April 14, 2025

The fishing scene on the Columbia River near Portland is lively and promising today, with plenty of opportunities for anglers to reel in some great catches. Current conditions are shaping up well for targeting spring Chinook salmon, smallmouth bass, and more.

**Weather and Tidal Details:**
As of today, the weather in Portland reflects typical spring conditions, with temperatures expected to range between 45°F and 60°F, and mostly cloudy skies with brief periods of sunshine. The wind remains moderate, so anglers should prepare accordingly. The tides are favorable for fishing, with a high tide around mid-morning and a low tide later in the afternoon, making early morning and late afternoon good windows for success.

**Fish Activity and Recent Catches:**
The spring Chinook run is gaining traction in the lower Columbia River, with fish beginning to move upriver. Recent reports indicate that anglers have had notable success near Buoy 10, Davis Bar, and around Warrior Rock. In recent weeks, catches included spring Chinook weighing over 20 pounds, with several kept by boats and bank anglers alike. Smallmouth bass activity is also picking up as water temperatures warm, particularly in areas with rocky structures.

**Best Lures and Baits:**
- For salmon, the top-performing setups include trolling with cured salmon roe, Simon 3.0 Cut Plugs, or spinners like the Simon 3.5 Spinner. Flashers, such as 360 rotating flashers, are also critical for attracting attention.
- For smallmouth bass, try using shad-imitating swim baits, crawfish imitations, or topwater lures like Zara Spooks during the morning. Columbia River Crawdad lures have proven particularly versatile.
- For sturgeon, though retention is closed, baits like sand shrimp, herring, or anchovies remain effective for catch and release.

**Hot Spots:**
1. **Davis Bar**: Located near the Washington side of the river, this spot has seen consistent salmon activity. Target this area during slack high tide for the best chances.
2. **Warrior Rock**: Between St. Helens and Rainier, this stretch is producing steady catches for both boaters and bank anglers, particularly for Chinook salmon.
3. **Bonneville Dam Tailrace**: Ideal for a variety of species, particularly as spring flows attract more fish.

**Additional Tips:**
- Target depths of 20-40 feet for salmon, depending on tides and currents.
- For smallmouth bass, look for shallow flats, weed beds, or rocky shores where fish are actively feeding.
- Adjust trolling speeds (1-2 mph for Chinook) and use attractant scents like anise or garlic for better results.
- Early morning remains the most productive time for all species, with sunrise officially at 6:28 AM and sunset at 7:56 PM today.

Now is an excellent time to get out on the water. Happy fishing!

Good morning, anglers! Today is Saturday, April 12, 2025, and the Columbia River around Portland is primed for some exciting fishing action. Here’s your detailed fishing report:

The weather this morning is shaping up nicely, with clear skies and a gentle breeze. Sunrise was at 6:35 AM, and sunset will be at 7:53 PM, giving you ample daylight to hit the water. Tidal movements are moderate today, with a flood tide early in the morning and an ebb tide rolling in by mid-afternoon, which should fuel fish activity.

**Fishing Activity and Recent Catches:**
The Columbia River is a hotspot for multiple species, including salmon, sturgeon, walleye, and smallmouth bass. Recent angling reports indicate that Chinook salmon are actively feeding as they migrate upriver. Chinook have been biting well on lures like the Simon 3.5 Colorado Spinner and 360 Flashers paired with cut-plug herring. Several anglers near Buoy 10 and the Bonneville Dam have reported good numbers of salmon catches, with some weighing over 20 pounds.

Smallmouth bass fishing has also been productive, with anglers pulling in plentiful numbers using shad-imitating swim baits and crawdad imitations. Areas with flats and boulder structures are seeing most of the action. Reports suggest some great-sized smallmouth, with several fish over 4 pounds caught recently.

Walleye fishing continues to deliver, especially in the lower Columbia. Techniques like jigging with nightcrawlers or yellow and white plastic grubs have been especially effective. These predators are holding in shallower waters, around 20 to 40 feet, with higher activity during the slower current periods.

