# Columbia River Fishing Report: June 1, 2025

Good morning, anglers! This is Artificial Lure coming at you with today's fishing report for the Columbia River around Portland.

The spring Chinook season is still going strong, folks! The upriver spring Chinook return is meeting expectations with the preseason forecast of 122,500 fish holding steady. That's better than last year's return, which has us guides pretty excited.

Today's tide at Wauna on the Columbia shows a low tide at 2:19 AM measuring 1.68 ft, followed by a high tide later this morning. For those heading out to Point Adams, expect similar tidal movements. These tide changes should create some good feeding opportunities, especially during the transition periods.

Sunrise was at 5:35 AM with sunset expected around 8:45 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get those lines wet.

The salmon fishing near Portland has been a bit spotty lately, but don't let that discourage you. The fishing remains good overall in the Columbia River, with the Gorge area being particularly productive. Coho action has picked up with quite a few being caught in the Scappoose area.

For those targeting sturgeon, retention is closed below Bonneville Dam, but catch-and-release fishing has been decent. Recent reports show anglers releasing both sub-legal and over-legal sized sturgeon.

Walleye fishing has been on fire in the John Day Pool, with boats reporting substantial catches. Last week, anglers kept 155 walleye and released another 103 from just 10 boats.

Don't forget about shad! They're running strong through the lower Columbia right now, and the action is picking up daily.

For tackle, I recommend using K15 Kwikfish wrapped with sardine fillets for spring Chinook. Herring is also working well, especially in the early mornings. If you're after walleye, try bottom walkers with nightcrawlers or jigs tipped with worms in that 20-30 foot depth range.

Hot spots for today include:
- Hood River area for salmon (my personal favorite right now)
- Scappoose for coho
- John Day Pool for walleye enthusiasts
- Below Bonneville for shad action

Health advisory reminder: Oregon Health Authority has issued consumption guidelines for parts of the Columbia due to mercury and PCB levels, so be mindful about how many you keep for the table.

Thanks for tuning in to today's report! If you're looking to get out on the water but don't have a boat, I'm running guided trips all week. Give me a call at 503-314-5087 to book your spot.

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Fishing report for the Columbia River in and around Portland, Saturday, May 31st, 2025. It’s Artificial Lure here—let’s break it down for all you river rats and salmon chasers.

Weather’s looking classic Portland: clouds early, a shot of sun by midday, then a slight southwest breeze. Keep an eye out for some drizzle. Water temps have been holding steady, so fish should stay active, especially during those tide swings.

Tides today are in your favor if you plan it right. Low tide kicks off at 6:36am, high tide follows at 9:41am, another low at 7:33pm, and if you’re a true night owl, you’ve got a late high at 11:41pm. Sunrise was at 5:25am, and sunset won’t be until 8:51pm, so there’s a full day of action ahead—prime windows for that early and late bite, especially if you’re swinging for salmon or shad according to the Portland tide chart.

Spring Chinook are still the main ticket. The run is better than last year, with a forecast of 122,500 upriver springers, giving everyone a decent shot at a solid catch. Recent ODFW data shows boat anglers in the Troutdale stretch putting 20 Chinook and six jacks on the deck just this week, with more kept from Portland down to Warrior Rock and beyond. Bank action’s been spotty but persistent—most bankies are putting in the hours around Warrior Rock and into the Gorge, hoping for that chrome flash.

Shad are running strong through the lower river. Weekly checks confirmed nearly 200 shad for just 54 bank anglers below Bonneville, so if you’re looking for fast-paced action or bait for sturgeon, break out the shad darts and light tackle.

Speaking of sturgeon, those sneaky dinosaurs are active in the lower Willamette and Columbia, especially as the water warms. Catch-and-release is the way to go, but the tug is the drug if you’re itching for a fight.

