement of battling these incredible fish, this trip delivers. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak salmon runs, so don't wait to book your adventure. Grab a buddy (or make it a solo mission) and let's go chase some chrome! The salmon are calling, and the river is waiting – what are you waiting for?
Customer Review
Expert Guide Delight
Daniel Boger
September 28, 2024
Learn more about the species
Chinook Salmon
Chinook, or king salmon, are the giants of the Pacific salmon world. They can top 30 pounds, with some monsters pushing 50 or more. You'll find them in larger rivers and coastal waters, often holding in deep pools and runs. Fall is prime time as they return to spawn. Anglers target them for their size, fight, and rich, flavorful meat. These fish are strong and will test your gear, so come prepared. Trolling with plug-cut herring or large spoons is effective in estuaries, while back-bouncing roe or fishing large flies works well upriver. Here's a tip: early mornings and evenings are often best, as kings are light-sensitive. When you hook one, be ready for a battle – these fish don't give up easily.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon, or silvers, are hard-fighting fish that'll test your skills. They average 8-12 pounds but can push 30 in the right conditions. Look for them in coastal rivers and streams from late summer through fall as they return to spawn. Cohos love to hide behind logjams and boulders in deeper pools. They're known for their acrobatic leaps and long runs that'll have your reel singing. Anglers prize them for both the fight and their bright orange meat. To entice a strike, try swinging bright-colored flies or spinners through likely holding water. A tip from me: when the water's high and dirty, go with bigger, flashier lures to help them see it. Nothing beats fresh-grilled coho with a little lemon and dill.
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout are a favorite around here, usually running 12-24 inches and 2-8 pounds. You'll find them in cool, clear rivers and streams, often hanging out near riffles or under overhanging banks. Spring and fall are prime seasons when the water temperature is just right. Anglers love 'em for their acrobatic fights and beautiful coloring. To land one, try drifting a nymph through likely holding spots. A local trick is to use a small split shot about 18 inches above your fly to get it down in the strike zone. Rainbow meat has a mild, nutty flavor that's great on the grill. Just remember, they're sensitive to warm water, so we encourage catch and release during the heat of summer to protect the population.
Sockeye Salmon
Sockeye salmon, also called reds, are smaller than kings or cohos but make up for it with their fight. They usually run 4-8 pounds and 18-24 inches. You'll find them in rivers connected to lakes, as they need lake systems to rear. Sockeye runs peak in summer, usually June to August. They're prized for their deep red flesh – arguably the best-tasting of all salmon. When fishing for sockeyes, focus on shallow areas near the shore where they travel. They're not big lure chasers, so small, sparse flies or small spinners work best. A local trick: use a short leader and keep your fly or lure right in front of their face. These fish can be finicky, but when you find a bunch, the action can be non-stop. Fresh grilled sockeye is hard to beat.
Steelhead Trout
Steelhead are sea-run rainbow trout, spending part of their lives in the ocean before returning to freshwater. They average 5-12 pounds but can top 20. You'll find them in coastal rivers year-round, with winter and summer runs. These fish are prized for their hard fights and acrobatic leaps. They like fast water, so focus on the heads and tails of pools. Fly fishing with sink-tip lines and large, colorful flies is popular, but spin fishing works too. Here's a local trick: when water levels drop and clear, switch to smaller, more natural-colored lures. Steelhead can be challenging, but that's what makes landing one so rewarding. Their meat is firmer and richer than regular rainbows – great smoked or grilled.
About the Miller’s Sportfishing
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
Went out with Jim today for my first time ever, he was super patient and informative on every aspect, put us on good fishing holes, and was extremely knowledgeable... Definitely recommend him, and I will definitely be back out for steelhead