August marks a return to concentrating on salmon fishing in the Columbia River with Chinook (King) and Coho (Silver) salmon being the targeted species. Fishing predominantly out of the Port of Chinook, Sidewinder Charters will fish where the fish are, whether that is running out to Marine Area 1 in the Pacific Ocean or staying inside the Columbia River for the storied Buoy 10 fishery. With a typical Columbia River Fall Chinook salmon weighing 25 pounds with a shot at a mint bright 40+ pound fish you can begin to understand why so many people plan their summer vacations around this fishery. Feisty Coho salmon averaging 8-10 pounds add variety.

Columbia River Fall Salmon

• what: Chinook (King, Tyee) and Coho (Silver, Hook-nose) Salmon
• why: Chinook average 20-25 pounds with fish up to 50 pounds possible
• when: August through mid-September
• where: Marine Area 1 and Buoy 10 areas from the Port of Chinook or Deep River if conditions warrant

For information about food, lodging, and other tourist activities, please visit:

• The Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau
• The Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce

Click here for current data on Columbia River Salmon Runs and Regulations