Call or text 503-314-5087 to book your Buoy 10 salmon fishing trip.
Looking for an experienced Buoy 10 salmon fishing guide near Astoria, Oregon? Marvin’s Guide Service offers guided Chinook and coho salmon fishing trips near Astoria, Hammond, Warrenton, and the mouth of the Columbia River.
My name is Marvin Henkel, and I have spent more than 27 years guiding anglers on the Columbia River, Willamette River, Oregon Coast, and Pacific Ocean. During the Buoy 10 season, I spend nearly every day following salmon through the lower Columbia River estuary.
Trips are conducted aboard my comfortable 27-foot covered and heated Alumaweld guide boat. Quality rods, reels, bait, tackle, electronics, and required safety equipment are provided.
Buoy 10 is a short and popular salmon season, so early booking is strongly recommended for prime August and September dates.
Check Buoy 10 Fishing Charter Availability
2026 Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing Regulations
The 2026 Buoy 10 fall salmon season begins August 1. Chinook retention rules change during different portions of the season.
Only fin-clipped hatchery coho may be kept at Buoy 10. Wild coho with an intact adipose fin must always be released.
- August 1–9: Any Chinook that is legal to retain may be kept, whether it is fin-clipped or not fin-clipped. Fin-clipped hatchery coho may also be kept. The daily adult limit is two salmon, but only one may be a Chinook.
- August 10–24: Only fin-clipped hatchery Chinook and fin-clipped hatchery coho may be kept. The daily adult limit is two salmon, but only one may be a Chinook.
- August 25–September 2: Any Chinook that is legal to retain may be kept, whether it is fin-clipped or not fin-clipped. Fin-clipped hatchery coho may also be kept. The daily adult limit is two salmon, but only one may be a Chinook.
- September 3–October 31: Fin-clipped hatchery coho may be kept. All Chinook must be released. The daily adult limit is two hatchery coho.
- November 1–December 31: Fin-clipped hatchery coho and hatchery steelhead may be kept. All Chinook must be released. The daily adult limit is two hatchery salmon or steelhead combined.
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Between Buoy 10 and the Tongue Point/Rocky Point line, the minimum adult coho length is 16 inches from August 1 through September 30. Jack salmon retention is prohibited in this area through September 30. All steelhead must be released from August 1 through October 31.
Fishing regulations can change during the season. Marvin’s Guide Service follows the regulations in effect on the day of each trip. Anglers should always check the latest ODFW fishing regulation updates before fishing.
Why Is Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing So Famous?
Buoy 10 is one of the most famous salmon fisheries on the West Coast. Every summer and early fall, Chinook and coho salmon gather near the mouth of the Columbia River before beginning their journey upriver.
Anglers travel from across the country to experience this fishery. Powerful Chinook salmon, aggressive coho, beautiful coastal scenery, and the possibility of fast action make Buoy 10 one of Oregon’s top salmon fishing destinations.
The fishing can change quickly. Salmon location and activity are affected by tides, current, water temperature, wind, baitfish, river flow, and ocean conditions.
Hiring an experienced Buoy 10 fishing guide allows you to spend more time fishing and less time trying to determine where the salmon have moved.
Where Is Buoy 10?
Buoy 10 is located near the mouth of the Columbia River, where the river meets the Pacific Ocean. The name comes from navigation Buoy 10 near the western boundary of the Columbia River salmon fishing area.
When anglers talk about fishing Buoy 10, they are often referring to the lower Columbia River estuary around Astoria, Hammond, Warrenton, the Astoria-Megler Bridge, and nearby channels.
Learn more about the communities surrounding the fishery:
- Astoria Oregon Fishing Guide and Charters
- Hammond Oregon Fishing Guide
- Warrenton Oregon Fishing Guide
- Long Beach and Ilwaco Fishing Charters
Best Time to Fish Buoy 10
The best time to fish Buoy 10 depends on whether you want to target Chinook, coho, or both.
August Chinook Fishing
August is normally the heart of the Buoy 10 Chinook season. These powerful salmon enter the lower Columbia River fresh from the ocean and can provide exciting fishing throughout the estuary.
Some days the strongest bite occurs near Hammond and the lower end of the estuary. Other days, salmon may move farther upriver with the tides. I adjust the fishing area based on current conditions and where the strongest bite is developing.
