***Artificial Lure's Columbia River Fishing Report***
May 4, 2025

Mornin' anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Sunday fishing report for the Columbia River area around Portland.

First off, I gotta tell ya that the Columbia River from Buoy 10 all the way up to the Oregon/Washington border above McNary Dam is currently closed for salmon and steelhead angling. The fisheries folks are keeping an eye on the upriver spring Chinook run and might open things up as the run progresses, so stay tuned.

Weather today is looking decent for early May - we're expecting partly cloudy skies with temps reaching the mid-60s. Sunrise was at 5:47 AM and sunset will be around 8:24 PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours on the water.

The word on the water is that walleye fishing has been good in The Dalles and John Day pools. If you're after some tasty walleye, now's the time to get out there. I've heard from several locals that chartreuse jigs tipped with a nightcrawler have been the ticket lately.

For those willing to travel a bit, the Hood River area has been producing some decent catches. Recent reports show that salmon fishing in that area was good in late April, with plenty of fish still working their way upriver. The 2025 forecast for upriver spring Chinook is 122,500 fish, which is better than last year but still below the 10-year average.

If you're after sturgeon, mark your calendars - the keeper sturgeon season in Bonneville and The Dalles pools runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Check the regs for exact dates as this fishery is quota-based.

For hot spots, I'd recommend trying the Scappoose area for coho. There have been decent reports coming from there recently. Another good bet would be the waters near Portland's downtown, where bass fishing has picked up with the warming water.

Bait-wise, local anglers are having success with cured salmon eggs and sand shrimp. If you're more of a lure person like myself, K15 Kwikfish in chrome/chartreuse or copper/chartreuse have been working well along with Brad's Super Bait filled with tuna.

Remember to check for any fish consumption advisories before keeping your catch, as there are some mercury and PCB warnings for certain areas of the Columbia.

That's the skinny for today, folks. Good luck, tight lines, and I'll catch ya on the water!

COLUMBIA RIVER FISHING REPORT - May 3, 2025
by Artificial Lure, Local Angling Expert

Good morning, river rats! It's a beautiful Saturday on the Columbia, though you'll want to bundle up for the early morning chill before things warm up later today.

Current situation ain't looking too hot for salmon and steelhead enthusiasts, I'm afraid. The Columbia River is currently closed for salmon and steelhead angling from Buoy 10 all the way upstream to the Oregon/Washington border above McNary Dam[1]. Fishery managers are keeping a close eye on the upriver spring Chinook run, which was forecasted at 122,500 fish this year - better than last year's return but still below the 10-year average[5]. They might open additional angling opportunities as the run progresses, so stay tuned.

The good news? Walleye fishing is running hot in The Dalles and John Day pools right now[1]. If you're after sturgeon, note that the lower Columbia below Bonneville Dam had a weekly checking that showed no catch for five boats with two anglers recently[1], so temper your expectations.

For those willing to travel upriver, the Hood River area has been producing some decent salmon action according to reports from early October, with fish still working their way upriver at that time[2]. The Scappoose area was also seeing some coho catches then.

Spring Chinook typically don't show up in large numbers until late March or April, but we're starting to see them in catches, particularly around Portland International Airport and downriver[3]. With the run being similar to recent years, we should be seeing some quality mainstem fishing opportunities soon[5].

Bait-wise, I'm hearing cured roe has been working well for the salmon that are around. For walleye, try bottom walkers with worm harnesses or jigs tipped with nightcrawlers. Hot spots include The Dalles Pool for walleye and, once salmon fishing reopens, the area around Portland International Airport looks promising.

Remember, we've got some consumption advisories on parts of the Columbia due to high levels of mercury and PCBs, so check the Oregon Health Authority guidelines before you feast on your catch[1].

For those planning a full day on the water, sunrise was around 5:55 AM today with sunset expected around 8:20 PM.

Keep an eye on the regulations update page for any changes - the states might open additional salmon fishing opportunities as they monitor that spring Chinook run[1].

That's the skinny for today, folks. May your lines stay tight and your coolers get heavy! This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time. See ya on the water!

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Columbia River fishing report for this fine Friday morning, May 2nd, 2025.

The spring salmon action is heating up nicely around the Portland area. Spring Chinook numbers have been steadily increasing since mid-April, with decent catches reported near the Portland International Airport and downriver sections[1]. The upriver spring Chinook run forecast was 122,500 fish this year, which is better than what we saw in 2024[3].

