Overview
Buoy 10 salmon fishing takes place where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. This river-mouth fishery is a popular late-summer destination as Chinook and coho move from ocean waters into the Columbia River system. The location is part of the lower Columbia, which extends from Buoy 10 upriver to Bonneville Dam.
Because this is demanding water between river and ocean, a seaworthy boat in good working order is essential. That is one reason many anglers choose a guided trip rather than operating their own boat here.
Best months: Aug–Oct — see August, September and October.
Species and seasons
Chinook and coho are the primary salmon targets associated with guided Buoy 10 trips.
| Species | Best months | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chinook salmon | Late summer, including August | Salmon move from the ocean toward the Columbia River |
| Coho salmon | Late summer into fall | Returns continue into late September and October |
The table summarizes typical seasonal patterns, not regulatory fishing dates. Buoy 10 is closely associated with salmon entering the Columbia from the Pacific. Timing matters when researching a trip, but returning fish alone do not establish a legal fishing opportunity. For broader species information, see Washington salmon fishing. The fall fishing overview provides additional seasonal context.
Methods
Guided boat trolling is a common method for targeting Chinook and coho around Buoy 10. Unlike a freshwater bank-fishing trip, this approach takes place from a boat operating near the meeting point of a major river and the Pacific Ocean.
When researching a Buoy 10 guide, anglers should ask about the species targeted, the general trolling approach and how the operator evaluates conditions for a trip. The choice of guide should account for experience with the river-mouth environment, not simply the general availability of salmon fishing trips.
Regions and access
Buoy 10 marks the Columbia River mouth, where the river transitions into the Pacific Ocean. The broader lower Columbia extends upstream from Buoy 10 to Bonneville Dam. Although both areas belong to the same river system, a Buoy 10 fishing trip specifically focuses on the river-mouth fishery.
This distinction is useful when comparing guide listings. An operator advertising lower Columbia salmon trips may not necessarily be offering the same fishing experience as one focused on Buoy 10. Washington and Oregon share the Columbia River, creating additional considerations for anglers researching fishing licenses and rules. Confirm requirements for the planned activity using current official information rather than making assumptions based on the departure side of the river.
Check the rules before you go
Seasons, limits and closures change every year and by emergency rule. Check current WDFW rules at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations and emergency rules/closures at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/emergency-rules before you go.
Because the Columbia River is shared by Washington and Oregon, anglers should also consult the applicable Oregon fishing regulations at https://myodfw.com/fishing. Typical salmon return periods do not determine current fishing permissions.
Find a guide
Browse the Washington fishing guide directory to find operators offering Buoy 10 salmon fishing and other lower Columbia trips. More Lower Columbia & SW WA guides.
Ask your guide for their WDFW guide license number before you book.
When reviewing a guide listing, confirm that Buoy 10 is the intended fishing area, rather than assuming all Columbia River salmon trips use the same location. Ask about boat-based trolling, target species, trip arrangements and the operator’s approach to evaluating conditions in demanding water.
Recent fishing reports
Visit the Washington fishing reports archive for seasonal observations and context about salmon fishing while consulting official sources for current regulations.
FAQ
Where is Buoy 10 salmon fishing located? Buoy 10 is at the mouth of the Columbia River where it meets the Pacific Ocean. The broader lower Columbia extends upstream to Bonneville Dam, but Buoy 10 refers specifically to the river-mouth area.
When is Buoy 10 salmon fishing typically popular? Late summer is the general period associated with Buoy 10. August appears on at least one guide’s fall salmon calendar, and coho continue returning into late September and October. These are seasonal observations, not legal fishing dates.
What salmon species are targeted at Buoy 10? Chinook and coho are the principal targets for guided salmon trolling trips. Their movements from ocean waters into the Columbia River are central to the fishery’s seasonal appeal.
Why do anglers book a Buoy 10 guide? The meeting point between river and ocean creates demanding boating conditions. A guide provides an alternative to operating a private boat in this environment, although safe boating and current fishing rules remain important considerations.
Do Washington and Oregon have the same fishing license requirements? Anglers should not assume that requirements are identical. The Columbia River is shared by both states, and licensing can involve Washington and Oregon. Check the relevant state regulations before fishing.
Related
Related fishing hubs: Westport salmon charters; Columbia River sturgeon (coming later). Related month pages: August; September; October. Explore the Washington fisheries directory, the salmon species guide and fall fishing in Washington.