Hot spots for the day:
- Davis Bar, just below Vancouver, continues to offer up springers with less pressure than the city stretches.
- The mouth of the Multnomah Channel and up toward Oregon City—these spots are drawing salmon as they nose into the Willamette.
- For shad, swing by Bonneville or the deeper runs between Rainier and Longview.

Best lures and baits: For Chinook, try herring or anchovies behind a flasher, or go with a red-label herring plug-cut for the early morning bite. Spinners in chartreuse or silver are drawing strikes as the sun climbs. For shad, stick with tiny gold or pink darts or crappie jigs under a light rod.

That’s the round-up from the riverbank this morning. Thanks for tuning in to Artificial Lure’s Columbia River report—be sure to subscribe and never miss a river update.

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Let’s dive straight into your Columbia River fishing report for Friday, May 30th, 2025. Out on the water near Portland, the bite has been steady, with spring Chinook activity front and center. The tidal swing today is mild but worth planning around: we’ll see a low tide at 3:49 AM, the morning high at 8:33 AM, back to a deep low around 5:35 PM, and another smaller high at 10:29 PM according to Tide-Forecast.com. Sunrise hit at 5:25 AM, and you’ve got daylight right up to 8:51 PM for all those after-work anglers.

Weather-wise, we’re looking at typical late May conditions. Expect some clouds with occasional sun breaks, light winds, and a touch of chill in the morning—perfect for an early start before the boat traffic picks up. With recent rain in the area, the river’s got just enough color to it, which will keep fish comfortable and active.

On the catch front, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife reports that from Bonneville Dam down past Warrior Rock, catches have been respectable. Out of 62 boats between Portland and Warrior Rock, 13 Chinook and four jack Chinooks were kept, with a handful released. Troutdale’s been productive, with 20 Chinook and six jacks kept for 137 boats. Shad are also in, and the bite’s starting to heat up for those looking to fill a cooler—weekly counts show nearly 200 shad for just over 50 bank anglers.

The spring Chinook retention season remains open, and expectations are for a run above forecast, so now’s the time to get after it before pressure increases further downstream. Sturgeon have also shown up in solid numbers—guests fishing with local guides have reported “a ton of sturgeon,” both as catch-and-release and keepers where permitted.

For lures and bait: trolling herring and anchovies with a flasher setup remains king. Hardware anglers are scoring with spinners—chartreuse, metallic red, and silver being top color picks this week. If you’re targeting shad, small gold or silver spoons and darts are the ticket. For sturgeon, fresh-smelt and sand shrimp off the bottom have been deadly, especially around deeper holes and channel edges.

Two local hot spots to circle on your map:
- Davis Bar, where Chinook action has been solid, especially late morning into early afternoon.
- The head of Multnomah Channel, which has consistently produced for both salmon and shad.

A reminder to those heading to the Willamette—recent rain has it looking like chocolate milk, so stick to the mainstem Columbia for better clarity and action.

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Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Columbia River fishing report for today, May 28, 2025, focusing on the Portland area.

The Columbia River is showing some promising signs this week, especially with spring Chinook making a strong appearance around Portland and the lower river. The spring Chinook run is looking better than in recent years, with estimates around 217,500 fish moving upstream, so your chances of hooking up are solid right now. Anglers are also starting to see shad entering the lower river, which means more activity and opportunities for those targeting different species.

Weather today features mostly cloudy skies with some scattered showers, typical for this time of spring. Temperatures are expected to hover in the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit. Moderate winds will pick up in the afternoon, so if you’re fishing in a smaller boat, try to find sheltered spots. Sunrise was around 5:40 am, and sunset will be close to 8:25 pm, giving you plenty of daylight hours to get out there and fish.

The tide is moving and influences the bite, especially around the estuarine sections where fresh and saltwater mix. The morning tide is favorable, with some slack periods around mid-morning that seem to produce the best bites. Later in the day, look for the incoming tide to push fish into the shallows, especially in areas with structure.

Current hot spots in and around Portland include the Davis Bar area and the head of Multnomah Channel. These spots have been yielding good results for spring Chinook and even some early Coho. Downriver near Buoy 10, anglers have been reporting decent salmon activity as well.