**Best Baits and Lures:**
- **Salmon:** Try cut-plug herring, Simon Spin Dawgs, or McOmie Hoochie Spinners for trolling setups.
- **Smallmouth Bass:** Shad-imitating swim baits or Columbia River crawdad imitations in colors like Old Ugly or Bill’s Money are doing wonders.
- **Walleye:** Nightcrawlers rigged on a jig head or yellow/white grub tails are the top choices.
- **Sturgeon:** Sand shrimp, smelt, and herring remain the go-to options for these bottom-dwellers, especially near Bonneville Dam.

**Recommended Hot Spots:**
1. **Buoy 10:** A fantastic location for Chinook salmon as they move from the estuary into the river system. Try trolling spinners and flashers here.
2. **Bonneville Dam Tailwaters:** A prime area for both sturgeon and salmon, with some anglers reporting double-digit catch days.
3. **The Dalles Pool:** Great for targeting walleye and smallmouth bass around rocky structures and drop-offs.

Whether you’re after a trophy salmon or just looking for a full cooler of smallmouth bass, there’s no better time to get out on the water. Tight lines, and I’ll see you out there!

The Columbia River fishing scene is looking promising for anglers in Portland and the surrounding areas this Friday, April 11, 2025. Here’s what’s happening on the water today.

The tides today at Longview are as follows: high tide at 3:18 AM (5.3 ft), low tide at 10:53 AM (1.61 ft), another high tide at 3:40 PM (4.72 ft), and a final low tide at 10:50 PM (1.67 ft). Sunrise was at 6:31 AM, with sunset at 7:54 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to enjoy the river. The weather is expected to be cool and partly cloudy, so dress in layers to stay comfortable.

Spring Chinook salmon fishing is currently the main draw, with the season recently extended. The best spots for targeting these coveted fish include the lower Columbia River from Buoy 10 to Beacon Rock, as well as bank fishing opportunities upriver towards Bonneville Dam. Chinook salmon are legendary for their taste and fight, and reports indicate scattered catches in this stretch of the river. Keep an eye on the deeper channels and near shorelines where fish may be holding.

For the best chance of success, try trolling with Simon 3.0 Cut Plugs or using 360 Flashers paired with bait like cut-plug herring. Anglers have also reported success with McOmie Hoochie Spinners and spinners like the Simon 3.5 Colorado for luring in Chinook. Remember to adjust your setup to the trolling speed and conditions to maximize the appeal of your lure.

Sturgeon fishing, though primarily catch-and-release at this time, remains productive in spots like the lower Willamette River. Anglers often catch sizable fish using nightcrawlers or with simple baits suspended near the bottom. For those interested in bass fishing, the Columbia’s smallmouth bass are becoming more active. Focus on flats and weed beds using crawdad imitations or shad-imitating swim baits.

Recent catches have shown varying success depending on location. From Portland to Warrior Rock, three Chinook were landed among bank anglers and boaters, while in the Rainier area, anglers had a mix of Chinook and steelhead action. For a more consistent bite, the Columbia River Gorge is another hotspot, combining scenic beauty with solid fishing opportunities.

If you’re planning to fish today, target Spring Chinook in the early morning hours and again towards dusk as fish activity tends to peak during these times. The Wind River area will soon be one of the top fisheries later this month, but for now, the Portland stretch and nearby lower Columbia River remain excellent.

Good luck out there, and tight lines!

The Columbia River around Portland is offering anglers some promising spring fishing action today, April 4, 2025. Here's an overview of the key fishing details:

The weather today is mild, staying in the mid-50s with a mix of clouds and sunshine, accompanied by light winds. Sunrise was at 6:43 AM, and sunset will be at 7:43 PM, giving ample daylight for fishing. Tides near Portland are moderate, typical for this time of year, providing steady current conditions that are ideal for salmon fishing.

The spring Chinook salmon season has been lively with hatchery springers being the main catch. Recent reports indicate better fishing outcomes in areas like Davis Bar and near the I-5 Bridge. The Columbia's season is set to close on April 7 below Bonneville Dam, so this weekend is your best opportunity to land a spring Chinook before regulations shift. Upstream in the Willamette River, you’ll find additional chances for Chinook as its season stays open year-round.

