Astoria Salmon Fishing
Astoria is home to some of the best salmon fishing in the Pacific Northwest. Located at the mouth of the Columbia River where it meets the Pacific Ocean, Astoria has been one of the world’s largest Salmon fishing hubs for 250 years. The Salmon fishing in Astoria offers three Chinook Salmon runs, a Sockeye run, and a Coho/Silver Salmon return. The collective return offers nearly 6 months of fishing opportunity, which is nearly unheard of in the world of Salmon fishing. And while the Salmon fishing is great, the overall experience in Astoria is what makes it incredible! Good restaurants, hotels of all kinds, and lots of places to explore really make it an amazing destination.
Update: 2026 Astoria Buoy 10 Salmon Season
August 21st, 2026: The 2026 Buoy 10 season has been pretty amazing! So amazing that today ODFW announced that we will have to continue releasing native Chinook in the Columbia River in Astoria. That’s what we’ve been doing since August 10th and to be honest it just gives customers more chances to reel fish into the boat. We simply release the native fish and continue fishing. We’ve been out on the water every day since the season opened on August 1st and have had some incredible days of fishing. Bag limit for the entire season is 2 salmon, only 1 of which may be a Chinook. Scroll down to check out all of the dates and details.
Ocean Salmon Fishing
Astoria provides a prime ocean salmon fishing opportunity as the fish that run the Columbia River stage outside the mouth of the river before entering the fresh water. In June, Coho Salmon arrive and will gain up to a pound a week while gorging on the prolific baitfish in the area. We typically get to fish the ocean near Astoria from late June through September.
2026 Astoria Ocean Salmon Season
August 21st, 2026: The 2026 ocean salmon season opened June 20th. Effective August 18th, we shift to hatchery Coho only. The ocean outside Astoria will be closed for salmon retention starting August 25th. The ocean has been providing some incredible days of fishing and the salmon we can’t chase in the ocean can be retained at the Buoy 10 fishery in the Columbia River. It’s one of the reasons we love fishing in Astoria.
Astoria Ocean Salmon fishery is a favorite of many as it allows us to target Columbia River Fall Salmon before we can chase them in the river when Buoy 10 opens up in August. If you would like to experience ocean salmon fishing, this is the time to do it. Remember that it’s never too early to book your Astoria fishing trip for 2027. We typically spend July chasing salmon and bottom fishing for lingcod and rockfish. It’s a great combination!
Summer Salmon Fishing
When summer arrives in mid-June, Summer Chinook, or “June Hogs”, provide another fishing opportunity between Astoria and the mouth of the Cowlitz River. On these trips, we’ll often catch Summer Steelhead and Sockeye as well, providing even more action for everyone in the boat.
2026 Columbia River Summer Salmon Season
The Columbia River was open for summer salmon and/or steelhead retention from June 16th – July 31st below Bonneville Dam. Jack. Chinook salmon and hatchery steelhead retention is allowed throughout the season. Sockeye salmon retention will be allowed June 23rd through July 5th, giving us a short window when we can retain salmon and steelhead during the same trip. The daily bag limit is 6 fish (max one steelhead and/or adult sockeye) and all native fish must be released.
Astoria Fall Salmon Fishing
The fall salmon season actually gets started out on the Pacific Ocean toward the end of June. When the water temps start to warm up, baitfish amass at the mouth of the Columbia River. Fall salmon prepare for their runs by eating their fill, and we target fall salmon out on the ocean, taking advantage of some nice weather and good fishing. These same months are prime trophy sturgeon season on the Columbia River Estuary, making it the perfect time for multiple-day trips.
Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing
The Buoy 10 Chinook Salmon Season opens on the Columbia River on August 1st each year. There is nothing else in the world like being out at Buoy 10, and many people have it on their bucket list. The Columbia River Chinook season typically lasts 3-5 weeks and then we switch gears just a little as the Coho begin their run and we target them on both the ocean and the river. On a good year coho fishing can run clear through October, providing some of my favorite fishing days. The days are long. The sun is shining. People have returned to school and work. And of course, salmon are in the river and biting. What more could a guy who loves to fish want in a day on the water?
2026 Buoy 10 Salmon Season (updated 8/21/26)
- August 1st – August 9th: All Chinook (native and hatchery) and hatchery Coho.
- August 10th – September 2nd: Chinook and Coho. Only hatchery fish may be retained.
- September 3rd – December 31st: Hatchery Coho only.
September and October trips can also include Dungeness crabbing, making for a great fisherman’s feast. Buoy 10 is a favorite fishery and whether you choose to fish in August or September, it will be an experience to remember.
Whether you’re interested in coming for a day or several days, please visit the links below to help plan your trip. You’re always welcome to call or contact me with any questions. I’m happy to help.
Astoria Estuary Sturgeon Fishing
Places to stay while fishing in Astoria
Places to eat while fishing in Astoria
Things to do in and around Astoria
For any questions you might have about Astoria Salmon Fishing, or to simply book a trip, contact me.