As for bait and lures, fresh and natural presentations are key. Anchovies, herring, and roe sacs continue to be very effective for Chinook. For those looking to throw lures, spoons and float rigs with egg patterns are working well. Bright, flashier colors such as chartreuse or orange attract attention in the somewhat murky water. For shad, small jigs and spinners that mimic their appearance are recommended.

Steelhead anglers might want to try some of the deep nooks along the riverbanks using small plugs or yarn flies. Walleye and sturgeon are also present, especially in deeper pools if you want to diversify your catch.

Remember to check the latest fishing regulations and advisories, as the Oregon Health Authority has placed some consumption guidelines on fish from the Columbia due to mercury and PCB concerns. Be cautious and choose your catches accordingly.

All in all, the Columbia River near Portland is shaping up to be an excellent fishing venue right now, with spring Chinook leading the charge and shad joining the mix. Get out there early to make the most of the morning bite, and keep an eye on the tides through the afternoon. Tight lines and have a great day on the water!

Good morning folks, this is Artificial Lure with your Columbia River fishing report for the Portland area on May 26, 2025.

We’re looking at classic late spring conditions on the river this week. Sunrise rolled in around 5:30 am and sunset is heading for 8:45 pm, giving us plenty of light for those early and late bites. Weatherwise, rain is in the forecast, which should help ignite another push of springers and liven up the bite, especially for the salmon chasers out there. Tidal swings are moderate, with the outgoing tide staying productive for much of the day – be ready to work those changes for the best action.

Now, for the fish. Spring Chinook action continues to be the main draw. The updated forecast for upriver-origin adult Chinook is up to 155,500 fish, a solid improvement and it’s been showing in the catches lately. Last week from Portland to Warrior Rock, creel checks counted 16 Chinook and three jacks kept by 72 boats, and banks gave up two Chinook and a jack for 89 bank anglers. Warrior Rock to Rainier produced similarly, with 15 Chinook and a jack kept for 68 boats, plus a steelhead and a handful of catch-and-release Chinook. The Gorge area saw slightly lighter pressure but some nice fish caught too, especially from the banks.

Shad are officially in the river and starting to show in good numbers, with nearly three fish per bank angler landed in the lower river. If you’re after steady action and tasty fillets, don’t overlook these hard-fighting fish.

For lure choice, it’s tough to beat Pro-Troll flashers paired with spinners or cut plug herring for Chinook just now. Chartreuse, silver, and pink combo spinners are putting fish in the boat, especially below the mouth of the Willamette. Bank anglers are doing well with smaller drift rigs and cured eggs or sand shrimp. For shad, go with small gold or chartreuse shad darts or spoons — keep the gear light and the retrieve steady.

If you’re searching for hot spots, Troutdale downstream to the mouth of the Willamette is always a spring favorite, and the waters around Warrior Rock are producing well for both boat and bank anglers. For shad, try the bank accesses downstream of Bonneville Dam.

With rain moving in and a fresh run of fish on the way, now’s a great time to get out there and wet a line. Chinook numbers are looking strong, shad are here, and the sturgeon bite is still kicking for those willing to put in the hours. Good luck and tight lines!

Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Columbia River fishing report for Sunday, May 25, 2025.

We're looking at partly cloudy skies today with temperatures climbing from the mid-50s this morning to around 68 degrees by afternoon. Light winds from the northwest at 5-8 mph will keep things comfortable on the water. Sunrise was at 5:25 am and sunset will be at 8:40 pm, giving you plenty of daylight hours to get your lines wet.

The big news is the extended spring Chinook season! After the hearing last Tuesday, fishery managers have added more fishing days due to the stronger-than-expected upriver spring Chinook return. The latest forecast shows we're tracking well above the original numbers, so there's plenty of opportunity to land these prized salmon. The run is estimated at around 217,500 fish this year, which is significantly better than recent seasons.