Today, anglers have had success using cut-plug herring paired with 360 flashers near the bottom in slow troll setups. Popular lures include Simon Spin Dawgs and Simon Cut Plugs, which mimic baitfish effectively. On brighter days, experiment with brined herring in blue or green hues to match lighting conditions.

If salmon are slow to bite, sturgeon catch-and-release action near the lower Willamette River is heating up. These prehistoric giants are a thrilling alternative and accessible from boats or banks. On the other hand, walleye enthusiasts are finding luck with nightcrawlers on jigs in 20 to 60 feet of water near Bonneville Pool.

Recent catches in the lower Columbia have included a handful of Chinook per day among the larger fishing community, with some nice-sized hatchery springers reported. Fishermen targeting steelhead have seen moderate success, particularly near Rainier.

For prime fishing hot spots, consider these locations:
- **Davis Bar:** Productive for spring Chinook with a mix of boat and shore fishing success.
- **Lower Willamette River:** Great for both salmon and sturgeon, especially near the head of Multnomah Channel.

As always, dress warmly and in rainproof layers, as weather conditions can shift suddenly. Don’t forget to double-check fishing regulations, including allowable species and daily limits, with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Now’s the time—get out there and enjoy some of the Pacific Northwest's best spring fishing!

Today, April 2, 2025, marks a prime day for fishing the Columbia River near Portland, Oregon. With abundant opportunities for spring Chinook salmon and other species, anglers are expected to have a productive day on the water.

The sunrise today is at 6:47 AM, and sunset will be at 7:41 PM. The weather forecast indicates mild temperatures in the mid-50s to 60s, with partly cloudy skies and light winds. Tidal influences will play a role depending on the fishing location, as the Columbia River estuary sees notable changes affecting fish movement.

The spring Chinook run is in full swing, with an estimated 122,500 fish returning this season. Fishing is open from Buoy 10 to Beacon Rock through April 6, with anglers reporting catches of Chinook in these areas. Below Bonneville Dam, counts suggest promising activity, with fish caught from Rainier to Lower Puget Island. In these areas, recent reports show anglers landing Chinook, steelhead, and shad. Bank anglers are also seeing success near Portland, keeping steelhead and Chinook in moderate numbers.

For lures and bait, trolling cut-plug herring or using spinners remains highly effective for targeting spring Chinook. The Simon 3.0 Cut Plug and Colorado spinners are recommended for their consistent action. Adding scent to these lures can increase strikes. Anglers pursuing steelhead have had luck with nightcrawlers, plugs, or drifted corkies. For smallmouth bass north of Portland, shad-imitating swim baits and crawdad patterns work well in rocky areas and along drop-offs.

Hotspots today include the stretch from Kelly Point Park to Warrior Rock and areas below Bonneville Dam. Buoy 10 remains a strong bet for salmon anglers. For bank fishing, areas near Meldrum Bar or St. Helens provide accessible opportunities.

With strong fish activity, good weather, and favorable tides, today is a great day to hit the water on the Columbia River. Whether on a boat or the shore, anglers are in for an exciting day with ample opportunities to reel in some great catches.

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Columbia River fishing report for March 31, 2025. Let me tell you, the spring fishing season is heating up and there's plenty of action to be had out on the water.

First things first, let's talk tides. We've got a high tide of 2.95 feet at 7:57 AM and a low tide of 0.34 feet at 4:19 PM. The sun's coming up at 6:52 AM and setting at 7:38 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to work with.

Weather-wise, it's looking like a typical spring day in Portland. Expect some clouds with a chance of showers, but nothing too heavy. Temperatures should be in the mid-50s, so layer up and bring a rain jacket just in case.

Now, onto the good stuff - the fish! Spring Chinook are starting to show up in decent numbers. We've been seeing some nice catches below Bonneville Dam, with anglers reporting success using herring and sardine-wrapped Kwikfish. If you're bank fishing, try tossing out some cured eggs or sand shrimp.

