Damn Good Chinook Salmon Fishing Guides

Head out with Josh and prepare for an action-packed evening of Great Lake fishing with a beautiful sunset view! The massive Lake Michigan is a perfect to place to get the vast experience of ocean fishing while targeting freshwater Salmon and Trout! On this 4-hour sunset trip, Travis will take you into the Lake Michigan waters where you'll be going after Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Steelhead, Chinook Salmon, and Coho Salmon. Josh will take you trolling the open waters to attract these picture-worthy fish. Trolling trips are great because the boat and the knowledge of your guide take care of half the work for you. You get to sit back, relax, enjoy the breeze, and rest your arms while you wait for the reel to start screaming and your work to begin! Josh will provide all rods, reels and tackle, and will provide live bait for an additional cost. All you need to bring is sunglasses, sunscreen, warm clothing, an Illinois fishing license with a Salmon stamp, any snacks or drinks you might need, and a cooler to store your catches. Josh will happily clean any keepers for an additional fee. Book your trip today and come home with some tasty fish! Read More

If you're in search of an expert Michigan fishing guide for your next fishing trip, our guide service is your ultimate destination. Captain Matt is a seasoned and enthusiastic fishing guide who promises an unforgettable adventure on Michigan's stunning waters. The anticipation builds the moment you step aboard one of their well-appointed charter boats, creating an exciting atmosphere. This company takes immense pride in delivering exceptional service to anglers of all levels of expertise. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, we have you well taken care of. The knowledgeable guide will not only lead you to the fish but also generously share his treasure trove of tips and techniques to elevate your skills, making your time on the water even more fulfilling. Read More

