Buoy 10 Chinook and Coho Salmon Fishing
Private Trip
Target Chinook and Coho during peak salmon runsEight-hour shared charter accommodates up to six guestsPrime Columbia River estuary location where river meets ocean
There's nothing quite like the buzz at Buoy 10 when the salmon are running hot. This legendary fishery sits right where the Columbia River dumps into the Pacific Ocean, creating one of the most productive salmon zones on the West Coast. From August 1st through September 2nd, we'll spend 8 hours targeting the big Chinook and feisty Coho that stage in these waters before their final push upstream. It's prime time fishing when these fish are still ocean-strong and absolutely aggressive. Your private boat experience includes all the gear, tackle, and know-how you need – just bring your fishing license and get ready for some serious rod-bending action.
This isn't your typical lake fishing trip. Buoy 10 sits in the Columbia River estuary where tidal currents, river flow, and ocean swells all come together to create a unique fishing environment. We'll launch early to make the most of our 8-hour window, heading straight to where the fish are holding. The beauty of this fishery is that it's constantly changing – salmon move with the tides, follow baitfish schools, and respond to current breaks. One hour you might be working the north jetty, the next we're trolling the shipping channel. The action can be fast and furious when we dial in the right depth and speed. Your private boat setup means we can chase the bite without worrying about other anglers, and with space for up to 6 guests, there's plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up.
Success at Buoy 10 comes down to covering water efficiently with the right presentation. We'll be trolling with downriggers and divers, running multiple lines at different depths to find where the salmon are feeding. The standard setup includes flashers and hoochies, herring behind dodgers, and sometimes spinners when the fish are really aggressive. We adjust our trolling speed based on conditions – usually between 2.5 and 4 mph depending on current and what the fish want that day. All rods, reels, tackle, and terminal gear are included, plus we'll have fresh herring and a selection of proven lures that have been producing. The boat is equipped with quality fishfinders and GPS so we can mark productive water and return to hot spots throughout the day. Don't worry if you're new to downrigger fishing – we'll walk you through everything from setting depths to playing fish properly.
The Chinook salmon are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These kings average 15-25 pounds at Buoy 10, with plenty of fish pushing 30 pounds or more. What makes them so special here is their condition – they're still ocean-bright and full of fight, not yet showing the spawning colors they'll develop upriver. Chinook hit hard and make blistering runs, often jumping clear out of the water when hooked. They're also excellent table fare at this stage, with firm, red meat that's perfect for the grill or smoker. The Coho salmon, while smaller at 8-12 pounds on average, make up for size with pure attitude. These silver bullets are acrobatic fighters that will test your drag and reflexes. They school up in bigger numbers than Chinook, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Both species are actively feeding in the estuary, following massive schools of anchovies and herring, which makes them aggressive and willing to strike.
Chinook salmon are the crown jewel of Pacific salmon fishing, and Buoy 10 produces some of the finest examples you'll find anywhere. These fish spend 3-7 years in the ocean before returning to spawn, building up incredible size and strength. At Buoy 10, they're staging before their final upstream migration, which means they're in peak physical condition but still actively feeding. The best Chinook fishing typically happens during the incoming tide when these fish move up from deeper water to feed in the estuary. They're structure-oriented, often holding near the jetties, channel edges, and current breaks where baitfish concentrate. When you hook into a 25-pound king, you'll understand why anglers travel from across the country to fish here.
Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the table. These silver rockets are incredibly aggressive and will attack lures with reckless abandon. They school in large numbers during late summer, often feeding on the surface where you can actually see them slashing at baitfish. Coho are known for their aerial displays – expect multiple jumps and long runs that will have your reel screaming. They're also more willing to hit a variety of lures, from small spoons to hoochies to cut herring. The peak Coho action usually happens from mid-August through the end of the season, with fish averaging 8-12 pounds but some bruisers pushing 15-20 pounds. Their meat is excellent eating, with a milder flavor than Chinook but just as firm and flaky when cooked properly.
The Buoy 10 season is short but sweet, running just over a month from August 1st to September 2nd. This timing coincides with the peak salmon runs, when fish are moving through the area in large numbers before heading upstream to spawn. Your 8-hour private charter gives you the best chance to connect with both species, and with rods, bait, and gear included, all you need to focus on is fighting fish. The price covers two guests with room for up to six total, making it perfect for couples, families, or small groups of fishing buddies. We offer free cancellation with 3 days' notice because we know weather and conditions can change quickly on the coast. Don't wait too long to secure your dates – this is one of the most popular fisheries
The Good Ju Ju was built specifically for the challenging waters around Astoria, where the Columbia River crashes into the Pacific. Her extra heavy hull cuts through choppy conditions like butter, keeping you dry and comfortable while positioning you right on top of the salmon runs. This fishing machine comes loaded with GPS navigation, VHF radio, and fish finder to put you directly on the Chinook and Coho staging at Buoy 10. With seating for six anglers, there's plenty of room to work your lines without bumping elbows. The stable platform makes fighting big salmon a pleasure, not a wrestling match. Whether we're trolling the shipping lanes or working the structure near the jetties, this boat handles the Columbia's notorious currents and swells with ease. Built for serious salmon fishing where the river meets the ocean.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the big bruisers of the salmon world, running 12-39 inches and typically weighing 15-30 pounds here at Buoy 10. They're the reason anglers travel from all over—nothing beats hooking into a 25-pound chrome-bright Chinook fresh from the ocean. These fish stage in the deeper channels where the Columbia meets the Pacific, usually holding 15-40 feet down during our August-September season. They're hard fighters with that deep head-shaking power that'll test your drag. The meat is rich and buttery, perfect for the grill. Here's the thing most folks don't know: Kings have black gums, so if you're not sure what you caught, check the mouth. We target them trolling cut-plug herring or spinners in the main current seams where they follow baitfish moving upriver.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho are the acrobats of the salmon family and pure fun on light tackle. These silver rockets typically run 8-12 pounds and 12-30 inches, but what they lack in size compared to Kings, they make up for in attitude. When you hook one, expect jumps—sometimes 6 feet straight up. They're aggressive biters that love the shallower water around Buoy 10, often cruising 10-25 feet down chasing schools of anchovies. The bright orange meat is excellent table fare, and they're perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. Coho are less picky than Kings and will hit a variety of lures. Pro tip: if you see birds working the surface, get your gear down there fast—Coho will be underneath feeding on the same bait the birds are hitting from above.
Astoria, OR