About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Joel Henley

Joel Henley

Independent Guide
Beginner Oriented
Comfortable
Laid-back
Quiet
Instructional
Quality
Joel has spent nearly a decade guiding on the lower Columbia River and over 14 years fishing its legendary waters. Growing up casting lines across the Columbia, Snake, and Yakima Rivers in Central Washington, his passion for fishing eventually led him to the reservoirs of Colorado and back again to the Pacific Northwest—where he now specializes in trolling for Chinook and Coho Salmon, Kokanee, and battling oversized Sturgeon.

Joel runs trips between Astoria and Bonneville Dam aboard a brand-new 27' River Wild, equipped for both comfort and serious fishing. No experience is necessary—he provides all the gear, instruction, and insight you’ll need for a great day on the water. Beyond just putting you on fish, Joel is big on education—he enjoys sharing techniques, fishery knowledge, and even tips to help you catch fish on your own boat.

Backed by a U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain's License, CPR/First Aid certification, and a background in education and human resources, Joel is professional, safety-focused, and passionate about giving every guest a fun, relaxed, and rewarding experience on the river. Whether you're new to...

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Joel Henley

Joel Henley

Independent Guide
Joel has spent nearly a decade guiding on the lower Columbia River and over 14 years fishing its legendary waters. Growing up casting lines across the Columbia, Snake, and Yakima Rivers in Central Washington, his passion for fishing eventually led him to the reservoirs of Colorado and back again to the Pacific Northwest—where he now specializes in trolling for Chinook and Coho Salmon, Kokanee, and battling oversized Sturgeon.

Joel runs trips between Astoria and Bonneville Dam aboard a brand-new 27' River Wild, equipped for both comfort and serious fishing. No experience is necessary—he provides all the gear, instruction, and insight you’ll need for a great day on the water. Beyond just putting you on fish, Joel is big on education—he enjoys sharing techniques, fishery knowledge, and even tips to help you catch fish on your own boat.

Backed by a U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain's License, CPR/First Aid certification, and a background in education and human resources, Joel is professional, safety-focused, and passionate about giving every guest a fun, relaxed, and rewarding experience on the river. Whether you're new to
the Columbia or looking to level up your skills, Joel’s the kind of guide who makes you feel right at home on the water.
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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s your favorite movie?
A River Runs Through It or Band of Brothers

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s your favorite movie?
A River Runs Through It or Band of Brothers
What’s your favorite sports team?
Mariners, WSU Cougar Football and Rugby
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Chinook/Coho - Astoria In August

NEW 1 - 12 People 8 Hours From $1,500
8 Hour Trip – Chinook / Coho Salmon
8 Hour Trip – Chinook / Coho Salmon
8 Hour Trip – Chinook / Coho Salmon
8 Hour Trip – Chinook / Coho Salmon
8 Hour Trip – Chinook / Coho Salmon
8 Hour Trip – Chinook / Coho Salmon
8 Hour Trip – Chinook / Coho Salmon
8 Hour Trip – Chinook / Coho Salmon
8 Hour Trip – Chinook / Coho Salmon
8 Hour Trip – Chinook / Coho Salmon
8 Hour Trip – Chinook / Coho Salmon
8 Hour Trip – Chinook / Coho Salmon
8 Hour Trip – Chinook / Coho Salmon
8 Hour Trip – Chinook / Coho Salmon
8 Hour Trip – Chinook / Coho Salmon
8 Hour Trip – Chinook / Coho Salmon
8 Hour Trip – Chinook / Coho Salmon

About Your Trip

Water Type

Nearshore, River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Join Captain Joel for a front-row seat to one of the most exciting salmon runs in the Pacific Northwest. Running exclusively from August 1st through September 1st, these trips offer a limited-time opportunity to fish the legendary Buoy 10 fishery at the mouth of the Columbia River—where massive numbers of Chinook (King) and Coho (Silver) Salmon make their push upriver, offering anglers nonstop action and the chance to land a true trophy.

Whether you're new...

