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Umpqua River Smallmouth Bass Fishing | Josh Sutch
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Coos Bay
- $400 - $550 price range
- Updated Date: August 27, 2025
Summary
Join us for a full day of smallmouth bass fishing on Oregon's beautiful Umpqua River. This 8-hour trip is perfect for families, kids, and beginners looking to learn the ropes or improve their skills. The Umpqua is known as one of the state's top spots for smallmouth, so you can expect plenty of action and a good chance at some nice catches. Our experienced crew will be there to help you out, keeping things safe and fun for everyone on board. We'll provide all the gear you need, just bring your enthusiasm and a sense of adventure. As we drift along, you'll get to soak in the stunning scenery and maybe even spot some local wildlife. It's a great way to spend time together outdoors, whether you're aiming to land a trophy or just enjoy a relaxing day on the water. With a max of 2 guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention from your guide. Remember, spots fill up fast, so book your trip with Josh Sutch Guide Service today and get ready for some quality time on one of Oregon's finest rivers.
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River Bass Action
Massive halibut catch on quiet dock.
Massive halibut catch under bright sky.
Fresh silver croaker catch close-up.
Fresh silver croaker catch laid out.
Bright day, vibrant rockfish, happy anglers.
Focused young angler reels in.
Big lingcod, happy anglers.
Giant lingcod catch with beaming angler.
Huge halibut, proud anglers.
Big halibut haul with proud anglers at dock.
Massive halibut catch on quiet dock.
Massive halibut catch under bright sky.
Fresh silver croaker catch close-up.
Fresh silver croaker catch laid out.
Bright day, vibrant rockfish, happy anglers.
Focused young angler reels in.
Big lingcod, happy anglers.
Giant lingcod catch with beaming angler.
Huge halibut, proud anglers.
Big halibut haul with proud anglers at dock.
Massive halibut catch on quiet dock.
Massive halibut catch under bright sky.
Fresh silver croaker catch close-up.
Fresh silver croaker catch laid out.
Reel in the Fun: 8-Hour Smallmouth Bass Adventure
Get ready for a day of non-stop action on the Umpqua River, where smallmouth bass are waiting to test your skills. This 8-hour trip is perfect for families, beginners, and anyone looking to have a blast on the water. We'll cruise through some of Oregon's most beautiful scenery while targeting one of the river's most popular game fish. Our experienced guides know all the sweet spots and will make sure you're in on the action all day long.
What to Expect on the Water
As soon as we push off from shore, you'll feel the excitement building. The Umpqua River is known for its abundance of smallmouth bass, and we'll be hitting all the prime locations. You'll learn the ins and outs of bass fishing from our seasoned guides, who'll share their local knowledge and favorite techniques. Expect a mix of calm stretches perfect for casting and some livelier spots where the bass love to hide. We've got all the gear you need, so just bring your enthusiasm and maybe a lucky hat. With an 8-hour trip, we've got plenty of time to find those honey holes where the big ones lurk.
Fishing Techniques & Gear
We'll be using a variety of techniques to entice those smallmouth bass. You might start with some good old-fashioned casting, working lures near the banks and around submerged logs where bass love to ambush their prey. As the day heats up, we might switch to drop-shotting or jigging in deeper holes. Our boats are fully equipped with top-notch rods, reels, and a selection of lures that the Umpqua's bass can't resist. Don't worry if you're new to these methods – our guides are great teachers and will have you fishing like a pro in no time. We'll adjust our approach based on the conditions and what the fish are biting, ensuring you get the most out of your day on the river.
Species You'll Want to Hook
While smallmouth bass are our main target, the Umpqua River is home to a variety of other exciting species. Here's what you might encounter during your trip:
Smallmouth Bass: These feisty fighters are the stars of our show. Known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic leaps, smallmouth bass in the Umpqua can reach impressive sizes. They're most active during the warmer months, making summer and early fall prime time for bass action. Anglers love targeting these fish for their scrappy nature and the challenge they present on light tackle.
Striped Bass: Though less common than their smallmouth cousins, stripers offer an exciting change of pace when hooked. These powerful fish can grow much larger than smallmouth, providing a real test of skill and equipment. Stripers tend to prefer deeper, cooler water and are often found near current breaks or structure.
Coho Salmon: Also known as silver salmon, these fish make their way up the Umpqua during their fall spawning run. While not our primary target, hooking into a coho can be the highlight of your trip. They're known for their hard fights and delicious flavor, making them a prized catch among anglers.
Chinook Salmon: The largest of the Pacific salmon species, Chinooks (or king salmon) also pass through the Umpqua on their way to spawning grounds. These powerful fish can reach massive sizes and offer an unforgettable battle on rod and reel. While we focus on bass, the chance of hooking a Chinook adds an extra layer of excitement to our trips.
