If you’ve never experienced salmon fishing on the Columbia River, you might be surprised to learn just how much the fishery changes from spring to summer and fall. Here in Astoria, Oregon, we’re currently making the exciting transition from Spring Chinook season into the famous Buoy 10 salmon fishery — one of the most well-known salmon fisheries in the Pacific Northwest.
At Making Memories Guide Service, this is one of our favorite times of year because the fishing styles, salmon behavior, and overall experience completely shift as the seasons change.
Spring Chinook Fishing on the Columbia River
Spring Chinook are prized for their incredible table quality and rich flavor. These fish are aggressive fighters and highly sought after by anglers across Oregon and Washington.
During the spring season, fishing techniques are typically slower and more methodical. Much of our fishing is done while anchored in travel lanes where salmon naturally move upriver. Anglers often fish with:
- Wrapped plugs
- Herring
- Spinners
- Scented bait setups
Spring Chinook fishing requires patience and precision. The bites can be subtle, but when a big springer takes the bait, it’s game on.
Spring Chinook are usually smaller than the massive fall salmon that arrive later in the year, but pound-for-pound they are some of the hardest fighting fish in the Columbia River system.
Transitioning Into Buoy 10 Season
As summer approaches, Astoria transforms into a salmon fishing destination known across the country. The legendary Buoy 10 fishery marks the beginning of summer and fall salmon fishing near the mouth of the Columbia River.
Unlike spring fishing, summer and fall salmon fishing is much more active. Instead of sitting anchored, we spend most of our time trolling:
- Cut plug herring
- Spinners
- Triangle flashers
- Brad’s Super Baits
- Plug-cut techniques designed specifically for Buoy 10 salmon
Trolling allows us to cover water and target moving schools of salmon entering the Columbia River from the Pacific Ocean.
Bigger Fish and More Action
One of the biggest differences anglers notice during Buoy 10 season is the size of the fish.
Fall Chinook — often called “Kings” — can be absolutely massive. These fish are powerful, aggressive, and known for screaming line off reels. It’s common to hook fish that create unforgettable battles right near Astoria and the mouth of the Columbia.
Another exciting part of summer and fall salmon fishing is the opportunity to catch Coho salmon alongside Chinook. Coho are incredibly fun to catch because of their:
- Fast runs
- Acrobatic jumps
- Aggressive strikes
Many anglers love that a single day during Buoy 10 season can produce both Chinook and Coho salmon action.
Why Anglers Travel to Astoria for Buoy 10 Fishing
Every year, anglers from all over the Pacific Northwest travel to Astoria, Oregon for Buoy 10 salmon fishing because it offers:
- World-class Chinook salmon fishing
- Coho salmon opportunities
- Beautiful Columbia River scenery
- Easy access near the Pacific Ocean
- Action-packed trolling bites
- A chance at trophy salmon
Whether you’re an experienced salmon angler or booking your very first guided salmon fishing trip, Buoy 10 season offers an unforgettable experience on the Oregon Coast.
Book Your Astoria Salmon Fishing Trip
At Making Memories Guide Service, we specialize in guided salmon fishing trips near Astoria, Oregon and the famous Buoy 10 fishery. We provide the gear, bait, tackle, and experience — you just show up ready to fish.
From Spring Chinook to giant Fall Kings and aggressive Coho salmon, there’s nothing quite like salmon fishing on the Columbia River.
If you’re ready to experience Buoy 10 fishing in Astoria, now is the perfect time to book your trip before peak salmon season arrives.