Umpqua River Smallmouth Bass Fishing | Josh Sutch

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

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

Summary

Get ready for a full day of fishing on Oregon's Umpqua River with Josh Sutch Guide Service. This 8-hour private charter is perfect for anglers of all skill levels, including families and kids. You'll be targeting smallmouth bass, Chinook salmon, and coho salmon using techniques tailored to the river conditions. Josh provides all the gear you need and shares his local knowledge to put you on the fish. As you drift along, you'll have plenty of chances to spot wildlife and soak in the scenery. The relaxed pace allows for hands-on instruction, making it ideal if you're new to river fishing or want to sharpen your skills. With a max of two guests, you'll get personalized attention throughout the day. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so lock in your date early to ensure you don't miss out on this top-notch Oregon fishing experience.

Umpqua River Smallmouth Bass Fishing | Josh Sutch

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Bass & Salmon: Umpqua River's Hidden Gems

Ready for a day of non-stop action on one of Oregon's best-kept fishing secrets? Josh Sutch Guide Service has you covered with this private charter on the Umpqua River. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, we'll put you on fish and make sure you have a blast doing it. From hard-fighting smallmouth bass to the thrill of hooking into a chrome-bright salmon, this trip's got something for everyone.

A Day on the Umpqua

Picture this: You're drifting down the pristine Umpqua, surrounded by towering Douglas firs and rugged canyon walls. The only sounds are the gentle lapping of water against the boat and maybe the occasional splash of a jumping fish. This ain't your average guided trip – it's 8 full hours of hands-on fishing action. We'll hit all the prime spots, from deep pools where the big boys hang out to riffles teeming with aggressive smallies. And the best part? It's just you and your buddy (or the family) – no crowded boats here. Josh will be right there, showing you the ropes, helping you perfect your cast, and sharing all the local knowledge that comes from years on these waters.

Gearing Up for Success

Leave your tackle box at home, folks. We've got all the gear you need to slay 'em on the Umpqua. We're talking top-notch rods and reels, plus a fully-stocked selection of lures and baits that the local fish just can't resist. Prefer to fly fish? No problem – we've got that covered too. Josh will get you dialed in with the right setup for whatever's biting. And don't worry if you're new to this – we specialize in making fishing fun and accessible for everyone, from total newbies to kids to seasoned anglers looking to up their game.

Why Anglers Can't Get Enough

There's a reason the Umpqua is considered one of Oregon's top freshwater fishing destinations. Where else can you target smallmouth bass, Chinook salmon, and coho all in the same day? The diversity here is off the charts. One minute you might be working a topwater lure for aggressive bass, the next you could be battling a chrome-bright salmon fresh from the ocean. And it's not just about the fish – the scenery is killer, and you're likely to spot bald eagles, ospreys, and maybe even a black bear or two along the shoreline. It's the kind of day that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get off the water.

Fish on the Menu

Let's talk about what you'll be chasing on this trip. The Umpqua's got a killer lineup of game fish, each with its own unique challenges and rewards:

Smallmouth Bass: These scrappy fighters are the bread and butter of Umpqua River fishing. They might not get as big as their largemouth cousins, but what they lack in size, they make up for in attitude. Expect non-stop action, especially in the warmer months when they're aggressive and feeding heavily. The average smallie here runs 1-3 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 4 or 5 pounder – the Umpqua's known for producing some real chunks.

Chinook Salmon: Also known as Kings, these are the heavyweight champs of the Pacific salmon world. The Umpqua gets solid runs of both spring and fall Chinook. Spring fish start showing up in April and May, while the fall run kicks off in August and can last into November. These bad boys can top 40 pounds, and when they decide to take your bait, hold on tight – you're in for one heck of a fight.

Coho Salmon: Don't let their smaller size fool you – what coho lack in weight, they make up for in acrobatics. These silver missiles are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. The Umpqua's coho run typically starts in September and can last through November. While they average 6-10 pounds, a 12-15 pounder isn't out of the question. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the taste of fresh-caught coho on the grill.

Striped Bass: While not as common as the other species, the Umpqua does get a decent run of stripers, especially in the lower river. These East Coast transplants have found a happy home here, and they can grow to impressive sizes. Most stripers you'll encounter will be in the 5-15 pound range, but 20+ pounders are caught every year. They're hard fighters and great eating – a real bonus fish on any Umpqua trip.

Lake Sturgeon: Now here's a fish that'll really test your mettle. The Umpqua is home to a population of these prehistoric beasts, and hooking into one is an experience you won't soon forget. Sturgeon fishing is catch-and-release only, but the thrill of battling a 6-foot, 200-pound living fossil is worth the price of admission alone. They're most active in the spring and fall, hanging out in the deeper holes of the lower river.

