Columbia River Buoy 10

Astoria, OR/WA, United States · Freshwater · Intermediate

The lower Columbia estuary, where returning chinook and coho stack up before pushing upriver. The Buoy 10 fishery near Astoria is one of the largest salmon gatherings in the world.

Getting there & access

  • Fish from: boat
  • Boat ramp: On the Washington side, Ilwaco is the main launch for Marine Area 1, with an alternative at the Port of Chinook; on the Oregon side, boats also launch from Warrenton, Astoria and other Columbia River ports
  • Walk in: Bank/jetty access without a boat is available at the Columbia River North Jetty and A-Jetty near Cape Disappointment State Park, for lingcod, rockfish and seaperch

The Columbia River bar here is one of the most dangerous in the country — check weather and tide tables and avoid crossing on a strong outgoing tide. This stretch straddles the WA/OR state line, matching the concurrent-waters rule already noted in this spot's regulations.

Access information source

Species

  • chinook salmon
  • steelhead
  • white sturgeon

Best times to fish

  • Buoy 10 chinook (Aug)
  • Coho (Sep)
  • Spring chinook (Apr-May)

Recommended gear

Essential

  • Medium-heavy trolling rod
  • Spinners, herring and flashers
  • Downrigger or diver
  • Rain gear

Optional

  • Boat with kicker motor
  • Bar-crossing safety gear
  • Net with large hoop

Regulations and requirements

  • Oregon or Washington licence required depending on bank; both states honour a concurrent-waters rule
  • Salmon and steelhead tags required; seasons open and close at short notice
  • Sturgeon is largely catch-and-release — check ODFW/WDFW

Rules change regularly — always confirm with the relevant fisheries authority before you fish.

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