Late August and September Coho Fishing
Coho fishing often becomes especially productive during late August and September. Coho are known for aggressive strikes, fast runs, and frequent jumps.
As more coho enter the lower Columbia River, the action can become fast. Only fin-clipped hatchery coho may be retained at Buoy 10. All wild coho must be released.
For more seasonal opportunities, visit my Oregon fishing calendar.
Buoy 10 Chinook and Coho Salmon
Chinook Salmon
Chinook salmon are also called king salmon. They are the largest salmon commonly caught in the Columbia River and are known for powerful runs, heavy headshakes, and excellent table quality.
Chinook retention changes during different portions of the 2026 season. Some dates allow any legal Chinook, while other dates allow only fin-clipped hatchery Chinook.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon are also called silver salmon. They often strike aggressively and can provide fast-paced fishing when schools move into the lower Columbia River.
At Buoy 10, retained coho must be hatchery fish with a healed adipose fin clip. Coho with an intact adipose fin must be released.
Buoy 10 Tides and Salmon Movement
Tides are one of the biggest factors in Buoy 10 salmon fishing. Incoming tides bring cool ocean water, baitfish, and salmon into the Columbia River estuary. Outgoing tides can move salmon into different channels and closer to the river bottom.
Wind blowing against a strong outgoing tide can also create rough water. I watch the tide exchange, wind forecast, river conditions, and location of the salmon before deciding where to begin each trip.
Current tide predictions are available through NOAA Tides and Currents.
How I Fish Buoy 10 for Salmon
I adjust my tackle and trolling presentation throughout the day based on the tide, depth, current speed, bait, and location of the salmon.
My Buoy 10 setups may include Brad’s Super Bait, Yakima Bait SpinFish, flashers, cut-plug herring, and other proven Columbia River salmon presentations.
Depending on the current, I may use approximately 20 to 24 ounces of lead to keep the presentation at the correct depth.
There is no single setup that works every day. Color, scent, trolling direction, trolling speed, and fishing depth may all need to be changed as conditions develop.
Read my detailed guide explaining how to fish Buoy 10 for salmon.
Buoy 10 Fishing Reports
Buoy 10 fishing conditions can change from one tide to the next. During the season, I post reports based on what I am seeing aboard my own guide boat.
My reports include information about Chinook and coho catches, ocean salmon fishing, river conditions, bait movement, and the general area where the strongest fishing has been occurring.
Read the Current Buoy 10 Fishing Report
Where Do Buoy 10 Trips Depart?
I commonly keep my guide boat at Hammond Marina during the Buoy 10 season. Hammond provides quick access to productive lower Columbia River salmon water.
Depending on tides, weather, fishing conditions, and ramp access, trips may depart from:
- Hammond Marina
- Warrenton Marina
- West Mooring Basin in Astoria
- Another lower Columbia River launch when conditions require it
I will confirm the exact meeting location and departure time before your trip. Do not assume the launch location because fishing and weather conditions may require a change.
View Oregon Fishing Trip Meeting Locations
Covered and Heated Buoy 10 Guide Boat
Buoy 10 trips are conducted aboard my 27-foot Alumaweld Intruder. The boat provides plenty of fishing room and is designed for the changing conditions found on the lower Columbia River.
The boat includes:
- A covered and heated seating area
- Mercury 225 horsepower main motor
- Mercury 9.9 horsepower kicker motor
- A bow-mounted electric trolling motor
- Lowrance GPS, radar, sonar, and fish-finding electronics
- Lowrance ActiveTarget live sonar
- Garmin Reactor 40 autopilot
- Quality salmon rods, reels, bait, and tackle
- Required river and ocean safety equipment
Learn more about my 27-foot Oregon fishing guide boat.
What Is Included With Your Buoy 10 Charter?
Your guided fishing trip includes:
- Professional fishing guide service
- Guide boat and fuel
- Salmon rods and reels
- Bait, lures, flashers, and tackle
- Marine electronics and safety equipment
- Instruction and help throughout the trip
Beginners are welcome. I will explain how the equipment works, what to do when a salmon bites, and how to safely fight the fish to the boat.
What Should You Bring?
Guests should bring:
- The proper fishing license, Columbia River endorsement, and salmon tag
- Layered clothing
- Rain gear
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Food, drinks, and snacks
- A cooler for transporting fish home
- A camera or phone for pictures
License requirements can depend on where we fish and where the boat launches. Contact me before purchasing your license if you are unsure which license or endorsement you need.
