Buoy 10 Fishing Report
Written by Toby Wyatt
Buoy 10 Fishing Report
Welcome to the latest Buoy 10 Fishing Report news and updates from Astoria! We have some exciting updates for you this year as we predict massive runs of both Chinook and Coho Salmon. Don’t miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime. Book your trip now!
Stay informed with the latest information on King, Chinook and Coho Salmon hotspots from Oregon, Washington to Idaho. Including the legendary Columbia River and its tributaries, along with the Snake River and Clearwater River.
Updated | May 13th, 2026
Location | Columbia River, Buoy 10 Astoria
Buoy 10 2026: What Anglers Need to Know
The Forecast: Plenty of Fish Headed Our Way
Preliminary numbers point to over 700,000 fall Chinook returning to the Columbia in 2026 — similar to last year’s strong return of more than 650,000 kings. Coho numbers aren’t final yet, but after a 2025 season that produced the 3rd highest coho retention on record between Warrior Rock and Bonneville, the silvers should once again put on a show.
Bottom line: if you’ve been waiting for a year to make the trip to Astoria, this is one to circle on the calendar.
2026 Buoy 10 Season Dates (Tentative)
Mark your calendar — Buoy 10 kicks off August 1 with Chinook retention running through approximately September 6.
- Aug 1–6: 2 salmon daily, only 1 Chinook. Release native coho.
- Aug 7–25: 2 salmon daily, only 1 Chinook. Release native Chinook and native coho.
- Aug 26–Sept 6: 2 salmon daily, only 1 Chinook. Release native coho.
- Sept 7–Dec 31: 2 salmon daily — hatchery coho only.
Warm Up on the Ocean First
Don’t wait until August to wet a line. The Astoria ocean salmon season opens Saturday, June 20, 2026, with an all-salmon fishery (Chinook and hatchery coho). Daily bag is 2 adult salmon, one Chinook max. Chinook must be 22″+, coho 16″+ (and let’s hope we’re not measuring any 16-inchers).
New for 2026 — Don’t Get Caught Without It
Starting January 1, 2026, all anglers need a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement to fish for salmon or steelhead in the Columbia and many of its tributaries. Pick it up online through ODFW or WDFW before you launch.
A Quick Heads Up
These dates are still tentative pending final approval after the May run-size update. In-season adjustments happen every year, so check ODFW or WDFW regulation updates before you head to the ramp.
Frequently Asked Questions about our fishing trips
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I BRING ON MY TRIP?
The legal max boatload is six anglers, but with six full time guides available we are able to accommodate large groups of more than six people.
IS LUNCH/DRINKS PROVIDED ON MY TRIPS?
Lunch and drinks ARE NOT provided on any of our fishing trips anymore.
HOW MANY HOURS ARE WE ON THE WATER?
Look forward to at least 8 hours of fishing unless you book a half day trip, then look forward to 4 hours of fishing
DO YOU PROVIDE ALL THE GEAR WE NEED TO FISH?
Yes, each guide is fully equipped with top-notch rods, reels and bait to ensure success on your trip.
DO I NEED TO PRE-PAY OR PLACE A DEPOSIT DOWN TO HOLD MY SPOT?
We require a 50% deposit at the time of booking, final payment must be made in full 10 days prior to your trip. We do not offer refunds for cancellations or head-count changes made inside 10 days of your trip.
DO YOU CLEAN AND FILLET OUR CATCH?
Yes, all of our guides will clean and fillet your catch unless otherwise specified.