%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F6233%2Fimages%2Flogo.png&w=1200&q=100)
Scenic Chehalis River Fishing Trip with Captain Chuck
- Published Date: September 7, 2025
- Fishing
- Chehalis, WA
- $750 price range
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2Ff737afbe-c957-4332-8bcf-ba2a90064e89%2Fratecard%2F464440666_8776408549064509_6873156648425128039_n-mf65rhvi.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
River Views and Big Catches
Washington state fishing charters
Washington steelhead fishing
Chehalis river fishing
Chehalis river salmon fishing
null
null
Washington salmon fishing
Fishing for beginners in Washington
Salmon fishing in Washington
Fishing guide for Sturgeon, WA
Washington state fishing charters
Washington steelhead fishing
Chehalis river fishing
Chehalis river salmon fishing
null
null
Washington salmon fishing
Fishing for beginners in Washington
Salmon fishing in Washington
Fishing guide for Sturgeon, WA
Washington state fishing charters
Washington steelhead fishing
Chehalis river fishing
Chehalis river salmon fishing
River Adventures in Chehalis: Fishing & Scenery
Ready for a day on the water that's more than just fishing? Captain Chuck's got you covered with this laid-back 8-hour trip down the scenic rivers of Chehalis, Washington. You'll cruise on a sweet 22-foot jet boat, perfect for navigating these waters and getting you to the best spots. This isn't your typical intense fishing charter – it's a chance to kick back, enjoy the views, and wet a line when the mood strikes. Whether you're bringing your partner, some buddies, or just want to soak in nature solo, this trip hits the sweet spot between relaxation and adventure.
What to Expect on the Water
Picture this: you're gliding down the river, surrounded by lush Washington wilderness. Captain Chuck's at the helm, pointing out bald eagles soaring overhead or a family of deer sipping from the shoreline. The boat's comfortable, with plenty of room to move around, and the pace is chill. You might troll for a bit, then anchor up in a calm eddy to try some casting. There's no pressure to fish non-stop – this trip is all about enjoying the day however you want. Bring a cooler with your favorite snacks and drinks, and settle in for a day of pure Northwest bliss.
Fishing 101: River Style
Even if you've never held a rod before, don't sweat it. Captain Chuck's got all the gear and know-how to get you started. You might try some light spin casting for trout, or if conditions are right, break out the heavier gear for salmon or sturgeon. The techniques change with the seasons – in spring, you might be drifting flies for steelhead, while fall could have you working a plug for big chinook salmon. Chuck's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, whether it's finding that perfect back-eddy or knowing just which lure the fish are hitting on any given day.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Lake Sturgeon: These prehistoric-looking giants are the kings of the river. Some sturgeon in these parts can top 10 feet long and live for over a century! They're catch-and-release only, but the thrill of battling one of these monsters is unforgettable. Spring and fall are prime sturgeon seasons, when they're most active and feeding heavily.
Rainbow Trout: The acrobats of the river, rainbows are known for their spectacular leaps when hooked. They're abundant year-round but really shine in the cooler months. These feisty fish put up a great fight on light tackle and are delicious if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Pink Salmon: Also called "humpies" for the distinctive hump males develop during spawning, these are the smallest Pacific salmon species. They run in huge numbers every odd-numbered year, typically from July to September. While not the biggest, their sheer abundance can make for some seriously fun fishing when they're in.
Coho Salmon: Also known as silvers, these hard-fighting salmon start showing up in late summer and run into fall. They're known for their acrobatic fights and are a favorite among anglers for both their sporting quality and excellent taste. Hooking into a chrome-bright coho fresh from the ocean is a rush you won't forget.
Chinook Salmon: The biggest and most prized of Pacific salmon, chinooks (or kings) are the ultimate trophy fish. Fall is prime time for these bruisers, with some topping 40 pounds or more. They're powerful fighters that will test both your gear and your skills. Landing a big king is often the highlight of any angler's season.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
It's not just about the fish – though let's be real, hooking into a big salmon or sturgeon is pretty darn exciting. What keeps folks coming back to Chuck's trips is the whole package. You're out there in some of the most beautiful country Washington has to offer, with a guide who knows these waters like the back of his hand. Every trip is different – you might spot a black bear foraging on the banks one day, or watch ospreys diving for fish the next. The pace is relaxed, the company's good, and there's always a chance for that "fish of a lifetime" story to tell your buddies back home.