Steelhead fishing has been steady, with both wild and hatchery fish in the mix. Drift fishing with yarn and eggs has been productive, especially in the Gorge area. Don't forget to check the regulations, as some spots are catch-and-release only for wild steelhead.

For you bass anglers, the smallmouth bite is picking up as the water warms. Jigs and soft plastics in crawdad colors have been working well, especially around rocky structure.

As for hot spots, I'd recommend trying your luck around the I-5 Bridge or heading up to the Multnomah Channel. The Warrior Rock area has also been producing some nice catches.

Bait-wise, you can't go wrong with fresh sand shrimp or cured eggs for salmon and steelhead. If you're targeting sturgeon, try using fresh smelt or pickled squid.

For those who prefer artificial lures (like yours truly), I've been having good luck with green label herring helmets for salmon and marabou jigs for steelhead. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors and retrieves.

Remember, folks, the spring Chinook season is closely regulated, so make sure you're up to date on the latest rules and closures. And as always, practice good river etiquette and pack out what you pack in.

That's all for now, anglers. Get out there and tight lines to ya!

Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Columbia River fishing report for March 30, 2025. We're looking at a partly cloudy day with highs around 62°F and lows near 48°F. Sunrise is at 6:53 AM, and sunset will be at 7:37 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to wet our lines.

Now, let's talk tides. We've got a low tide of 0.24 feet at 2:18 AM, followed by a high of 2.78 feet at 7:16 AM. Another low of 0.29 feet comes in at 3:23 PM, with the day's final high at 7:46 PM, reaching 2.01 feet. These tide swings should create some good current and hopefully get those fish moving.

Folks, the spring Chinook run is starting to heat up! We've been seeing more and more springers making their way up the Columbia. Last week, anglers were having decent luck around the I-5 bridge and Davis Bar area. A few lucky fishermen even landed some nice ones near Multnomah Falls.

For you sturgeon enthusiasts, the catch-and-release fishing has been steady. Remember, retention is closed, but these prehistoric beasts are still fun to battle.

As for lures, you can't go wrong with a green or red spinner for those springers. The Jackall Gavacho in gold gill has been producing well, and don't forget about the trusty SPRO Rock Crawler 55. If you're more of a bait fisher, cured salmon roe is always a solid choice.

Speaking of bait, fresh sand shrimp and smelt have been working wonders for both salmon and sturgeon. And here's a local tip: try using a whole shad if you're targeting those big sturgeon below Bonneville Dam.

For you smallmouth bass lovers, the bite is starting to pick up as the water warms. A 3.8 Keitech Swing Impact Fat on a 1/4-ounce ball head has been money lately.

Now, for some hot spots. I'd recommend giving the stretch between Warrior Rock and Rainier a shot for some spring Chinook action. If you're after sturgeon, the deep holes near the mouth of the Willamette have been producing some giants.

Remember, folks, always check the latest regulations before heading out. Tight lines, and I'll catch you on the river!

Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Columbia River fishing report for today, March 28, 2025. Let's dive right in!

First off, we've got a high tide at 2:28 PM hitting 6.66 feet, with a low tide at 9:29 PM at -0.14 feet. Sunrise is at 7:00 AM and sunset at 7:37 PM, giving us a solid day of fishing time. Weather-wise, we're looking at partly cloudy skies with temps in the mid-50s, so layer up!

Now, onto the good stuff - the fish! Spring Chinook are starting to show up in decent numbers. Last week, we saw about a dozen springers caught throughout the lower river. The bite's been a bit slow, but it's picking up. Steelhead are still in the mix too, with a few nice ones being landed near Longview.

For you bass enthusiasts, the smallmouth action is heating up as the water warms. Folks have been having luck with swim baits imitating shad and crawdad-colored crankbaits.

Lure-wise, I'm loving the Simon 3.0 Cut Plug in brass-fire wing for salmon. For steelhead, you can't go wrong with a Mepps spinner. Bass are hitting on 3.8 Keitech Swing Impact Fat on a 1/4-ounce ball head.

