Columbia River Fishing Report: Spring Chinook, Walleye, and More! [May 11, 2025]

This is Artificial Lure, your local angling expert reporting on the Columbia River fishing scene in and around Portland for Sunday, May 11, 2025. Let’s start with river conditions and the bite. The Columbia’s in great shape, with a promising push of spring Chinook salmon showing up around Portland and into the lower river. Recent reports from the Davis Bar areas and the head of Multnomah Channel show the action heating up, especially later in the morning once the water starts to warm. According to the latest forecasts, this year’s spring salmon run is looking strong, with an estimated 217,500 fish predicted to move upstream, which is better than most recent years. We’re right in the heart of the run, so odds for hooking up are the best they’ve been all spring[1][4]. Weatherwise, the forecast is for cloudy skies with scattered showers throughout the day, but a little rain never keeps the locals off the water around here. Expect temps in the mid-50s to low 60s, with moderate winds picking up in the afternoon—so pick your spots with some shelter if you’re in a smaller boat. Sunrise today was about 5:40 am, and sunset will be at 8:25 pm, giving you a solid window to fish both ends of the day. As for what’s being caught and what’s working: local boats have reported spring Chinook are being picked up trolling cut plug herring or spinners in the main river, especially on tide changes. Plugs like Mag Lip 3.5s in metallic finishes or chartreuse are also hot. If you’re targeting salmon from the bank, plunking cured roe or sand shrimp under a Spin-N-Glo is always a Portland standby. Moving upriver, some folks are still chasing sturgeon, though retention is closed in most pools, so it’s catch and release only[2][1][3]. Walleye fishing has been fantastic upriver from The Dalles east through the John Day Pool, with recent checks showing high numbers—over 260 walleye kept and 140 released last week alone for boat anglers up that way. Blade baits and worm harnesses in chartreuse or perch patterns are getting the most bites, especially when worked along current seams and drop-offs[2]. For those looking for a couple of hot spots, Davis Bar and the head of Multnomah Channel are both seeing consistent Chinook catches. For a chance at some epic catch-and-release sturgeon action, try near the I-205 Bridge or the mouth of the Willamette. To recap: Salmon are the main draw now; herring, spinners, and cured roe are your best bets. Try Davis Bar or Multnomah Channel early or late, and if you want steady action for walleye, head upriver toward The Dalles or John Day Pool. That’s your Columbia River report for today. Tight lines and see you on the water[1][2][3][4]. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.