Buoy 10 Fishing in Astoria Oregon

Buoy 10 is that time of the year that Columbia river fishing guides dream of. Buoy 10 is an area that is near the mouth of the Columbia River. Every year in August our fall Chinook Salmon begin their migration up the Columbia. Fishing Buoy 10 is special, the fish are all just hours out of the ocean and are as fresh as they possibly can be. Coho Salmon also start making their way into the river at this time as well. There are plenty of fish around and they are hungry! This area is beautiful and offers plenty of good times on and off the water. This fishery Starts in early August and will be good all the way through the middle of September. I offer trips for up to 6 customers for the Buoy 10 fishery. At the end of the day I will fillet and bag your catch for your convenience.

Chinook Salmon at Buoy 10

Buoy 10 offers some of the best Chinook Salmon fishing anywhere in the world. Chinook salmon typically range from 15 to 35 pounds and put up a heck of a fight! Chinook make great table fare and are by far the biggest of the Columbia river salmon. The Buoy 10 area is very close to the ocean. The Salmon are looking to feed in this part of the river so trolling bait is the most popular technique to catch these awesome fish. We typically troll herring or anchovies behind an inline flasher and the fish love it! Chinook can be caught in deep water in this fishery, oftentimes in water 70 feet and deeper. In this deep water you may find yourself fishing suspended. Sometimes only dropping your offering 30 feet down to catch the fish. On days where currents are fast you can also find fish in as shallow as 6 to 7 feet of water. The fish get pushed up on shallow sandbars chasing bait with the ripping currents. This is very exciting fishing all around. The limit for salmon at Buoy 10 is one Chinook Salmon and one coho per day.

Coho Salmon at Buoy 10

Coho Salmon fishing at Buoy 10 is fast paced and very exciting. Columbia River Coho are not known for being huge however they fight very hard and are very abundant. An average Coho will be from 4 to 8 pounds with big ones being 14 pounds and bigger! Coho are very aggressive and eat a lot of anchovies and herring. This makes fishing bait very effective when Coho fishing. Just like fishing for Chinook we fish either herring or anchovies behind inline flashers for Coho salmon. You can sometimes catch Coho salmon in the same places you would fish for Chinook salmon. But more times than not we target Coho shallower in the water column. This means that in 30 feet of water you may only be fishing 10 to 12 feet down. Coho tend to hang out and feed a lot closer to the surface than Chinook do. To harvest a Coho salmon at Buoy 10 the fish must be a hatchery fish. This is indicated by a adipose fin clip from the hatchery the fish was born at. You can keep 2 adult hatchery Coho per day at Buoy 10 or you can keep one Chinook salmon and one hatchery coho!

Sturgeon Fishing at Buoy 10

Buoy 10 is one of the premier sturgeon fisheries in the whole pacific northwest. This fishery is often overlooked when it comes to Sturgeon fishing. In the summer sturgeon make their way down to this portion of the Columbia to feed. Their feed consists of herring, anchovies, clams, mussels, and sand shrimp. Catch days for sturgeon in this area can be absolutely insane with many days landing over 50 sturgeon. This is a catch and release fishery but it is well worth the trip to experience fishing like this! We anchor up fishing for sturgeon, often anchoring in water 50 foot and deeper or 10 foot and shallower depending on the day. Sturgeon are bottom feeders so bait is thrown on the bottom to entice the fish into biting! After a hard hookset the fight is on, get ready for sore arms and a tired back Sturgeon fishing is no joke!

For the Ultimate Portland Oregon Guided Fishing Trip

Fishing At Buoy 10

Buoy 10 Fishing

Buoy 10, located near the mouth of the Columbia River, is more than just a geographical marker; it symbolizes the pinnacle of salmon fishing in the Pacific Northwest. Each year, as August rolls around, the area transforms into a fishing paradise for Buoy 10 fishing that Columbia River fishing guides eagerly anticipate. The convergence of pristine waters, eager fish, and breathtaking surroundings makes Buoy 10 fishing an unparalleled experience for both seasoned anglers and novices alike.

