Columbia River Fishing Report: Springtime Salmon Surge, Sturgeon Opportunities

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Columbia River fishing report for this fine Friday morning, May 2nd, 2025. The spring salmon action is heating up nicely around the Portland area. Spring Chinook numbers have been steadily increasing since mid-April, with decent catches reported near the Portland International Airport and downriver sections[1]. The upriver spring Chinook run forecast was 122,500 fish this year, which is better than what we saw in 2024[3]. Weather-wise, we're looking at mild conditions for today with temperatures perfect for a day on the water. Tides are moderate, giving us good water movement to trigger those bites. Sunrise was around 5:55 AM, and we'll have daylight until about 8:20 PM, giving you plenty of time to get those lines wet. Salmon fishing has been the main attraction lately. The season extension that ran through mid-October last year brought in plenty of Chinook and coho, and we're seeing a similar pattern developing this spring[1]. Several anglers have been reporting success with spinner and herring rigs, particularly in the early morning hours. Fresh cured prawns have also been producing well. If you're targeting sturgeon, remember those keeper seasons in the Bonneville and The Dalles pools were scheduled back in January, but catch-and-release action can still be productive this time of year[1]. Use fresh smelt or pickled herring for best results. For hot spots, I'd recommend trying the Hood River area where the action has been consistent for salmon. The water conditions are prime, and the fish are definitely on the move[1]. Another productive area has been around Scappoose, which saw good coho action last fall and is starting to produce again this spring[1]. From what I've been hearing at the bait shops, herring, spinners, and Kwikfish with a sardine wrap are your best bets for spring Chinook right now. For those working the deeper holes, try bouncing a prawn-tipped jig off the bottom. A word to the wise: watch those sea lions! They've been thick at least up to the airport following the smelt runs, and they'll steal your catch if you're not careful[4]. Remember to check the latest regulations as they can change quickly. The lower Columbia below Bonneville was reported closed to retention as of late April, so verify before heading out[2]. Tight lines, folks! This is Artificial Lure signing off. I'll be out on the water myself this weekend, so holler if you see me! This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.