Buoy 10 Astoria Private Crabbing Trip

Rivertrek NW – Salmon, Steelhead and Sturgeon Fishing Guide: Wade Grant

5.0(2 reviews)

Portland, OR

Private Trip

River Fishing

About This Trip:

Private 4
hour Dungeness crab harvesting on Columbia River
Small group charter accommodates maximum 4 guests
Located at productive Buoy 10 crabbing grounds near Astoria

Buoy 10 Astoria Private Crabbing Trip

Looking for a hands-on Pacific Northwest fishing adventure that's all about your crew? This 4-hour private crabbing charter at Buoy 10 puts you right in the heart of the Columbia River's most productive crab grounds. Captain Wade runs these intimate trips for up to 4 anglers, giving you personalized attention and prime access to some of Oregon's best Dungeness crab fishing. You'll be working one of the most renowned crabbing spots on the West Coast, where the Columbia meets the Pacific and creates perfect conditions for trophy-sized crabs.

What to Expect on the Water

Your private charter kicks off from Astoria's harbor, where you'll board a clean, well-maintained vessel equipped with everything needed for a successful crabbing trip. Captain Wade knows these waters like the back of his hand and will position you over the most productive crab beds around Buoy 10. The beauty of a private trip means you're not sharing space or competing for gear with strangers – it's just your group and the captain working together to fill your limits. The boat stays comfortable even when the action heats up, and there's plenty of room to work the pots without bumping elbows. Wade keeps things moving efficiently, checking pots at optimal intervals and relocating when necessary to stay on the bite.

Crabbing Techniques & Gear

We're talking serious crab pot fishing here, not the casual dock-side setups you might be used to. Captain Wade runs multiple pots simultaneously, each baited with fresh fish and strategically placed over productive bottom structure. You'll learn proper pot placement, bait selection, and timing – skills that separate successful crabbers from those who go home empty-handed. The gear is commercial-grade: heavy-duty pots, quality line, and reliable markers that won't get lost in the Columbia's strong currents. Wade handles the technical aspects like reading the tides and bottom contours, while you get hands-on experience pulling pots, measuring keepers, and learning to identify legal-sized male Dungeness. The captain provides all necessary measuring tools and teaches proper handling techniques to ensure every crab you keep meets Oregon's strict regulations.

Customer Stories

"Fantastic day of Sturgeon fishing with Captain Wade! He called to check in a couple of days before and discuss possible locations and conditions, then confirmed the location the day before. We had our first sturgeon on the line within minutes of the first cast. When the fish cooled off in one spot, we moved to another spot, where we had a long run of 6 to 8 foot fish, including a monster that took almost an hour to land. Wade was a lot of fun, knowledgeable, and gave us an amazing day out on the river!" - Wendy

"Great day on the water. We did a Buoy 10 trip with Wade and had the time of our lives. A group of 5 ranging from 10-70 and everyone caught a fish, in fact we were catching fish all day long and came home with our limit of Chinook. Wade was patients offering great "coaching" given the fact we were 4 inexperienced salmon fishers and having 2 kids did not help our keystone cop routine every time a fish was hooked. Wade's boat was clean and comfortable. This trip will be a life long memory for everyone." - Chris

Target Species Breakdown

Dungeness crab are the star of this show, and the Columbia River estuary around Buoy 10 produces some of the finest specimens on the Pacific Coast. These crabs thrive in the mixed saltwater and freshwater environment, feeding heavily on the abundant baitfish, clams, and marine worms that wash down from upriver. Peak season typically runs from December through August, with spring months often producing the heaviest, meatiest crabs as they bulk up after molting. Male Dungeness must measure at least 5¾ inches across the shell to be legal, and the best ones you'll encounter here often push 7-8 inches with thick, heavy claws packed with sweet meat. What makes Dungeness so appealing to anglers is their aggressive feeding behavior – they'll readily enter pots and fight hard when threatened, plus they're absolutely delicious table fare. The Columbia River crabs tend to be particularly sweet due to the unique brackish water environment, and many regulars swear they taste better than their purely saltwater cousins.

Why This Trip Stands Out

Captain Wade's approach combines years of local knowledge with a genuine passion for putting clients on fish. He's constantly adjusting tactics based on tidal movements, weather conditions, and seasonal patterns that affect crab behavior around Buoy 10. The private charter format means you're getting personalized instruction and prime positioning without the crowds that plague party boats. Wade's communication style keeps everyone informed about what's happening below the surface, why certain spots produce better than others, and how to maximize your success on future trips. His attention to detail shows in everything from pre-trip planning calls to ensuring your catch stays fresh throughout the day. The boat's setup is optimized for crabbing efficiency, with easy access to all areas and enough space for everyone to participate actively rather than just watching.

Time to Book Your Spot

This top-rated private crabbing experience fills up fast, especially during prime season when the Columbia River Dungeness are at their peak. With only 4 spots available per trip, you're getting an exclusive small-group adventure that delivers both quality time on the water and a cooler full of fresh Pacific Northwest seafood. Captain Wade's track record speaks for itself – customers keep coming back because he consistently delivers memorable days and limits of keeper crabs. Whether you're planning a family outing, corporate event, or just want to experience world-class crabbing with friends, this charter offers the perfect blend of productivity and personalized service that keeps anglers talking long after the trip ends.

Frequently Asked Questions