Catching Late-Season Salmon on the Columbia River Near Portland

As of November 28, 2024, the fishing scene on the Columbia River near Portland is wrapping up its fall season, but there are still some opportunities to catch some fish. ### Weather and Tides Today, expect light winds from the southeast at about 5 mph. Tides are relatively mild, with a high tide at 9:04 AM and a low tide at 2:34 PM. Sunrise is at 7:28 AM, and sunset will be at 4:22 PM. ### Fish Activity The fall salmon season is winding down, but there are still some salmon to be caught. Yesterday, anglers in the Bonneville Pool reported catching a few coho, with one jack Chinook and 13 coho kept, and one coho released for four boats[4]. ### Best Lures and Bait For this time of year, using herring close to the bottom is a good strategy. Trolling slowly with herring or using spinners and spoons can be effective. Barbless hooks are required on the Columbia River, so make sure to adjust your gear accordingly[2]. ### Hot Spots One of the better spots right now is the area around Hood River. This upper Columbia River section has seen some success with Chinook and coho catches in recent weeks. Another good spot is below Bonneville Dam, where anglers have been catching a mix of coho and Chinook[1]. ### Additional Tips Keep in mind that wild coho must be released if caught below the Hood River Bridge, but hatchery coho can be kept throughout this section. The area below the west Puget Island boundary down to Buoy 10 also has a limit of three salmon, with the possibility of keeping a Chinook[1]. Overall, while the season is winding down, there are still some good fishing days to be had on the Columbia River near Portland. Just be prepared for the changing weather and adjust your tactics accordingly. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.