Columbia River Fishing in 2025: Sturgeon, Salmon, and More in the Gorge

As of January 9, 2025, the fishing scene on the Columbia River near Portland is quite dynamic. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect: ### Tidal and Weather Conditions Since the Columbia River is a freshwater system, tidal reports aren't directly relevant, but weather and daylight hours are crucial. Today, sunrise was at around 7:50 AM, and sunset will be at about 4:45 PM, giving you a good window for fishing. The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with mild temperatures, ideal for a day on the water. ### Fish Activity The sturgeon fishing season kicked off on January 1, but it was short-lived in the Bonneville and The Dalles pools. After an excellent New Year’s Day with many keepers caught, the fishery was closed by Oregon and Washington fisheries managers due to the quick attainment of the quota. However, catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is still an option and can be very exciting, especially in the Columbia River Gorge. For those targeting other species, salmon fishing has been a bit spotty near Portland, but there are still plenty of fish around. Below Bonneville Dam, Chinook and coho salmon have been active, with many anglers reporting good catches in recent weeks. ### Best Lures and Bait For sturgeon, the best bait includes smelt, anchovies, and squid. These baits are particularly effective when used with a heavy sinker to get to the bottom where sturgeon tend to feed. For salmon, using lures like spinners, spoons, and plugs can be very effective. Bait such as herring and anchovies are also popular choices. If you're targeting coho, fin-clipped coho can be kept, so make sure to check for the clipped fin. ### Hot Spots One of the best spots for sturgeon fishing is the Columbia River Gorge, particularly around the Bonneville and The Dalles pools, although keep in mind that retention is currently closed. For salmon, the Hood River area above the bridge and below Bonneville Dam have been very productive. If you're looking for a mix of species, the Scappoose area has seen quite a few coho catches, and the lower Columbia River below Bonneville Dam is always a good bet for a variety of fish including walleye and bass. Overall, the Columbia River offers a diverse and exciting fishing experience, even with the current restrictions on sturgeon retention. Make sure to check the latest regulations and plan your trip accordingly. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.