A cheerful group of siz holds up their freshly caught salmon on a dock by Buoy 10.

For the Ultimate Portland Oregon Guided Fishing Trip

Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing Techniques at Buoy 10

Success at Buoy 10 often depends on employing the right fishing techniques. Given the unique conditions of the area, several strategies have proven to be particularly effective.

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    Trolling

    Trolling is the most common and productive method used during Buoy 10 fishing. This technique involves dragging bait or lures behind a slowly moving boat. Anglers typically use herring, anchovies, or spinners as bait. The key to successful Buoy 10 salmon fishing is to maintain the right speed and depth, as salmon often swim at varying depths depending on the tide and water conditions.

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    Mooching

    Mooching is another popular technique, particularly when targeting Coho Salmon. This method involves using a cut plug herring and allowing it to drift naturally with the current. Mooching requires a delicate touch and a keen sense of timing, as it relies on the salmon’s natural feeding behavior.

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    Casting

    For those who prefer a more hands-on approach in Buoy 10 salmon fishing, casting spinners or spoons into the current can be highly effective. This technique requires precision and patience, but it can yield impressive results, especially when the fish are actively feeding near the surface

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    The Perfect Time for Buoy 10 Fishing

    Fishing Buoy 10 kicks off in early August and remains productive through the middle of September. This six-week window is when the salmon are most abundant and eager to bite. The timing of the fishery coincides with the peak of the salmon migration, ensuring that anglers have plenty of opportunities to land their catch.

    One of the advantages of fishing at Buoy 10 during this time is the variety of conditions you can encounter. Early in the season, the fish are still acclimating to the freshwater environment, making them more aggressive and likely to strike. As the season progresses, the fish become more selective, requiring anglers to adjust their techniques and bait choices.

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    Off the Water: Exploring the Columbia River Area

    While the fishing at Buoy 10 is undoubtedly the main attraction, the area also offers plenty of activities for those looking to explore beyond the river. The surrounding region is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for a well-rounded getaway.

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    Astoria

    Just a short drive from Buoy 10, the historic town of Astoria is a must-visit for anyone in the area. Known for its charming Victorian architecture, maritime museums, and vibrant arts scene, Astoria offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history. Visitors can explore the Columbia River Maritime Museum, take a stroll along the scenic Riverwalk, or enjoy fresh seafood at one of the town’s many waterfront restaurants.

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    Cape Disappointment State Park

    Located on the Washington side of the Columbia River, Cape Disappointment State Park is a stunning natural area that offers hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and a historic lighthouse. The park is an excellent place to unwind after a day of fishing, with its rugged coastline, dense forests, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

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    Local Cuisine

    After a successful day on the water, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a meal made with freshly caught salmon. The region is known for its culinary offerings, with many restaurants specializing in seafood dishes that showcase the area’s abundant resources. From salmon fillets grilled to perfection to smoked salmon appetizers, the local cuisine is a true celebration of the Pacific Northwest’s natural bounty.

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    Booking a Trip to Buoy 10

    For those interested in experiencing the magic of Buoy 10 firsthand, booking a guided fishing trip is the way to go. A knowledgeable guide can make all the difference, providing valuable insights into the best techniques, locations, and timing for a successful day on the water.

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    Key Takeaways

    Fishing at Buoy 10 is more than just a pastime; it’s a tradition that brings together the beauty of nature, the thrill of the catch, and the camaraderie of fellow anglers.

    Whether you’re drawn to the promise of fresh salmon, the stunning surroundings, or the excitement of the chase, Buoy 10 offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you counting down the days until the next fishing season.

    Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this incredible fishery—book your trip today with Portland Oregon Fishing Adventures and discover why Buoy 10 is a Columbia River fishing guide’s dream come true.

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