Weather-wise, we're looking at mild conditions for today with temperatures perfect for a day on the water. Tides are moderate, giving us good water movement to trigger those bites. Sunrise was around 5:55 AM, and we'll have daylight until about 8:20 PM, giving you plenty of time to get those lines wet.

Salmon fishing has been the main attraction lately. The season extension that ran through mid-October last year brought in plenty of Chinook and coho, and we're seeing a similar pattern developing this spring[1]. Several anglers have been reporting success with spinner and herring rigs, particularly in the early morning hours. Fresh cured prawns have also been producing well.

If you're targeting sturgeon, remember those keeper seasons in the Bonneville and The Dalles pools were scheduled back in January, but catch-and-release action can still be productive this time of year[1]. Use fresh smelt or pickled herring for best results.

For hot spots, I'd recommend trying the Hood River area where the action has been consistent for salmon. The water conditions are prime, and the fish are definitely on the move[1]. Another productive area has been around Scappoose, which saw good coho action last fall and is starting to produce again this spring[1].

From what I've been hearing at the bait shops, herring, spinners, and Kwikfish with a sardine wrap are your best bets for spring Chinook right now. For those working the deeper holes, try bouncing a prawn-tipped jig off the bottom.

A word to the wise: watch those sea lions! They've been thick at least up to the airport following the smelt runs, and they'll steal your catch if you're not careful[4].

Remember to check the latest regulations as they can change quickly. The lower Columbia below Bonneville was reported closed to retention as of late April, so verify before heading out[2].

Tight lines, folks! This is Artificial Lure signing off. I'll be out on the water myself this weekend, so holler if you see me!

Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Columbia River fishing update for this fine Wednesday morning, April 30, 2025.

Spring chinook fishing has been picking up after a slow start to the season. Back in early April, fishery managers extended the springer season due to the sluggish beginning, but things have improved since then. The sea lions and smelt that were making salmon fishing difficult have mostly cleared out, which is great news for all of us.

The latest reports show scattered spring chinook catches throughout the river. Some successful spots include the Cathlamet area where anglers kept 13 chinook during a recent count, and near Longview where both bank and boat anglers have been having some luck. The I-5 area has also produced some decent fishing with bank anglers landing chinook and jack chinook.

These Columbia spring chinook are some of the best eating fish you'll find anywhere due to their high oil content. They typically weigh between 8-15 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 20-pounder!

Weather today is typical spring conditions for Portland, with temperatures moderate and a mix of sun and clouds. For best results, hit the water early around sunrise or in the evening hours before sunset when fish are most active.

For bait, herring or anchovies rigged with a spinner have been productive. If you prefer artificial lures (and with a name like mine, how could I not?), K15 Kwikfish with a sardine wrap or size 3.5 spinners in red/white or metallic finishes have been working well. Don't forget to try some prawn-scented cured eggs if you've got them.

Hot spots to try today include just below Bonneville Dam if you're bank fishing, or the stretch near St. Helens and Westport if you're in a boat. The Willamette confluence area is also worth checking out, especially since the Willamette has cleared up nicely from its earlier murky conditions.

Remember the Columbia River spring salmon forecast for 2025 is 217,500 fish, which is promising compared to recent years. We're about a month into the run now, so there should be plenty of opportunity ahead.

For those who aren't having luck with salmon, the sturgeon fishing in the lower Willamette has been excellent for catch-and-release action. It's a great alternative if the salmon aren't cooperating.

Tight lines, everyone! This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time. See you on the water!

Fishing Report for the Columbia River, Portland – April 23, 2025

Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure here with today’s Columbia River fishing report for the Portland stretch and nearby waters.

The sun rose this morning at 6:10 AM with skies mostly overcast and a cool breeze rolling off the river. We’re looking at high temps right around the mid-50s, so dress in layers and be ready for the possibility of a stray shower. Winds are forecast to pick up slightly mid-morning, with the best fishing likely to be early and late. The tide is moderate, with outgoing tide making access and anchoring at your favorite spots a little more manageable as the morning progresses.

As for the bite, things remain a bit slow for the prized spring chinook. There have been occasional springers picked up, especially in the stretch from Davis Bar down to the I-5 Bridge, but the run is off to a sluggish start this year. Mainstem fishing is pretty quiet, and most guides are reporting scattered catches at best, with only a handful of fish showing up each trip. Bonneville area bank anglers are picking up the rare fish, but results are far from hot. The Willamette River is still off-color and slow to clear, so expect similarly challenging conditions for salmon there[1][2][5].

