5.0(2 Reviews)Private Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing Charter
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday salmon fishing at famous Buoy 10 locationTarget Coho and King Salmon on Columbia RiverPrivate charter accommodates up to six guests
Picture this: you're drifting just inside the Columbia River mouth where ocean-bright salmon are stacking up before their final push upstream. That's exactly what you get with our private Buoy 10 charter – a full day targeting both Coho and King salmon in what locals call the "Super Bowl" of Pacific Northwest fishing. Wade will put you on fish in one of the most productive salmon fisheries on the West Coast, where the Columbia meets the Pacific and fresh-from-the-ocean salmon stage in massive numbers during peak season.
Your private group of up to six anglers will launch from Astoria and head straight to the legendary Buoy 10 area, where the Columbia River dumps into the Pacific Ocean. This isn't your typical river fishing – we're talking about intercepting salmon that are still chrome-bright from the salt, aggressive, and ready to fight. The area gets its name from the navigation buoy that marks this productive zone, and during August and September, it becomes a salmon angler's paradise. You'll be fishing in a mix of river current and tidal influence, which keeps the bait concentrated and the salmon feeding. Wade knows these waters like the back of his hand and will position the boat where the fish are holding, whether that's in the shipping channel edges, along the jetties, or in the deeper holes where kings like to cruise.
We'll be trolling with downriggers and divers to get your baits down to where the salmon are cruising. The technique here is all about covering water and finding active fish – we'll run a spread of lines at different depths using everything from herring, anchovies, and spinners to flashers and hoochies. The key to Buoy 10 success is reading the water and adjusting your presentation based on what the fish want that day. Sometimes they're shallow and aggressive, hitting flashy gear near the surface. Other days you need to get down deep with subtle presentations. Wade provides all the tackle, from the heavy-duty downrigger rods to the terminal gear that's been proven in these waters. You'll learn how to work the rods when fish hit, how to read the downrigger releases, and the proper way to fight these powerful salmon in current.
"Wade is an expert guide who provides a fantastic experience. Our group had a wonderful time on the water." - MICHAEL "The captain provided a friendly atmosphere and expert help, ensuring we landed a high volume of fish!" - CLINT
Chinook Salmon are the kings of the Columbia, and Buoy 10 produces some absolute monsters. These fish can range from 15 pounds up to 40-plus pound beasts that will test your tackle and your patience. Chinooks are powerful fighters that make long runs and use the current to their advantage – they'll dive deep, shake their heads, and do everything possible to throw the hook. What makes Buoy 10 special for king fishing is that you're catching them fresh from the ocean when they're at peak condition and maximum strength. The best action typically happens from mid-August through September when multiple runs of fish are moving through the area. Kings prefer the deeper water and stronger current, so we'll often target them along the shipping channel and around structure.
Coho Salmon, also called silvers, are the acrobats of the salmon world and they show up at Buoy 10 in incredible numbers during late summer and early fall. These fish typically run 6 to 12 pounds, but what they lack in size compared to kings, they make up for in pure energy and aerial displays. When a coho hits your line, get ready for jumps, runs, and non-stop action until it's in the net. They're more aggressive feeders than kings and will often hit flashier presentations, making them perfect for anglers who want consistent action. Coho fishing at Buoy 10 can be absolutely phenomenal when multiple schools are moving through – it's not uncommon to have doubles and triples on when you find a hot bite.
Buoy 10 salmon fishing is legendary for good reason – it combines the best of both river and ocean fishing in one of the most productive salmon areas on the Pacific Coast. Your private charter means no crowds, no sharing spots with other anglers, and Wade's full attention on putting your group on fish. Whether you're after a trophy king or want to fill the cooler with silvers, this top-rated charter delivers the goods when salmon fishing is at its peak. The season is short and the best dates fill up fast, so don't wait to secure your spot for what could be the salmon trip of a lifetime.
Hit the legendary Buoy 10 waters aboard our 2023 River Wild Elite – a 26-footer built specifically for chasing Chinook and Coho salmon where the Columbia meets the Pacific. This Yamaha 250 VMAX-powered rig cruises at 50 knots, getting you to the hot bite fast with room for up to 6 anglers. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when working productive water, while our Garmin electronics package helps us stay on the fish. GPS keeps us locked on productive spots, VHF radio ensures safe communication, and the fish finder shows exactly what's swimming below. Ocean-capable and ready for the Columbia's big water, this boat handles everything from river mouths to open ocean fishing grounds with ease.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweight champions of the Columbia River, running 15-30+ pounds with some true giants pushing 40. These silver-sided bruisers with black-spotted backs prefer deeper water near the bottom, especially around Buoy 10 where they stage before heading upriver. August through September is prime time when ocean-fresh fish are at their strongest. What makes kings special is that incredible fight combined with their rich, orange-pink meat that's absolutely unbeatable on the table. They're light-sensitive, so we target them early morning or evening. Here's a local tip: when trolling herring or plugs, keep your gear weighted and deep - these fish rarely come up to chase a bait.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are pure adrenaline on the end of your line, known for their acrobatic jumps and aggressive strikes. These chrome-bright fighters typically run 8-15 pounds and love to put on a show, often leaping 6 feet out of the water. You'll find them throughout the water column around Buoy 10, from mid-depth to surface, especially where the Columbia meets tidal influence. Peak season runs August through September when they're ocean-bright and full of fight. Coho are prized for their spirited battles and excellent table fare with that bright orange meat. They're less light-shy than kings, making them great daytime targets. Pro tip: when they're being picky, try switching to smaller, brighter lures like pink or chartreuse - coho love flash and color.
5.0 out of 5.0Wade is an expert guide who provides a fantastic experience. Our group had a wonderful time on the water.
The captain provided a friendly atmosphere and expert help, ensuring we landed a high volume of fish!
Portland, OR