Columbia River Salmon Fishing Trip

Columbia River Buoy 10 Fishing Charters

Serving Portland, Astoria, & Beyond

360-607-8511

August through November marks the time of our fall Chinook salmon fishing on the Columbia River. Our fall salmon season kicks-off at famed Buoy 10, in Astoria, Oregon, in early August. Here, large numbers of both Chinook salmon and silver salmon (cohos), will enter into the mouth of the Columbia River and stage here prior to migrating upstream to spawn. Salmon fishing in the mouth of the Columbia River is largely dependent on tides, and having the best gear and a dependable boat insures we can cover a lot of water, and employ the most effective techniques to help you find consistent success.

During the peak of the fall Chinook salmon run and the coho salmon run on the lower Columbia River, it’s common to catch daily and possession limits of both species on our fishing charters. These bright salmon are as fresh from the ocean as you can get, and their tenacious fight and quality table fare makes this one of the premier salmon fisheries in the world. We troll various setups, including Pro Troll 360s, spinners and herring on droppers, and backtrolling Kwikfish in the narrows higher in the river.

In September, as both fall Chinook and silver salmon migrate higher into the Columbia River in preparation for spawning, we’ll follow them. In fact, we’ll follow the salmon well into October. There are sections along the salmon’s migration up the Columbia River where we can actually catch Chinook and oversized sturgeon all on the same day.

Get in touch with Captain Dan to plan your Buoy 10 fishing charter near Astoria and Portland, OR.

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    What river are you interested in?
    Columbia RiverSacramento RiverBouy 10Lewis RiverCowlitz River

    What type of fish do you want to catch?
    Spring ChinookFall ChinookSturgeon (Keeper)Sturgeon (Trophy)SteelheadSacramento River ChinookSacramento River SturgeonSacramento River Striped Bass

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    JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember

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    Experience the Buoy 10 Salmon Fishery in Astoria, Oregon!

    Located at the mouth of the Columbia River, the Buoy 10 salmon fishery is a premier destination for anglers seeking the thrill of catching Chinook and Coho salmon. Known for its abundance and accessibility, Buoy 10 offers an unparalleled fishing experience against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Northwest.

    2024 Regulations and Limits

    For the 2024 season, anglers can look forward to favorable regulations that promise a bountiful and sustainable fishing experience:

    • Chinook Salmon: Retention is allowed from August 1 through September 7. The daily limit is one adult Chinook salmon.
    • Coho Salmon: The season opens on August 1 and typically runs through early September. Anglers can keep up to two adult Coho salmon per day.
    • Barbless Hooks: To protect the fish populations and ensure a sustainable fishery, only barbless hooks are permitted.
    • Catch and Release: Any unmarked (wild) salmon must be released to preserve the natural spawning populations.

    Recent Fish Records

    The Buoy 10 fishery is not just known for its quantity but also for the quality and size of the fish. Recent years have seen record-breaking catches, with Chinook salmon often exceeding 30 pounds and Coho salmon frequently tipping the scales at over 15 pounds. The 2023 season saw one of the highest catch rates in recent history, promising an exciting 2024 season.

    Why Buoy 10?

    • Accessible Location: Just a short drive from Portland, Astoria offers easy access to the Buoy 10 fishing grounds.
    • Expert Guides: We offer guided Buoy 10 fishing charters that keep groups coming back year after year. Contact Captain Dan to get your dates on the books.
    • Stunning Scenery: Enjoy the natural beauty of the Columbia River estuary, with its diverse wildlife and breathtaking views.

    Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to salmon fishing, Buoy 10 in Astoria, Oregon, is the place to be in 2024. Gear up for an exciting Buoy 10 fishing charter with Dan Ponciano Guide Service!

    Diet: Salmon use vibration, scent and sight to locate their prey and to avoid predators. They can sense movement by receptors located in their lateral line and cupula projections. Young salmon feed on small aquatic insects and zooplankton. As salmon grow and mature, they feed on larger animals including shrimp, eels, and smaller fish.

    Bait: Cut Bait and Freshwater Live Bait

    Diet & Bait

    Habitat: Freshwater streams, estuaries, and associated wetlands provide vital habitat for salmon. Chinook spend most of their time in deeper water, coming to the surface to feed at dusk and dawn. However, Coho prefer lower stream velocity, shallower water and smaller gravel.

    Rivers: Columbia River, Cowlitz River, Lewis River, Wind River, and Willamette River.

    Habitat & Location

    Takle: A medium to heavy action rod with a spinning reel or bait cast reel with 10-20 pound line.

    Lures: Use brightly colored lures: Plugs, Spinner Baits, Spoons

    Preferred Water Temp: 52-56 ° F

    Tackle & Lures

    CALL DAN @ 360-607-8511

    Guided Columbia River Fishing Trips (360)-607-8511 dan@columbiariverfishing.com