Is Buoy 10 Fishing Good for Beginners and Families?
Yes. Many of my clients are fishing for salmon for the first time. I provide the gear and hands-on instruction needed throughout the trip.
Families and children are welcome when the weather and expected river conditions are appropriate.
Parents should contact me before booking younger children so we can discuss trip length, weather, safety, and what to bring.
Salmon and Dungeness Crab Combination Trips
Later in the season, salmon fishing and Dungeness crabbing can sometimes be combined. Availability depends on the fishing area, tides, weather, regulations, and how the salmon fishing is developing that day.
A combination trip can provide an opportunity to bring home both fresh salmon and Oregon Dungeness crab.
Learn more about my Oregon Coast crabbing trips.
Hotels, Restaurants and Things to Do Near Buoy 10
Many clients stay in Astoria, Warrenton, Hammond, Seaside, Long Beach, or Ilwaco during their fishing trip.
Why Fish Buoy 10 With Marvin’s Guide Service?
- More than 27 years of professional guiding experience
- Extensive experience fishing Astoria and the lower Columbia River
- Licensed, insured, CPR trained, and Coast Guard licensed
- Large 27-foot covered and heated guide boat
- Modern radar, GPS, sonar, and navigation equipment
- Quality rods, reels, bait, and salmon tackle
- Beginner-friendly instruction
- Family-friendly trips when conditions are appropriate
- Current fishing reports based on time spent on the water
I work hard to give every client a safe, enjoyable, and productive day. Fishing success can never be guaranteed, but I will use my experience and current knowledge to put you in the best available fishing situation.
Other Columbia River Fishing Trips
- Columbia River Salmon Fishing
- Columbia River Sturgeon Fishing
- Columbia River Fishing Guide
- Astoria Sturgeon Fishing Guide
Book Your Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing Charter
Buoy 10 is a short and popular salmon season. Peak August and September dates often fill early, although cancellations sometimes create last-minute openings.
Call or text Marvin at 503-314-5087.
Send a Buoy 10 Fishing Trip Inquiry
Buoy 10 near the mouth of the Columbia River.
Oregon Dungeness crab caught during a guided trip.
Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing FAQs
What is Buoy 10 salmon fishing?
Buoy 10 salmon fishing takes place near the mouth of the Columbia River close to Astoria, Oregon. Chinook and coho salmon gather in the estuary before migrating upriver.
When does the 2026 Buoy 10 season open?
The 2026 Buoy 10 fall salmon season begins August 1. Chinook and coho retention rules change during different portions of the season.
Can wild Chinook be kept at Buoy 10 in 2026?
Any Chinook that is legal to retain may be kept from August 1–9 and August 25–September 2. Only fin-clipped hatchery Chinook may be kept from August 10–24. Beginning September 3, all Chinook must be released.
Can wild coho be kept at Buoy 10?
No. Only fin-clipped hatchery coho may be kept at Buoy 10. All wild coho with an intact adipose fin must be released.
When is the best time to fish Buoy 10?
August is normally the primary Chinook month. Late August and September often provide excellent coho fishing.
What salmon are caught at Buoy 10?
The main salmon species are Chinook salmon, also called king salmon, and coho salmon, also called silver salmon.
Where do guided Buoy 10 trips depart?
Trips commonly depart from Hammond Marina. Warrenton Marina, West Mooring Basin, or another lower Columbia River ramp may be used when fishing or weather conditions require a change.
Are rods and tackle included?
Yes. Rods, reels, bait, tackle, electronics, and required fishing equipment are provided.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. Anglers need the proper fishing license, Columbia River endorsement, and salmon tag required for the trip. Contact Marvin before purchasing a license if you are uncertain which one you need.
Is Buoy 10 fishing suitable for beginners?
Yes. Beginners are welcome, and instruction is provided throughout the trip.
Can children fish at Buoy 10?
Yes, when weather and river conditions are appropriate. Parents should contact Marvin to discuss the child’s age, trip length, safety, and expected conditions.
Can salmon fishing and crabbing be combined?
Salmon and Dungeness crab combination trips may be available later in the season. Availability depends on tides, weather, regulations, fishing location, and current salmon fishing conditions.
What happens when weather conditions are unsafe?
The fishing location, departure ramp, or fishing plan may be changed. A trip may also be rescheduled when conditions are not safe. Safety always comes first.
