Columbia River Portland Fishing Report Today

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!

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

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]!

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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, prospec

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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.

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

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!

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

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!

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

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!

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