Updated September 24, 2026: This article was originally written before the Buoy 10 season. Fishing rules changed during 2026, including a newly added Chinook opening on September 26–27. The dates and limits below apply to the Columbia River from the Buoy 10 line upstream to the west Puget Island line.
The Buoy 10 salmon season opened August 1 near Astoria and Hammond. Hatchery coho retention remains open, and Chinook retention is allowed on September 26–27 under the currently posted rules.
2026 Buoy 10 Salmon Limits
- August 1–9: Chinook and fin-clipped hatchery coho could be kept. The daily adult limit was two salmon, but only one could be a Chinook.
- August 10–September 2: Only fin-clipped hatchery Chinook and fin-clipped hatchery coho could be kept. The daily adult limit was two hatchery salmon, but only one could be a Chinook.
- September 3–11: All Chinook had to be released. The daily adult limit was two fin-clipped hatchery coho.
- September 12–25: All Chinook must be released. The daily adult limit is three fin-clipped hatchery coho.
- September 26–27: Chinook and fin-clipped hatchery coho may be kept. The daily adult limit is three salmon, but only one may be a Chinook. Wild coho must be released.
- September 28–October 31: Under the currently posted rules, all Chinook must be released. The daily adult limit is three fin-clipped hatchery coho.
- November 1–December 31: Under the currently posted rules, all Chinook must be released. The daily adult limit is two hatchery coho or hatchery steelhead combined.
Wild coho must be released throughout this Buoy 10-to-west-Puget-Island area. Between Buoy 10 and the Tongue Point/Rocky Point line, the minimum adult coho length is 16 inches through September 30, and jack salmon retention is prohibited through September 30. All steelhead must be released from August 1 through October 31.
Always check the latest ODFW regulation updates before fishing. Rules can change again, and ocean salmon seasons have separate regulations. ODFW also posted an announcement about the added September 26–27 fishing days.
Fishing Buoy 10 With Marvin
I fish the lower Columbia River near Astoria and Hammond, adjusting our location as the tides, weather, and salmon movement change. Read my Buoy 10 fishing report for firsthand updates from the water.
For guided trip details, visit my Buoy 10 salmon fishing page. You can also check my 2027 Buoy 10 seats available page, call or text 503-314-5087, or send a trip inquiry.