A trip to the best trophy Rainbow Trout river in Alaska is now available for under $4000 per person! Come experience the smolt migrations in June, the huge runs of salmon in July, the acrobatic silvers in August and the incredible trophy Rainbow fishing in September. No longer will a trip to Alaska have to be ‘once in a lifetime’, because, according to Jim, a onetime shot of Alaska just isn’t going to get it done. No, for the true big fish junkie, once in a lifetime just isn’t enough. That is why the crew at Naknek River Camp has gone the extra mile to make Alaska affordable. If you're wondering why Jim gets away with listing this trip for half of most Alaska lodging/fishing trips, ret assured there is no catch; Jim keeps costs down by maintaining a family-run camp. His wife is head of housekeeping, the chef and a full time licensed guide. His older son, an avid fisherman and 4 time Michigan State Casting Champion, is Jim's right hand man around camp. His daughter has also been the Michigan State Casting Champion. She is the official camp photographer and the desert chef. And his youngest son is just starting his career as a fishing guide. His specialty is netting big salmon. Here are the several exciting species of fish you can expect to target depending on the time of year: **Early Season Fishing – June & July:** Smolting Rainbows on the Naknek: The best rainbow fishing is close to camp. The rainbows concentrate on salmon smolt and leeches migrating downstream to the ocean. The best offerings include large rabbit strip and marabou leeches in black, olive and dark brown. NOT egg sucking leeches. Minnow imitations are also deadly in small to medium sizes. Rainbows at Brooks: Brooks is flies only. In June, July and early August, rainbows will eagerly take mice, dead drifted small dries, sculpins and leeches. Recommended Tackle: an 8 ½ to 10 foot fly rod for a 5-6 weight line. The WF floater is the most popular choice, although sink-tips (130 grain to 200 grain) will work as well. 3x to 5x tippets. Grayling at Idavain: This fishing starts out with a 1 mile hike to the better fishing grounds. Grayling are best fished with light tackle. I would use a 4 or 5 weight fly rod with a floating line. #12 and #14 adams, caddis and stoneflies (dry), small beadhead nymphs, leeches, woolybuggers and deer hair mice will all work here. Kings: These begin showing up mid-June, building throughout the month. Most of the fishing is down in the lower Naknek, where tide is important and the water is deep. Treble hooks are legal. By late July, they will begin moving into the rapids to prepare for spawning. Single Hook Only. Recommended Tackle: We have a lot of heavy rods and reels – spinning, revolving spool and fly – that guests can use. If you want to bring some, I would recommend a 7 foot spinning rod with 30 pound braid for casting, a 9 foot spinning or casting rod with 30 pound braid for back-trolling and a 9’ for a 10 or 11 weight for flyfishing. The fly reel should employ a 400 – 600 grain sink tip line. Sockeye: Chrome sockeye begin their trip from the ocean around June 20th. This migration continues until late July (timing varies, of course, depending on weather). Until the spawn in mid- August, sockeye will hold in slow pools and side channels. They are usually turning red by early August. Recommended Tackle: A 6-8 weight fly rod in 9’ to 11’ lengths with a Climax Zip Line is by far the best choice. A floating line with either a strike indicator or a few split shot will also work well. **Late Season Fishing – August & September:** Rainbows on the Naknek: The best rainbow fishing is close to camp and in the rapids. The rainbows will still take salmon smolt and leeches migrating downstream to the ocean, but by far the biggest food source is salmon eggs. Sockeye eggs are 6mm, silvers and pinks are 8mm and kings are 10mm. Sometimes, oversize imitations work better. I like trout beads mottled beads in orange, dark roe and pinks in sizes 6mm – 12mm. Don’t forget #8 and #10 short shank hooks and toothpicks (or the clear plastic pegs). For leeches, I like articulated and bunny strip versions without eggs in front in black, olive, purple and flesh colors. Wool head sculpin also work well. Late in the season, flesh flies might be needed. Rainbows at Brooks: Brooks is flies only. In early August, rainbows will eagerly take mice, dead drifted small dries, sculpins and leeches. By mid to late August, the sockeye spawning kicks in and 6mm – 8mm plastic beads are king. Margot Creek: This is some of the best arctic char/ dolly varden fishing around, along with a decent population of rainbows. The stream is full of sockeye spawning by mid August, so beads are at great bet here, with or without a fly following behind. All the same patterns listed for Brooks work well here as well. If the water is discolored, 10 and 12mm beads are deadly. The rest of the time, 6mm and 8mm work best. Silvers: By early August, silvers should be running into the Naknek on each high tide. Bright marabou streamers in purples and pinks and other bright colors, spinners in sizes 3-5 in pink, orange, chartreuse, and silver all work very well at times, as do wiggle warts in the same colors. Lots of local guides prefer jigs in 1/8 and 1/16 ounce in pink and purple, fished with or without an indicator. When they get spooky, however, nothing compares to a shooting line, a very small split shot or 2 and a small marabou streamer (like a woolybugger or PM Wiggler) in black, purple, pink, olive and cream, fished on 2x-3x fluoro. The best rods are 9 ½-10 ½ for a 7wt or 8wt. Line. I would want to have a shooting line, a floater and, possibly, a 200 to 300 grain sinking tip. For spinning, a 7 ½ med light rod, a reel with a smooth drag and 8 – 12 pound test line is best. Pinks: Every even year is a pink year on the Naknek, which means that 2012 will likely bring another strong run starting in July and continuing into mid-August. They are extremely aggressive, hitting all of the flies and lures listed for silvers, and then some. Small silver spoons and spinners work very well also. They are in the 3 to 6 pound range, and so can be a lot of fun on a little lighter tackle. Light spinning rods with 8 pound line or fly rods in the 5-7 weight range are perfect. Same lines as silvers. Kings: Early in August, the kings begin moving to their spawning areas, either up the feeder streams or in the rapids of the main stream. King season closes at the end of July, but many will be hooked throughout most of August. They must be immediately released, of course. Most of the spawning area is single hook only. Large streamers, small marabou streamers and large eggs all work well. Sockeye: Reds are thick in August and most of September. They are either spawning, or holding in slower seams waiting to spawn. The river and creek mouths around Naknek Lake will also be full of them. **Lodging:** The lodging for this trip includes hard sided cabins, real mattresses, a porch to enjoy the sunset and a hot shower at the end of the day. Also equipped with a nice kitchen to cook in, a dining room to enjoy great meals in, and a toilet in every cabin. Naknek River Camp also has a few conveniences that neither one of us expected to have in the Alaskan bush, including phone service for both us and our guests. There is road access to the towns of King Salmon and Naknek, offering medical services, a general store, groceries and even fishing and hunting supplies. **What's Included:** A private riverfront cabin, all food and meals in your own comfortable dining room, and transportation to and from the King Salmon Airport. The cabins include towels, pillows and linens. Just bring your PJ’s, your toothbrush, your fishing gear and your sense of adventure. Jim will supply everything else. **What to Bring:** Jim has a lot of heavy rods and reels – spinning and fly – that guests can use. If you want to bring some, he would recommend: June & July: a 7 foot spinning rod with 30 pound braid for casting, a 9 foot spinning or casting rod with 30 pound braid for back-trolling and a 9’ for a 10 or 11 weight for flyfishing. The fly reel should employ a 400 – 600 grain sink tip line. August & September: a 7-9 foot spinning rod with 30 pound braid for casting and a 9 ½ for a 9 or 10 weight for flyfishing. The fly reel should employ either a 400 – 600 grain sink tip line, a floating line with a strike indicator, or a Climax Zip line (or other suitable shooting line). Other equipment needed or recommended: Split shot in sizes b, bb and 3/0. Cone sinkers in 1/64th, 1/32nd, 1/16th, tapered leaders in 0x and 3x, fluorocarbon tippet in 2x – 5x, strike indicators in both 1 inch foam and yarn style, #12 black barrel swivels, forceps, nippers, floatant, brown or amber polarized sunglasses with strap, hat with brim, rain jacket, chest waders, wading belt, some like a wading staff, fleece pants, fleece sweater(s), wool socks, windproof fleece fingerless gloves, headnet, insect repellant, sun screen. REMINDER- felt soles are illegal in all of Alaska! Please make sure you have rubber soled wading boots. Read More

