Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing Guide & Charter | Astoria, Oregon

Looking for a premier Buoy 10 salmon fishing guide or charter? Marvin’s Guide Service offers expert guided trips on the Columbia River and Buoy 10 fishery near Astoria, Oregon. With decades of local experience, we specialize in Chinook (king) and coho (silver) salmon, providing safe, fully equipped, and productive trips for anglers of all skill levels.

Whether you’re planning a full-day salmon charter or a combo fishing and crabbing trip, our goal is simple — put you on fish and create unforgettable memories.

2026 Buoy 10 Salmon Season & Regulations

The Buoy 10 area opens in mid-June for ocean salmon and around August 1 for the Columbia River. Hatchery Chinook salmon are typically available into early September. Even after Chinook retention closes, we can still target fin-clipped coho salmon through the fall, giving our clients excellent fishing opportunities.

The Oregon and Washington Departments of Fish and Wildlife predict a Chinook run similar to last year — over half a million adult salmon returning. Early reports suggest the coho run may be smaller than last year, but our clients still have strong chances to fill coolers with fresh silvers.

2026 Expectations:

Hatchery Chinook retention: early Aug – Sept 3
Hatchery Coho: August opener through September
Minimum sizes: Chinook 22″, Coho 16″
(Always confirm current regulations via ODFW.)

Columbia River & Portland Chinook Fishing

Even outside Buoy 10, prime salmon fishing exists upriver, closer to Portland and the Columbia River Gorge. Fall Chinook often remain in upriver areas longer, providing additional options for guided trips. We monitor runs daily to target the most productive locations for our clients.

Where is Buoy 10?

Buoy 10 is a navigational buoy at the mouth of the Columbia River, where the river meets the Pacific Ocean. While the buoy itself marks the entrance, the “Buoy 10 fishery” covers a larger area from the mouth to a line from Tongue Point (east of Astoria, OR) north to Rocky Point (WA), including Red Buoy 44.

Our guided trips focus on the best fishing locations within this area — whether near Hammond, off the Astoria-Megler Bridge, or other hotspots where salmon are actively feeding.

Buoy 10 Fishing Methods

Using proven Buoy 10 salmon fishing techniques, we adapt to the season and conditions:

Drift and troll for Chinook and Coho
Adjust location based on daily reports and salmon movement
Target the thickest concentrations for maximum catch

We provide all rods, tackle, electronics, and safety equipment — everything you need for a productive day on the water.

Buoy 10 Crabbing & Combo Trips

In addition to salmon, Buoy 10 and the lower Columbia River estuary are excellent for Dungeness crab. Peak crabbing occurs in October and November. Combine salmon and crab on one trip or enjoy a dedicated crabbing charter.

Limits & Regulations:

Oregon: 12 crabs per person
Crabs can be cooked at the marina or vacuum-packed for shipping
Book an Buoy10 crab fishing charter

Buoy 10 Fishing Reports

During the season, stay up to date with regularly updated Buoy 10 salmon fishing reports. Check where the fish are biting, what techniques are working, and what’s happening on the water so you can plan your trip for maximum success.