Time to Book Your Spot
Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for a more laid-back day on the water, or a total newbie who just wants to see what river fishing is all about, this trip's got something for everyone. With room for up to three guests, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. Remember, the river changes with the seasons, so there's always something new to experience. Spring brings steelhead and the first push of salmon, summer's great for trout and early salmon runs, and fall... well, fall's when things really heat up with all five salmon species potentially in the river at once. Don't miss out on your chance to experience the best of Chehalis's rivers – give Chuck a call and get your trip on the books. Trust me, after a day out here, you'll be planning your next adventure before you even hit the dock.
Learn more about the species
Chinook Salmon
Chinook, or king salmon, are the giants of the Pacific salmon world. These brutes can top 30 pounds in our rivers, with some monsters pushing 50+. They start running in late summer, with peak fishing in early fall. Look for them in deep holes and along current seams in the main river. Chinooks are prized for their hard-fighting nature and rich, oil-packed meat. Landing one of these powerhouses is a real test of skill and gear. To target them, try backtrolling plugs or bouncing roe along the bottom. A local tip: early mornings are often best, before boat traffic picks up. And don't horse them - these big fish need to be played carefully or they'll break you off. When you do hook into a king, hang on for the ride of your life.
Coho Salmon
Coho, or silver salmon, are a blast to catch. They typically weigh 6-12 pounds and are known for their acrobatic fights. You'll find them in our coastal rivers from late summer through fall, often holding in deeper pools and runs. Cohos are prized for both their spirited battles and their rich, orange flesh. When they're fresh from the ocean, these fish hit hard and make spectacular leaps. To target them, try casting spinners or floating roe near current seams. Fly fishers do well with bright streamers or egg patterns. A local secret: on cloudy days, try using darker lures to create more contrast in the water. And keep an eye out for jumping fish - that's often a sign of a fresh pod moving through.
Lake Sturgeon
Lake sturgeon are the giants of our rivers, sometimes reaching over 6 feet long and 100 pounds. These prehistoric-looking fish love deep holes and drop-offs, where they use their whisker-like barbels to find food on the bottom. Spring and fall are prime times to target them, when they're most active. Anglers enjoy the challenge of landing these powerful fish, which can put up a serious fight. Their tasty meat and potential for trophy sizes also make them popular. For best results, use a heavy-duty rod with 50-pound test line and a glob of nightcrawlers on a circle hook. Let it sit on the bottom and be patient - when a sturgeon takes the bait, you'll know it. Just be careful handling them, as their armor-like scales can be pretty sharp.
Pink Salmon
Pink salmon, or "humpies," are the smallest Pacific salmon but make up for it in numbers. They average 3-5 pounds and run our rivers in huge schools every other year. Look for them in slower, deeper pools as they make their way upstream. Late summer to early fall is prime time, when the rivers are full of these fish. Pinks aren't known for long fights, but their sheer abundance makes for fun, fast-paced fishing. They're also good eating when fresh from the ocean. To catch them, try casting small, bright lures or flies - pink is a favorite color. A local tip: focus on the leading edge of the schools for the most aggressive biters. And don't be surprised if you hook into other salmon species mixed in with the pinks.
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout are a favorite here in Chehalis. These colorful fish usually run 1-5 pounds, though trophy-sized ones can reach 10+. You'll find them in cool, clear streams and rivers, often hanging out near undercut banks or behind boulders. Spring and fall are prime seasons, when water temperatures are ideal. Rainbows are known for their acrobatic fights - they'll leap out of the water and make runs that'll test your gear. They're also great eating fish, with a mild, slightly nutty flavor. To catch them, try drifting a small spinner or fly through likely holding spots. A local trick is to use a bead-head nymph under a strike indicator - rainbows can't resist it. Just remember to use light line, as these fish have keen eyesight and can be spooked easily.
About the 22 ft. Alumweld (Jet boat)
%2F%2Fusers%2Ff737afbe-c957-4332-8bcf-ba2a90064e89%2Fvehicle_picture%2F13450969_1113696298669144_8699845841393681291_n.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