About Your Trip

Join Captain Joel for a front-row seat to one of the most exciting salmon runs in the Pacific Northwest. Running exclusively from August 1st through September 1st, these trips offer a limited-time opportunity to fish the legendary Buoy 10 fishery at the mouth of the Columbia River—where massive numbers of Chinook (King) and Coho (Silver) Salmon make their push upriver, offering anglers nonstop action and the chance to land a true trophy.

Whether you're new
to the sport or a seasoned salmon chaser, Captain Joel has the knowledge, gear, and attitude to make your day on the water a success. With 18 years of fishing experience and 13 years guiding these exact waters, he knows the tides, the runs, and exactly where to be to get you hooked up.

You’ll head out from the Port of Astoria’s West Mooring Basin aboard a brand-new 27’ River Wild Elite custom guide boat—one of the most tricked-out sleds on the water. With seating for six in plush armchairs, plus a toilet, electric and gas trolling motors, GPS, fishfinder, and a massive cockpit, this boat was built for comfort and performance. Whether you're fishing in the Columbia River from Tongue Point to Buoy 10, sneaking into the nearshore salt, or venturing up to five miles offshore for Coho, this vessel gives you access to all the best salmon water without ever stepping into open ocean.

Depending on regulations, most seasons allow you to keep one hatchery Chinook (minimum 24") and one hatchery Coho (minimum 16"), with the option to keep two Coho per person in August. Best of all, every angler can keep fishing until the boat reaches its full limit—so the rods keep bending all day long.

Captain Joel supplies all the gear: rods, reels, tackle, lures, and safety equipment. He’ll also clean and fillet your catch at the end of the day, so all you have to do is show up with your fishing license, salmon tag, something to eat and drink, and your sense of adventure.

With breathtaking scenery, hard-hitting salmon, and a guide who knows how to put you in the strike zone, this trip is the perfect way to experience the heart of Oregon’s salmon season. Book now—this limited August run fills up fast, and you won’t want to miss it!
Amenities

Water Type

Nearshore, River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Boat Restroom

This boat has a restroom.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Federal Permit

This boat is federally permitted to go deep offshore.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 14 days before the trip.

Physicality

This trip requires an average level of physical activity.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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About Your Boat

Boat photo for Chinook/Coho - Astoria In August
Boat Type
Utility Boat
Boat Manufacturer
River Wild
Year Built
2021
Boat Length
27'

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Utility Boat
Boat Manufacturer
River Wild
Year Built
2021
Boat Length
27'
Boat Restroom
Yes
Engine Manufacturer
Mercury
Total Horsepower
250
Number of Engines
1
Additional Amenities
WiFi, blue-tooth music, toilet, bottled water, armchair seating, fishing cleaning, filleting.
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Potential Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Cut Bait Fishing
Heavy Tackle Fishing
Trolling

Types of Fishing

Need a Place to Stay?

Anvil Outdoors Photo Gallery

Chinook/Coho - Astoria In August
June 12th, 2025
Astoria, Oregon
Chinook/Coho - Astoria In August
June 12th, 2025
Astoria, Oregon
Chinook/Coho - Astoria In August
June 12th, 2025
Astoria, Oregon
Chinook/Coho - Astoria In August
June 12th, 2025
Astoria, Oregon
Chinook/Coho - Astoria In August
June 12th, 2025
Astoria, Oregon
Chinook/Coho - Astoria In August
June 12th, 2025
Astoria, Oregon
Chinook/Coho - Astoria In August
June 12th, 2025
Astoria, Oregon
Chinook/Coho - Astoria In August
June 12th, 2025
Astoria, Oregon
Chinook/Coho - Astoria In August
June 12th, 2025
Astoria, Oregon
Chinook/Coho - Astoria In August
June 12th, 2025
Astoria, Oregon
Chinook/Coho - Astoria In August
June 12th, 2025
Astoria, Oregon
Chinook/Coho - Astoria In August
June 12th, 2025
Astoria, Oregon
Chinook/Coho - Astoria In August
June 12th, 2025
Astoria, Oregon
Chinook/Coho - Astoria In August
June 12th, 2025
Astoria, Oregon
Chinook/Coho - Astoria In August
June 12th, 2025
Astoria, Oregon
Chinook/Coho - Astoria In August
June 12th, 2025
Astoria, Oregon
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