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Columbia River Fishing Report: Spring Chinook Winding Down, Promising Numbers Around Portland
Good morning anglers this is Artificial Lure coming at you with today’s fishing report for the Columbia River in and around Portland, Monday, May 19, 2025.
The spring Chinook run is winding down but still showing promising numbers around the Portland stretch. Recent counts from Bonneville down to Vancouver show that bank anglers are picking up Chinook with the best success just below the dam. Last week, 204 bank anglers at Bonneville kept 84 Chinook and one jack, while the Vancouver stretch saw 17 boats with 32 rods netting two Chinook and two jacks. Reports down toward Woodland have been slower, but a few boats still managed to scrape up some Chinook and a lone steelhead. Boat action has been hit or miss, but persistent effort near the travel lanes is still paying off[1].
Tides today are typical for May, with a decent swing around midday. This will move some fish and could bump up the bite, especially as the outgoing tide settles. Early risers took advantage of a 5:36 am sunrise, and anglers should see action carry through much of the day, with sunset at 8:39 pm. Weather is mild and cloudy with highs expected in the upper 60s, making for comfortable conditions on the river.
Fish activity on the mainstem is definitely centered around Chinook salmon right now, with a few steelhead starting to show and the first whispers of shad. Catch rates are best during the tide changes, so time your efforts accordingly. Salmon have been responding well to natural baits like cut plug herring or anchovy, especially when brined and run behind a flasher. On the gear side, 3.5 size spinners in chartreuse or orange, MagLip 3.5 plugs, and Pro-Troll flashers paired with spinners are all pulling their weight. For bank anglers, drift fishing eggs or sand shrimp near the mouths of tributaries remains steady[1][2].
Two reliable hot spots to check today: First, the stretch just below Bonneville Dam for the highest Chinook encounter rates. Second, the Vancouver waterfront down to Caterpillar Island — both have produced fish this week and offer plenty of bank and boat access. Don’t overlook the mouths of the Washougal and Willamette for some bonus action as well[1].
With springers still moving, now is the time to hit the river. Check your regulations for current retention rules and don’t forget your rain gear just in case. Stay safe and tight lines out there from Artificial Lure[1][2][4].
The spring Chinook run is winding down but still showing promising numbers around the Portland stretch. Recent counts from Bonneville down to Vancouver show that bank anglers are picking up Chinook with the best success just below the dam. Last week, 204 bank anglers at Bonneville kept 84 Chinook and one jack, while the Vancouver stretch saw 17 boats with 32 rods netting two Chinook and two jacks. Reports down toward Woodland have been slower, but a few boats still managed to scrape up some Chinook and a lone steelhead. Boat action has been hit or miss, but persistent effort near the travel lanes is still paying off[1].
Tides today are typical for May, with a decent swing around midday. This will move some fish and could bump up the bite, especially as the outgoing tide settles. Early risers took advantage of a 5:36 am sunrise, and anglers should see action carry through much of the day, with sunset at 8:39 pm. Weather is mild and cloudy with highs expected in the upper 60s, making for comfortable conditions on the river.
Fish activity on the mainstem is definitely centered around Chinook salmon right now, with a few steelhead starting to show and the first whispers of shad. Catch rates are best during the tide changes, so time your efforts accordingly. Salmon have been responding well to natural baits like cut plug herring or anchovy, especially when brined and run behind a flasher. On the gear side, 3.5 size spinners in chartreuse or orange, MagLip 3.5 plugs, and Pro-Troll flashers paired with spinners are all pulling their weight. For bank anglers, drift fishing eggs or sand shrimp near the mouths of tributaries remains steady[1][2].
Two reliable hot spots to check today: First, the stretch just below Bonneville Dam for the highest Chinook encounter rates. Second, the Vancouver waterfront down to Caterpillar Island — both have produced fish this week and offer plenty of bank and boat access. Don’t overlook the mouths of the Washougal and Willamette for some bonus action as well[1].
With springers still moving, now is the time to hit the river. Check your regulations for current retention rules and don’t forget your rain gear just in case. Stay safe and tight lines out there from Artificial Lure[1][2][4].
