Columbia River Winter Wonderland: Sturgeon, Steelhead, and the Changing Tides

As of December 14, 2024, the fishing scene on the Columbia River near Portland is gearing up for the winter season. Here’s what you need to know: ### Weather and Tides Today, the weather in Portland is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 48°F and a low of 38°F. The sunrise is at 7:48 AM, and sunset will be at 4:24 PM. Tides are not as crucial for freshwater sections of the Columbia River, but for the lower sections near Buoy 10, the tide schedule can influence fish movement. However, given the current time of year, wind and river flow are more significant factors. ### Fish Activity This time of year, the primary targets on the Columbia River are sturgeon, steelhead, and the occasional late-run salmon. Sturgeon fishing is excellent from December to March, particularly in the Portland Harbor area and the Columbia River Gorge[5]. ### Yesterday's Catch Yesterday saw some decent action for sturgeon, with several fish caught in the 5-7 foot range. Steelhead are starting to show up, especially in areas like the Bonneville Dam and the Hood River area. There were reports of a few steelhead caught, mostly hatchery fish, which is a good sign for the upcoming winter steelhead season[4]. ### Best Lures and Bait For sturgeon, the best bait is usually nightcrawlers, anchovies, or a combination of both. Using a heavy weight to get to the bottom is crucial. For steelhead, spinners and spinfish have been effective, especially when fished upstream in the Columbia River Gorge below Bonneville Dam[1]. ### Hot Spots - **Portland Harbor**: This area is unbeatable for sturgeon from December to March. Fish around the docks and grain barges for the best results[5]. - **Bonneville Dam**: This spot is famous for its salmon and steelhead fishing but also offers great sturgeon and walleye opportunities. The nature parks around Beacon Rock provide excellent access for bank fishing[5]. If you're looking to get in on the action, now is a great time to target sturgeon and early winter steelhead. Give me a call or text at 503-314-5087 to set up a guided trip and make the most of your fishing experience on the Columbia River. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.