Buoy 10 Fishing Update: Coho Rodeo!

Buoy 10 is off to a great start: a flat ocean with a better than expected number of coho have made for action packed days with consistent limits until a NW settled in today! River reports have been spotty, as most guides have been fishing the nothing-short-of-epic coho fishing at the mouth of the Columbia River. Fishing in the river started off slow and while things have improved somewhat, the bulk of the Chinook are not here yet.

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Astoria Ocean Coho

Ocean Coho by far has been the most consistent action this buoy 10 season so far. With the exception of today, imits have been quick and action faster, with lots of wild coho, hatchery coho and feeder Chinook. Doubles, and even triples, have not been uncommon. Anchovies, herring, and everything else that’s shiny has been the ticket; did I mention these fish are aggressive?

Not only has action been consistent but the coho have been averaging a great size with lots of 10-12 pound fish being caught. These coho are staging for a run up the Columbia and are trying to put on as much weight as possible before they make the journey. The result is salmon in a feeding frenzy. Finding bait has been great, as action seems to be especially good around bait balls. Coho will continue to stage outside the mouth of the Columbia but don’t be surprised to see some in the river off this next big tide series.

Buoy 10 Chinook Salmon

With the coho action being so good, reports from the Long Beach area–the place we usually target kings in the ocean–have been scarce. However, there are some kings being caught incidentally by the ocean coho trollers.

In the Columbia River itself, fishing for kings has been hit and miss. We are fishing some smaller tides right now and everything seems to be happening on the incoming tide. By no means is it white hot in the river, but those putting the time in have found Chinook, with some even tagging out early. Look for fishing to improve in the river as the month continues.

Marinas are full, hotels are busy, and the ocean and river has a sizable number of boats occupying it each day. To be honest, it just feels good to be here. It’s a tradition here in the PNW and hopefully many of you will be able to partake.

For more information on booking a trip, lodging, or even where to eat in Astoria, contact us through our questions and reservations page and let us lead you in the right direction to a great day on the water!