Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing (Columbia River Estuary at Astoria)
Buoy 10 is Oregon's most famous salmon fishery — the lower Columbia River estuary at Astoria where fall chinook and coho stack up on their way upriver. This guide covers run timing, tides, and the all-important Columbia River bar crossing.
When to fish Buoy 10
The Buoy 10 season generally runs August into September for fall chinook and coho. Match your trip to the incoming Columbia River salmon count at Bonneville and the tide — most anglers troll the incoming and high tide.
Tides and the bar
The Columbia River bar is one of the most dangerous in the world. Oregon Angler shows the live bar-crossing status (safe / caution / hazardous) from NWS and USCG data plus tide windows so you cross on the safest slack.
Rigging and tactics
Trolling herring, spinners and flashers on the tide line is standard. Live marine forecasts, wind, swell and buoy readings help you pick a day the estuary is fishable and safe.
Related guides
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