Columbia River Fishing Alert: Major Rule Changes Hit Buoy 10 and Offshore Salmon

Well, fellow anglers, just when you thought you had your late summer salmon plans all mapped out, Mother Nature—and some exceptionally eager fish—decided to shake things up a bit! The Columbia River’s famed Buoy 10 fishery, alongside its offshore counterparts, is seeing some pretty significant, albeit sudden, rule changes that every fisherman needs to know about. We’re talking about shifts for both Chinook and coho salmon, prompted by a fishing season that’s been, frankly, hotter than anyone anticipated.

Let's dive right into the big news: effective Monday evening, August 24, 2026, the offshore coho salmon fishery off the mouth of the Columbia River is officially closing down. That's a quick turnaround, isn't it? It means if you were hoping for one last offshore coho trip, you'll need to adjust your sights. The reason? Those coho have been biting with a fervor, pushing catch totals higher than expected, and our fisheries managers, like those at ODFW and WDFW, have to act fast to stay within conservation limits.

Now, for the Buoy 10 estuary, where the action is always buzzing, there's a bit of a mixed bag of news for Chinook. Originally, there was talk of a full Chinook closure coming as early as August 25. But, thanks to some quick thinking and rule adjustments, a complete shutdown for Buoy 10 Chinook has actually been avoided! Instead, from August 25 through September 2, 2026, anglers at Buoy 10 will be limited to retaining only hatchery Chinook. Yep, that means any wild Chinook, those magnificent unmarked fish, will need to be carefully released back into the river. Previously, the plan had allowed for both hatchery and wild Chinook retention, so this is a noticeable shift.

The daily limit for these hatchery Chinook, as of August 21, allows for two adult hatchery salmon, with just one of those being a Chinook. And remember, that Chinook needs to measure at least 24 inches. It's a tighter squeeze, for sure, but it does keep some Chinook opportunity alive during a traditionally prime window. Come September 3, however, all Chinook retention in the Buoy 10 fishery will cease, and every single Chinook caught will need to be released. So, make those hatchery Chinook opportunities count!

But don't despair, because not all is lost, especially if you're a fan of coho. Even as Chinook rules tighten, the hatchery coho fishery at Buoy 10 remains open. This is great news, as coho can put up a fantastic fight! Currently, the daily limit for adult hatchery coho is two, with a minimum size of 16 inches. And here’s a little bonus to look forward to: on September 7, the daily limit for hatchery coho is actually scheduled to increase to three adults. So, while Chinook fishing takes a breather, the coho action should still be going strong, offering plenty of thrills for those hitting the water.

Beyond the Buoy 10 lines and up to the Tongue Point/Rocky Point marker, anglers also need to be mindful of a few other specifics. From August 1 through September 30, not only do those 16-inch minimums for coho apply, but all jack salmon must be released. And, a really important one for anyone casting a line in these waters from August 1 all the way through October 31: all steelhead caught must be released. These are critical details to keep in mind for responsible angling.

Why all these changes, you ask? Well, according to officials like Lothrop from WDFW, the sheer volume of Chinook catches in the early part of the season has been simply astounding – much higher than forecasts predicted. Add to that increased Chinook passage over Bonneville Dam, likely spurred by cooler river temperatures, and you’ve got a recipe for rapid quota consumption. It’s a classic case of too much of a good thing, necessitating these conservation measures to ensure future runs. It's a bittersweet pill to swallow, knowing the fishing was so good it had to be reined in, but it’s for the long-term health of our beloved salmon runs.

So, before you head out, always, always double-check the latest regulations from ODFW and WDFW. Fisheries management is a dynamic beast, and staying informed is your best bet for a successful and legal day on the water. Tight lines, everyone!