Spring Chinook action has been solid, especially around Davis Bar and the head of Multnomah Channel. Most anglers are finding success in the later morning hours once the water warms up a bit. For bait, fresh-cured eggs or herring are producing well, while spinners in chartreuse and red have been the hot hardware.

Shad are also starting to show up in decent numbers in the lower Columbia. These hard-fighting fish provide great action when you find a school. Try small, bright lures - Dick Nite spoons and shad darts in silver, gold, or chartreuse have been working best.

For today's tide, we're looking at a high around 10:15 am and a low at 4:30 pm, which should make for good fishing during the morning outgoing tide.

If you're targeting sturgeon, remember the catch-and-release fishery is still going strong throughout the lower river, with some decent action reported near the Portland Airport area.

Hot spots today include the area around Portland International Airport for mixed salmon and sturgeon action, Scappoose Bay for coho and spring Chinook, and the Hood River area which has been consistently productive. The Bonneville Dam tailrace is also worth checking out if you're heading upriver.

Don't forget your 2025 license and Columbia River Basin Endorsement, and make sure you're up on the latest regulations - they've been changing frequently with these in-season adjustments.

That's the word from the water for today, folks. Good luck out there, and remember - a bad day fishing still beats a good day at work! This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time.

Artificial Lure here with your Saturday, May 24, 2025, fishing report for the Columbia River around Portland.

We’ve got ideal late-spring conditions today. The sun rose at 5:29 AM and will set at 8:44 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to be on the water. Weather-wise, expect mild temps in the low 60s early, warming to the mid-70s by afternoon, with partly cloudy skies and a light breeze. River conditions are solid, with water clarity fair and flows typical for late May.

Tidal swings are moderate today. The biggest action will be on the outgoing tide, especially for shore plunkers. Those fishing the lower river from Kelly Point down past Sauvie Island should watch the tide chart and target the top two hours of outgoing water for best results.

Shad have started pushing through in good numbers, providing fast action for anglers near Bonneville Dam and popular bank spots like Meldrum Bar. Small gold or silver spoons, shad darts, and brightly colored crappie jigs are working best. Folks are reporting double-digit catches per hour when the schools come through, especially mid-morning.

Spring Chinook (springers) are still showing in the Portland sections. While the run wasn’t huge this year, there’s fresh fish moving up on each tide. The most recent creel reports show 42 marked Chinook adults landed in the last open period, mostly by boaters running herring or spinners in the main channel. Anchoring up along Davis Bar or out front of the Willamette’s mouth has been a solid bet. Try trolling cut-plug herring or running 3.5 spinners in chartreuse or pink with a flasher.

Sturgeon fishing is picking up, too, and legal-sized fish are being caught near the Portland Airport and St. Johns Bridge. Sand shrimp, smelt, or squid are getting bites, especially on outgoing tides. Remember to check current regs for keepers and slot limits, as rules can change quickly.

For bank fishing, Meldrum Bar and the beaches near Bonneville Dam are the top spots for both shad and the occasional stray steelhead. Boat anglers should focus on the Davis Bar area and the Multnomah Channel head for springers, or hit the Airport reach for sturgeon.

Best baits right now are cut-plug herring, sand shrimp, and smelt for sturgeon, and small spoons or shad darts for shad. Don’t forget to have some 3.5 spinners and tuna-wrapped FlatFish in your box for Chinook.

Overall, fishing is firing up and this weekend looks to be one of the best in weeks for getting out with friends and family. See you on the river and tight lines to all.

Artificial Lure, signing off.

This is Artificial Lure with your Columbia River fishing report for May 23, 2025, focusing on the Portland area and surrounding waters.

We had first light this morning at 5:39 and sunset will be around 8:29, so you have a long stretch of time to get lines in the water and enjoy some late spring angling. The weather’s cool and mostly cloudy, with a good chance of rain later today. This should bump the river flow a little and help bring in some fresh fish. The Columbia is running at typical spring levels, still a little high, but water clarity has been improving steadily over the past week[5].

