Columbia River Fishing Report: Late Season Salmon Still Biting

As of November 22, 2024, here’s the latest fishing report for the Columbia River around Portland: ### Weather and Tidal Conditions Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 52°F and a low of 45°F. The winds will be light, coming in 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 7:18 AM, and sunset will be at 4:28 PM. ### Fish Activity The fall salmon season is winding down, but there is still some activity to be found. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a mix of coho and Chinook salmon, although the numbers are not as high as they were earlier in the season. In the Bonneville Pool, weekly checks showed one jack Chinook and 13 coho kept, along with one coho released for four boats[4]. ### Best Lures and Bait For salmon, using barbless hooks is mandatory. Trolling slowly with herring close to the bottom has been effective. Lures like spinners and spoons, especially those in silver or copper, can attract both coho and Chinook. If you're targeting steelhead, try using small jigs or flies, as bait is no longer allowed as of November 1[1][3]. ### Hot Spots One of the best spots right now is the area around Hood River. This section has seen consistent catches of coho and Chinook, with anglers reporting multiple fish caught per day. Another good spot is the lower Columbia River near the Davis Bar area across from the mouth of the Willamette River. This area has been producing salmon, although sea lions can be a nuisance here[2][3]. ### Additional Tips Be aware that wild coho must be released if caught below the Hood River Bridge, but hatchery coho can be kept throughout this section. Also, keep an eye on the fish consumption advisories issued by the Oregon Health Authority due to high levels of mercury and PCBs in some fish[2][4]. Overall, while the peak of the salmon season has passed, there are still opportunities to catch some fish in the Columbia River around Portland. Just make sure to check the latest regulation updates and be mindful of the environmental conditions. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.