If you want more action, sturgeon fishing in the lower Willamette is coming alive. Catch-and-release anglers have been reporting consistent hook-ups with good-sized fish. While you can’t keep them, it’s fun rod-bending action. The smelt are finally starting to clear out, which should improve future salmon chances – and the pesky sea lions are thinning, another plus[1].

Top-producing lures for spring chinook have been chartreuse spinners, small prismatic plugs like Kwikfish K14s wrapped with sardine, and cut-plug herring trolled downstream. On slow days, downsizing your presentation or running bait closer to the bottom can help. For sturgeon, try sand shrimp or smelt on the bottom.

The bites have been best right at dawn and again late in the day, especially as tides switch. Davis Bar remains a hotspot for a shot at springers, and the waters near the I-5 Bridge have seen the most consistent catches lately. If you’re looking for steady rod action, try the lower Willamette for sturgeon instead.

Sunset is at 8:01 PM tonight. Be safe out there, watch for wind, and don’t forget to check the latest regulations and advisories before heading out. Tight lines from Artificial Lure, and here’s hoping the springers turn on soon[1][2][4][5]!

Artificial Lure here with your Columbia River fishing report for April 21, 2025. Spring has finally broken through, but salmon action continues to be on the slow side here around Portland. Here’s how things are shaping up today along the river.

Sunrise came at 6:14 am and you’ll be fishing until sunset at 8:01 pm. Weather is mild this morning, with temps starting in the low 50s and climbing to the mid-60s by afternoon. Expect mostly cloudy skies with a light breeze from the west. Water levels have been good, but the Willamette is still a bit murky after recent rains.

Tides play a big part if you’re fishing closer to the estuary. Low tide at the mouth was just before dawn, with the incoming tide peaking midmorning—often a great window for Chinook on the move.

Let’s talk about the bite. The main focus remains spring Chinook, but fishing pressure is high and results are mixed. Reports from April 12 show 690 salmonid boats and 257 bank rods between Rocky Point/Tongue Point and Bonneville Dam. Bank anglers below Bonneville kept 25 Chinook and released seven more, while 8 boats managed to land just two Chinook. In the Vancouver stretch, 26 bank anglers scraped up one Chinook, and 75 boats had a little better luck with 19 Chinook landed and one released. Some steelhead are showing up near Woodland, but numbers are modest. Overall, Chinook are scattered, and most anglers are working hard for their fish[3][5].

There’s some good news: fewer sea lions and less smelt in the system mean salmon fishing could tick up soon. And if you need a break from the tough salmon bite, sturgeon fishing in the lower Willamette is looking up, though it’s catch and release for now[1].

Best lures and bait right now are herring and anchovy (plug-cut or whole) trolled behind a flasher, with most folks sticking to the classic green or chartreuse spinner blades. For bank anglers, a prawn or sand shrimp fished on a spinner rig can draw a bite. Try switching up your leader length if you aren’t finding action. Water clarity still calls for brighter colors, especially if the Willamette stays off-color.

Top spots to try today are the bank lines below Bonneville Dam for a shot at springers, or the Portland-Vancouver stretch if you’re boating. Also keep an eye on the mouths of the Willamette and Lewis rivers, especially around Hog Island and Frenchman’s Bar—local guides have reported a few more Chinook here as fish stage before heading upstream.

That’s your April 21 Columbia River report. Be patient, keep your baits fresh, and enjoy the spring scenery—when those springers finally move through, it’ll be worth the wait. Good luck out there and tight lines.

Artificial Lure here with your April 20, 2025, Columbia River fishing report from the heart of Portland. We’re right in the thick of springer season, but as most regulars will tell you, it’s been a grind out there recently. The water remains on the low side, making the bite a bit slow and the fish scattered. Still, persistence pays off, and a handful of anglers are managing to scratch out some spring Chinook along the classic haunts between the I-5 Bridge and Bonneville Dam.

Weather today is typical for April in the northwest — cool in the early morning with patchy clouds, a light drizzle expected around midday, with highs topping out in the mid-50s. Sunrise was at 6:18 a.m., and sunset rolls in at 8:01 p.m., giving everyone a healthy window to soak some lines. The tide schedule is favorable in the morning hours, with a low around 9 a.m., so early risers working the outgoing shouldn’t be disappointed, especially in the lower reaches near the estuary.

