Top-Rated Oregon Steelhead Fishing | Josh Sutch

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Coos Bay
$400 - $550 price range
Updated Date: August 29, 2025

Summary

Join Josh Sutch Guide Service for a full day of Steelhead fishing on Oregon's North and South Umpqua and Coquille Rivers. This private 8-hour trip puts you in a drift boat with an experienced guide who knows these waters inside and out. Whether you're new to fishing or a seasoned angler, you'll have a shot at landing winter Steelhead and Shad while taking in the beautiful river scenery. The boat's got onboard heaters to keep you comfortable on chilly days, and you'll enjoy a hot lunch right on the water. All the gear you need is provided, so you can focus on the fishing. With room for two guests, it's a great way to spend a day on the river with a friend or family member. Book your spot now and get ready for some productive winter fishing in a stunning Oregon setting.

Top-Rated Oregon Steelhead Fishing | Josh Sutch

River Action Shots

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Five African Pompano and Atlantic Bonito fish caught during fishing trip at Myrtle Creek

Reeling in Trophy Tuna Coos Bay

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A pair of anglers fishing for a rainbow trout in Myrtle Creek

Scenic Coos Bay Fishing Trip

Winter Steelhead Adventure on Oregon's Rivers

Get ready for an epic day chasing steelhead on some of Oregon's most productive waters. Josh Sutch Guide Service offers an 8-hour private charter that'll have you drifting the North and South Umpqua Rivers, as well as the Coquille, in search of hard-fighting winter steelhead. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, this trip is tailored to give you the best shot at hooking into these prized fish. With heated boats, hot lunch, and all the gear you need, you can focus on the thrill of the catch while soaking in the stunning scenery of Oregon's river country.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're gliding down a misty Oregon river, rod in hand, as your guide Josh navigates the boat through prime steelhead runs. The air is crisp, but you're toasty thanks to the onboard heaters. As you cast your line into a promising eddy, Josh shares tips on reading the water and perfecting your drift. Whether you're side-drifting eggs or swinging flies, you'll be using techniques honed over years of guiding these rivers. The beauty of this trip is its flexibility - Josh tailors the day to your skill level and the current fishing conditions. And when hunger strikes, you'll pull over for a hot riverside lunch that'll warm you up and fuel you for the afternoon bite.

Techniques That Land Fish

On this trip, you'll get hands-on experience with the most effective methods for winter steelhead. We're talking about perfecting your bounce-bait presentation, learning the subtleties of back-bouncing, and maybe even trying your hand at float fishing if conditions are right. Josh will set you up with top-notch gear, including G.Loomis rods paired with Shimano reels - the kind of setup that can handle the powerful runs of a chrome-bright steelhead. You'll learn to read the water, identifying those dark slots and seams where steelhead like to hold. And if you're into fly fishing, Josh can show you the art of swinging flies through likely runs. It's all about matching your technique to the river's mood on any given day.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Winter Steelhead are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These sea-run rainbow trout are the stuff of angling legend, known for their acrobatic fights and stunning beauty. In the Umpqua and Coquille systems, you can expect to tangle with fish averaging 6-12 pounds, with some bruisers pushing past the 20-pound mark. Winter runs typically start in late November and can stretch into April, with peak action often hitting in January and February. What makes these fish so special? It's their unpredictability. One minute you're watching your rod tip, the next you're holding on for dear life as a chrome missile launches into the air. It's the kind of heart-pounding action that keeps anglers coming back year after year.

While steelhead are the main event, don't sleep on the other species you might encounter. Shad, often called "poor man's tarpon," can provide fast action when they're running. These feisty fighters usually show up in late spring and can be a blast on light tackle. Striped Bass are another possibility, especially in the lower reaches of these rivers. These hard-pulling predators can reach impressive sizes and put up a fight that'll test your drag system. And let's not forget about the resident Smallmouth Bass - while they might not be the target, hooking into a chunky smallie can be a fun surprise during your drift.