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By Quiet. PleaseGood morning anglers this is Artificial Lure coming at you with today’s fishing report for the Columbia River in and around Portland, Monday, May 19, 2025.
The spring Chinook run is winding down but still showing promising numbers around the Portland stretch. Recent counts from Bonneville down to Vancouver show that bank anglers are picking up Chinook with the best success just below the dam. Last week, 204 bank anglers at Bonneville kept 84 Chinook and one jack, while the Vancouver stretch saw 17 boats with 32 rods netting two Chinook and two jacks. Reports down toward Woodland have been slower, but a few boats still managed to scrape up some Chinook and a lone steelhead. Boat action has been hit or miss, but persistent effort near the travel lanes is still paying off[1].
Tides today are typical for May, with a decent swing around midday. This will move some fish and could bump up the bite, especially as the outgoing tide settles. Early risers took advantage of a 5:36 am sunrise, and anglers should see action carry through much of the day, with sunset at 8:39 pm. Weather is mild and cloudy with highs expected in the upper 60s, making for comfortable conditions on the river.
Fish activity on the mainstem is definitely centered around Chinook salmon right now, with a few steelhead starting to show and the first whispers of shad. Catch rates are best during the tide changes, so time your efforts accordingly. Salmon have been responding well to natural baits like cut plug herring or anchovy, especially when brined and run behind a flasher. On the gear side, 3.5 size spinners in chartreuse or orange, MagLip 3.5 plugs, and Pro-Troll flashers paired with spinners are all pulling their weight. For bank anglers, drift fishing eggs or sand shrimp near the mouths of tributaries remains steady[1][2].
Two reliable hot spots to check today: First, the stretch just below Bonneville Dam for the highest Chinook encounter rates. Second, the Vancouver waterfront down to Caterpillar Island — both have produced fish this week and offer plenty of bank and boat access. Don’t overlook the mouths of the Washougal and Willamette for some bonus action as well[1].
With springers still moving, now is the time to hit the river. Check your regulations for current retention rules and don’t forget your rain gear just in case. Stay safe and tight lines out there from Artificial Lure[1][2][4].
The spring Chinook run is winding down but still showing promising numbers around the Portland stretch. Recent counts from Bonneville down to Vancouver show that bank anglers are picking up Chinook with the best success just below the dam. Last week, 204 bank anglers at Bonneville kept 84 Chinook and one jack, while the Vancouver stretch saw 17 boats with 32 rods netting two Chinook and two jacks. Reports down toward Woodland have been slower, but a few boats still managed to scrape up some Chinook and a lone steelhead. Boat action has been hit or miss, but persistent effort near the travel lanes is still paying off[1].
Tides today are typical for May, with a decent swing around midday. This will move some fish and could bump up the bite, especially as the outgoing tide settles. Early risers took advantage of a 5:36 am sunrise, and anglers should see action carry through much of the day, with sunset at 8:39 pm. Weather is mild and cloudy with highs expected in the upper 60s, making for comfortable conditions on the river.
Fish activity on the mainstem is definitely centered around Chinook salmon right now, with a few steelhead starting to show and the first whispers of shad. Catch rates are best during the tide changes, so time your efforts accordingly. Salmon have been responding well to natural baits like cut plug herring or anchovy, especially when brined and run behind a flasher. On the gear side, 3.5 size spinners in chartreuse or orange, MagLip 3.5 plugs, and Pro-Troll flashers paired with spinners are all pulling their weight. For bank anglers, drift fishing eggs or sand shrimp near the mouths of tributaries remains steady[1][2].
Two reliable hot spots to check today: First, the stretch just below Bonneville Dam for the highest Chinook encounter rates. Second, the Vancouver waterfront down to Caterpillar Island — both have produced fish this week and offer plenty of bank and boat access. Don’t overlook the mouths of the Washougal and Willamette for some bonus action as well[1].
With springers still moving, now is the time to hit the river. Check your regulations for current retention rules and don’t forget your rain gear just in case. Stay safe and tight lines out there from Artificial Lure[1][2][4].