Columbia River Salmon Fishing: Late Fall Opportunities

As of November 8, 2024, the fishing scene on the Columbia River near Portland is wrapping up the fall salmon season, but there are still some opportunities to be had. ### Weather and Tidal Conditions Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 58 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 45 degrees. The sunrise was at 6:54 AM, and the sunset will be at 4:34 PM. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at 9:17 AM and a low tide at 3:17 PM, which can affect fish activity. ### Fish Activity Yesterday's fishing was decent, especially for those targeting salmon. In the Portland area to Warrior Rock, anglers reported catches of both Chinook and coho salmon, although the numbers were not exceptionally high. For instance, in the Bonneville Pool, which is between the Bonneville Dam and The Dalles Dam, 34 boats with 84 anglers managed to keep two Chinook, 71 coho, and three jack coho, while releasing five Chinook and 12 coho. ### Best Lures and Bait For salmon, using lures like spinners, spoons, and plugs can be effective. Specifically, the Blue Fox Vibrax spinner and the Luhr-Jensen Krocodile spoon are popular choices. Bait-wise, herring and anchovies are always good options, especially when used with a bobber or downrigger setup. For those after sturgeon, which are currently closed for retention, baiting with smelt, shad, or even nightcrawlers can be productive, though be sure to follow the current regulations. ### Hot Spots One of the best spots right now is the Hood River area, where you can still catch Chinook and coho salmon. The area above the Hood River Bridge is particularly productive for keeping wild coho, while below the bridge, you'll need to release any wild coho caught. Another good spot is the Bonneville Pool, where the fish are more concentrated near the dams. ### Additional Tips Keep an eye out for jumping fish, as this can indicate active schools of salmon. Also, be mindful of the fish consumption advisories issued by the Oregon Health Authority due to high levels of mercury and PCBs in some areas of the Columbia River. Overall, while the fall salmon season is winding down, there are still some great fishing opportunities on the Columbia River near Portland. Make sure to check the latest regulation updates and enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife the river has to offer. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.