We will be fishing for Chinook & Coho Salmon. Trolling Bait and spinners. We fish the bay and sometimes the ocean. In addition we pull crab pots for Dungeness Crab. Bring light rain gear and boots or gortex shoes. I provide all fishing equipment and bait. I do not provide lunch or fishing licenses. You can purchase a one day on line at myodfw.com. You will need to set up a profile to add to your phone. you can get the app myODFW at the app store. Read More

Are you ready for a thrilling and productive charter fishing trip in Nehalem, Oregon? Captain Jason has got you covered. With years of experience and a deep knowledge of the local waters, he's the perfect guide to help you reel in some of the most sought-after species in the area. You'll be setting out on his 24' aluminum skiff, a sturdy and reliable vessel that's ideal for mixing it up and going after Salmon, Lingcod, and even Crab! These species are all abundant in the waters off Nehalem, and Captain Jason knows all the best spots to find them. He will provide expert guidance and instruction to help you maximize your catch and ensure an enjoyable day on the water. As you cruise through the scenic waters of Nehalem Bay, you'll be surrounded by stunning natural scenery, from rugged coastline to beautiful rock formations. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of marine life, including sea birds, sea otters, and even the occasional whale. You'll feel completely immersed in the beauty and tranquility of the Oregon Coast, with nothing but the sound of the waves and the hum of your fishing reel to distract you. Captain Jason will provide all the necessary equipment, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. He'll also bring along the crabbing pots! All you need to bring is your sense of adventure and a willingness to get out there. With Captain Jason as your guide, you're sure to have an exciting and successful charter fishing experience in Nehalem, Oregon. Don't miss this chance to explore the bountiful waters of the Pacific Northwest and catch some of the most prized species in the area! Read More

If you're looking for a new "wallhanger" trophy fish, there's no better trip than this one with Bailey. He's made a name for himself by mastering all the local rivers flowing into Lake Michigan catching massive fish on both spinning gear and fly. Just look at his photo gallery to see how he consistently puts his clients on the giants, season after season. Starting in September, Chinook and Coho salmon enter the rivers in Eastern Wisconsin to begin their spawning stage. This is a great time to both cast hardware (crankbaits, spinners, etc.) and also float fish using bobbers and eggs for bait for these aggressive fighting fish! After a few good rains in fall, the Brown trout and Steelhead will move into the river systems to both spawn and take advantage of the egg buffet from the spawning salmon. During this time you can expect a lot of bobber fishing using both beads (single egg) and egg sacs for bait, as well as casting spinners/spoons. During your fishing adventure, you will be floating down the rivers in a 14' SmithFly BigShoals Raft. This will make it much easier for you to access parts of the river and fish, all while staying dry and warm inside the raft! All the rods, reels, gear and tackle will be provided for you, along with you fishing licenses! The only thing you have to do is show up and fish! Read More

The cold, rich Pacific currents that flow along California's coast make the San Francisco Bay an angler's paradise. The inshore, nearshore, and offshore water here supports a superb marine ecosystem with a huge diversity of top-notch sport and game species, all of which you can go after with Captain Craig. On this trip, Captain Craig will get you out there to target King Salmon, Halibut, Leopard Sharks, Lingcod, Rockfish, Striped Bass, and Sturgeon! This is a unique mix of species that will give you a ton of different challenges and things to enjoy! Because there are so many species to target, you'll mix it up with several different fishing techniques including bottomfishing, trolling, drifting, jigging, and more. Depending on the season, weather, and your fishing preferences, Captain Craig will make sure that you're equipped with the right gear and tackle to get the job done. You'll be out there aboard his 33' Crown Custom sportfisher. Originally built in 1979, she's a purpose-built vessel that can handle anything the Bay can throw at you. She runs a 250-HP Scania engine and sports bait wells, bathroom, and a full suite of electronics to enhance your fishing. With all the rods, reels, bait, and tackle provided, you just need to bring sunscreen and your California Fishing Licenses. Get out there and hook 'em! Read More