Lake Sturgeon: Though rare in our typical fishing areas, the Umpqua does host a population of these ancient fish. Sturgeon are true river monsters, capable of growing to enormous sizes and living for decades. While we don't target them specifically, the possibility of encountering one of these prehistoric giants adds a sense of mystery to our adventures on the river.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks who fish with us tend to get hooked themselves – on the beauty of the Umpqua, the thrill of the catch, and the laid-back vibe of our trips. We keep things fun and relaxed, focusing on making sure everyone has a good time, whether you're casting a line for the first time or you're a seasoned angler. The consistent action means even kids and beginners will feel the excitement of reeling in fish after fish. Plus, with our local knowledge, you'll get an insider's look at this stunning part of Oregon that many visitors never see. It's not just about the fishing – it's about creating memories on one of the most beautiful rivers in the Pacific Northwest.
Time to Book Your Spot
Ready to experience some of the best smallmouth bass fishing Oregon has to offer? Our 8-hour trips fill up fast, especially during peak season. With a max of two guests per trip, you're guaranteed personalized attention and plenty of time on the rod. Remember, the Umpqua River's bass don't take days off, and neither do we – we're out there catching fish all season long. Whether you're planning a family outing, a day with your fishing buddy, or looking to improve your skills, this trip is the perfect chance to make it happen. Don't let another season slip by without experiencing the thrill of Umpqua River bass fishing. Give us a call or book online to secure your spot. Just be warned: once you fish the Umpqua with us, you might find yourself planning your next trip before you even get off the water!
Learn more about the species
Chinook Salmon
Chinook salmon, or kings, are the largest Pacific salmon species - typically 15-40 pounds but monsters over 100 pounds have been caught. They're found in larger coastal rivers, with peak runs usually in spring and fall. Chinooks are prized for their size, strength and rich flavor. Anglers target them by trolling with herring or large plugs in deeper water, or by casting heavy spoons in river mouths. The best fishing is often early morning or on overcast days. Kings like to hug the bottom in deeper holes, so get your bait down. A local trick is to use scent-infused cut plug herring - the extra smell can trigger more bites when the bite is slow. Just be ready for an epic battle when you hook into one of these brutes!
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon, also called silvers, typically weigh 8-12 pounds and are known for their acrobatic fights and tasty orange-red meat. You'll find them in coastal rivers and streams as they make their spawning runs in fall. The best fishing is usually September through November when the coho are aggressive and willing to strike lures. Anglers prize coho for their hard fights, often leaping several feet out of the water when hooked. To target them, try casting small spinners or twitching jigs in deeper holes and current seams. A local tip: use bright pink or chartreuse lures on overcast days to trigger more strikes. Just remember, these fish are here to spawn so practice catch and release when possible to help maintain the population.
Lake Sturgeon
Lake Sturgeon are prehistoric beasts, some of the oldest and largest freshwater fish around. These bottom-dwellers can reach 6 feet long and live over 100 years. You'll find them lurking in deep holes and along drop-offs in the Columbia, often hanging out in sandy or gravelly areas. Spring and fall are prime times to hook one. Anglers love sturgeon for their sheer size and power - when you hook into a big one, you're in for a serious workout. They've got a unique look too, with bony plates instead of scales that'll leave your hands sore if you're not careful. To land a sturgeon, you'll need heavy-duty gear and a glob of nightcrawlers on your hook. Here's a local tip: focus on deeper water during summer heat, when they retreat to cooler zones. Patience is key with these prehistoric monsters, but the epic fight is worth the wait.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass are scrappy fighters that typically run 1-4 pounds, though trophy fish can reach 8 pounds or more. You'll find them around rocky structure in clear, cool rivers and lakes. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are in the 55-70°F range. Anglers love smallies for their acrobatic jumps and hard-pulling fights. They also make great table fare with firm, white meat. To catch them, try fishing early morning or late evening with soft plastic tubes or jigs bounced along the bottom near drop-offs and submerged logs. A local trick is to use a drop shot rig with a small finesse worm when the bite gets tough - smallies can't resist it.
Striped Bass
Striped bass are a real treat to target here in Reedsport. These powerful fish typically run 20-40 pounds, with some real monsters pushing 70 pounds. You'll find them cruising near structure and drop-offs, especially in moving water. They're not the fastest swimmers, but boy can they fight when hooked. Stripers love cooler water, so we focus on dawn and dusk when they're up feeding near the surface. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate through. Folks love going after stripers for their hard-fighting nature and excellent eating. The meat is sweet and flaky - perfect for the grill. Here's a local tip: Use live bait like herring or squid to really get their attention. Let it drift naturally with the current near structure. When you feel that telltale thump, get ready for an epic battle. Just be sure to match your gear to these bruisers - a sturdy 8-14 foot rod and 20 pound test line will serve you well.
About the Willie Boats
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 38
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 240
Ready for a fun day of fishing on the Umpqua River? Our 8-hour Smallmouth Bass trip is perfect for families, kids, and beginners looking to catch some fish and enjoy Oregon's beautiful outdoors. The Umpqua is known for its great bass fishing, so you can expect plenty of action on the water. Our friendly guides will teach you the ropes and help you reel in some nice catches. We'll provide all the gear you need, plus tips and tricks to improve your fishing skills. As we cruise along the scenic river, keep an eye out for local wildlife and take in the stunning views. It's a relaxed day on the water that the whole family can enjoy together. Whether you're a first-timer or experienced angler, you're sure to have a blast and maybe even catch the biggest bass of your life! Book your trip now for a day of fishing, fun, and making memories on the Umpqua.