For the salmon enthusiasts, Chinook (or King) Salmon make their way into these rivers too. While this trip focuses on winter steelhead, if you time it right, you might get a crack at one of these silver-sided tanks. Chinook in these rivers can top 30 pounds, and hooking one is like trying to stop a freight train - it's a battle you won't soon forget.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish - though that's a big part of it. Anglers rave about the overall experience with Josh Sutch Guide Service. You're not just a client; you're part of the crew for the day. Josh's laid-back style and wealth of local knowledge make for a day that's as entertaining as it is educational. You'll learn about the rivers' ecosystems, the challenges facing steelhead populations, and maybe even some local fishing lore. The heated boats are a game-changer on those chilly mornings, letting you focus on fishing instead of freezing. And that hot lunch? It's not just fuel - it's a chance to swap stories, plan the afternoon strategy, and soak in the wild beauty of Oregon's river country.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, if you're itching to tangle with some of Oregon's most prized game fish, this is your ticket. Josh Sutch's steelhead charters on the Umpqua and Coquille rivers are the real deal - no fluff, just solid fishing with a guide who knows these waters like the back of his hand. Whether you're looking to notch your first steelhead or you're a seasoned pro chasing that 20-pounder, this trip delivers. The heated boats and hot lunch are just icing on the cake. Remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. That deposit might be non-refundable, but trust me, it's worth it to lock in your date. So grab your fishing buddy (or fly solo - more room to cast), and get ready for a day on the water you'll be talking about for years. Don't let another season slip by - book your steelhead adventure with Josh Sutch Guide Service and get ready to feel that rod bend!

Learn more about the species

Chinook Salmon

Chinook, or King salmon, are the largest of the Pacific salmon species. They average 20-30 pounds but can top 50. You'll find them in deeper, cooler parts of the river, often near structure like fallen trees or big rocks. Late summer and fall are prime times as they run upstream to spawn. Chinooks are famous for their powerful fights - hooking one is like tying into a freight train. They're also prized for their rich, flavorful meat. For tackle, use a heavy-duty rod and reel combo spooled with at least 20-pound test. Roe, herring, or large spinners all work well. Here's a local secret: focus on fishing the early morning or late evening when light levels are low. That's when the big kings are most active and likely to strike.

Shad

Shad are a real treat to catch in our rivers. These silvery fish typically run 20-24 inches long and put up a spirited fight. They're anadromous, meaning they live in the ocean but come upriver to spawn. We usually see them in April and May when the water warms up. Shad like to hug the shorelines to avoid strong currents as they swim upstream. To hook one, use a lightweight rod and cast within 30 feet of the bank where the current's not as fierce. White or yellow flies with red heads tend to work best. Shad are prized for their tasty roe, considered a delicacy by many anglers. Their meat's good eating too - flavorful enough you don't need much seasoning. My top tip: focus on fishing early morning or late evening when they're most active.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth are feisty fighters pound-for-pound. Most run 2-4 pounds, but 6-pounders aren't unheard of. Look for them in clear, rocky areas of rivers and lakes. They like cooler water, so they'll go deep in summer heat. Spring and fall are ideal times to target them. Smallies hit hard and jump a lot, making for an exciting catch. They're also great eating if you decide to keep a few. Light tackle is the way to go - a medium-action spinning rod with 6-10 pound test line works well. For lures, try small crankbaits, jigs, or soft plastics. Here's a local tip: when the water's high and fast, focus on eddies behind big rocks where smallmouth will hold to conserve energy. That's often where you'll find the big ones.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are sea-run rainbow trout that come back to our rivers to spawn. They typically run 24-30 inches and put up an incredible fight. You'll find them in faster water, often near the head or tail of pools. Winter and early spring are prime times as they move upstream. Steelhead are prized for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs - hook one and you're in for a real battle. Their meat is delicious too, with a rich, salmon-like flavor. For gear, I recommend a 7-weight fly rod or medium-action spinning setup. Drift fishing with eggs or yarn is effective, as is swinging flies. My top tip: focus on fishing the inside seams of river bends. Steelhead often rest there on their journey upstream, and a well-placed cast can trigger a strike.

Striped Bass

Stripers are hard-fighting fish that'll test your skills. They average 20-40 pounds but can top 70. You'll find them near structure - reefs, sandbars, drop-offs - usually within a few hundred yards of shore. They love moving water, so target areas with good current. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're migrating. Stripers hit hard and fight like crazy, which is why anglers love 'em. Their meat is sweet and flaky too. For bait, live herring or menhaden work great. If you're fly fishing, use an 8-weight rod with sinking line to get down deep. My go-to trick is to look for birds diving - that often means stripers are pushing bait to the surface. Cast into the frenzy and hold on tight!

About the Willie Boats

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 38

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 240

Ready for some winter Steelhead action? Join Josh Sutch Guide Service for a private 8-hour fishing trip on Oregon's North and South Umpqua and Coquille Rivers. Drift along in comfort with onboard heaters to keep you toasty on chilly days. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the sport, Josh's local expertise and top-notch gear will set you up for success. As you cast your line for Steelhead and Shad, take in the stunning river scenery. No need to worry about lunch - a hot meal is prepared fresh for you right on the boat. With room for two guests, it's perfect for a day out with a friend or family member. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so lock in your spot now for a productive day of winter fishing. All the essentials are covered, leaving you free to focus on reeling in those prized Steelhead.

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