Columbia River Fishing Outlook: Salmon, Sturgeon, and Walleye Opportunities Abound

Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, your go-to expert for all things fishing in and around the Columbia River, particularly in the Portland area. Today, February 12, 2025, promises to be an exciting day on the water, so let's dive into the details. First off, let's check the tidal report. According to the tide charts, today we have a high tide at 2:02 PM with a height of 6.94 feet, and a low tide at 8:43 AM with a height of 1.65 feet. These tides can significantly impact fish activity, especially for species like sturgeon and salmon that often move with the changing water levels[2]. The weather is looking relatively calm, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid-40s to low 50s. This is ideal for a day on the river, as the fish tend to be more active in these conditions. Sunrise was at 7:20 AM, and sunset will be at 5:35 PM, giving us a good window of daylight to get out there and catch some fish. Recently, the fishing in the Columbia River has been quite good. For salmon, the Hood River area has been particularly productive, with both Chinook and coho salmon being caught in decent numbers. In fact, just last month, anglers were reporting excellent fishing below Bonneville Dam, with many catching their limits early in the day[1]. For those targeting sturgeon, the Columbia River Gorge has been a hot spot, although the keeper season was closed after just one day on New Year’s Day due to high catch rates. However, catch-and-release trips are still available and can be very action-packed[1]. If you're after walleye, the Rufus and Boardman areas have been yielding healthy numbers. Trolling and then switching to jigging once you locate a school has been the successful strategy here[1]. Now, let's talk about the best lures and bait to use. For spring Chinook salmon, which are starting to make their appearance, brined herring and Brad’s Super Bait Cut Plug are top choices. Trolling these baits or using sardine-wrapped Kwikfish when at anchor can be very effective[3]. For sturgeon, using bait like nightcrawlers, anchovies, or even squid can be very productive. These baits work well in the colder, murkier waters of the Columbia River, especially during the changing tides[4]. For walleye, jigging with lures that mimic baitfish or using live bait like minnows and leeches can be highly effective. The key is to find the right structure and then switch to jigging once you've located a productive school[1]. Hot spots to consider today include the Hood River area for salmon, the Columbia River Gorge for sturgeon, and the Rufus and Boardman areas for walleye. If you're closer to Portland, the area around the Gleeson Boat Ramp toward the Interstate 205 bridge has also seen some good action for salmon[1]. In summary, today looks like a great day to get out on the Columbia River. With the right tides, weather, and bait, you're set for a productive and enjoyable fishing trip. Remember to check local regulations and always practic This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.