Ilwaco Fishing: Your Guide to Washington's Columbia River Gateway

Washington's Columbia River Fishing Hub

Ilwaco is a compact fishing community on the north shore of the Columbia River mouth, directly across from Astoria, Oregon. This strategic location makes Ilwaco ground zero for the famous Buoy 10 salmon fishery, one of the most productive and exciting salmon fisheries in the world. Beyond salmon, the port offers access to sturgeon fishing in the Columbia, lingcod and rockfish on the nearshore reefs, and Dungeness crab in the estuary and ocean.

Seasonal Fishing Breakdown

Spring (March through May)

Spring Chinook enter the Columbia River in March and April, drawing anglers to the lower river from both the Washington and Oregon sides. Ilwaco's charter fleet and private boats target springers from the river mouth upstream, trolling herring and spinners through the deep channels. Sturgeon fishing picks up in the lower Columbia during spring, with keeper-sized white sturgeon available during open retention periods. Lingcod season opens on the nearshore ocean reefs, and bottom fishing provides an alternative when river conditions are challenging.

Summer (June through August)

The Buoy 10 fishery erupts in late July and August, and Ilwaco is at the epicenter. Hundreds of boats converge on the Columbia River mouth between Buoy 10 and the Astoria-Megler Bridge, targeting massive runs of fall Chinook and coho salmon. This is the most concentrated salmon fishing anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. Ocean salmon trolling is also productive for fish that haven't yet entered the river. Bottom fishing for rockfish and lingcod continues on the nearshore reefs during calmer periods.

Fall (September through November)

The Buoy 10 fishery extends into September, and upriver salmon fishing continues through October. Coho runs peak in September and October, providing fast action on lighter tackle. Sturgeon fishing in the lower Columbia can be excellent in fall. Crabbing picks up significantly as Dungeness crabs fill out in the estuary and near the river mouth. Lingcod fishing peaks on the ocean reefs in October and November.

Winter (December through February)

Winter is quieter but far from unproductive. Sturgeon fishing in the Columbia provides year-round opportunities (check WDFW for retention seasons). Dungeness crab season is in full swing. The Long Beach peninsula beaches produce razor clams during approved digs. Calm-weather windows allow for nearshore rockfish trips. The Port of Ilwaco is less crowded, and lodging rates drop significantly.

Ilwaco Fishing Calendar

The Buoy 10 Fishery

The Buoy 10 area marks the boundary between the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean, and it concentrates the largest salmon runs on the West Coast into a relatively small area. During peak season in August, fresh Chinook and coho salmon stack up near the river mouth, creating fishing action that draws anglers from across the country. The fishery is managed jointly by WDFW and ODFW, with daily bag limits, mark-selective rules, and in-season closures that can change with little notice.

"Buoy 10 from the Ilwaco side is special because you're right at the river mouth where the freshest fish are staging. When the tide turns and those kings start pushing in, you can see the rods start bending up and down the fleet. It's organized chaos, and it never gets old." — Ilwaco charter captain

Sturgeon: The Columbia's Ancient Giant

The lower Columbia River supports a population of white sturgeon that can exceed 10 feet in length and weigh over 500 pounds. While most sturgeon fishing is catch-and-release (keepers are only available during specific WDFW/ODFW retention seasons), the fight from even a mid-sized sturgeon is an unforgettable experience. Guides anchor in the deep Columbia channels and fish cut herring, smelt, or shad on heavy tackle, waiting for the characteristic tap-tap-pull of a sturgeon bite.

Facilities and Access

The Port of Ilwaco operates a full-service marina with a public boat ramp, fuel dock, fish cleaning stations, and charter boat moorage. The town is small but has the essentials — bait and tackle shops, a few restaurants, and a grocery store. The Long Beach peninsula to the north offers extensive lodging options, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Ilwaco is approximately 180 miles southwest of Seattle via Interstate 5 and Highway 401.

Regulations

• Salmon: Columbia River salmon fishing is jointly managed by WDFW and ODFW — regulations differ from the Washington bank vs. Oregon bank in some areas
• Sturgeon: Mostly catch-and-release; WDFW announces specific retention dates with size limits
• Lingcod: 2 per day, 26-inch minimum in Washington marine waters
• Crab: Check WDFW for current Dungeness seasons, limits, and area closures
• Razor clams: Requires separate razor clam license; WDFW approves specific dig dates