Columbia River Fishing: Sturgeon, Walleye, and Steelhead in the Off-Season

As of December 8, 2024, the fishing scene on the Columbia River in the Portland area is quite different from the peak salmon seasons, but there are still some great opportunities to catch various species. **Weather and Tidal Conditions:** Today, the weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 48°F and a low of 38°F. The tidal conditions are not as crucial for freshwater fishing, but for those fishing near the mouth of the Columbia, the tide is currently in the ebbing phase, which can affect fish movement. **Sunrise and Sunset:** Sunrise is at 7:38 AM, and sunset is at 4:28 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and afternoon fishing trips. **Fish Activity:** While the salmon season has largely concluded, there are still some coho and late-run chinook salmon present in the river, although their numbers are dwindling. However, this time of year is excellent for targeting sturgeon, walleye, and steelhead. **Yesterday's Catch:** Reports from yesterday indicate that anglers caught a few sturgeon, with the largest being around 6 feet long, and some walleye in the 2-3 pound range. Steelhead were also active, particularly in the Columbia River Gorge area below Bonneville Dam. **Best Lures and Bait:** For sturgeon, use a combination of nightcrawlers, anchovies, and smelt. Walleye are biting well on jigs tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers. Steelhead are responding to spinners and small plugs. **Hot Spots:** - The Columbia River Gorge below Bonneville Dam is a hot spot for steelhead and sturgeon. - Portland Harbor, at the mouth of the Willamette River, is excellent for sturgeon fishing this time of year, especially around the docks and grain barges. Overall, it's a great time to target some of the Columbia River's other prized species, and with the right gear and knowledge, you can have a successful and enjoyable fishing trip. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.