Captain Ty specializes in Salmon, Sturgeon, Rockfish, Lingcod, Dungeness Crab, Albacore Tuna and Halibut fishing trips in Northern California. Whether you're interested in catching that personal best Chinook Salmon, a monster Lingcod, some tasty Halibut, or the White Sturgeon of your dreams, Captain Ty has you covered. Trips include all gear, bait, pack ice for your catch and fillet of your catch if desired. Offering fishing trips for up to six people is no problem aboard Captain Ty's 2005 Parker 28' pilothouse. She's powered by twin Yamaha 225HP engines., and built to take anything that the California coast can throw her way. She's quite stable and comfortable, she has an overall length of 33' and a beam of 9' 6". She has a cabin to stay dry, working head, plenty of deck space and is equipped with top-of-the-line safety equipment including a life raft and EPIRB. She also sports Cannon Optimum 10 downriggers, large bait well, Furuno and Simrad electronics, custom Seeker downrigger rods, Shimano Trevala jigging rods, Avet reels (right and left handed) a variety of light tackle spinning gear, lures, jigs, bait. Captain Ty has all your needs covered. All you need to get out there is your sun protection and your California Fishing Licenses! Read More

Come on a multispecies adventure targeting trophy Pike, Bass, and Bowfin. These trips often have a ton of action with many different species being caught. Most people have heard of the morning bite and that's what you'll be fishing on these trips. The fish have rested and the fish love to feed first thing in the morning. Especially before the sun makes its mid-day peak. Meeting times and places can be coordinated in the days leading up to your trip. Read More

Set off on an unforgettable 2-night rafting adventure along Alaska’s Susitna River! This trip is designed for those seeking world-class fishing in one of the most remote and pristine environments on the planet. Starting in Talkeetna, you’ll fly out to your wilderness destination and embark on a guided rafting journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes Alaska has to offer. This trip is a dream for anglers. As you raft along the Susitna, you'll have the chance to target trophy-sized Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char, and seasonal runs of wild Salmon. Whether you’re a seasoned fly fisher or just getting started, your expert guide will ensure you have everything you need for a successful trip. The river offers incredible opportunities to cast in untouched waters, surrounded by nothing but the wild beauty of Alaska. All fishing gear is provided, but you’ll need to rent chest waders and wade boots for the journey. With plenty of time on the water, this rafting adventure gives you the chance to immerse yourself in Alaska’s legendary fishing, making it the perfect trip for those looking to reel in a once-in-a-lifetime catch. If you’re ready to experience the best of Alaskan wilderness fishing, this 2-night rafting trip is the adventure you’ve been waiting for! Read More

We will be targeting trophy-sized Salmon and Trout on the famous Salmon River! You can also use other nearby locations for these trips, depending on how the conditions have been. This is definitely the trip for someone looking for the chance to hook into that once-in-a-lifetime fish. These adventures are one of the most sought-after trips and it is the busiest time of the season! Book today and let's get you hooked up with your trophy. Read More

Embark on this exciting fishing adventure in Portland, Oregon with Captain Jason! Get ready to experience the thrill of the catch and bring home some of the biggest King Salmon in the region. With years of experience under his belt, Captain Jason is an expert angler and will be your guide on this unforgettable fishing charter. You'll board Captain Jason's 27' river boat, fully equipped and ready to tackle the mighty Columbia River. With top-of-the-line gear, comfortable seating, and a spacious deck, you'll have everything you need to catch the catch of the day. Captain Jason will take you to the best spots, sharing his knowledge and helping you to reel in a trophy-sized salmon. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, you'll have a fantastic time on this fishing charter. The beauty and serenity of the Columbia River and its surrounding areas will take your breath away. Wildlife abounds and the scenery is breathtaking. It's the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a day in nature. So don't wait, book your trip with Captain Jason today and get ready for an unforgettable fishing experience in Portland, Oregon! Whether you're looking for a fun day out with friends, a family outing, or a solo adventure, you're sure to leave with a big smile and memories that will last a lifetime. Read More