Columbia River Portland Fishing Report Today

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!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

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!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

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.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

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 content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

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 content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

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!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

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].

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

This is Artificial Lure with your Columbia River fishing report for May 18, 2025, right here in Portland. If you’re heading out today, you’re in for classic spring weather—expect mostly cloudy skies with scattered showers, temps reaching the upper 60s, and a light west wind. Sunrise rolled in at 5:32 AM, and sunset will be at 8:38 PM. Be ready for those midday bites as the water warms up.

Tide tables show gentle morning ebbing and an incoming tide through the afternoon, which should get salmon and shad moving, especially near river mouths and current seams. Now’s prime time for the spring Chinook run, and the fish counts have been strong. Last week, from Bonneville down through the Vancouver stretch, bank and boat anglers landed good numbers—204 bank anglers below Bonneville kept 84 Chinook and a jack, while 17 boats around Vancouver put two Chinook, two jacks, and a few releases on the board. Camas and Washougal boats are getting a few more Chinook too. Steelhead catches have been light but possible, especially first light or late afternoon[3][5].

The Oregon Technical Advisory Committee says the spring Chinook return is on track to hit a solid 122,500 fish, so now’s as good a time as any to chase them. Walleye action is picking up in the deeper holes and flats from the mouth of the Willamette upriver, especially around Sauvies Island and below the I-5 Bridge[4][5].

Your best bet for Chinook is trolling herring or anchovies, dyed green or blue, behind a chartreuse flasher. Spinners in pink, red, and chartreuse, especially with gold blades, have been working well on overcast days. Try prawn spinners or cured roe for a change-up, and run your gear just off the bottom in 18-25 feet. For walleye, stick to bottom walkers and worm harnesses in bright orange or chartreuse.

Hot spots today include Davis Bar and the head of Multnomah Channel for salmon, and the Vancouver stretch or Sauvie Island flats for both salmon and walleye. The bank access below Bonneville Dam is always a local favorite when the fish are running. If you’re after shad, cast small flutter spoons or darts at the mouths of the Sandy or Willamette.

Rain or shine, the fish are here and the bite is heating up. Tight lines and see you on the water.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning fellow anglers, this is Artificial Lure checking in with your Columbia River fishing report for Saturday, May 17, 2025. Sunrise hit just after 5:30 AM and sunset will be around 8:40 PM today, giving us plenty of daylight to get lines wet. The weather is shaping up nicely with mild spring temps in the upper 60s to low 70s, light winds, and a mix of sun and clouds—just about perfect for a full day on the water.

This is peak spring Chinook season on the Columbia around Portland. Recent fish counts and angler reports show solid action, especially with the extended spring Chinook openings set by fisheries managers earlier this month. Keep an eye on the in-season regulation updates, but for now, the bite is active and the river is producing[1][5]. Most Chinook are running in the 10-15 pound range, with a few pushing larger. Focus your efforts near the Portland Airport and downriver towards St. Helens, where fresh fish are moving in on every tide[2][3].

Shad are showing up in better numbers too, staging below Bonneville Dam and starting to move upriver. Sturgeon retention is closed in this stretch but catch-and-release is open and productive below Bonneville if you want to tug on something big[2].

Walleye fishing has been steady, especially in deeper holes and along channel edges from Sauvie Island up to the Willamette confluence. The bite is best on a slow retrieve near structure or drop-offs. Rainbows and a few smallmouth bass have also been caught on the Oregon side sloughs and backwaters, responding well to jigs and small crankbaits[4].

For best results on Chinook, most folks are running herring or prawn spinners behind a flasher, trolling at 2-3 mph. Pro-cure scents are giving anglers a little extra edge. If you’re chasing shad, small chartreuse darts or spoons do the trick. Walleye are hitting on nightcrawlers trolled behind bottom walkers and blade baits.

Today’s tides around Portland will see a moderate morning incoming tide peaking mid-morning, then outgoing through early afternoon. The higher water helps push fresh fish upriver and triggers a bite around structure and current seams.

A couple of hotspots worth hitting: Troutdale stretch near the mouth of the Sandy River, especially early and late. Also try the sloughs around Kelly Point Park and the Columbia-Scappoose area, where both Chinook and shad have been thick this week.

That’s all from Artificial Lure. Good luck out there, and don’t forget to double check the regs before you go. Tight lines!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Columbia River Fishing Report for Friday, May 16, 2025

Good morning fishers, Artificial Lure here with your latest Columbia River update for the Portland area.

The weather is shaping up mild and overcast today, with scattered showers in the forecast. Expect highs in the mid-60s and light winds—nothing that should keep you off the water. Sunrise came at 5:34 a.m. and sunset will be at 8:39 p.m., giving us a broad window for casting lines.

Tides are on the moderate side today, so you can expect steady current but nothing extreme. These conditions favor the bite, especially for those working the banks and around river drop-offs.

Fish activity has started to pick up with more spring Chinook showing around the city, particularly between the I-5 bridge and up toward Multnomah Falls. Catch numbers are still on the slow side but improving, with a dozen or so springers taken last week in the lower river stretches, and a handful reported near Portland International Airport and downriver in Longview. Don’t forget, the Willamette is running muddy from recent rains, so the Columbia is your best bet for clearer water.

Sturgeon action remains strong, with several recent trips seeing boats hook and release good numbers of fish. Legal-sized sturgeon are in decent supply—2025 returns are looking up compared to last year—so targeting them with sand shrimp or smelt continues to pay off. Some guides are reporting “a ton” of sturgeon caught, especially downstream toward the mouth of the Willamette[3][5].

For Chinook, herring and spinners are still the best bet. Bright colors like chartreuse, green, or silver are working well, and trolled or on anchor setups both have their moments. Plug-cut herring has hooked most of the recent salmon, but don’t overlook prawns or eggs if traffic is heavy. If you’re working for sturgeon, go with sand shrimp, smelt, or fresh squid strips.

For hot spots, try working the waters just below the I-5 bridge for springers, or head upriver toward Rooster Rock and the head of Multnomah Channel. Sturgeon seekers should focus their efforts near the Portland Airport stretch or just above the mouth of the Willamette, where deeper holes and ledges concentrate the fish.

That’s your Columbia River report for today—tight lines, fish smart, and respect the river. This is Artificial Lure signing off.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.