This past week, boat counts have been high on the weekends, especially from Rocky Point up to Bonneville. The fish checkers report scattered catches. On April 5, for example, 637 salmonid boats were counted, with the best action seen near Cathlamet, where 140 boats landed 13 Chinook. Up near Woodland and Vancouver, anglers picked off a few more. Bank fishing has been light, but a couple of Chinook and stray steelhead are making appearances for the folks with patience along the Vancouver and Longview shores[5].

Best bets for catching a springer right now are trolling herring or anchovy behind a flasher in the lower river. Chartreuse and silver spinners are also turning fish, especially on overcast mornings. Upriver, folks are running prawn and sandshrimp combos on diver rigs. As for steelhead, a few are still poking around, and a small cluster of bankies in Woodland and Longview managed to put some on the sand last week.

If you’re mobile, consider splitting your time between the Columbia and the lower Willamette — sturgeon catch and release action is strong right now over on the Willamette, and that could be a fun pivot if the salmon bite is slow[4]. Hot spots to consider today: the waters near the I-5 Bridge for a morning start, and then slide down to the Cathlamet area for the afternoon run if you’re able to trailer your boat.

Remember that fish consumption advisories are still in place for the Columbia, so keep those guidelines in mind if you’re planning to eat your catch[1].

Good luck out there, and I’ll see you on the river.

Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure here with your Saturday, April 19, 2025, Columbia River fishing report for the Portland area.

We’re waking up to a spring morning with decent conditions for getting out on the water. Sunrise was right around 6:18 am and sunset will be at 8:01 pm, giving you plenty of daylight to work with. Expect typical April weather—overcast skies early, likely warming up with some sun breaks later in the day. Bring your rain gear just in case, as those spring showers can sneak up on us.

The river’s been running a little high and murky, which has kept the fishing tough this month. In terms of tides, high tide is expected mid-morning and low tide late afternoon, so plan your efforts around those slower current windows for best results.

As for fish activity, the spring Chinook run is still slow, but there’s a trickle of fresh fish passing through. Recent catch reports have been modest, with scattered springers coming in from the mainstem below Bonneville and the Portland stretch. Anglers are mostly picking up one or two fish per boat if they’re lucky, and it’s been hit or miss from the bank. The sea lions and smelt are finally thinning out, which should help fishing pick up in the coming days.

Best bets for baits and lures right now are herring or prawn spinners, rigged behind a pro-troll or other flasher setup. Trolling downstream from the mouth up to the I-5 Bridge and below the railroad bridge near Portland have produced the occasional fish. Bank anglers are doing okay on sardine-wrapped Kwikfish and plunked Spin-N-Glos. If you’re headed upriver, anchor fishing with plugs and bait near the mouth of Multnomah Channel or across from Kelly Point can also yield rewards.

If you want a break from the spotty salmon bite, sturgeon action has really picked up in the Willamette just off the Columbia’s main channel. A chunk of smelt or herring is your go-to bait for catch-and-release fun, especially below the falls and around the mouth.

Hot spots to check today include the waters around Kelly Point Park and Government Island for a shot at springers, and the lower Willamette near the St. Johns Bridge for sturgeon. Be mindful of the regulations and check the current boundaries and open days—right now, spring Chinook fishing is open between Buoy 10 and Beacon Rock, and only from the bank above there to Bonneville for this week.

Good luck out there—tight lines, keep your net handy, and don’t forget your raincoat. This is Artificial Lure, signing off and hoping your next cast is the one that counts.

Artificial Lure here with your Columbia River fishing report for Portland, Friday, April 18, 2025.

Let’s kick things off with today’s sunrise at 6:23 AM and sunset at 7:56 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to work the water. We’re sitting in a spring transition with mild, overcast weather and high humidity, typical for mid-April. Expect light winds and temps in the upper 40s to low 60s through the day. Tidal flow this morning will be moderate, with ebbing tide through midday—fishing tends to be best around these transitions, especially for sturgeon and walleye.

Fish activity is ramping up. The recent rains bumped water levels a bit, but clarity remains good below the Willamette junction. Anglers are reporting a mixed bag: spring Chinook salmon, sturgeon, steelhead, walleye, and smallmouth bass are all in play.

