Shared Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing Trip
Shared Trip
River Fishing
Peak salmon season fishing in famous Buoy 10 watersTarget Chinook and Coho with all gear providedEighthour shared charter runs August through October
Get ready for some of the hottest salmon action on the entire Pacific Coast. Jesse's Guide Service runs this top-rated shared charter right in the heart of Buoy 10's legendary fishery, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. From August through October, this spot transforms into salmon highway central, and we're talking about some seriously quality fish moving through. You'll be targeting both Chinook and Coho salmon during their peak migration, with an experienced captain who knows exactly where to put you on the bite. This 8-hour adventure starts early at 4:30 AM, but trust me – watching the sunrise while your rod tip bounces with a fresh salmon is worth every minute of lost sleep.
This shared trip keeps things intimate with just two anglers, so you're not fighting for deck space or waiting your turn to land fish. We launch from either Astoria or Hammond depending on conditions, then cruise out to the famous Buoy 10 area where the Columbia River channel creates perfect holding water for migrating salmon. The early morning departure puts you right in the prime bite window when these fish are most active. You'll be fishing in relatively protected waters, but dress in layers because August mornings can be cool and foggy before the sun burns through. The boat comes fully rigged with quality rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need – we're talking fresh herring, spinners, and whatever lures are producing that week. All you need to bring is snacks, your camera, and a valid Oregon fishing license with Columbia River endorsement.
Buoy 10 fishing is all about trolling and drift fishing in the main channel where salmon stage before heading upstream. We'll be running spreads of herring behind flashers, pulling spinners, and working the current breaks where fish hold. The depth here ranges from 15 to 40 feet, so we're not dealing with crazy deep water fishing – just good, productive salmon water where these fish naturally funnel through. Your guide will handle all the technical stuff like reading the fish finder, adjusting trolling speeds, and rigging fresh bait. When you hook up, you'll be fighting fish on medium-heavy tackle that gives you the backbone to handle a big Chinook but still lets you feel every head shake from a scrappy Coho. The current can be strong here, especially on tide changes, but that's exactly what concentrates the salmon and creates the feeding opportunities that make this fishery so renowned.
Chinook salmon are the kings of this fishery, and Buoy 10 sees some absolute monsters during peak season. These fish typically run 15 to 30 pounds, though 40-pounders show up regularly enough to keep things interesting. Chinooks hit hard and fight deep, using their size and the river current to test your drag system. They're most active during the early morning hours and again in the evening, which is why that 4:30 AM start time puts you right in the sweet spot. August through mid-September is prime time for these bruisers, with the largest fish typically showing up in the first few weeks of the season.
Coho salmon bring a completely different fight to the table – these silver bullets are built for speed and acrobatics. Running 8 to 15 pounds on average, Cohos make up for their smaller size with pure athleticism, jumping repeatedly and making blazing runs that'll peel line off your reel. They're more aggressive feeders than Chinooks, often hitting lures hard and fast. Cohos peak later in the season, with September and early October producing the best numbers. These fish are perfect for anglers who love action over size, and they're also some of the best eating salmon you'll find anywhere.
Buoy 10 season is short but sweet, running just two months when conditions align perfectly for world-class salmon fishing. This shared charter format gives you access to prime dates without the full cost of a private trip, but spots fill up fast once word gets out about how the fishing is shaping up. The non-refundable deposit system ensures serious anglers only, so you won't deal with last-minute cancellations that can mess up your fishing plans. Whether you're a seasoned salmon angler looking for your next trophy or someone wanting to experience this legendary fishery for the first time, Jesse's Guide Service has the local knowledge and quality equipment to make it happen. Book early, bring your A-game, and get ready for some of the best salmon fishing the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
You'll be fishing from a rock-solid 24-foot North River boat that's built to handle the Columbia River's conditions while keeping you comfortable during those long salmon runs. This vessel seats up to six anglers and comes loaded with everything you need to make the most of Buoy 10's legendary salmon fishing. The wireless trolling motor lets us position quietly over productive water without spooking the fish, while the GPS keeps us on track to the best spots. The fish finder helps locate schools of salmon moving through the area. With plenty of deck space for casting and fighting fish, plus secure storage for gear and your catch, this boat is designed for serious salmon fishing. The early morning departure means we'll be on the water as the salmon start their feeding, giving you prime chances at both Chinook and Coho.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the prize of Buoy 10 - these bruisers average 12-25 pounds but can push 30+ in our waters. They're the largest Pacific salmon and fight like it, making long runs that'll test your drag. Chinooks cruise deeper than cohos, usually 15-40 feet down, so we use downriggers and weighted lines to get our gear in the zone. Their silver sides with black-spotted backs make them easy to ID. What really sets them apart is that rich, orange-red meat - some of the best table fare you'll find. The Columbia River mouth during our August-October season is prime time when they're staging before their spawning run. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse it - these fish have soft mouths and will throw the hook if you get too aggressive.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are the acrobats of our Buoy 10 trips, known for their spectacular jumps and hard-fighting attitude. These chrome-bright fish typically run 8-12 pounds and love to put on a show, often launching 6 feet out of the water when hooked. Cohos cruise shallower than kings, usually in the top 20 feet, making them perfect for lighter tackle setups. Their bright silver sides and dark blue-green backs are beautiful, and that bright orange meat tastes fantastic on the grill. They're aggressive feeders, often hitting lures with authority during our peak August-September window. What makes cohos special is their speed and aerial displays - they'll run, jump, and change direction faster than any salmon. Local trick: when one goes airborne, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward the water to keep tension without breaking them off during their jumps.
Astoria