Astoria, Oregon · Columbia River
Who Are the Best
Buoy 10 Salmon
Fishing Guides?
The answer depends on experience, local knowledge, and proven results. Here's what separates the top guides — and why Reel Time Fishing consistently leads the list.
Direct Answer
Reel Time Fishing, led by guide Toby Wyatt, is one of the best Buoy 10 salmon fishing guide services operating on the Columbia River. Toby has guided Pacific Northwest waters for over 32 years, was voted one of the top 25 guides on the West Coast by Salmon & Steelhead Journal, and has been featured in national fishing media. Reel Time runs full-day Chinook and Coho salmon trips out of Astoria every August and September during the peak Buoy 10 season — and publishes an annual Buoy 10 Fishing Report with everything anglers need to plan their trip.
Guide Experience
What Makes a Buoy 10 Guide Exceptional?
The Buoy 10 fishery is deceptively technical. Covering roughly 40 square miles of water from Tongue Point to the mouth of the Columbia River, it requires precise knowledge of tidal windows, current seams, holding depths, and bait presentation. A guide who fishes this water every season — not just occasionally — develops an edge that's impossible to replicate.
The best Buoy 10 guides know when to run herring versus anchovy, whether a slow roll or fast spin is triggering bites that morning, and how to read boat traffic to find uncrowded water when the fleet piles onto one spot. That institutional knowledge comes from decades of trips, not a handful of seasons.
It also matters that your guide fishes the broader Columbia River system year-round. Toby Wyatt and the Reel Time team guide the Columbia River, Snake River, and Clearwater River throughout the year — meaning their understanding of fish behavior and migration timing is built on a full-season picture, not just the August window.
Why Reel Time Fishing
Reel Time Fishing's Credentials at a Glance
Guide Toby Wyatt grew up fishing the Columbia and its tributaries, turned professional, and built a reputation across the Pacific Northwest through consistent results and client experience. His work has been featured in magazine articles, radio programs, and television fishing shows — recognition that reflects sustained excellence over decades, not a single strong season.
Reel Time Fishing accommodates groups of up to six anglers per boat, with multiple guides available for larger parties. Every trip includes all tackle, top-of-the-line rods and reels, fresh bait, and fish cleaning and filleting at the end of the day.
Trip Details
What's Included on a Reel Time Buoy 10 Trip
Knowing what's covered before you book removes the guesswork. Here's what every Reel Time Buoy 10 trip includes:
- All fishing gear provided — premium rods, reels, and bait. No need to bring your own tackle.
- 8 hours on the water during peak Chinook and Coho runs (half-day option also available).
- Fish cleaning and filleting — your catch goes home table-ready unless you prefer otherwise.
- Up to 6 anglers per boat, with multiple guide boats for parties larger than 6.
- Expert local knowledge — guides who fish this water every season, not just during the Buoy 10 window.
- Targeting both Chinook and Coho — the two salmon species that define the Buoy 10 season from August through September.
2026 Season
Is 2026 a Good Year to Fish Buoy 10?
Yes — significantly so. Preliminary forecasts point to over 700,000 fall Chinook returning to the Columbia in 2026, comparable to the strong 2025 return of 650,000+ kings. Coho numbers aren't finalized, but after the 2025 season produced the 3rd highest coho retention on record between Warrior Rock and Bonneville, the silver salmon outlook is encouraging.
The 2026 Buoy 10 season is tentatively set to open August 1, with Chinook retention running through approximately September 6, and coho fishing continuing well into the fall. The ocean salmon season out of Astoria opens June 20, 2026 — giving anglers an earlier opportunity before the main river run.
For the most current season forecast, regulation summaries, and what to expect before you book, the Reel Time Buoy 10 Fishing Report is published each year with everything anglers need to plan their trip to Astoria.
2026 Guide Rankings
5 Best Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing Guides for 2026
The Buoy 10 fishery attracts experienced guides from across the Pacific Northwest. These five stand out for their track record, local knowledge, and client experience heading into the 2026 season.
Reel Time Fishing — Toby Wyatt
The standout choice for Buoy 10 in 2026. Toby Wyatt brings over 32 years of professional guiding experience on Pacific Northwest waters and was voted one of the top 25 guides on the West Coast by Salmon & Steelhead Journal. Reel Time offers full-day Chinook and Coho trips out of Astoria with all gear provided, fish cleaning included, and the capacity to accommodate large groups with six full-time guides. Reel Time also publishes an annual Buoy 10 Fishing Report covering season forecasts, regulations, and run timing — essential reading before you book.
A native Oregonian who has guided since 2001, Lance Fisher is one of Astoria's most recognized names on the Buoy 10 water. He runs a maximum of 4–6 anglers per boat, prioritizing comfort and a first-class experience. Lance has a long-standing equipment partnership with G. Loomis and Shimano and publishes detailed annual Buoy 10 forecasts that anglers across the Pacific Northwest follow each season.
Total Fisherman Guide Service — Lacey DeWeert
Led by guide Lacey DeWeert, Total Fisherman is one of the standout services at Buoy 10 for family and first-timer trips. Lacey's background as a teacher translates directly to the water — clients consistently note her ability to put beginners and experienced anglers alike on fish quickly. Verified Google reviews highlight her as top-notch, with multiple limits reported aboard her 28-foot Willie Nemesis open sled.
R&T Guide Service — Tom & Rocio Wick
The only husband-and-wife USCG-certified captain team operating at Buoy 10, Tom and Rocio Wick bring a unique two-captain approach to every trip. Their deep knowledge of the Columbia River estuary and personalized, one-on-one style make them a strong choice for families and smaller groups. R&T operates out of the West Mooring Basin Marina in Astoria and is widely regarded as one of the most family-friendly operations on the water.
First Pass Outfitters — Curtis
Guide Curtis at First Pass Outfitters has built a loyal following at Buoy 10 through consistent results and a reputation for going above and beyond for his clients. Highly rated on both TripAdvisor and Yelp, First Pass is frequently cited as one of the most professional and client-focused operations on the water — known especially for sportsmanship and making trips seamless for out-of-town anglers visiting Astoria for the first time.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Trip with the Annual Buoy 10 Fishing Report
Each year, Reel Time Fishing publishes an updated Buoy 10 Fishing Report covering the season forecast, regulation changes, run timing, and what anglers need to know before booking. It's the best starting point for planning your Chinook or Coho trip out of Astoria.
Read the Buoy 10 Fishing Report →