Fishing Buoy 10: What to Expect on the Lower Columbia

Buoy 10 is home water for me. Here is how I think about the tides, conditions, and the kind of day I want guests to have when Chinook and Coho are moving into the river.

Reese Johnson guiding anglers on a Columbia River fishing trip

Buoy 10 is more than one spot

By Reese Johnson July 9, 2026

People hear “Buoy 10” and sometimes picture one spot. It is really how we talk about the lower-river fishery around the boundary marker and upstream toward Tongue Point. This is where fall salmon come in from the Pacific and begin moving into the Columbia River.

I grew up fishing the Lower Columbia and have never looked back. It is home and still my happy place. August and September are the months most anglers associate with Buoy 10, when Chinook and Coho are the main focus. Every season is different, though, and retention rules can change while the run is underway. I plan around the fish and the current rules instead of promising one exact date.

A Buoy 10 trip is not a ride to one waypoint where we sit all day. I am watching the tide, current, wind, visibility, boat traffic, and what the fish are doing. The best water in the morning may not be the best water later on, so being willing to move and adjust is a big part of fishing here.

For me, a good trip is about more than the fish we bring to the boat. I want guests to be comfortable, understand what we are doing, have a few laughs, and get a real day on my home water. If you are new to salmon fishing, I will walk you through the gear and help at every step. If you have fished the Columbia before, I am always happy to explain why we are setting up in a certain place or making a change.

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The tide sets the plan

Incoming and outgoing water changes how fish travel and where I want the boat. I start with the tide and keep watching it as the day develops.

A place that looks right at daylight may slow down once the current changes. I would rather adjust the plan than spend the day waiting for yesterday’s bite.

This is big, busy water. Wind, fog, shipping traffic, and river-mouth conditions all matter, and safety always comes before sticking to a fishing plan.

What to bring, and what I’ll handle

I provide the rods, tackle, bait, and safety equipment. You should bring layers for changing weather, rain gear when the forecast calls for it, sunglasses, sun protection, bottled water, and whatever snacks you want for the day. Conditions near the river mouth can change quickly, and it is much easier to enjoy the trip when you are dressed for it.

Everyone fishing needs the right license and salmon or steelhead tag, along with any required Columbia River Basin Endorsement. Barbless hooks and other Columbia River requirements can apply. I will talk through the plan before the trip, but every angler should make sure their license and tags are ready before we leave.

Fishing rules are the part nobody should guess at. Seasons, retention rules, bag limits, and open areas can change in-season. Check the latest ODFW regulation updates, Oregon Columbia River Zone rules, and WDFW fishing regulations, then confirm the day’s plan with me when you book.

Tell me who is coming fishing

When you book, send your preferred dates, group size, and everyone’s experience level. First-timers and families are welcome. The more I know about your group, the better I can plan a comfortable day and make sure everyone is ready when it is their turn on a fish.

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