
If you’ve heard of Buoy 10 of the Columbia River, but you’ve never had the chance to cast your line in these productive fishing grounds, then it’s high time to give it a go. From August until mid-September, Play N Hooky Guide Service runs trips from Astoria, just in time for you to catch your biggest King Salmon yet.
Captain Eric Baird, who will be your guide for the day, has over 25 years of experience chasing Salmon in these waters, and he knows all their secret hideouts. Chinook and Coho Salmon are in the cards, and both of them are excellent fighters that will not make it easy for you to reel them in. Bear in mind that this area has strict limits on how many fish you can catch per day and that they vary from season to season.
One thing Buoy 10 is known for is its tides and a massive difference they make on the day-to-day fishery. Have no fear, Capt. Eric will know when the best time to start your expedition is and he will know just where to go to put you on the fish. And for a great day on the restless waters of the Columbia River, you need a strong and safe boat as your ride.
Captain’s trusty ally in all the fishing quests is a 24’ Riverwild with the capacity to take out up to 6 people to the best fishery of the day. She’s rigged with twin 225 HP Yamaha engines and has all the fish finding electronics you could ask for. You will have rods, reels, and tackle on board, as well as fresh live bait and lures.
You’re in charge of bringing your own lunch, snacks, and drinks, or you can ask Capt. Eric to provide them for you for a small additional cost. After you’ve fought the King and came out a winner, your guide will fillet your catch for free, that way you’ll have a mouthwatering dinner as soon as you come home.
Play N Hooky Guide Service is ready to show you the abundance of Buoy 10, just bring a valid fishing license and join in for a day for amazing Salmon fishing!
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (29)
+26Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
83%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
94%
Caught fish
94%
Sep 11, 2025
Full Day Trip
We had a blast. Our guide Eric was great company and a wealth of knowledge. We will be back for sure. Highly recommend spending a day on Play n hooky guid services boat.
We had a blast. Our guide Eric was great company and a wealth of knowledge. We will be back for sure. Highly recommend spending... ย
Portland, OR
Aug 25, 2023
Full Day Trip
Caught 11 fish. Not to bad. Some advice: be at the dock ready 5-10 mins before 6 so you can get out first first thing. Morning feeding was great and tapered off in the afternoon. Pretty sure most fish are morning and dusk feeders so again get there early. A big thank you to Captain Eric from everyone at Lightmen Painting.
Caught 11 fish. Not to bad. Some advice: be at the dock ready 5-10 mins before 6 so you can get out first first thing. Morning... ย







Aug 22, 2024
Full Day Trip
We had a great time fishing with Captain Eric. It was a fun and relaxing day on the water and we both caught fish! Thank you!
We had a great time fishing with Captain Eric. It was a fun and relaxing day on the water and we both caught fish! Thank you! ย
Estacada, OR
Aug 25, 2022
Full Day Trip
Rough day on the water, bite not too hot. Captain Baird knows his stuff and put us on the fish regardless. We hooked at least 10 fish between the two of us and were able to keep a few legal beauties as you can see. Captain really went the extra mile for us! Thanks again, and looking forward to more fishing tales together ๐
Rough day on the water, bite not too hot. Captain Baird knows his stuff and put us on the fish regardless. We hooked at least... ย
Aug 26, 2024
Full Day Trip
ย
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Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (29)
+26Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
83%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
94%
Caught fish
94%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Full Day Trip on September 11, 2025
We had a blast. Our guide Eric was great company and a wealth of knowledge. We will be back for sure. Highly recommend spending a day on Play n hooky guid services boat.
We had a blast. Our guide Eric was great company and a wealth of knowledge. We will be back for sure. Highly recommend spending a day on Play n hooky guid services boat. ย
Portland, OR
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Full Day Trip on August 25, 2023
Caught 11 fish. Not to bad. Some advice: be at the dock ready 5-10 mins before 6 so you can get out first first thing. Morning feeding was great and tapered off in the afternoon. Pretty sure most fish are morning and dusk feeders so again get there early. A big thank you to Captain Eric from everyone at Lightmen Painting.
Caught 11 fish. Not to bad. Some advice: be at the dock ready 5-10 mins before 6 so you can get out first first thing. Morning feeding was great and tapered off in the afternoon. Pretty sure most fish are morning and dusk feeders so again get there early. A big thank you to Captain Eric from everyone at Lightmen Painting. ย








Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Full Day Trip on August 22, 2024
We had a great time fishing with Captain Eric. It was a fun and relaxing day on the water and we both caught fish! Thank you!
We had a great time fishing with Captain Eric. It was a fun and relaxing day on the water and we both caught fish! Thank you! ย

Estacada, OR
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Full Day Trip on August 25, 2022
Rough day on the water, bite not too hot. Captain Baird knows his stuff and put us on the fish regardless. We hooked at least 10 fish between the two of us and were able to keep a few legal beauties as you can see. Captain really went the extra mile for us! Thanks again, and looking forward to more fishing tales together ๐
Rough day on the water, bite not too hot. Captain Baird knows his stuff and put us on the fish regardless. We hooked at least 10 fish between the two of us and were able to keep a few legal beauties as you can see. Captain really went the extra mile for us! Thanks again, and looking forward to more fishing tales together ๐ ย
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Full Day Trip on August 26, 2024
ย
