Best Elk River Chinook Fishing | Josh Sutch Guide

Fall Chinook Fishing on Oregon's Coastal Rivers

Get ready for a day of top-notch salmon fishing on Oregon's stunning Elk and Sixes Rivers. This 8-hour trip puts you right in the action, drifting through some of the best Fall Chinook waters on the coast. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, you'll have a shot at hooking into these prized fish. Our classic Willie drift boat is the perfect platform for working these productive runs and holes. With an experienced guide at the oars, you'll cover plenty of water and maximize your chances of connecting with a big, chrome-bright Chinook.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts early, meeting your guide at the put-in as the mist is still rising off the river. We'll go over the game plan, gear up, and push off into the current. These coastal rivers are intimate settings - you'll be drifting past towering redwoods and rugged cliffs as we search for holding water. Your guide will have you dialed in on the best techniques for the day, whether that's back-bouncing roe, pulling plugs, or drifting bait. When a big Fall Chinook hits, hold on tight! These powerful fish will test your skills and your gear. We'll work our way downriver, hitting all the prime spots and adjusting our tactics as needed. By the end of the day, you'll have covered miles of pristine water and hopefully have some great fish stories to share.

Fishing Tactics for Fall Kings

Fall Chinook fishing on the Elk and Sixes is all about presenting your bait or lure in the strike zone. We'll be using a mix of techniques depending on water conditions and fish behavior. Back-bouncing eggs or sand shrimp is a local favorite - your guide will show you how to work that bait through the deep holes where big kings like to hold. Pulling plugs like Kwikfish or FlatFish can also trigger aggressive strikes, especially in faster water. For the fly anglers, swinging big intruder patterns on a sink-tip line can produce some heart-stopping grabs. Whatever method we're using, your guide will be there to coach you on the finer points and help you dial in your presentation. These rivers fish well with conventional gear, but fly fishing is an option too if that's your preference.

Top Catches This Season

The Elk and Sixes have been fishing lights out this fall. We've been seeing good numbers of bright fish in the 15-25 pound range, with a few monsters pushing 40 pounds. Last week, Jim from Portland landed a chrome-bright 38-pounder that put up an epic battle - that fish made three blistering runs before we could even think about netting it. The key has been finding those deeper slots where the fish are stacking up before they push upriver. Water levels have been perfect lately, and as long as we don't get any major rain events, the fishing should stay solid through November.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Fall Chinook Salmon: These are the stars of the show on the Elk and Sixes. Also known as kings, these powerhouse salmon return to their natal rivers each fall in peak condition. Expect hard-fighting fish in the 15-30 pound range, with some real giants possible. Fall Chinook are prized for both their fighting ability and their rich, orange flesh that's perfect for the grill or smoker. The best fishing typically runs from mid-October through November, with peak action often around Thanksgiving.

Coho Salmon: While we're primarily targeting Chinook, you might also encounter some feisty Coho (silver) salmon. These acrobatic fish average 6-12 pounds and are known for their wild aerial displays when hooked. Coho have bright silver sides and tend to hang out in the faster riffles and tailouts. They're aggressive biters and will often smash plugs or spinners fished near the surface.

Striped Bass: An introduced species that has thrived in Oregon's coastal rivers, stripers provide some awesome bonus action, especially in the lower reaches of the Elk and Sixes. These hard-fighting fish can range from 2-30 pounds and often school up in deep holes. They'll hammer everything from bait to artificials and put up a great fight on light tackle.

Smallmouth Bass: Another non-native species that has found a home in these rivers, smallmouth offer fun light-tackle opportunities, especially during the warmer months. They prefer rocky habitat and can be caught on a variety of lures and flies. While not typically targeted on Fall Chinook trips, they can provide some fun action if we encounter them.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

The Elk and Sixes Rivers offer a unique coastal salmon fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Unlike larger, more crowded systems, these intimate rivers let you really connect with the environment. You're not fighting for elbow room here - it's just you, your fishing partners, and miles of pristine water. The scenery is jaw-dropping, with old-growth forests and rugged coastal mountains as your backdrop. But it's the quality of the fish that really sets these rivers apart. The Fall Chinook that return here are known for their size and fighting spirit. When you hook into a fresh 30-pounder in some of these narrow runs, it's an experience you won't soon forget. Add in the expertise of a seasoned local guide, and you've got all the ingredients for a world-class fishing adventure.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're looking for a shot at some of Oregon's biggest, baddest salmon in a stunning coastal setting, this Fall Chinook trip on the Elk and Sixes Rivers is tough to beat. With only two spots available per trip, these tours fill up fast - especially during peak season. Don't miss your chance to tangle with a trophy king salmon this fall. Book your spot now and get ready for an unforgettable day on the water. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so check your calendar and commit to making some serious fishing memories. Whether you're a local looking for a new honey hole or an out-of-towner chasing that bucket list catch, this trip delivers the goods. Grab your gear, clear your schedule, and let's go find some chrome!