Wilson River Fishing Guide

Pacific Drifter Guide Service: The Leading Wilson River Fishing Guide in the Pacific Northwest

As a Wilson River fishing guide, I spend many days every year fishing this area. It has fantastic opportunities for catching fish year-round and is one of Oregon's premier destinations for salmon and steelhead.

With its iconic glacier-blue water when the river drops down into fishable conditions after a fresh coastal rain storm, the Wilson River is well known for the incredible runs and strains of fish it produces. I've had some of my best fishing days on this system.

With five species of fish, including fall chinook, spring chinook, winter steelhead, summer steelhead, and even chum salmon, the Wilson is a must-do fishery for enthusiasts. I know each run timing and the best methods to use based on the conditions and season to put you in the most advantageous position to catch these magnificent fish.

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Top Catches From the Wilson River

Chinook Salmon

Salmon fishing on the Wilson River in Oregon is historically known as some of the best in the Pacific Northwest. The fall salmon runs on the Wilson River are great, with the fishing starting in August in the Tillamook Bay and the tidewater in September, where the fish will stack up as they wait for the fall rains. Then, in October and November, we will target them in the river with a drift boat.

If you're into playing tug-of-war with big salmon, then a Wilson River guided fishing trip is the place to be. The fall run is great for targeting Chinook, which are fun to chase and catch.

I have been fishing for these fall run salmon for decades. With my many years of knowledge and experience, I'll be able to set you up in the right position to catch these magnificent creatures. From trolling in the bay to bobber fishing eggs and back rowing plugs in the river, you will have a memorable day fishing for salmon.

Coho Salmon

Wilson River coho fishing is a great complement to the fall fishing season. We can target coho salmon on the Wilson River system starting in September in the Tillamook Bay and continue to fish for them in the tidewater through October. Then we will switch to fishing for them in the river until the end of November. These locations are just minutes from Tillamook, Oregon.

Coho salmon make for a great day of fishing as part of a fall season guided trip. We will simultaneously target chinook with the coho salmon, but we can also target coho only by switching methods.

Twitching jigs is a fantastic way to catch coho salmon. With their insanely wild movements in the water and "coho roll," it can be quite a surprise to hook into one and see how erratic and crazy some of the fights can be.

Knowing exactly where they are schooled and the pockets they hide in is the key to success. With my many years chasing coho on the Wilson River, you can bet we will have a great day.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon make for a great day of fishing as part of a fall season guided trip. We will simultaneously target chinook with the coho salmon, but we can also target coho only by switching methods.

Knowing exactly where they are schooled and the pockets they hide in is the key to success. With my many years chasing coho on the Wilson River, you can bet we will have a great day.

Steelhead

Wilson River steelhead fishing is a well-known staple in the Pacific Northwest. Steelhead enthusiasts get excited about the magnificent steelhead runs on the Wilson. The season gets going in early January, and the fishing stays great until early April. The Wilson is iconic and should be on any steelheader's bucket list.

We will be fishing the Wilson River just outside of Tillamook, Oregon. There are several launches within 15 minutes of downtown Tillamook.

The steelhead on the Wilson are truly impressive with their sheer beauty and incredible genetics. These fish swim in with the tides from the ocean, which is just a few miles away. They are eager biters and put up some of the most ferocious fights.

The Wilson River’s strain of fish is spectacular, with many large steelhead caught every year. A 20-lb steelhead is every avid steelheader’s dream, and the Wilson River produces this caliber of fish every year.

If you haven't fished on the Wilson, you're missing out. I have been doing it for over 20 years, I know precisely how and where to target these fish as they enter the system. My tactics change as the water fluctuates, and knowing when to change presentations is one of the best keys to success. Let's go make some incredible memories on the Wilson River, located within an hour and a half of Portland, Oregon.

Chum Salmon

Wilson River chum salmon fishing is not as well-known as it should be. You can find these fish beginning in late October and November. They are incredibly hard-fighting salmon and are a great complement to the fall fishing season.

We can fish for chum salmon just outside of Tillamook, Oregon, within 15 minutes of the downtown area.

Chum salmon are an exciting surprise as we fish for chinook and coho salmon. They enter the river system around the same time, so you never know what you have on the other end of your line until you reel it in.

Chum salmon are incredibly strong and will bulldog you down the river, trying to break your line. All chum salmon must be released unharmed, but they are fascinating to look at as they are to catch. They often have hooked jaws and a camo-colored appearance. There are several techniques that I use to specifically target chum. They are great entertainment for my guests, and I look forward to catching chum salmon on the Wilson River every year.

Chum Salmon

We can fish for chum salmon just outside of Tillamook, Oregon, within 15 minutes of the downtown area.

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Get a Glimpse of What You Can Experience Fishing on the Wilson River With Pacific Drifter Guide Service

Discover What Past Clients Are Saying About Their Wilson River Fishing Charter With Pacific Drifter Guide Service

“Jordan Rose is an absolute professional at his craft. I usually book several seats so we can ”have the boat” to share the experience with close friends. Typically after the trip, someone always says “so when are we going to do this again?” Jordan is super knowledgeable about the regions he fishes and more often than not people fishing the river know of him because of his success rates. I highly recommend if you are considering a guided fishing trip to give him a call. The time he spends in preparation to make the day successful really shows and resonates, that’s why I keep on booking with Pacific Drifter Guide Service.”

– Nick M

“Jordan is the only guide I will fish with! If you’re new to fishing or looking for an unforgettable fishing experience here in the PNW he is definitely your man. He’s very knowledgeable and a dedicated fisherman that will work all day to put you on fish. Every trip with him has always been a blast and leaves me excited for the next one!! Whether it’s Steelhead or Salmon fishing, 10/10 would recommend booking a trip with him at Pacific Drifter Guide Service next time you decide to hit the river.”

– Garret D.

“A friend and I booked a raft drift with Jordan. His knowledge of the river and fish put us on fish all day. I can't wait to fish with Jordan again.”

– David B.

“I have fished with Jordan as my salmon fishing guide many times. This guy gets you on the fish! I used him as my steelhead fishing guide a couple times and he definitely knows how to find them. Jordan goes over and beyond to take care of his clients. I've been with other Portland fishing guides and I feel Jordan just tries harder. He is definitely the man to call if you're looking for an Oregon fishing guide! You will not be disappointed!”

– Shane

“I have salmon fished with Jordan several times! He's one of the best guides I've gone with, and I've never come home empty handed! Out of the Oregon Fishing Guides, I would choose to go with him again. Very professional, very knowledgeable, and great communication!”

– Jeremy W.

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