Epic Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing on Columbia River

Buoy 10: Astoria's Salmon Fishing Bonanza

Get ready for some serious fish-slaying action at Buoy 10, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific. This full-day charter puts you right in the thick of Astoria's legendary August salmon run. We're talking world-class Chinook and Coho fishing that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, our expert guides will make sure you're in the hottest spots when the bite is on. So grab your fishing license, pack some snacks, and let's go chase some chrome!

What to Expect on the Water

Rise and shine, anglers! We'll be hitting the water early to maximize our chances of landing some trophy salmon. The exact start time varies depending on tides and conditions, but count on an early wake-up call – trust me, it's worth it. You'll be fishing aboard a top-notch charter boat equipped with all the gear you need to battle these hard-fighting fish. We'll spend up to 8 hours on the water, or until we hit our legal limit (whichever comes first). Your guide will be there every step of the way, from rigging up your rod to netting that monster King you just reeled in. And don't worry if you're new to salmon fishing – we'll teach you everything you need to know to get in on the action.

Trolling for Trophies

At Buoy 10, trolling is the name of the game. We'll be using a mix of techniques to entice those salmon, including cut-plug herring, spinners, and maybe even some flashers if the bite is tough. Your guide will have their finger on the pulse of what's working best that day. We'll be covering a lot of water, so settle in and keep your eyes peeled for those rod tips to start bouncing. When a King decides to crush your bait, hold on tight – these fish fight like freight trains! Coho (also called silvers) might not have quite the same raw power, but they make up for it with acrobatic jumps and blistering runs. Either way, you're in for some serious fish-fighting fun.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook Salmon: Also known as Kings, these are the heavyweight champs of the Columbia. Buoy 10 Chinooks average 15-25 pounds, but 30+ pounders aren't uncommon. August is prime time for these bruisers as they stage at the river mouth before their spawning run. Chinooks are prized for their rich, oily meat and hard-fighting nature. When a big King hits your bait, you'll know it – these fish can peel line off your reel faster than you can say "Fish on!"

Coho Salmon: Don't sleep on the Cohos! While they might not reach the same massive sizes as Chinooks, what they lack in raw power they make up for in numbers and acrobatics. Expect Coho in the 6-12 pound range, with some pushing 15+. These silver missiles are known for their wild, unpredictable fights and tendency to throw in some spectacular jumps. Coho flesh is a bit lighter in color than Chinook, but still makes for some fantastic eating. The Buoy 10 fishery can see huge numbers of Coho, especially as we get into late August and September.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

The Buoy 10 fishery is legendary for a reason. Where else can you target trophy-class salmon with the stunning backdrop of the Oregon and Washington coastlines? The sheer number of fish moving through during the peak of the run is mind-blowing. It's not uncommon to see dozens of bent rods all around you when the bite is on. Plus, there's something special about fishing where the mighty Columbia meets the Pacific – you can feel the power of these two massive bodies of water colliding. Add in the chance to stock your freezer with some of the best-eating fish on the planet, and it's no wonder anglers come from all over to experience Buoy 10.

Top Catches This Season

While every year is different, the Buoy 10 fishery rarely disappoints. Last season saw some absolute tanks come to the net, including a 42-pound Chinook that had the whole boat whooping and hollering. We've been seeing a good mix of both Chinook and Coho, with plenty of limits being filled. One group even managed the coveted "Buoy 10 Slam" – landing Chinook, Coho, and a surprise Sturgeon all in the same day. Of course, past performance doesn't guarantee future results, but the early signs for this season are looking promising. The anticipation is building, and we can't wait to see what monsters show up this year!

Gearing Up for Success

We've got you covered when it comes to fishing gear. Your guide will provide top-quality rods, reels, and all the terminal tackle needed to put you on fish. We use a mix of baitcasting and spinning setups, all spooled with heavy-duty line to handle those big salmon runs. You'll be fishing with a variety of lures and baits, from cut-plug herring to flashy spinners and wobbling plugs. The only thing you need to bring is a valid Oregon or Washington fishing license with a salmon tag. Don't forget to pack some snacks, drinks, and weather-appropriate clothing. August can be warm, but mornings on the water can be chilly, so layers are your friend. Polarized sunglasses are also a great idea to cut the glare and help you spot those telltale fin tips breaking the surface.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, the Buoy 10 season is short and sweet, and prime dates fill up fast. If you're itching to get in on some of the best salmon fishing the West Coast has to offer, now's the time to lock in your trip. Whether you're a seasoned salmon slayer or looking to cross this epic fishery off your bucket list, our Astoria charters put you right in the heart of the action. We're talking world-class fishing, expert guides, and the chance to battle some truly impressive fish. So what are you waiting for? Grab your fishing buddies, clear your calendar, and let's go make some memories on the mighty Columbia. The salmon are coming – will you be there to meet them?