Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing Regulations: What Anglers Need to Know for 2026

The Buoy 10 fishery sits at the mouth of the Columbia River, where Chinook and Coho salmon stage before moving upstream to spawn. Each year, Oregon and Washington fish managers set specific rules for this stretch of water, and 2026 brings both familiar retention structures and a newer licensing requirement anglers should account for ahead of time.

Season Dates and Structure

The 2026 Chinook and Coho retention season at Buoy 10 fishing opens August 1. Early in the season, anglers may keep two adult salmon per day, though no more than one may be a Chinook. This structure typically holds through late August or early September, at which point Chinook retention closes for the year. Coho retention continues afterward, often extending into late September, though anglers should confirm current dates before heading out, since in-season adjustments are common based on run strength.

Bag Limits and Mark-Selective Rules

Daily bag limits at Buoy 10 are tied to fish origin as well as species. During part of the season, mark-selective retention applies to Chinook, meaning only fin-clipped hatchery fish may be kept, while wild Chinook must be released. Wild Coho retention rules can differ from hatchery Coho rules as well, so anglers should be able to distinguish adipose fin clips before deciding whether a fish qualifies for the cooler. Experts from Reel Time Fishing note that these distinctions exist to protect wild stocks while still allowing harvest of hatchery-origin fish, and they are enforced consistently by both states throughout the estuary.

Licensing and Endorsement Requirements

Beyond a standard fishing license, Buoy 10 anglers now need an additional endorsement depending on which state issued their license. Washington-licensed anglers must carry a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement, issued through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, before fishing for salmon or steelhead anywhere in the Columbia River system or many of its tributaries. Oregon-licensed anglers instead need a Columbia River Basin Endorsement from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, which covers salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon fishing throughout the basin. These are separate products issued by separate agencies, so anglers holding licenses in both states should confirm they have the correct endorsement for whichever license they intend to fish under that day.

Forecast Context for 2026

This year's preseason forecasts call for roughly 636,500 adult fall Chinook and 358,700 adult Coho returning to the Columbia River, both lower than 2025's actual returns. Lower forecasts do not necessarily mean poor fishing, but they can influence how conservatively managers set retention windows and in-season closures. Anglers who understand this context are better positioned to interpret why certain dates or limits may shift once the season is underway.

Watching for In-Season Adjustments

Because Buoy 10 regulations respond to real-time run data, the rules published before the season opens are not always the final word. Fishery managers from both states monitor catch rates and dam counts throughout August and September, and they can adjust retention dates, switch from two-salmon limits to more restrictive ones, or close Chinook retention earlier than expected if returns fall short of projections. This is particularly relevant for anglers traveling from out of state, who may plan a trip weeks in advance based on regulations that shift by the time they arrive.

Checking regulations shortly before departure, rather than relying on information gathered earlier in the summer, can prevent wasted trips or unintentional violations. Anglers should check current regulations close to their trip date rather than relying solely on preseason announcements, since a rule that applied in July may no longer apply by the time Chinook retention closes in early September. Keeping a habit of confirming dates and limits shortly before salmon fishing helps avoid confusion on the water and ensures compliance with whatever structure is active that week.

Reel Time Fishing
City: Clarkston
Address: 2131 Critchfield Rd
Website: https://reeltimefishing.com/
Phone: +1 208 790 2128
Email: toby@reeltimefishing.com