Buoy 10 Fishing Tips

The Buoy 10 fishery is a renowned fishing destination that you may find at the mouth of the Columbia River. It is filled with the ever-famous chinook and hatchery-marked coho salmon, making anglers from all over the world excited to visit the place and experience its outstanding salmon fishing opportunities.

Fishing in Buoy 10 is a great idea to spend a weekend getaway with your family, friends, or co-anglers. August and September are the most awaited months for anglers who want to try their luck and fish in the Washington Astoria, Warrenton, and Ilwaco areas. As the legendary chinook and coho salmon goes to the Columbia River, it's not surprising to find thousands of anglers hoping to land a great catch out of its abundant waters all at once. 

Effective Salmon Fishing Tips in Buoy 10

The Columbia River can be rough and unpredictable. Patience and boating skills are necessary for anglers who wish to visit the area. Below are some tips that will help you fish in the Buoy 10 fishery: 

1. Don't Rush and Wait for the Perfect Time to Fish

Buoy 10 fishing season usually opens and starts slowly on August 1. However, the number of salmon hasn't built up yet during this time. It is best to wait until mid-September for more good coho fishing. 

2. Target Chinook Early and Coho the Last.

Chinook is the first to enter the Columbia River during the first week of August, when the season begins and can be caught through the end of the month. Most anglers target chinook first because its season usually closes earlier and transitions to coho after some time. 

On the other hand, coho heats up from the third week of August to the middle of September. It is one of the best biting salmon in the river, and anglers said that having 20 to 30 opportunities a day is not uncommon for this species. 

Even though the water is abundant with these species, the fishery only allows a daily limit of two salmon, one chinook, and hatchery steelhead. The minimum size of chinook and hatchery coho you can catch here are 24 and 16 inches long, respectively. 

3. Pay Attention to the Tides

The tides in the Columbia River's mouth play a vital role in fishing. Incoming tides bring cooler water, bait fish, and large amounts of salmon. The salmon bite more during the first hour of the high slack tide's transition to ebbing tide. Although beneficial for fishing, it can be dangerous for boaters due to wind and heavy currents. 

If you are fishing on the Astoria-Megler Bridge, stay above it as the tides are transitioning. If you wish to go to the Lower River, stay closer to takeouts during this time, and avoid Clatsop Spit and the Astoria shipping channel for your safety. 

4. Fish Where the Fish Are

Prepare your fishing baits, lure the fish into the water column when there is an incoming tide, and position it at the bottom during an outgoing tide. Late August and September are when the waves are less critical, making it easier to find a perfect spot to land a catch. 

5. Always Bring Both Bait and Equipment 

An angler who is adaptable to any circumstances is considered a successful angler. There are days when fish prefer taking the bait, while there are also days when the key to effective fishing is your equipment. It is best always to bring both for a guaranteed fishing experience. 

6. Familiarize Yourself 

Familiarizing yourself with the area will guarantee your fishing success and safety. Buoy 10 has dangerous shoals, and it is a must to know more about them before you get there. You can use a depth finder to avoid unwanted incidents while on the water. Aside from that, it will help you detect how deep the fish are and where you should position yourself for effective fishing.

7. Spend More Time on the Water

The more time you spend on the water, the higher the success rate for fishing. Although Buoy 10 has abundant water, it does not necessarily mean that your fishing adventure will be a great success just because there are fish everywhere. Staying longer in the water as long as the weather and fishing conditions permit and not quitting will give you a successful fishing trip. 

8. Consider Hiring a Guide

Boating skills are essential when fishing in Buoy 10. If you don't have a boat, don't know how to drive a boat, or do not have someone who has the fishing gear and has been a day of no success, then it is best to consider hiring a guide. Having a guided trip is the only way for you to experience the fishery. The guide will help you find a great spot to catch the legendary salmon and show you their essential tips for success. 

Experience Freshwater Salmon Fishing 

This fishery is one of the most awaited fisheries in the state as it is the first opportunity for anglers to catch salmon in Columbia River's freshwater. 

But just like other fisheries, it's not always a boom for Buoy 10. There are times when both chinook and coho salmon are in plentiful supply, other times when only one species has an abundant supply and some years are only moderate for both. Nonetheless, there is enough supply of salmon for all. Using the tips provided above, you can land a great catch of these remarkable species that have been awaited by many.