Columbia River Rundown: Coho, Steelhead, and Sturgeon Forecast for Early November 2025

Well, Columbia River anglers, Artificial Lure here with your Sunday rundown—November 2nd, 2025—and I’m calling it: We’re in that sweet, tricky transition between coho and winter steelhead, with a dash of late-season sturgeon for good measure. Let’s get right into it. First, the river’s mood—Columbia’s flowing a little chilly, and our recent rains have her running a touch high and colored, typical for early November. Water temps are hovering in the mid-40s, which means the fish are feeling frisky but not in any crazy hurry. Sunrise is around 7:20 AM and sunset’s just shy of 6:50 PM, so daylight’s getting precious—make the most of it. No fancy weather drama today—just classic Pacific Northwest fall: cool, crisp, maybe a little overcast, perfect for layering up and hitting the banks. Tides? At the Columbia’s entrance, The Guide’s Forecast reminds us that tides are still enough of a swing to move fish, especially with the recent rain-driven pulse. Over in Portland, at the Morrison Street Bridge, expect a high tide around 1:43 AM, low at 10:00 AM, and a slow build into afternoon. Tide swings aren’t dramatic right now, but enough to bring fish up into the mouths of the tribs as the water rises, especially the Klickitat and Sandy. Timing your drift or bank session with that incoming water can make all the difference. So, what’s biting? Portland’s stretch of the Columbia is past peak coho, but you’ll still hear of a few silvers being picked off downstream of Bonneville, mostly wilds at this point. Action’s dropped off at Willamette Falls, though the counts at the fish ladder are still respectable—just not the bonanza of October. Anglers putting in time with spinners, spoons, and yarn balls have had fair success, but it’s not easy pickings anymore. Those willing to walk a little, try Eagle Creek or Dog Creek—they’re holding a fair number of late-runners, but expect to work for your fish. According to The Guide’s Forecast, just because the fish are there doesn’t mean they’re jumping in the boat, and effort’s light, so if you’re persistent, you might be pleasantly surprised. Sturgeon fishing? That’s the sleeper hit right now. Catch-and-release action for keepers and overslots is picking up as the water cools, and The Guide’s Forecast expects it to only get better as winter settles in. Fresh shad, herring, or even a gob of nightcrawlers fished deep and slow near the I-5 or Meldrum Bar will get you some serious tugs. Best baits and lures? For coho, go for fire-tiger or chartreuse spinners, 3/8- to 1/2-ounce spoons, or a bright yarn ball tipped with a bit of prawn or herring. Swinging flies on a sink-tip can also coax a strike from a stubborn silver. Sturgeon anglers are sticking with the classics: fresh bait, heavy lead, and patience. If you’re dreaming of winter steelhead, it’s still a bit early, but a few folks are starting to plunk with Spin-N-Glos or drift bait in the deeper slots. By mid-month, we should see more chrome. Hot spots? Right now, the m This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.