Time to Wet a Line

Look, I could go on all day about how awesome fishing the Umpqua is, but at some point, you've just got to experience it for yourself. This private charter with Josh Sutch Guide Service is your ticket to one of the best days of fishing you'll ever have. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to the joys of angling, want to improve your own skills, or just want to spend a day on the water catching fish after fish, this is the trip for you. But fair warning – spots fill up fast, especially during prime seasons. So don't wait – book your Umpqua River adventure today and get ready for some serious rod-bending action. Trust me, your only regret will be not doing it sooner.

Learn more about the species

Chinook Salmon

Chinook, or king salmon, are the heavyweights of the Pacific salmon world. They average 15-30 pounds but can top 50. Look for them in deep, cold rivers and coastal waters. They're bottom-dwellers, so weighted baits are key. Early morning and evening are prime times. Fall brings the spawning runs, when fishing peaks. Anglers prize kings for their powerful fights and rich, flavorful meat. For bait, try herring or large plugs when trolling. Fly anglers, use bright streamers on sinking lines. Here's a local tip: in clear water, go with more natural colors. In murky conditions, bright lures like chartreuse or hot pink can trigger strikes. Landing a big king is an unforgettable rush.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, also called silvers, are a favorite for their acrobatic fights and tasty meat. They typically run 8-12 pounds and are known for their bright silver sides. You'll find them in rivers connected to the ocean, often in calmer pools and runs. Fall is prime time as they return to spawn. Anglers love coho for their aggressive strikes and airborne leaps. The bright orange flesh is excellent eating too. For lures, try swinging bright spinners in fast water or twitching jigs in deeper holes. Float fishing with roe is another solid bet. Here's a tip: coho can jump up to 6 feet, so keep your rod tip up when they're close. It's an exciting fishery that'll keep you on your toes.

Lake Sturgeon

Lake sturgeon are ancient, armor-plated fish that can grow massive - up to 9 feet and 300 pounds. But don't let their size fool you, they're gentle giants. You'll find them cruising river and lake bottoms, using barbels to sniff out food. Spring and fall are prime times to target them in deep holes and eddies. Anglers love the challenge of landing these prehistoric powerhouses, which can live over 100 years. Their firm, boneless meat is prized too. For bait, a glob of nightcrawlers on a sturdy bottom rig is hard to beat. Just be patient - these big boys take their time deciding to bite. When you hook one, hold on tight and get ready for a battle. It's an experience you won't forget.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are scrappy fighters, pound for pound one of the best. They typically run 2-6 pounds and love clear, rocky waters. You'll find them around boulders, ledges, and fallen trees in rivers and lakes. Early morning and evening are prime times, especially on calm days. Spring and fall, they cruise open water more. Anglers love smallies for their acrobatic leaps and hard pulls. They're also great eating - firm and mild. For lures, try small crankbaits or soft plastics that mimic crayfish. A light spinning setup with 6-10 pound test is perfect. Here's a local tip: when the water's warm, try topwater lures at dawn and dusk. The strikes are explosive and a blast to watch.

Striped Bass

Striped bass are hard-fighting fish that'll test your gear and skills. They average 20-40 pounds but can top 70. Look for them around structures like reefs, sandbars, and drop-offs. Early morning and late evening are prime times, especially in moving water near shores. Stripers are structure-oriented, so focus on those areas. They migrate seasonally, following bait fish, so timing is key. Anglers love their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. The meat is excellent eating too - firm and sweet. For bait, live herring or menhaden are tough to beat. When you're casting, try a braided line for better sensitivity. These fish hit hard, so be ready when that rod doubles over.

About the Willie Boats

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 38

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 240

Hop aboard for a laid-back day of fishing on Oregon's scenic Umpqua River with Josh Sutch Guide Service. This full-day private charter is perfect for anglers of all skill levels, including families and kids who want to learn the ropes. You'll spend 8 hours on the water targeting smallmouth bass, Chinook salmon, and coho salmon with expert guidance. Josh provides all the gear you need and shares local insights to help you find the best spots. Take it easy as you float along, picking up new techniques and keeping an eye out for wildlife. There's no rush - the relaxed pace gives you time to really soak in the beauty of one of Oregon's top fishing rivers. With room for two guests, it's an ideal way to spend quality time on the water while honing your angling skills. Just remember to book early, as spots fill up fast for this hands-on fishing adventure.

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