Columbia River Sturgeon Season Opens - Fishing Forecast for Portland Area

As of January 3, 2025, the fishing scene on the Columbia River near Portland is quite promising, especially with the start of the sturgeon season. ### Tidal and Weather Conditions Since the Columbia River is a freshwater system, tides are not a significant factor here, but weather can be. Today, expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to low 50s Fahrenheit. Sunrise was at around 7:50 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:30 PM. ### Fish Activity The main focus right now is on sturgeon fishing, as the keeper sturgeon season in the Bonneville and The Dalles pools opened on January 1. This season will continue on Wednesdays and Saturdays until January 29 or until the quota is reached. Anglers have been reporting good catches of sturgeon, particularly in the Columbia River Gorge area. ### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught Yesterday saw several sturgeon caught, with some anglers reporting fish up to 6 feet in length. While sturgeon are the primary target, there are also reports of some late-season salmon and steelhead still present in the river, although their numbers are dwindling. ### Best Lures and Bait For sturgeon, the best bait includes nightcrawlers, anchovies, and smelt. Using a heavy sinker to get your bait to the bottom is crucial, as sturgeon are bottom feeders. For any remaining salmon or steelhead, using lures like spinners or spoons, or bait such as eggs or sand shrimp, can be effective. ### Hot Spots One of the best spots for sturgeon fishing is in the Columbia River Gorge, particularly around the Bonneville Dam area. Another hot spot is near the Hood River, where the river's structure and currents create ideal habitats for sturgeon and other species. If you're looking to get in on the action, consider contacting a local guide service to help you navigate the best spots and ensure you're using the right gear and techniques. With the right approach, you could be reeling in a monster sturgeon or other prized fish from the Columbia River. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.