Columbia River Fishing Report: Spring Chinook & Shad Bite Heating Up Near Portland

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Columbia River fishing report for today, May 28, 2025, focusing on the Portland area. The Columbia River is showing some promising signs this week, especially with spring Chinook making a strong appearance around Portland and the lower river. The spring Chinook run is looking better than in recent years, with estimates around 217,500 fish moving upstream, so your chances of hooking up are solid right now. Anglers are also starting to see shad entering the lower river, which means more activity and opportunities for those targeting different species. Weather today features mostly cloudy skies with some scattered showers, typical for this time of spring. Temperatures are expected to hover in the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit. Moderate winds will pick up in the afternoon, so if you’re fishing in a smaller boat, try to find sheltered spots. Sunrise was around 5:40 am, and sunset will be close to 8:25 pm, giving you plenty of daylight hours to get out there and fish. The tide is moving and influences the bite, especially around the estuarine sections where fresh and saltwater mix. The morning tide is favorable, with some slack periods around mid-morning that seem to produce the best bites. Later in the day, look for the incoming tide to push fish into the shallows, especially in areas with structure. Current hot spots in and around Portland include the Davis Bar area and the head of Multnomah Channel. These spots have been yielding good results for spring Chinook and even some early Coho. Downriver near Buoy 10, anglers have been reporting decent salmon activity as well. As for bait and lures, fresh and natural presentations are key. Anchovies, herring, and roe sacs continue to be very effective for Chinook. For those looking to throw lures, spoons and float rigs with egg patterns are working well. Bright, flashier colors such as chartreuse or orange attract attention in the somewhat murky water. For shad, small jigs and spinners that mimic their appearance are recommended. Steelhead anglers might want to try some of the deep nooks along the riverbanks using small plugs or yarn flies. Walleye and sturgeon are also present, especially in deeper pools if you want to diversify your catch. Remember to check the latest fishing regulations and advisories, as the Oregon Health Authority has placed some consumption guidelines on fish from the Columbia due to mercury and PCB concerns. Be cautious and choose your catches accordingly. All in all, the Columbia River near Portland is shaping up to be an excellent fishing venue right now, with spring Chinook leading the charge and shad joining the mix. Get out there early to make the most of the morning bite, and keep an eye on the tides through the afternoon. Tight lines and have a great day on the water! This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.