Columbia River Salmon: Exciting Fishing Despite Recent Slowdown

As of October 17, 2024, the Columbia River around the Portland area is offering some exciting fishing opportunities, despite a bit of a slowdown in recent days. ### Weather and Tides Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 62 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 48 degrees. The sunrise is at 7:34 AM, and sunset will be at 6:00 PM. Tides are crucial for fishing here; today's high tide is at 9:17 AM, and the low tide is at 3:04 PM. The best fishing times are usually around the high slack and the incoming tide. ### Fish Activity Yesterday, fishing in the Hood River area was a bit slower than the previous day, but anglers still managed to catch some nice keeper Chinook salmon. We landed one nice Chinook and lost two others, indicating that the fish are still active but perhaps more finicky. There were fewer anglers out, but those who were fishing saw lots of salmon jumping, particularly around the mouth of the White Salmon River. ### Types and Amounts of Fish The current run includes both Chinook and coho salmon. Yesterday, anglers caught a mix of these species, with coho being in great shape. Below Bonneville Dam, fishermen reported catching both coho and Chinook before the wind picked up. ### Best Lures and Bait For this time of year, using lures like spinners, especially those with a red or pink blade, can be very effective. Hoochies and squid lures are also good choices. When it comes to bait, anchovies and herring are top picks, especially when used with a downrigger to get to the right depth. ### Hot Spots Two hot spots to consider are the area around the Hood River and the stretch below Bonneville Dam. The Hood River area has been producing well, with lots of jumping fish indicating active schools. Below Bonneville Dam, the mix of coho and Chinook makes it a promising spot. Overall, while the fishing might be a bit spotty, the Columbia River around Portland is still offering some great opportunities for both Chinook and coho salmon. Make sure to check the latest fishing regulations, as they can change, and enjoy the beautiful fall scenery while you're out on the water. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.