Get ready for the fishing trip of a lifetime at Oregon's legendary Buoy 10. This 8-hour private charter puts you right in the thick of one of the Pacific Northwest's most epic salmon runs. We're talking world-class Chinook and Coho action in the Columbia River estuary, where these bruisers stage before their upstream journey. With our expert guides and top-notch gear, you'll be in prime position to battle chrome-bright salmon fresh from the ocean. This isn't your average day on the water – it's your shot at hooking into the fish stories you'll be telling for years.
Buoy 10 isn't just another fishing spot – it's salmon fishing Mecca. This stretch of the Columbia River, from Buoy 10 near the mouth up to Tongue Point, draws anglers from all over the country. Why? Because when the salmon are running, the action is non-stop. We're talking about fish that can top 50 pounds, ready to test your skills and your tackle. Our private trip means you're not fighting the crowds on party boats or public launches. It's just you, your crew, and acres of prime salmon water. We'll put you on the fish using tried-and-true techniques, whether that's trolling with herring or working the tide rips with spinners.
Fishing Buoy 10 is an art form, and our guides have it down to a science. We'll be using heavy-duty downriggers to get our baits right in the strike zone, often just off the bottom where these brutes are cruising. Herring is the go-to bait here – we rig 'em up with a trademark roll that drives salmon crazy. When the bite is on, we might switch to trolling cut-plug herring or even casting big flashy spinners in the shallows. It's all about reading the water, the tide, and the fish behavior. And don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing. Our guides will walk you through every step, from setting the hook to playing these powerful fish all the way to the net.
Buoy 10 is famous for two heavyweight contenders: Chinook and Coho salmon. Let's break 'em down:
Chinook (King) Salmon: These are the giants of the Pacific salmon world. Buoy 10 Chinooks average 15-25 pounds, but 40+ pounders aren't unheard of. They hit like freight trains and fight like their lives depend on it (because, well, they do). Chinooks love to sound deep and make blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming. The season for these brutes typically kicks off in August and can run into September, depending on the run size.
Coho (Silver) Salmon: Don't let anyone tell you Cohos are Chinook's little brother. These acrobatic fighters might be smaller (usually 6-12 pounds), but what they lack in size they make up for in attitude. Cohos are known for their spectacular aerial displays – get ready for cartwheels and tail-walks when you hook into one. The Coho run usually starts a bit later, peaking in September, and can provide red-hot action when conditions are right.
Listen, I'm not gonna sugarcoat it – Buoy 10 trips book up fast. Like, scary fast. This fishery is only hot for a couple of months, and every salmon junkie in the Northwest wants a piece of the action. Booking your private trip with us means you're guaranteed a spot on the water during prime time. No waking up at 3 AM to fight for boat launch space, no elbow-to-elbow combat with other anglers. Just you, your crew, and a day of chasing trophy salmon in one of the best fisheries on the planet. So don't sit on this one – get in touch, lock in your date, and start dreaming of that chrome-bright king thrashing at the end of your line. The Buoy 10 salmon are coming – make sure you're here to meet 'em.
Chinook salmon, also called Kings, are the heavyweights of the salmon world. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, with bright silver sides and a blue-green back. You'll find them hugging the bottom in deeper water, especially early morning or evening. Kings put up an epic fight, and their rich, orange-red meat is prized eating. We target them as they enter the Columbia from July through September. Look for them around structure and drop-offs where they ambush bait. To land a big one, we'll often troll with downriggers to get our lures deep. Pro tip: Kings can be line-shy, so I like using a light leader to improve our odds. Whether you're after the thrill of the catch or a cooler full of premium salmon, Chinook are hard to beat.
Coho salmon, or silvers, are the acrobats of the salmon family. Smaller than Kings at 8-12 pounds, what they lack in size they make up for in fight. These feisty fish are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. You'll spot them by their silver sides and dark blue-green backs. Cohos hang out in calmer waters, often near debris or in quiet pools. We catch them from late summer into fall as they return to the Columbia. They're aggressive strikers, making them a blast on light tackle or fly gear. Cohos are also excellent table fare, with bright orange meat. When targeting them, I like to use bright-colored lures – pinks and chartreuses seem to trigger their competitive streak. If you're after non-stop action and great eating, Coho are your fish.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250