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Expert-Guided Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing | Columbia River

  • Published Date: July 16, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Oregon
  • $500 - $1,200 price range

Summary

Ready for some serious salmon fishing? Join True North Outdoors for an 8-hour trip at Buoy 10, one of the Pacific Northwest's top spots for Chinook and Coho. You'll be fishing the Columbia River using tried-and-true methods to land these powerful fish as they start their upstream journey. This shared trip is perfect if you want to meet other anglers while still getting pro guidance and using quality gear. Buoy 10 is known for its great salmon runs, and you'll be right in the thick of the action. The crew knows all the hotspots and will help you make the most of your day on the water. Whether you're new to salmon fishing or a seasoned pro, this trip offers a fun mix of socializing and focused fishing. Bring your camera – you might just catch the fish of a lifetime!
Expert-Guided Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing | Columbia River

Salmon Battles at Buoy 10

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Chinook salmon caught while fishing in Portland

Reeling in PNW River Gold

Chinook salmon caught while fishing in Portland

Lines Tight in Portland

Chinook salmon caught fishing in OR

Steelhead Days in Oregon

Chinook salmon caught while fishing in Portland

Fishing Portland’s Backwaters

Chinook salmon caught fishing in OR

Hooked Up on the Willamette

Impressive catch of 8 salmon and shad fish in OR

Big Catch Near Portland, OR

6 coho salmon caught fishing in Oregon

Columbia River Fishing Fun

Two coho salmon caught by three people fishing in Portland

Portland’s Finest Fish Catch

Two Chinook Salmon, 28 inches, fishing in OR

Tugs and Bends in Oregon

Chinook salmon caught fishing in OR

River Action in the Northwest

Chinook salmon caught while fishing in Portland

Reeling in PNW River Gold

Chinook salmon caught while fishing in Portland

Lines Tight in Portland

Chinook salmon caught fishing in OR

Steelhead Days in Oregon

Chinook salmon caught while fishing in Portland

Fishing Portland’s Backwaters

Chinook salmon caught fishing in OR

Hooked Up on the Willamette

Impressive catch of 8 salmon and shad fish in OR

Big Catch Near Portland, OR

6 coho salmon caught fishing in Oregon

Columbia River Fishing Fun

Two coho salmon caught by three people fishing in Portland

Portland’s Finest Fish Catch

Two Chinook Salmon, 28 inches, fishing in OR

Tugs and Bends in Oregon

Chinook salmon caught fishing in OR

River Action in the Northwest

Chinook salmon caught while fishing in Portland

Reeling in PNW River Gold

Chinook salmon caught while fishing in Portland

Lines Tight in Portland

Chinook salmon caught fishing in OR

Steelhead Days in Oregon

Chinook salmon caught while fishing in Portland

Fishing Portland’s Backwaters

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Reel in the Big One: Buoy 10 Salmon Adventure

Ready to get your hands on some of the fattest salmon the Pacific Northwest has to offer? Strap in for an 8-hour shared fishing trip that'll put you right in the thick of the legendary Buoy 10 fishery. We're talking prime Columbia River action, where Chinook and Coho are making their annual run upstream. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, this trip is your ticket to world-class salmon fishing without breaking the bank.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising out at the crack of dawn, coffee in hand, as the mist rises off the Columbia. Our seasoned captain knows every eddy and hotspot in these waters. You'll be fishing shoulder-to-shoulder with three other anglers, swapping stories and friendly competition as you work the rods. We provide all the top-notch gear you need - from rods and reels to bait and tackle. No experience? No problem. Our guide's got you covered with tips and tricks to land that trophy fish. Just remember to bring your A-game and a good attitude - the fish aren't always predictable, but the fun is guaranteed.

Hooking Into the Action

At Buoy 10, we're all about mastering the art of trolling. We'll be using a mix of herring rigs and flashers to entice those big boys. The captain will set you up with downriggers to get your bait down where the fish are feeding. Keep your eyes peeled for signs of salmon - jumping fish, seabirds diving, or that telltale blip on the fish finder. When that rod goes off, it's all hands on deck! These Columbia River salmon put up one heck of a fight, so be ready for some serious reel-screaming action. Don't worry if you're new to this - we'll coach you through the whole process, from setting the hook to netting your catch.