If you're more of a bait fisher, sand shrimp and cut-plug herring are your best bets for salmon. For sturgeon, try squid or smelt.

Hot spots this week include the I-5 Bridge area for salmon, and the stretch between Warrior Rock and Longview Bridge for a mixed bag of salmon and steelhead. Bass anglers should check out the Gorge area.

Remember, the limit's two salmon per day, and one can be a Chinook. Wild coho need to be released below the Hood River Bridge.

That's all for now, folks. Tight lines and see you on the water!

Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Columbia River fishing report for March 26, 2025. It's shaping up to be a decent day on the water, so let's dive right in.

First off, we've got a high tide coming in at 4:44 AM, hitting about 2 feet, followed by a low tide at 11:13 AM dropping to around half a foot. The next high tide rolls in at 4:27 PM, pushing up to 2.37 feet. Keep an eye on those water levels, folks - they can make or break your day.

Weather-wise, we're looking at a partly cloudy day with temps in the mid-50s. Sunrise is at 7:01 AM, and we'll see the sun dip below the horizon at 7:31 PM. That gives us a solid 12 and a half hours of daylight to work with.

Now, let's talk fish. The spring Chinook run is starting to pick up steam, and we're seeing some decent catches around the Portland area. A few lucky anglers have been pulling in some nice 15 to 20-pounders. The Columbia River Crawdad has been a hot lure lately, especially in the "Bill's Money" color. If you're more of a bait fisher, you can't go wrong with some cured salmon roe.

Smallmouth bass action has been heating up too. Folks have been having luck with swim baits like the 3.8 Keitech Swing Impact Fat on a 1/4-ounce ball head. The shad-colored ones seem to be working best.

For you walleye hunters out there, try trolling with a bottom bouncer and a nightcrawler harness. The bite's been pretty consistent, especially near the John Day Dam.

As for hot spots, I'd recommend checking out the area around Multnomah Channel. It's been producing some nice spring Chinook. For smallmouth, try the rocky areas near the I-5 Bridge.

Remember, folks, the key to success is staying mobile. If you're not getting bites in one spot, don't be afraid to move around. And as always, make sure you've got your licenses and tags in order.

That's all for now, anglers. This is Artificial Lure signing off. Tight lines and good luck out there!

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Columbia River fishing report for March 24, 2025. It's a crisp morning out on the water, with temperatures hovering around 45°F and expected to climb to the mid-50s by afternoon. We've got partly cloudy skies, so don't forget your shades!

Sunrise was at 7:10 AM, and we're looking at sunset around 7:34 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to reel in some beauties. Speaking of which, the spring Chinook run is starting to heat up! We've been seeing more and more of these prized fish making their way upriver.

Tide-wise, we're looking at a high tide of 6.72 feet at 8:25 AM, followed by a low of 0.7 feet at 3:46 PM. Keep an eye on those water levels, folks – they can make or break your fishing spot.

Recent reports show a mix of spring Chinook and winter steelhead being caught. Last week, anglers near the I-5 bridge area landed a few nice Chinook, with one boat keeping a 15-pounder. The Woodland and Kalama sections have been a bit slower, but don't let that discourage you – the fish are there, just playing hard to get!

For you lure enthusiasts out there, I've been having great luck with Simon Spin Dawgs behind a 360 Flasher. These babies really mimic that wounded baitfish action that drives the Chinook wild. If you're more of a bait fisher, you can't go wrong with some cured salmon roe or a nice, plump sand shrimp.

As for hot spots, I'd recommend giving the stretch between Warrior Rock and the Longview Bridge a shot. We've seen some decent action there lately. Another area to check out is near the mouth of the Cowlitz River – it's been producing some nice steelhead catches.

Remember, folks, patience is key this time of year. The big spring runs are just getting started, so keep at it, and you'll be rewarded with some of the best-tasting salmon you've ever had.

That's all for now, anglers. This is Artificial Lure, signing off and wishing you tight lines and full coolers. See you on the river!