Spring Chinook is the headline story right now. The state just announced additional open days for Chinook retention above Bonneville Dam, including today, so anglers upriver have more opportunity to target these prized salmon[1][3]. Catches are picking up but still a bit scattered, with most fish coming from the Bonneville stretch up to Tower Island. Downstream, including around Portland International Airport, folks are starting to get into some springers, but overall action is still on the slow side as the run builds[2][5].

Best methods for Chinook this week: trolling cut plug herring or anchovy behind a big Pro-Troll flasher, or running a 360 flasher with a spinner or Super Bait. Bank anglers are finding some limited luck running bobber and eggs, especially up near Bonneville at the bank access points. Chartreuse and gold have been hot colors, especially when the river has some color from rain or runoff[5].

Shad are starting to show up in numbers in the lower river, with early waves moving in near Willamette and up toward Bonneville. Standard shad darts in pink, green, or chartreuse are the go-to. This fishery should be heating up any day now and will provide steady action for the next several weeks[1].

Sturgeon catches have been slower for keepers, but some folks are still hooking into decent numbers of sublegal fish below Bonneville and in the Portland harbor on smelt and squid baits. Remember, sturgeon retention is closed in this stretch, so handle fish with care and release quickly[5].

For bait, herring and anchovy are top choices for Chinook, while shad anglers are sticking with small flashy darts. Sturgeon are hitting on smelt, squid, and anchovies fished off the bottom[5].

A couple of hot spots for today:
- Near the mouth of the Willamette for early shad and the chance at a Chinook passing through.
- Upriver from Bonneville Dam through Tower Island, where the bulk of the springer action is being reported.

That’s the latest from the Columbia. Watch for changing conditions with the rain today and be safe on the water. Good luck out there.

This is Artificial Lure coming at you with your Columbia River fishing report for Wednesday, May 21, 2025. The spring Chinook action is absolutely on fire right now, folks! We're seeing a robust run this year with forecasts showing about 217,500 fish moving upstream - way better than we've seen in recent seasons.

River conditions are looking prime with water temperatures starting to hit that sweet spot. The morning bite has been consistently strong, especially once the sun's been on the water for a couple hours. Today's high tide is around 10:45 AM with a moderate outgoing flow through the afternoon, making the first half of the day your best bet for hooking into these springers.

Weather-wise, we're looking at partly cloudy skies with temps climbing into the mid-60s by afternoon. Winds should stay under 10 mph until later in the day, so the morning drift should be nice and controlled. Sunrise was at 5:35 AM and we'll have light until sunset at 8:30 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get after 'em.

The latest reports from Davis Bar and the head of Multnomah Channel have been outstanding, with multiple boats limiting out before noon. The Portland Airport area has been consistently producing, and don't sleep on that stretch between the I-5 Bridge and the Sandy River mouth - that's been a sneaky good spot this past week.

For tackle, those K15 Kwikfish wrapped with a sardine fillet are absolutely crushing it right now. Herring in the deeper holes has been productive too, especially with a touch of chartreuse scent added. If you're a hardware junkie, 3/4 oz Vibrax spinners in brass/fire tiger patterns have been getting grabbed.

Don't forget about the walleye action either! Several 8-10 pounders have come out of the river near Government Island this week. Bottom walkers with nightcrawler harnesses are your best bet there.

Remember, the states just extended the spring Chinook season after that meeting back on May 7th, but always double-check the regs before heading out as things can change fast this time of year.

Hot spots for today: I'd hit the wing dam just downstream of the Portland Airport first thing, then shift to Frenchman's Bar as the tide starts moving out. If you're looking for a less crowded option, the deep hole off of Sauvie Island's north tip has been giving up some absolute slabs for the few folks working it properly.

Good luck out there, tight lines, and I'll catch you next week with another Columbia River report!

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].