Spring Chinook are the main event. Catch rates are picking up, with several fish a day coming from boats trolling herring or anchovies behind 360 flashers downstream of the I-5 Bridge and up near St. Helens. Cured roe drifted near the bottom is working up above the mouth of the Sandy as well. The 3.5 spinner/360 flasher combo has been hot for both bank and boat anglers, especially when spinners are chartreuse or metallic[5][6].

For steelhead, try drifting a cluster of cured eggs or sand shrimp, especially in the early morning. A Spin-N-Glo with coon stripe shrimp is an old favorite this time of year, and spinners in silver-blue or pink are turning heads when the water’s got some color[1][6].

Sturgeon are active and widely distributed from Portland downstream to the estuary. Sand shrimp, smelt, and herring are top baits; whole shad is your winner for big fish near the Bonneville and Dalles dam areas[3][6]. Anchor up along inside bends or channel edges. Catch-and-release is standard, but action has been steady.

Walleye bite is building. Fish are moving up to spawn, and they’re hungry. Jigging with a nightcrawler on a 1/4-ounce head, or running a soft plastic like a Keitech in shad or white, will produce. Some anglers are also catching fish trolling deep-diving crankbaits or spinner rigs, especially near the mouth of the Willamette and islands east of Vancouver. Keep baits tight to the bottom[8][10].

Smallmouth bass are getting active as temps rise. Dragging a Columbia River Crawdad or a tube jig in green or brown along rocky points and flats is prime. Swim baits in shad colors and topwaters in the early morning (Zara Spook, Pop-R) are drawing explosive strikes, especially near Rooster Rock and the east bank above the I-205 Bridge[4].

Top two hot spots today:
1. Sauvie Island down to St. Helens for Chinook, sturgeon, and walleye, especially on the outgoing tide.
2. Rooster Rock stretch for bass, walleye, and the occasional late steelhead.

If you’re heading out, dress warm, bring rain gear, and have a handful of herring, sand shrimp, nightcrawlers, and your favorite spinners and plastics. With rising water temps and active fish, prospects are solid—tight lines and good luck out there!

Good morning from the Columbia River, this is Artificial Lure with your local Portland fishing report for April 16, 2025.

We’re set up for a classic spring bite. The morning air is cool in the upper 40s with partly cloudy skies expected and a light breeze. Highs should climb to 60 by late afternoon. Water levels are moderate, ideal for most species. Sunrise was at 6:22 AM and sunset will be around 7:56 PM, so there’s plenty of daylight for anglers to take advantage of the peak activity windows.

The tide is turning this morning, with a rising tide through mid-morning that should stir up some baitfish and help shore-based anglers and boaters alike see a little more action.

Bass have been biting well lately, especially smallmouth. Anglers reported solid numbers—dozens of fish caught per day—some topping four pounds. The hottest lures recently have been shad-imitating swimbaits like the Keitech FAT Swing Impact in natural colors, fished over flats and weed beds. Topwater is starting to play, especially early. Zara Spooks and Tiny Torpedos around the islands and shoreline are drawing explosive strikes in the first light hours.

Soft plastics like tubes and crawdad-imitating baits, especially the Columbia River Crawdad patterns, are pulling fish around boulder and gravel beds in 8 to 20 feet of water. Spinnerbaits in orange, yellow, and green have also worked well as the sun gets up, especially on faster retrieves across current seams. Classic crankbaits like the Berkley Flicker Shad are another solid bet on drop-offs and along weed edges.

Walleye are still deep but are moving a bit shallower with the warmer temps. Jigging nightcrawlers on 1/2 ounce heads in 20 to 60 feet is producing steady action right now, especially during slower currents. Some anglers are mixing in plastics—grubs in yellow and white or motor oil—if the bite slows, but plain crawler rigs seem most reliable.

A few early spring Chinook and the odd steelhead have been reported around the mouth of the Willamette and up near the I-5 bridge. Best bets for salmon are trolling 360 flashers paired with Simon 3.5 Colorado Spinners, cut-plug herring imitations or High Class Tackle spinners. If you’re after salmon, watch for rolling fish and concentrate your efforts around tide changes.

For hot spots, try the area near Hayden Island for bass and walleye action. Government Island sloughs and surrounding channel edges are also fishing well. For salmon, focus efforts in the stretch from Kelley Point up to the mouth of the Sandy River.

Best of luck out there today! If you find a good bite, keep quiet and enjoy it—there’s plenty of river for all of us. Tight lines from Artificial Lure.