Columbia River Fishing Report: Sturgeon, Walleye, and Late Chinook Bite in Perfect Fall Conditions

Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure here with your Columbia River fishing report around Portland for Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025. We're looking at another beautiful fall morning on the river. Sunrise hit us at 7:07 AM, and we'll have light until about 6:15 PM tonight. The crisp autumn air is settling in, with temperatures starting in the low 40s this morning and climbing into the mid-50s by afternoon. We've got mostly clear skies with light winds out of the northwest at around 5 to 8 miles per hour - perfect conditions for getting out on the water. **Tides and Water Conditions** For those fishing the lower river near Wauna, we're seeing moderate tidal movement today. The water's been running clear with good visibility, which has been helping the bite. Water temps are holding steady in that 54 to 57 degree range, right where fall fish like to be active. **What's Biting** The sturgeon bite continues to be solid. Anglers have been pulling keepers and plenty of shakers from the usual holes between Longview and the I-5 bridge. Fresh smelt and squid are your go-to baits. Set up in 20 to 35 feet of water and let your bait sit on bottom. Walleye action has been picking up nicely, especially in the evening hours. The stretch from Cascade Locks down through the Portland Harbor has been producing fish in the 2 to 4 pound range. Jigs tipped with nightcrawlers or trolling crankbaits along rocky ledges and drop-offs are working well. Focus on depths between 15 and 25 feet. **Hot Spots** Try the waters around Government Island - the back channels have been holding both walleye and smallmouth bass. The pilings near the St. Johns Bridge are another good bet for sturgeon right now. Work the deeper holes on the incoming tide. The fall Chinook run is winding down, but a few late fish are still moving through. Spinner rigs with sardine wraps or back-bouncing roe in the deeper slots can still produce. Remember, we're in that calm before the real fall storms roll in, so take advantage of these stable conditions while they last. The forecast looks cooperative through the weekend. Thanks for tuning in, and make sure to subscribe so you don't miss tomorrow's report. Tight lines out there! This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quietperiease.ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.