Columbia River Fishing Update: Promising Signs, Spotty but Active Salmon Season

As of October 6, 2024, the fishing scene on the Columbia River near Portland is showing some promising signs, though it's been a bit spotty lately. ### Weather and Tides Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 62 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 48 degrees. Sunrise is at 7:21 AM, and sunset will be at 6:24 PM. The tidal conditions are favorable, with a high tide at 9:15 AM and a low tide at 3:15 PM, which should help stir up some fish activity. ### Fish Activity The fall salmon season is still active, and anglers are catching a mix of Chinook and coho salmon. As of the latest reports, recreational salmon fishing remains open in most areas of the Columbia River, with a daily limit of two salmon, including one Chinook, below the Hood River Bridge. However, coho must have a clipped fin to be kept if caught below this point. ### Catch Reports Yesterday, fishing in the Hood River area was moderate. Anglers reported catching a few Chinook and coho, with some boats managing to land two keeper Chinook and releasing a few others. The area around the mouth of the White Salmon River, across from Hood River, has been seeing a lot of jumping fish, indicating active salmon. ### Best Lures and Bait For salmon, using herring or anchovies as bait is highly effective. Lures such as spinners, especially those with a red or orange blade, and plugs like the Mag Lip 3.5 or 4.5, are also producing good results. If you're targeting coho, try using smaller lures or bait, as they tend to be more finicky. ### Hot Spots One of the hot spots right now is the area around Hood River, particularly near the mouth of the White Salmon River. This area has seen consistent salmon activity, with many fish holding off the river mouth. Another good spot is below Bonneville Dam, where fishing for Chinook and coho has been productive, especially during the changing tides. Overall, it's a good time to get out on the water, especially if you can time your fishing trips with the tidal changes. Keep an eye on the latest fishing reports and regulations to ensure you're making the most of your time on the Columbia River. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.