Salmon Fishing Guides

Reel Time Fishing has multiple locations to catch Chinook Salmon

Reel Time Fishing works the Columbia, Snake, and Clearwater Rivers for Chinook, Coho and Sockeye Salmon.

We have two runs: the spring and the fall. Spring Salmon average 12 to 15 lbs and are regarded as the most prized table fare of the Chinook varieties. We fish these areas for Springers: the Columbia River near the Portland area, Drano Lake, John Day Dam, the Snake River at Little Goose Dam, Lyons Ferry, Brewster, WA and Clearwater River in Idaho.

Alaska Salmon Fishing at it’s Best

In addtion to the above fishing destinations we also offer Alaska Salmon trips to the Nushagak River for Kings and Silvers.

We follow the migration of Salmon keeping your lines on the biggest concentration of the run.

Fall Chinook are larger, averaging 20 lbs. We focus on the Astoria, Oregon Buoy 10 area and the Hanford Reach, although it is not uncommon to see a Reel Time boat venturing into the upper Columbia near Wells dam near Brewster, Washington, Mid-Columbia near the mouth of the Deschutes River, or the Snake River when seasons permit. Fall Chinook are known as “Up River Brights” because when they enter the Columbia River the fish are dime bright (note picture above).

If you’re looking for some of the world’s finest salmon runs, look no further

Kenai River kings are a strain of the Columbia River King.

We still have a great wild sustained run and some 50lb plus fish get caught every year. Once again we start at the river mouth and follow the fish to the spawning grounds, moving with the fish, and staying on top of them.

On all Astoria Oregon, Bouy 10 trips you will also have plenty of opportunities to catch nice Coho Salmon. The limit is 1 King and 1 Coho or 2 Coho. This August fishery is an exciting time in the Pacific Northwest as Millions of Salmon enter the Columbia River on their annual migration to countless tributaries.

Salmon Fishing Report

Our Amazing Fishing Guide Reviews

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 250 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Kimberly Kempton 
 March 28, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I usually fish with Reel Time on the Clearwater River for steelhead.  But this time I fished with them in Baja California.  We started in Magdelena Bay for two days then to Loreto for three days.  Fishing in Mag Bay we caught so many different species of fish and fished in the Pacific and the mangroves in the bay. In Loreto we did two days fishing for yellow tail and one day bottom fishing.   Once again we caught so many species of fish.  We took our fresh catch to the hotel restaurant and had fresh sashimi and ceviche. It was epic.  For your next planned fishing adventure I would suggest Reel Time.  We saw whales and dolphins as well.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ed Chaney 
 March 17, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Reel Time Fishing is a great operation. Plenty of communication ahead of time to make sure everything goes smoothly on arrival, including help with selecting a place to stay. Their boats are roomy and super comfortable. Bryce Wyatt was our guide. We had success fishing for steelhead in the Clearwater near Orofino and the Grande Ronde in the middle of nowhere. Great scenery and great fishing. Bryce worked his tail off for us. I can't say enough about his work ethic. We are going back next year.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Steve Wharton 
 January 26, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Vern and Nick worked hard to get us into fish. And they/we were very successful. I brought my two grandsons (ages 7 and 9) and they had a blast! Thanks again for a great day.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Casey Charbonneau 
 January 21, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went steelhead and sturgeon fishing in Idaho/Washington with Reel Time Fishing and had an absolutely amazing experience. I especially want to single out Bryce Wyatt — he truly made the trip unforgettable. Bryce was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely passionate about what he does. He worked nonstop to put us on fish, made sure everyone felt comfortable, and was always willing to help, teach, and answer questions. On top of that, he was just an awesome person to spend the day with — professional, friendly, and fun. If you’re thinking about booking with Reel Time Fishing, ask for Bryce Wyatt. You won’t regret it. We can’t wait to come back and fish with him again!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Andrew Huber 
 January 19, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gabe is an awesome guide! He worked hard and got us on the fish. My 12 year old son was able to catch his first steelhead and we caught lots of whitefish. I would definitely book another trip in the future.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   mconcrete11 mconcrete11 
 November 25, 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great day, best ever. Limited out last hour. Travis, and Kyle are great guides.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rick Pasta 
 October 24, 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gabe was a very professional and very easy going guide our experience was fantastic. We hooked -20 fish landing 12 steelhead on our trip. I will book with real fishing very soon.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ruby Collins 
 October 16, 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the BEST experience. I went out on Ole Ole and the captain Pepe did an amazing job! The boat brought in 5 species of fish! I was lucky to land a Striped Marlin! A beautiful boat with a great crew! Another person caught a Dorado! Thank you all for a great time! It was "Kiss and Release" This was in Cabo! Ruby October 14, 2025.. My second fishing trip with Captain Pepe and his crew Armando and Luis. The "Tres Amigas", Ruby, Jennifer, and Florence fished for  two days. The first day all three of us hooked up with a Marlin at the same time. We caught and released 5 Stripped Marlin and we each caught and brought home a Dorado. Reel Time Fishing is the best charter in Cabo  I look forward to going back in February! Here are a few photos of our awesome fishing trip!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Skyler Chesnut 
 October 12, 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome trip today on the Clearwater near Lewiston with guides Vern and Nick. Highly recommend!

salmon fishing at buoy 10 in astoria with reel time fishing guides

Frequently Asked Questions about our fishing trips

HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I BRING ON MY TRIP?

The legal max boatload is six anglers, but with six full time guides available we are able to accommodate large groups of more than six people.

IS LUNCH/DRINKS PROVIDED ON MY TRIPS?

Lunch and drinks ARE NOT provided on any of our fishing trips anymore.

HOW MANY HOURS ARE WE ON THE WATER?

Look forward to at least 8 hours of fishing unless you book a half day trip, then look forward to 4 hours of fishing

DO YOU PROVIDE ALL THE GEAR WE NEED TO FISH?

Yes, each guide is fully equipped with top-notch rods, reels and bait to ensure success on your trip.

DO I NEED TO PRE-PAY OR PLACE A DEPOSIT DOWN TO HOLD MY SPOT?

We require a 50% deposit at the time of booking, final payment must be made in full 10 days prior to your trip. We do not offer refunds for cancellations or head-count changes made inside 10 days of your trip.

DO YOU CLEAN AND FILLET OUR CATCH?

Yes, all of our guides will clean and fillet your catch unless otherwise specified.