Ocean Coho Now or Wait for Buoy 10? Oregon Salmon Fishing 2026

This is Captain Don Koskela with Pastime Fishing Adventures. I offer ocean salmon trips on the Oregon Coast and river trips on the Columbia including the Buoy 10 fishery near Astoria.

Every summer the same question comes up. Do I go now for ocean coho or wait for Buoy 10? It Depends what you want to take home the answer.

This is my thinking after 15 plus years guiding both fisheries.

You should think about when to go ocean coho fishing. Do you go now. Wait for Buoy 10?

If ocean coho fishing is what you really want to do you should go now. This is because ocean coho fishing has a limit on how many fish can be caught and it can close early when that limit is reached.

If you want to catch a Chinook you should wait for Buoy 10. This is because the Buoy 10 fishery opens in August at the mouth of the Columbia and you will have a chance to catch a Chinook then.

The thing that matters the most is when you go. The ocean coho fishing season has an end date and the Buoy 10 opening date is set.

The ocean fishing seasons are controlled by limits. When the limit is reached the fishery closes, even if there are still days left on the calendar. Waiting to go ocean coho fishing is a risk. Waiting to go to the river is not as much of a risk.

Captain Dons thoughts

If you can only go on one trip this year and you want to bring some fish I think you should go during the ocean coho fishing time. The limits, on fish do not care about your schedule. If you want to catch a Chinook and you have time to wait Buoy 10 in August is a good choice and the number of people who go there shows that it is a good spot. Either way you should book your trip. Let me keep an eye on the rules. The fishing seasons change and my job is to take you to the place where the fish are biting. It is open.

How does the ocean coho season work?

Ocean coho fishing has rules to follow. It has season dates and a catch quota. The fishing stops when either of these is met.

Most people do not notice this. Just because there is an end date it does not mean you can fish until then. If people fishing along the coast catch many ocean coho fish the fishing will stop early. Some years there are a lot of ocean coho fish to catch some years the quota is met quickly.

Most of the time ocean coho fishing is for certain fish. You can only keep the ocean coho fish that have a mark. These are the hatchery ocean coho fish with a clipped fin that has healed. The wild ocean coho fish have to be put in the water.

The rules for ocean coho fishing change every year. Sometimes the rules even change during the season. You should check with the ODFW for the current ocean coho fishing rules before you make any plans. They have information, about the ocean salmon season that you can look at.

What makes Buoy 10 different?

Buoy 10 is a cool place to go fishing at the mouth of the Columbia River near Astoria. It usually opens in August. That is when the fish start to show up before they swim up the river.

The fish are all together in one place, which’s why a lot of boats come from all around the Pacific Northwest to fish at Buoy 10. Fishing at Buoy 10 is different from fishing in the ocean.

We have to deal with the tides and the current in an area where the river meets the ocean, which is not the same as fishing in the open ocean where the waves are really big. A lot of people like fishing at Buoy 10 because it can be more comfortable.

Buoy 10 has its set of rules that change throughout the season. Sometimes you can only keep Chinook salmon that have a mark and sometimes you can keep any Chinook salmon that you catch. There are also rules about how salmon and how many Chinook salmon you can keep each day.

The rules for Buoy 10 are decided before the season starts and they can change during the season so you should check with the ODFW Columbia River season.

Which trip is better for your group?

The kind of fishing trip you want to have depends on what you want to catch and how time you have to spend on the water.

If you want to have a lot of action and catch some coho salmon fishing in the ocean when the coho are running is an idea. Coho salmon are really aggressive they put up a fight when you catch them and on a good day you can catch a lot of them.

If you want to try to catch a Chinook salmon and you like the idea of fishing near a river going to Buoy 10 in August is the way to go. This trip is also good for people who do not like going out into the ocean.

If you only have one day to go fishing. You do not care what kind of fish you catch just tell me when you want to go. I will take you to the place that is currently open and has a lot of fish.

What should you bring on your Oregon fishing charter?

Bring layers, rain gear, food and drinks sunscreen, a camera ,your fishing license and motion sickness medication if you tend to need it.

Mornings on the Columbia and on the ocean start cold in August. A windbreaker or rain jacket a hat and closed toe shoes with grip make a big difference, by mid-morning.

You will need an Oregon fishing license and salmon fishing requires additional tags or endorsements depending on where we fish. These requirements and their costs change so confirm what you need with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife before your trip.

Why book with Captain Don and Pastime Fishing Adventures?

Because I fish both of these fisheries, so I have no reason to talk you into the wrong one.

I have more than 15 years of guiding experience and have spent my life on Oregon water. I run trips on the Oregon Coast out of Newport, Depoe Bay, Lincoln City and Tillamook, and river trips on the Columbia and Willamette, including Astoria in the late summer and fall. When seasons move, I move with them.

That is the real value of booking a guide who covers more than one fishery. Your date stays good even when the fishing plan changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can ocean coho season close early?

Yes. Ocean fisheries are managed with quotas, and the season can close once the quota is reached. That is why I tell people not to assume the published end date is guaranteed.

When does Buoy 10 open?

Buoy 10 opens in August. Exact dates and retention rules are set each year and can be adjusted in season. Check current ODFW and WDFW announcements before planning around specific dates.

Are coho or Chinook better eating?

Both are excellent. Chinook are richer and larger, and coho are lighter and very good fresh. Most guests are happy either way.

Do I need a special tag for salmon fishing?

Usually yes, in addition to your fishing license. Requirements vary by location and change over time, so confirm current rules with ODFW before your trip.

Is Buoy 10 easier than ocean fishing?

Most guests find the river mouth more comfortable than running offshore. It can still get choppy, so come prepared either way.

Can you guarantee we will catch fish?

No, and be careful with anyone who does. What I can promise is that I will put you on the best water available that day and work hard for you.

Ready to book your Oregon salmon fishing trip?

If you are deciding between ocean coho now and Buoy 10 in August, call me with your dates. I will tell you what the seasons look like and which trip I would book in your shoes.

Reach out to Pastime Fishing Adventures and let’s get you on the water.