Columbia River Fishing Report: Salmon Bonanza on the Lower Columbia

As of September 26, 2024, the fishing scene on the Columbia River, particularly around the Portland area, is looking very promising. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water. ### Weather and Tides The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 52 degrees. Sunrise is at 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at 6:54 PM. Tides are crucial for fishing here; today’s low tide is at 9:17 AM, and the high tide is at 3:04 PM. The best fishing times are usually around the low and high slack tides. ### Fish Activity Yesterday saw excellent fishing below Bonneville Dam, with anglers catching a good number of Chinook and coho salmon. The Columbia River Compact has decided to keep recreational salmon fishing open through September 30 in most areas, allowing for the harvest of two salmon per day, with one of them being a Chinook. Coho must have a clipped fin to be kept below the Hood River Bridge. ### Catch Reports Anglers reported very productive fishing below Bonneville Dam, with many catching their limits early. The Gorge area and the St. Helens area also saw significant catches, including a mix of Chinook and coho salmon. There are still plenty of jacks around, indicating a healthy run of fish. ### Best Lures and Bait For salmon, herring and anchovies are the go-to baits. Trolling with these baits, especially during the slack tides, has been highly effective. Lures such as spinners and plugs can also work well, particularly in the Gorge area where the water is a bit more turbulent. ### Hot Spots - **Below Bonneville Dam**: This area has been very productive for both Chinook and coho salmon. - **The Gorge**: Known for its mixed bag of salmon, including Chinook and coho. - **St. Helens Area**: Reports indicate good catches of coho and Chinook in this region. Overall, the conditions are perfect for a great day of fishing on the Columbia River. With the right bait and knowledge of the tides, you should be able to land some impressive catches. Enjoy your time on the water This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.