What Anglers Are Saying

"Captain Hugh goes above and beyond to get you on the fish! His dedication, expertise, and top-quality gear make for an unforgettable fishing experience. Highly recommend!" - Javier

"The fish weren't biting that day, but Captain Hugh put in the extra effort to find them. That's fishing! His dedication and hard work made for a great experience regardless." - Rodger

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these are the heavyweights of the Pacific salmon world. Buoy 10 Chinooks can tip the scales at over 40 pounds, with 20-30 pounders being common. They're known for their rich, fatty meat and powerful fights. These bruisers start showing up in late July, with the peak run typically hitting in August. When a Chinook takes your bait, hold on tight - they're famous for their initial runs that can strip 100 yards of line in seconds.

Coho Salmon: Don't let their smaller size fool you - Coho, or Silver Salmon, are pound-for-pound some of the scrappiest fish in the river. Averaging 8-12 pounds, these acrobatic fighters are known for their spectacular leaps and quick runs. The Coho run usually kicks into high gear by mid-August and can last well into September. They're aggressive biters and often travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. Their bright silver sides and spotted blue-green backs make for some gorgeous photos, and their firm, orange flesh is a favorite on the grill.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, the Buoy 10 fishery isn't just any old fishing hole - it's the Super Bowl of salmon fishing in the Pacific Northwest. This 8-hour shared trip is your chance to get in on the action without breaking the bank. You're getting expert guidance, top-of-the-line gear, and a shot at some of the best salmon fishing you'll ever experience. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer or just want to feel the rush of battling a chrome-bright salmon, this trip delivers. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait. Grab your fishing buddies, or come solo and make some new ones - either way, you're in for a day on the water you won't forget. Book now and get ready to make some serious fishing memories at Buoy 10!

Customer Reviews

Fishing Mastery

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Captain Hugh goes above and beyond to get you on the fish! His dedication, expertise, and top-quality gear make for an unforgettable fishing experience. Highly recommend!

JM
Javier M

August 25, 2024

Relentless Captain

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The fish weren’t biting that day, but Captain Hugh put in the extra effort to find them. That’s fishing! His dedication and hard work made for a great experience regardless.

RB
Rodger B

August 15, 2024

Learn more about the species

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, also called kings, are the heavyweights of the Columbia. These bruisers average 15-30 pounds but can top 50. You'll find them in deeper holes and channels as they push upriver to spawn. Fall's the prime time, when big schools enter from the ocean. Chinook put up a heck of a fight - be ready for long runs and acrobatic jumps. Their rich, orange-red meat is prized for the dinner table too. When targeting kings, I like to troll with cut-plug herring near the bottom. Keep your drag set light and let 'em run when they hit. Nothing beats the thrill of battling one of these monsters on the end of your line.

Chinook Salmon

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, or silvers, are the acrobats of the Columbia. Smaller than kings at 6-12 pounds, what they lack in size they make up for in fight. These chrome bullets love to rocket out of the water when hooked. Look for them in calmer spots behind rocks or logs as they migrate upriver. Late summer into fall is prime time. Coho are a blast on light tackle, and their firm pink flesh is delicious grilled or smoked. To entice strikes, I'll often troll with colorful spoons or spinners. A local trick is to add a small piece of cured egg to your lure for extra scent. When a silver hits, hold on tight - they'll test your knots and your nerves with their aerial antics.

Coho Salmon

About the True North Outdoors

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Get ready for an action-packed day of salmon fishing on the legendary Columbia River! This 8-hour shared trip takes you to the famous Buoy 10 area, where Chinook and Coho Salmon are known to congregate as they begin their upstream journey. You'll be joining a small group of fellow anglers, creating a fun and social atmosphere while still getting personalized attention from your experienced guide. They'll share proven techniques and provide top-notch gear to help you land these hard-fighting fish. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to salmon fishing, this trip offers a great chance to be part of one of the Pacific Northwest's most celebrated fisheries. Don't miss out on the opportunity to hook into some impressive salmon and create lasting memories on the mighty Columbia. Spots are limited, so secure your place on this popular fishing adventure today!
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