Fish the Legendary Buoy 10 Salmon Run
Buoy 10 salmon fishing is one of the most exciting salmon fisheries in the Pacific Northwest. Located at the mouth of the Columbia River near Astoria, Oregon, the Buoy 10 fishery gives anglers an opportunity to intercept powerful Chinook and Coho salmon as they enter the Columbia River from the Pacific Ocean.
Astoria Fishing Charters & Guide Service offers guided Buoy 10 fishing trips with an experienced local guide who fishes these waters throughout the season. Whether you’re chasing a hard-fighting King salmon or targeting Coho later in the run, we’ll work hard to put you in the right place at the right time.
Buoy 10 fishing can change quickly with the tides, weather, fish movement and current regulations. Local experience matters, especially in a fishery where conditions can be different from one day to the next.
What Is Buoy 10?
The phrase “Buoy 10” has three meanings.
#1 Buoy 10, the buoy. Its actually the least common use of the phrase “buoy 10” Buoy 10, the buoy is the bottom of the river, legally speaking. If you go below buoy 10, youre in the columbia rier contol zone, until you get past Buoy 4 on the south side of the river channel, buoy 7 on the north side. You are also legally in the Ocean if you are north of the North Jetty or south of the South Jetty. Salmon fishing is not allowed in the Columbia River control zone.
#2. Buoy 10, the area. More commonly used meaning of the phrase ‘buoy 10″. Buoy 10, the area is from Buoy 10, the buoy to Tongue Point, just east of Astoria. Simply stated, the bottom 15 miles of the Columbia River.
#3. And by far the most common usage of the phrase “Buoy 10”. Buoy 10, the season. Historically, buoy 10 season begins on August 1 and runs through Labor Day weekend.
“Bouy 10” also refers to the famous salmon fishing area at the mouth of the Columbia River near Astoria. This is where salmon returning from the Pacific Ocean begin moving up the Columbia River system on their migration upstream.
Every year, large numbers of Chinook and Coho salmon move through this area, creating one of the most anticipated salmon seasons in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
The combination of strong fish, changing tides, big water and a beautiful coastal setting makes Buoy 10 a completely different experience from simply heading offshore for salmon.
If you’re looking for general salmon fishing options in addition to Buoy 10, visit our Astoria salmon fishing charters page.
Why Fish Buoy 10?
Buoy 10 has earned its reputation because it combines excellent salmon opportunities with the challenge and excitement of fishing the lower Columbia River.
Chinook Salmon
Chinook, also known as King salmon, are the biggest prize for many Buoy 10 anglers. These powerful fish enter the Columbia River during their upstream migration and can provide an unforgettable fight.
Coho Salmon
Coho fishing becomes increasingly important later in the season. These aggressive salmon can provide fast action and are another major reason anglers return to the Astoria area each year.
Local Knowledge
Success at Buoy 10 depends on much more than dropping a line in the water. Tides, currents, weather and fish movement all matter, making an experienced local fishing guide especially valuable.
When Is the Best Time for Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing?
August is the heart of salmon season and traditionally offers some of the best opportunities for Chinook salmon in the lower Columbia River. Most years, the Ocean fishes better than the river until closer to the middle of August, so if theres one answer to the question, its the second half of August.
Coho also enter the river during the Buoy 10 season and often become a larger part of the fishery as we move from late August into September and, depending on the year and regulations, beyond.
Salmon seasons, retention rules and daily limits change from year to year and sometimes during the year as well. We recommend checking our fishing seasons page or contacting Jeff before planning your trip.
Planning an August fishing trip?
Buoy 10 is extremely popular during peak salmon season, so booking early is recommended.
What to Expect on Your Buoy 10 Fishing Charter
Our goal is simple: give you a safe, enjoyable day on the Columbia River while working hard to put salmon in the boat.
- Experienced Truly local Astoria fishing guide
- First 10 days or so of August, we may be fishing the ocean.
- Boat, rods, reels and fishing tackle provided
- Guided fishing on the lower Columbia River
- Targeting Chinook and/or Coho when regulations allow
- Fish filleting and vacuum sealing included
- Help understanding current fishing regulations and licensing
- Trips planned around current conditions, tides and fish movement
Most guided fishing charters are up to eight hours, although successful days can end much earlier when the fishing is hot and limits come quickly.
Learn more about what to bring, our fishing boat and where to meet before your trip.
See Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing for Yourself
Want to get a feel for what it’s like to fish the Columbia River near Astoria? Watch this Buoy 10 salmon fishing trip with Astoria Fishing Charters & Guide Service.
You’ll get a better look at the water, the fishing experience and what makes salmon fishing at Buoy 10 such a popular Pacific Northwest adventure.
Salmon Fishing in Astoria
Great fishing, big salmon and memorable days on the water are what bring anglers back to Astoria and the lower Columbia River season after season.
Buoy 10 Fishing Out of Astoria, Oregon
Astoria is an ideal home base for Buoy 10 salmon fishing. During the busy Buoy 10 season, Astoria Fishing Charters operates from the West Mooring Basin, providing convenient access to the lower Columbia River fishery.
The exact fishing location changes based on tides, conditions and where the salmon are moving. That’s one of the advantages of fishing with a guide who knows the local water and follows the fish throughout the season.
Before each scheduled trip, we communicate with anglers about the expected start time, meeting location, licensing and the day’s game plan.
If you’re staying in Astoria, our fishing charter FAQ also includes helpful information about accommodations, restaurants, licensing and preparing for your trip.
Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing FAQs
Have questions about planning a Buoy 10 fishing trip? Here are answers to some of the most common questions.
Where is Buoy 10?
Buoy 10 is at the mouth of the Columbia River near Astoria, Oregon. The name is commonly used to describe the popular lower Columbia River salmon fishery where Chinook and Coho enter the river from the Pacific Ocean.
What kind of salmon can I catch at Buoy 10?
Chinook, also called King salmon, and Coho salmon are the primary salmon targeted during the Buoy 10 season. Which fish may be retained depends on current fishing regulations.
When is the best time to fish Buoy 10?
August is the heart of salmon season, but fishing Buoy 10 (the river) is best the last 20 days or so, of August, and the first few days of September. Coho fishing becomes increasingly successful from late August into September. Exact seasons and retention regulations can vary from year to year.
Do I need my own fishing gear?
No. Rods, reels and fishing tackle are provided as part of your guided fishing charter.
Do I need a fishing license for Buoy 10?
Yes. Both Oregon and Washington State licenses are good here. You also need a tag and Columbia River endorsement. We often help people by providing fishing licenses. With Name, date of birth and zip code we can print your license the day prior and bring it on the boat. If you prefer to get your own license, Astoria Fishing Charters can also help make sure you understand what you need. 503-436-2845
Where do Buoy 10 fishing trips leave from?
During Buoy 10 season, Astoria Fishing Charters typically operates from the West Mooring Basin in Astoria. Your exact meeting location and starting time will be confirmed before your scheduled trip.
How long is a Buoy 10 salmon fishing trip?
Most guided fishing charters are up to eight hours. Trips can finish earlier when fishing is especially good and anglers reach their limits quickly.
Should I reserve a Buoy 10 charter in advance?
Yes. Buoy 10 is probably the most popular salmon fisheries in the world and is particularly busy during peak August fishing. Booking early gives you the best opportunity to secure the dates you want.
Ready to Go Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing?
Come fish one of the Pacific Northwest’s most famous salmon fisheries with Astoria Fishing Charters & Guide Service. Check available dates online or call or text Jeff to talk about the best time for your Buoy 10 fishing trip.
